A Niger Delta group, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has called on President Bola Tinubu to delay granting approval for the sales of Shell Petroleum Development Company onshore facilities asset.
Besides, the group told the new buyer to also consider taking up the liabilities of Shell in the Niger Delta region.
Shell had reached an agreement to divest its onshore business in Nigeria to Renaissance, a consortium in a deal valued at $2.4bn. The deal is awaiting government approval.
The consortium includes ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith and PetrPetrolin.
Mulade Sheriff, National Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and the Ibe-Serimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State) said the host communities must be properly factored into the whole process.
CEPEJ argued that shell activities had degraded the ecosystem and environment of host communities and so the need for compensation.
The group therefore appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that proper compensation is paid out to the host communities amongst other demands before sanctioning the sales.
This, Sheriff who briefed Journalists in Abuja on the need to save the region from further degradation said, “We humbly seek the indulgence of the federal government as we trust that they will give due consideration to these pressing matters and delay the approval of this transaction until the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta is addressed properly.
“Therefore there is a cogent need for the president to please protect the sovereignty of Nigeria and ensure that it’s consent/approval to the sale of SPDC onshore Assets is contingent on the adequate provision for the environment liabilities which is a clear and present danger to any future oil and gas activity in the area.
“There is a need to take decisive positive action to rectify the long-standing injustices suffered by the Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing communities. By doing so, the federal government will not only uphold the principles of justice but also foster sustainable development and harmony within our great nation.”
On the reported sales of assests, he said, ” We are in shock but not surprised by the recent sales of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Onshore Facilities Asset to indigenous oil firm led by Reissainance and four others. Its unfortunate that Nigeria is the only country on earth that will permit an International Oil Company to destroy her ecosystem, environment and divest their investment without any penalty. Today SPDC has grossly destroyed the Niger Delta environment with impunity without recourse to proper remediation plans for the environment and ecological damages done as a result of their exploration activity.
“We would want to strongly appeal and advise the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the new buyers i.e the indigenous oil firms to equally consider buying the onshore liabilities as well left by SPDC if they wish to operate peacefully in the region.
” It is imperative to mention that in a corporate buy out such as this and in accordance with best international practices as obtained in other climes there is an urgent need to address the issue of Compensation and, Accountability for the liabilities of Shell Onshore Assets in Niger Delta.
“Over the years, the Niger Delta has borne the brunt of environmental degradation resulting from Shell’s oil and gas exploration activities. The adverse impact on the communities’ livelihoods, health, and overall well-being cannot be overstated.”
