The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, a foremost environmental and peace advocacy group in the Niger Delta region, Chief Sheriff Mulade, has called out investors that are acquiring the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, in its divestment plan to also assume the company's liabilities in relation to cleaning up the polluted environment of the region occasioned by the long years of oil spills among other forms of pollution.

Chief Mulade made the call at a press conference he held in the nation's capital, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on behalf of the good and peace loving people of the oil rich Niger Delta region on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

As earlier reported on PENGlobal, the British oil giant Shell, in a statement by its London office, announced on Monday, January 15, that it had agreed to sell its Nigerian onshore oil assets for $2.4 billion to Renaissance—a consortium of four Nigerian companies: ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, and Waltersmith—and one foreign firm, Petrolin, a Swiss company.

Reacting to the development during the press conference, Chief Mulade 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 Renaissance and four others.

"It's 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," he added

The environmental and peace advocate who listed four grey areas the government should consider in the sale process, also appealed to the Tinubu led administration to ensure

"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."

Chief Mulade then went ahead to list the areas of concerns when he requested that, "Consequently, we implore Mr President as the custodian of our nation's interests, to address the following concerns:

"1. 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.

"2. 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.

"3. 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.

"4. 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.

"Further more, 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," the CEPEJ Boss appealed.

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