LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Civil society organisations and concerned citizens gathered outside the head office of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Lagos state to protest against the company’s exit plan from Nigeria without addressing the environmental damage it has caused.
Carrying placards with inscriptions including: “No cleanup, no divestment, stop the SHell fire, yes to reparatory justice, own up and pay up, stop corporate capture,” the activists expressed their frustration as Shell plans to sell off its Nigerian operations to a local company that may not have the capabilities to handle the liabilities it inherits.
Reading a joint statement issued by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), an official of CAPPA, Zikora Ibeh called for an independent and comprehensive assessment of the entire Niger Delta environment.
The statement was signed by Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, and Executive Director of HOMEF Rev, Nnimmo Bassey.
The groups demanded a thorough health audit of the people residing in extractive communities across the region.
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“A cleanup, remediation, and restoration of all polluted and contaminated areas linked to Shell’s extractivism.
“That Shell and Chevron be held accountable for the destruction of communities in the Niger Delta.
“That divestment and/or expansion plans follow due process of decommissioning.
“That the Nigerian Government’s environmental and climate change policies be weaned off unfounded corporate language, including false solutions such as Net Zero.
“That communities are recognised as major stakeholders that must be afforded expression on matters that concern their safety and survival.”
The protesters’ concerns were echoed at the ongoing Shell Annual Shareholders Meeting in London, United Kingdom.
The joint statement highlighted Shell’s exploitation and the devastation caused by their oil extraction activities.
Shell has contaminated farmlands and water bodies in the Niger Delta, greatly impacting the livelihoods and health of local communities.
Moreover, the plan to sell off onshore assets to a consortium of local exploration and production companies and an international group raised more alarm.
These companies have little experience in managing Shell’s extensive liabilities. Shell’s alleged provision of a loan to facilitate the sale further exposes their attempt to offload liability while still profiting from the transaction.
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The Nigerian government was called upon to act responsibly and hold Shell accountable for its actions. This includes enforcing an environmental audit of the corporation’s infractions, compensation plans for affected citizens, and ensuring proper decommissioning of toxic infrastructures spread across the Niger Delta.
While Shell may boast about its profits and commitments to becoming a net-zero emissions energy business, the protesters emphasized that their promises are empty. Shell’s energy transition plan is perceived as a strategy to delay meaningful action and deny justice to those affected by their operations.
The call for justice extends beyond Shell, as the report commissioned by the Bayelsa State government revealed that five international oil giants, including Chevron, Eni, Total, and ExxonMobil, are responsible for 90% of the toxic pollution in the Niger Delta. Chevron, despite the environmental crises caused by their operations in communities, is increasing its investments in Nigeria.
The protesters demanded that governments prioritize human and environmental dignity over corporate profits. They urged for the enforcement of policies that hold big polluters accountable and protect the common good.