The Commission of Nobel Laureates on Peace, Equity and Development in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria is an endeavour of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity (EWF)... The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that over 4,000 oil spills discharging more than two million barrels of crude have occurred in the Niger Delta since 1960. Oil slicks cover the region. Blow-outs and leaks affect creeks, streams, and related traditional sources of livelihood, poisoning the water supply... Many residents suffer from oil poisoning... Shell, Mobil [part of ExxonMobil], Chevron, Agip [part of ENI], Elf [part of Total], and Texaco [part of Chevron] are major partners with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, which retains 55-60% [30] of earnings from joint ventures and heavily taxes the balance. These companies have been criticized in recent years for their environmental practices in the Niger Delta. They have also drawn fire for assisting the Nigerian military and endorsing its heavy-handed tactics. [includes recommendations for oil firms regarding development & environment]