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Tinubu Asked to Stop Shell from Selling Remaining Shares

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2 years ago

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Tinubu Asked to Stop Shell from Selling Remaining Shares

By: Michael Mike

A conglomerate of Civil Society Organisations, community leaders, and concerned citizens have called on President Bola Tinubu to sustain the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) rejection of Shell’s request to sell its remaining shares in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium.

The group while alleging that other international oil corporations, such as TotalEnergies, are also attempting to sell their stakes in SPDC and other Nigerian onshore oil assets, stated that any approval of Shell’s and Total’s requests would weaken regulatory independence, ignore the interests of the Niger Delta communities, jeopardize the environmental and social well-being of the region for generations to come, and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Signatories to the request are Nnimmo Bassey (Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)), Dr. Isaac ‘Asume’ Osuoka (Social Action Nigeria), Olanrewaju Suraju (HEDA Resource Centre), Emem Okon (Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre),
Akinbode Oluwafemi (Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)), Idoreyin Bassey (League of Queens International Empowerment),
Tijah Bolton-Akpan (Policy Alert), Ken Henshaw (We the People), Rita Uwaka (Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria), David Ugolor (Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)) Mfon Utin (Healthy Life Development initiative), Comr. Cynthia Buluebiere Bright (Gbolekekro Women Empowerment And Development Organization (GWEDO)), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)), Cookey Tammy (Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD)), Umo Isua-Ikoh (Peace Point Development Foundation),
Friday Nbani (Lekeh Development Foundation)

Others are Amanie Stella  (Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA)), Martha Agbani (Lokiaka Community Development Centre), Akpobari Celestine (People’s Advancement Centre
Ogoni Solidarity Forum), Chido Onumah (Africa Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)), Ibrahim Zikirullahi (Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED)), Odey Friday (Accountability Lab International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)), Arochukwu Ogbonna (Civil Rights Council) and Josesphine Alabi (Keen and Care Initiative)

The group stated that: “We are, again, compelled to ask for a comprehensive halt to all divestment requests from oil corporations in the Niger Delta, including Shell, Total, and other IOCs with similar plans, until the issues of concerned are addressed.”

Among the issues include: It is critical to emphasize that the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the NUPRC’s responsibility to uphold this law were clearly outlined when  Shell’s divestment request was initially rejected. NUPRC’s refusal was based on legitimate concerns, including Shell’s failure to adequately address the significant environmental and social liabilities associated with its operations in the Niger Delta, as was independently assessed and recommended by international assessors contracted by the country. Among the reasons for rejecting the sale, NUPRC cited the inability of the Renaissance consortium, a shady company with links to past Shell executives and Nigerian political actors, to demonstrate its financial and technical capacities to manage the assets and the pressing need for proper environmental remediation.
NUPRC’s rejection was in line with the responsibilities outlined under Nigerian law and global best practices for corporate accountability. It is a decision rooted in national interest — protecting the health, safety, and environment of the Niger Delta communities. Any attempt to approve Shell’s sale despite these valid concerns would risk undermining regulatory independence and signaling that Nigerian law can be bypassed to serve the interests of multinational corporations.
The Legacy of Pollution and Health Crisis
The environmental and health crises caused by Shell and other oil corporations operating in the Niger Delta are well documented. The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) report on Ogoniland describes an ecological disaster of immense proportions. UNEP’s findings revealed that:

