By Faridat Salifu
In a recent interview, Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, highlighted the importance of ensuring that the divestment deal of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) aligns with the interests of the Nigerian people, particularly the communities in the South South where SPDC operated.
This was announced on Friday, January 26, 2024, in Abuja. Akinlosotu expressed concerns regarding the potential consequences of the divestment, emphasizing the need for the transaction to prioritize the welfare of host communities in the region.
She pointed out that the sale of SPDC’s Nigerian onshore subsidiary to Renaissance, a consortium of five companies, should not serve as an escape route for the multinational corporation, but rather as an opportunity to address unresolved environmental and social issues.
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The NCSCN urged the Federal Government to carefully review the divestment deal and ensure that it complies with Nigerian and international laws on divestment, abandonment, and decommissioning.
Akinlosotu emphasized the necessity of conducting thorough assessments in host communities to gauge the level of compliance and the potential impact of the divestment.
The organization’s stance reflects a community-centric approach, advocating for the protection of the interests of Nigerians and the prioritization of environmental and social responsibilities.
Akinlosotu reiterated the NCSCN’s commitment to resisting any divestment deal that does not fully address the concerns of the Nigerian people and the impacted communities.
