An Indigenous group operating under the banner of ‘The Forum Against Niger Delta Exploitation’ has vehemently opposed the proposed sale of all onshore oil assets in the Niger Delta region by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
In a statement released by the group’s spokesperson, General Gboloko, it was emphasized that before any divestment takes place, Shell must ensure proper environmental remediation of the Niger Delta region.
Reacting to the divestment plans, the indigenous group, led by Henry Okah, expressed staunch opposition, stating that they refuse to allow Shell to sell off its oil assets to selected companies, leaving the host communities as the biggest losers.
The group, previously silent due to the incarceration of their leader in South Africa, has now been mandated to speak out and take action regarding the issue at hand.
After thorough review of Shell’s decades-long operations in Nigeria, particularly within the Niger Delta, the group condemned Shell’s indifference to the plight of host communities, citing instances of environmental degradation and lack of development.
The group referenced the 2019 shutdown and occupation of Shell’s Oil Mining License – OML 25 Belema Flow Station by Belema, Offoin-ama, and Ngeje Communities of Kula Kingdom, who resisted Shell’s plans to divest the oil bloc to other companies.
In their statement, the group demanded that Shell give indigenous firms within the Niger Delta region the first right of refusal to divest some of its assets. They specifically mentioned Century Energy, Fenog Nigeria Limited, Belema Oil Producing Limited, and other indigenous firms deemed capable of handling these facilities for the benefit and transformation of the areas.
Moreover, the group expressed the region’s dissatisfaction with being treated as second-class citizens, where their areas are utilized for operational bases without tangible benefits. They warned that failure to address their demands would be seen as an invitation to anarchy, vowing to prevent any entry of companies associated with the planned consortium ‘Renaissance’ into the Niger Delta territory.
In conclusion, the Indigenous group urged Shell to reconsider its divestment plans and prioritize the interests of the Niger Delta communities, warning of potential unrest if their demands are ignored.