  •    Drinking water sources are contaminated with dangerous levels of hydrocarbons, making them unsafe for human consumption.
  •    Oil spills have destroyed entire ecosystems, killing marine life and damaging the biodiversity that is crucial for the livelihood of local communities.
  •    The soil in Ogoniland has been contaminated with toxic substances, rendering it infertile and unsuitable for farming, exacerbating food insecurity in the region.
    UNEP’s assessment concluded that the cost of remediating the “environmental catastrophe” in Ogoniland alone would exceed $1 billion over the initial five years, with the cleanup expected to last more than 30 years. Yet, these costs are still insufficient to cover the broader environmental impacts of oil extraction across the Niger Delta, where similar damages exist.
    The Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission’s (BSOEC) report provides a detailed analysis of the severe pollution caused by Shell’s and other multinational companies’  operations, including health impacts on local populations. According to the BSOEC:
  •    High levels of toxins from oil pollution, such as total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and heavy metals (HMs), have infiltrated the air, water, and soil across the region, contributing to a public health emergency.
  •    Communities are suffering from respiratory issues, skin diseases, and cancers linked to oil pollution, and these problems are worsening by the year.
  •    The economic cost of these health impacts and the degradation of natural resources is incalculable, leaving most of the people in poverty and unable to sustain themselves through traditional means like farming and fishing.
    The BSOEC report also estimates that the cost of remediating the damage in Bayelsa State alone would exceed $12 billion over 12 years. Based on the UNEP and BSOEC reports, it would take about $100 billion to address the environmental damage in the entire Niger Delta comprehensively. Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the United States, BP, the company responsible, paid over $60 billion to address the impacts of one oil spill incident alone. The environmental damage of the Niger Delta is much worse and has spanned decades. Therefore, to allow Shell, TotalEnergies, or any other company to walk away from their responsibilities would mean transferring these liabilities to the Nigerian state, the Niger Delta states, and the Nigerian people. This is an unjust and unsustainable burden that would further exacerbate the challenges faced by communities already suffering from the effects of pollution and environmental neglect.
    Dangerous Lessons from Past Asset Sales
    The experiences from past asset sales by Shell, ENI/AGIP, and ExxonMobil offer grave lessons. In the case of Shell’s divestment in Nembe to Aiteo, for instance, the local communities were left with unresolved pollution and no proper remedy for the environmental damage caused by decades of oil extraction. Environmental destruction has worsened in the area. Similarly, when ExxonMobil divested some of its assets, the responsibility for remediation was inadequately transferred to new operators, who were ill-prepared to manage the legacy of contamination. In ENI/AGIP’s case, the sale of assets to Oando continued to worsen the situation in the host communities as there were no comprehensive cleanup efforts undertaken.
    These sales not only failed to address the critical environmental liabilities but also deepened the social tensions in the Niger Delta, as new operators took over without addressing the root causes of community unrest or the longstanding health and environmental challenges. This pattern of irresponsible divestment must not be repeated, and the Nigerian government has a responsibility to stop it.
    The National Interest and the Urgency for Action
    We ask Mr. President to ensure that the immediate financial interests of a few multinational corporations and local profiteers do not outweigh the health, future, and survival of millions of Nigerians who have suffered for decades. President Tinubu must safeguard the future of Nigeria, ensuring that all its people, especially those in the Niger Delta, are not sacrificed for the benefit of global capital and a few local profiteers.
    An Approval of the Sale of Shell’s and Total’s Assets Would Be a Declaration of War with the Niger Delta
    We want to make it absolutely clear: approving Shell’s or TotalEnergies’ divestment in its current form without addressing the profound environmental and social costs would be a grave injustice to the people of the Niger Delta and could lead to significant unrest in the region. It would be an affront to the generations of Niger Deltans who have fought and died for environmental justice, their homes, and their livelihoods.
    Approving Shell’s SPDC share sale would send a dangerous message to all multinational corporations operating in Nigeria that they can extract our resources, leave devastation behind, and walk away without consequence. This is not just a question of corporate accountability; it is about Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and the right of its people to live in a clean and safe environment.
    They demanded that President Tinubu: “Immediately halt all divestment processes until a transparent, comprehensive, and inclusive review is undertaken that addresses Shell’s and TotalEnergies’ historical environmental and social liabilities.

“Ensure inclusive and transparent consultation with state governments and the people of the sites of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta before any further divestment of IOC assets.

“Hold Shell, TotalEnergies, and all other IOCs accountable for their past and ongoing environmental damage, and ensure they fund a full cleanup and remediation program across the Niger Delta.

“Uphold the regulatory independence of NUPRC and allow it to fulfill its statutory duties without political interference.

“Respect the resolution of the National Assembly, which has called for a halt to all divestments by international oil companies in Nigeria.

