A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), led by HEDA Resource Centre’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, has urgently called on the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, to address critical issues surrounding the divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other International Oil Companies (IOCs) from onshore to offshore assets in the Niger Delta.
During an advocacy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the CSOs emphasized the need for a responsible divestment process that prioritizes environmental remediation, community compensation, and robust oversight. They highlighted ongoing and historical issues such as environmental degradation, human rights violations, and unresolved grievances in communities affected by oil exploration by Shell and other IOCs.
In response to the CSOs’ demands, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe acknowledged their concerns and detailed efforts to enhance transparency and stakeholder confidence through new regulations aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He outlined proactive measures, including combating oil theft, developing advanced cargo monitoring systems, raising funds for gas development, and ongoing carbon monetization initiatives. Engr. Komolafe reaffirmed NUPRC’s commitment to PIA compliance, focusing on technical and financial capacity, legal status, host community trust, and remediation funds, with support from two leading international consultants.
Following the meeting, the CSOs, including Social Action, Policy Alert, and HOMEF, held a press conference to outline their concerns and demands. They called for an immediate halt to the divestment, citing over 1,000 stakeholder signatures opposing the process in the absence of proper safeguards. They also applauded the National Assembly’s resolution for NUPRC to withhold consent for IOC divestment and urged the commission to respect the views of the people, particularly those in affected communities.
In conclusion, the CSOs view the proposed divestment of Shell’s onshore operations in the Niger Delta as a chance to tackle the region’s longstanding environmental and social issues. However, they noted that a rushed or poorly planned process risks squandering this opportunity. They are deeply concerned about the potential consequences if Shell’s divestment lacks a comprehensive framework prioritizing environmental remediation, social justice, and community participation. The historical and ongoing environmental degradation, human rights violations, and unresolved grievances in the Niger Delta highlight this urgency.