Shell Nigeria Faced Ultimatum

Three youth associations have charged oil giant Shell to compensate the oil-bearing communities of Nigeria's southern state of Rivers and Bayelsa in the Niger Delta, the official News Agency of Nigeria reported Wednesday.

President of the Olusasiri Youth Federation Olusakwe Aseimiegha, President of the Elem-Sangama Youth Movement Songo Duke and leader of the South-South Welfare Association Tonny Windah said in the 14-day ultimatum that the Shell had over the years denied its host communities "the empowerment and employment opportunities due to them."

The youth associations demand $115,000 compensation each from Shell, claiming that the actions of contractors handling Shell projects in their areas have deprived their youths of gaining industrial experience and financial benefits."

They also declared "salaries and development projects should have been our entitlements."