From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) have petitioned President Bola Tinubu, urging him to halt the planned divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and sale of its onshore facility to the Renaissance Consortium.
Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani, while addressing a press conference in Abuja, said the petition endorsed by over a thousand signatories, calls for an immediate halt to Shell’s divestment plans until a transparent, inclusive, and just review process is undertaken.
Addressing the press on behalf of Social Action Nigeria, the Africa Centre for Media and Information Literacy, Stakeholder Democracy Network, Civil Rights Council, Praxis Academy, Transparency International Nigeria, Transition Monitoring Group and several other Nigerian and international organisations, Rafsanjani said the divestment, presents a critical moment that could shape the future of the Niger Delta and its people for generations to come.
The CSOs, he said, noted that the region has borne the brunt of environmental degradation and social injustices for decades, a direct consequence of the oil exploration and production activities, warning that the planned divestment by Shell, without a comprehensive resolution of these long-standing issues, poses an unacceptable risk to the region’s ecological integrity and the well-being of its communities.
He said: “In response to this critical situation, our coalition, representing a broad spectrum of civil society organisations and community leaders, has submitted a joint petition to President Tinubu. “This petition, endorsed by over a thousand signatories, calls for an immediate halt to Shell’s divestment plans until a transparent, inclusive, and just review process is undertaken.
“Our demands are clear and grounded in the principles of justice, sustainability, and community welfare.
“We insist on pausing Shell’s divestment until there is a thorough review that addresses the environmental and social legacies of Shell’s operations in the Niger Delta.
“Shell must be held accountable for its historical environmental and social impacts in the region. We demand a clear and transparent process that ensures accountability and remediation before any transfer of ownership.
“We call upon the Nigerian government to enforce robust regulatory measures to protect the rights and interests of the Niger Delta communities during and after this divestment process.
“The voices and concerns of the impacted communities must be at the forefront of the divestment process. We advocate fair compensation, meaningful engagement, and concrete commitments to remediation.
“We propose the establishment of a fund, contributed by Shell, dedicated to the environmental restoration and sustainable development of the Niger Delta, managed transparently and with active community involvement.
“We urge the adoption of comprehensive principles to guide the divestment process, ensuring it adheres to the highest standards of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
“Our gathering here today is not merely a formality; it is a resolute call to action. The stakes are high, and the implications of Shell’s divestment extend far beyond the immediate transaction. It is about securing a sustainable, just, and equitable future for the Niger Delta- a future where the environment is restored, communities are compensated, and social injustices are addressed.
“We stand united in our commitment to the Niger Delta, and we will continue our advocacy until our demands are met, and the region witnesses the dawn of a new era of environmental restoration and social justice.”