Community Groups Condemn Shell’s Onshore Asset Sale in Niger Delta
The Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, along with allied community-based women’s organizations, have voiced their disappointment at Shell’s decision to sell off its onshore assets to investors. Criticism stemmed from Shell’s failure to engage in necessary consultations with communities enduring decades of environmental degradation from its operations.
In a press release issued by Emem Okon of the Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, along with five other partners, shared with PUNCH Online in Benin on Sunday, concerns were raised about Shell’s attempt to evade responsibility. The affected women in the Niger Delta expressed deep concerns over the rapid nature of these divestment plans.
The statement highlighted, “It has come to our attention that plans are underway for Shell Plc to offload their shares in Shell Petroleum Development Company to a consortium of investors, Renaissance Africa Energy. OML 34 has already been divested to ND Western; OML 17 and OML 29 were divested without proper guidelines.”
The announcement has sparked outrage within the community, with calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of these critical assets. The lack of proper consultation with impacted communities only exacerbates the longstanding grievances related to Shell’s operations in the region.
As the divestment moves forward, stakeholders emphasize the urgent need for inclusive dialogue and measures to address the environmental and socio-economic impacts on the affected communities. The fate of these assets holds significant implications for the future development and well-being of the Niger Delta region.