“Ensure that new operators are properly vetted and committed to responsible environmental management and community welfare.

“Create an Environmental Restoration Fund that is sufficiently funded to meet the full and complete costs of environmental cleanup and reparations based on credible estimates of independent international experts and contributed to by Shell, TotalEnergies, and other international oil companies and future operators to address the long-term damage caused by their operations.

“Provide community profit-sharing opportunities for host communities as part of any divestment agreement, ensuring that the local people benefit from the oil resources they have hosted for decades.

“Mandate full disclosure of all environmental liabilities before divestment, requiring Shell, TotalEnergies, and any future operators to publicly declare and address all damages.

“Include gas flaring cessation and decommissioning plans in any divestment agreement, with clear timelines for ending harmful practices.

“Account for carbon emissions related to the divested assets and propose mitigation plans that align with Nigeria’s climate commitments.”

They stated that: “This is a defining moment in Nigeria. We urge President Tinubu to stand with the people of the Niger Delta and uphold the values of justice, fairness, and environmental protection. By halting Shell’s, TotalEnergies’ and any other IOC divestment and demanding accountability,

“President Tinubu will send a powerful message that Nigeria’s sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens are paramount.
We ask President Tinubu not to undermine Nigeria’s national interest and the oversight of democratic institutions. We stand ready to continue our advocacy but need President Tinubu to show leadership to ensure a just, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

Tinubu Asked to Stop Shell from Selling Remaining Shares

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President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects

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1 day ago

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July 5, 2026

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President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road, describing the strategic highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration, and national security.

The two road projects, regarded as economic lifelines of North-East Nigeria, serves as key gateways to neighbouring African countries, which will bolster cross-border trade, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthen security operations in a region recovering from over a decade of insurgency.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, where President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

The Vice President said the rehabilitation of the roads would improve connectivity and deliver on the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr. President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem the promise and to convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” Shettima said.

“The Bama–Banki Corridor carries special strategic weight. It is a top route of agriculture, movement, and national security. The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road belongs to the same vision of reconnecting communities and restoring economic confidence across Borno State.”

The President also commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prioritising infrastructure and maintaining a strong partnership with the Federal Government.

“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when public institutions are united by the urgency of service. Certainly, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” Tinubu stated.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.

“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We deeply appreciate and remain eternally grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole.

“Borno State Government recognizes that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development. Since assuming office, our administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Governor Zulum also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“I want to assure the President and indeed the Vice President that, Insha Allah, come January 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him into office.”

The Governor equally praised his representative Vice President Shettima for his sustained support towards the reconstruction and development of Borno State.

“Your Excellency, your personal interest in the reconstruction and development of our state continues to inspire confidence among our people. We sincerely appreciate your leadership and steadfast commitment.” said Zulum.

Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, during the state’s recovery from insurgency and the 2024 flood disaster.

He recalled the construction of Dangote Village, the donation of ₦1.5 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), ₦1 billion to the Borno State Government following the 2024 flood, and the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons.

“Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, thousands of displaced persons received food and non-food items. Essentially, in 2017, he donated 106 trucks of food to IDPs.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote has also donated ₦1.5 billion to NEMA to support flood victims in Borno State in the year 2024.”

Governor Zulum assured that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure value for money and strict compliance with quality standards. He also appealed to the Minister of Works to grant the Borno State Government a waiver to regulate the activities of heavy-duty truck drivers using the roads intermittently.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months.

The ceremony was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Dalori; senators; members of the House of Representatives; the Shehu of Borno, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa; ministers; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; APC leaders; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service; the Acting Chief of Staff; commissioners; heads of government agencies; and other dignitaries.

President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects

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Tinubu Flags Off Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki Road Projects

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1 day ago

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July 5, 2026

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Tinubu Flags Off Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki Road Projects

..:Describes Zulum Best Performing Governor

…Zulum Hails Tinubu’s Commitment to Borno Recovery Process

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 49.55-kilometre Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road and the 49.15-kilometre Bama–Banki Road, describing the strategic highways as critical to economic growth, regional integration, and national security.

