Niger Delta Environmental activist, Sheriff Mulade has implored President Bola Tinubu to address the environmental degradation and other concerns arising from Shell’s oil and gas exploration activities in the Niger Delta.
Mulade, who is the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, a foremost environmental and peace advocacy group in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large at a press conference on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in Abuja, noted that the adverse impact Shell’s exploration on the communities’ livelihoods, health, and overall well-being cannot be overemphasized.
He said the people of the region 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 Reissainance and four others without any penalty after destroying the country’s ecosystem.
“Its 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.
“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 buyout such as this and by 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.
“Consequently, we implore Mr President as the custodian of our nation’s interests, to address the following concerns:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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,” said Mulade.
On the recruitment of private security firms by the NNPCL, Mulade noted that since the firms began to collaborate with other security agencies to wage war against oil theft and vandalism, the Niger Delta people are gradually seeing a new dawn in the Niger Delta as the days of constant water and oil pollution have been fading away.
Consequently, Mulade said, “We, therefore call on the NNPCL as led by its GCEO Mele Kyari as well as the combined security agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Air Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to not relent but sustain the tempo in their onslaught against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.
“We also commend the indigenous private security firms in the region, particularly Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, as led by High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo for turning the tide in the war against oil theft and drastically reducing oil pollution in the coastal communities. Their efforts are worth commending as they have displayed true patriotism and commitment towards not only safeguarding national assets but securing the future of the Niger Delta region.
“I thank Mr President for throwing its weight in support of the NNPCL, Security Agencies, and Private Outfits in their attempt to rescue the oil sector from the hands of saboteurs and oil thieves to boost more production and earn the country more revenues.
“I am also using this opportunity to appeal to Mr. President to change the narrative and adequately compensate the people of the region who lay the golden eggs (crude oil and gas), most particularly those in oil-producing communities who need to feel the presence and impact of government, with massive infrastructures over the long years of their marginalization.”
