Group asks Tinubu to halt oil companies divestment in Niger Delta

The coalition of Niger Delta environmental advocacy groups has implored President Bola Tinubu to stop the proposed divestment by oil companies in the region.

The group said the companies must clean up host communities before divesting their assets.

Speaking on Tuesday during a statewide protest to the Rivers state government house in Port Harcourt, the group listed 11 major demands, including the regulatory independence of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The coalition, which consists of Social Action, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), HEDA Resource Centre, and Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, noted that all divestment proposals by Shell, TotalEnergies, and all other international oil companies (IOCs) must be discontinued until a transparent and inclusive review is undertaken.

They also demanded the creation of an environmental restoration fund to address the long-term damage caused by the operations of oil companies in the Niger Delta.

The group also requested for profit-sharing among host communities, full disclosure of all environmental liabilities, inclusion of gas flaring cessation, and decommissioning plans in any divestment agreement.

They added that approving the sale of Shell’s and TotalEnergies’ assets without addressing the concerns of host communities would have devastating implications for the country.

“This is a defining moment in Nigeria. We urge Tinubu to stand with the people of the Niger Delta and uphold the values of justice, fairness, and environmental protection,” the group said.

“By halting Shell’s, TotalEnergies’, and any other IOC divestment and demanding accountability, the President will send a powerful message that Nigeria’s sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens are paramount.”