By Milcah Tanimu

A coalition of civil society organizations focused on the environmental effects of oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta has expressed opposition to Shell International’s decision to sell its onshore business assets in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Benin City, the CSOs demanded that Shell address ecological, health, economic, and social impact concerns in the region before finalizing the sale of its onshore subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company, to a consortium of domestic and international oil companies for $2.8 billion.

The joint statement, signed by prominent figures such as Nnimmo Bassey, Ken Henshaw, and Akinbode Oluwafemi, called on Shell to take responsibility for the ecological damage caused by its operations in the exploited territories.

While acknowledging the right of businesses to dispose of assets, the CSOs expressed concern about the manner in which the transaction was being carried out and its immediate and long-term implications for communities and ecological justice.

The group criticized Shell for not consulting or informing the affected communities about the planned sale and highlighted the corporation’s history of irresponsible hydrocarbon extraction practices, leading to severe ecological, health, and economic consequences.

The CSOs called for a moratorium on all oil company divestments in the Niger Delta until community concerns are addressed. They also urged the Federal Government to establish a framework, developed by a multi-stakeholder group, to guide oil companies in disengaging from areas where they have operated.

The proposed framework should include a scientifically developed post-hydrocarbon impact assessment report, a health audit of individuals near extraction sites, and a detailed plan and costing for remediating ecological, livelihood, and health impacts.

Additionally, the coalition called for full payment for the remediation and restoration of polluted areas, as well as reparations to host communities. They emphasized the need for independent frameworks to address identified impacts and the posting of funds in a designated account for the cleanup of impacted ecosystems and restoration of livelihoods.