Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, (CEPEJ), is insisting that any new buyers or the indigenous oil firms buying Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) must equally consider buying the onshore liabilities, if they wish to operate peacefully in the region.
CEPEJ National Coordinator, Mulade Sheriff at a Press briefing in Abuja, expressed shock at that sudden divestment of the international Oil firm’s sale of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Onshore Facilities Asset to indigenous oil firm led by Reissainance and four others and said “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”.
While lamenting the level of destruction caused by the Firms activities in the region, he called for “proper remediation plans for the environment and ecological damages done as a result of their exploration activity”.
“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.”
Mr. Sheriff therefore sought the indulgence of the federal government to give due consideration to the adverse impact of SPDC’s operations on the communities’ livelihoods, health, overall well-being of the people and the environmental degradation of the Niger Delta region before the approval of sale transaction .
“Consequently, we implore Mr President as the custodian of our nation’s interests, to address the following concerns: Compensation for Environmental Damage: the communities affected by Shell’s operations in the Niger Delta region have endured severe environmental degradation. We urge your administration to ensure fair and just compensation for the irreversible damage caused to their lands, water sources, and ecosystems.”
“Provision for Onshore Liabilities: The proposed sale of Shell onshore assets must include stringent provisions for addressing existing liabilities. These provisions should guarantee that the new owners assume responsibility for mitigating and rectifying environmental damage and restoring the affected communities ecosystem”
“Community Development Initiatives: Allocate a portion of the proceeds from the sale towards comprehensive community development initiatives. These initiatives should focus on sustainable projects that enhance education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the affected communities:.
“Transparency and Accountability: Establish mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the entire process of the asset sale. The affected communities should be actively involved in decision-making processes to safeguard their interests”.
A report stated that the federal government and SPDC were collectively responsible for the Ogoni Pollution, also a Dutch court in a historic landmark case delivered on the 29th January 2021, the court of Appeal at the Hague ruled that shell Nigeria was responsible for the oil spills in the Niger Delta and that shell had violated it’s duty of care to the Niger Delta.
Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, said the “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.”
Olusola Akintonde
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