Niger Deltans Fight Against Shell Asset Divestment

The South South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, is leading the charge for justice and equity in the divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited’s assets.

Agbomhere, a legal practitioner, said he is determined to ensure that the decision to transfer the assets to Renaissance Group, a company without any Niger Deltan representation on its board, is challenged.
The divestment by Shell, one of the international oil companies (IOCs) involved in oil exploration in Nigeria, has raised concerns about the lack of fairness and inclusivity.

Agbomhere argues that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) disregarded key provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) in awarding the assets to Renaissance Group.

In an interview with Journalists in Abuja yesterday, Agbomhere emphasized that allowing the divestment to stand would jeopardize peace in the Niger Delta region. He highlighted the need for the assets to be divested to the people of Niger Delta or companies owned by them, as they would prioritize environmental remediation and ensure a pollution-free environment.

Agbomhere drew attention to the risks associated with mismanagement of non-renewable resources, citing the economic instability, social conflict, and lasting environmental damage that Nigeria has experienced.

He likened the situation to a child continuously breastfeeding without replenishment, warning that the decision to hand over Shell’s assets to Renaissance Group is unjust and will not be accepted. Agbomhere pledged to continue fighting for a fair and well-thought-out divestment process.

Agbomhere is calling on all relevant stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the NUPRC, the Minister of Petroleum, and President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider the divestment decision. He believes that reversing the divestment would demonstrate the commitment of the APC-led administration to the wellbeing of Nigerians, particularly those from the Niger Delta region.

In summary, Agbomhere’s request is simple: annul the divestment process that brought in Renaissance Group and initiate a new process that involves the people of Niger Delta and companies owned by them, as outlined in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act. This is the plea to the authorities – to uphold justice, equity, and fairness in the divestment of Shell’s assets.