The two road projects, regarded as economic lifelines of the North-East, serve as key gateways to neighbouring African countries, which will bolster cross-border trade, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and strengthen security operations in a region recovering from over a decade of insurgency.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held along the Maiduguri–Gamboru Ngala Road, where President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima.

The Vice President said the rehabilitation of the roads would improve connectivity and deliver on the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has made infrastructure a central priority. This is what Mr. President promised Nigerians, and I’m here today to affirm our readiness to redeem the promise and to convey his goodwill and gratitude for the support you have shown us,” Shettima said.

“The Bama–Banki Corridor carries special strategic weight. It is a top route of agriculture, movement, and national security. The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Road belongs to the same vision of reconnecting communities and restoring economic confidence across Borno State.”

The Vice President also commended Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for prioritising infrastructure and maintaining a strong partnership with the Federal Government.

“The partnership between the Federal Government and Borno State shows what becomes possible when public institutions are united by the urgency of service. Certainly, Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, you are one of the best-performing governors in the federation,” the Vice President stated.

Governor Zulum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the road projects and other critical interventions in Borno State.

“The successful commencement of this project reflects the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Borno State Government. We deeply appreciate and remain eternally grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to the development, peace, and security of the North East and Nigeria as a whole,” Zulum remarked.

“Borno State Government recognizes that infrastructure remains a critical foundation for development. Since assuming office, our administration has prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure as part of our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens,” he added.

Governor Zulum also pledged the state’s political support for President Tinubu in the next presidential election.

“I want to assure the President and indeed the Vice President that, Insha Allah, come January 2027, the people of Borno State will overwhelmingly vote him into office.”

The governor equally praised Vice President Shettima for his sustained support towards the reconstruction and development of Borno State.

“Your Excellency, your personal interest in the reconstruction and development of our state continues to inspire confidence among our people. We sincerely appreciate your leadership and steadfast commitment.”

Zulum also acknowledged the humanitarian contributions of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, particularly through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, during the state’s recovery from insurgency and the 2024 flood disaster.

He recalled the construction of Dangote Village, the donation of ₦1.5 billion to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), ₦1 billion to the Borno State Government following the 2024 flood, and the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons.

“Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, thousands of displaced persons received food and non-food items. Essentially, in 2017, he donated 106 trucks of food to IDPs. Alhaji Aliko Dangote has also donated ₦1.5 billion to NEMA to support flood victims in Borno State in the year 2024.”

Governor Zulum assured that the road projects would be closely monitored to ensure value for money and strict compliance with quality standards. He also appealed to the Minister of Works to grant the Borno State Government a waiver to regulate the activities of heavy-duty truck drivers using the roads.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed that the projects would be executed in two phases and expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months.

The ceremony was attended by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; senators; members of the House of Representatives; the Shehu of Borno, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa; ministers; members of the Borno State House of Assembly; APC leaders; the Secretary to the State Government; the Head of Service; the Acting Chief of Staff; commissioners; heads of government agencies; and other dignitaries.

Tinubu Flags Off Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki Road Projects

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PEBEC Targets Seamless Digital Government as 98% of MDAs Meet Business Reform Standards

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3 days ago

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July 3, 2026

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PEBEC Targets Seamless Digital Government as 98% of MDAs Meet Business Reform Standards

By: Michael Mike

The Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has unveiled plans to integrate digital platforms across federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to eliminate duplication, reduce regulatory bottlenecks and create a seamless experience for businesses, following significant gains in public sector service delivery reforms.

Audu disclosed that 98 per cent of the 69 MDAs monitored by the council now meet prescribed responsiveness standards after a targeted reform programme designed to improve compliance with the Business Facilitation Act.

Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, she said PEBEC’s next phase of reforms would focus on ensuring government agencies no longer operate in isolation but are digitally connected to enable secure information sharing and faster service delivery.

According to her, while many agencies have digitised their operations, businesses still face unnecessary delays because they are repeatedly required to submit the same information to different regulators.

She cited the National Identification Number (NIN) as an example, noting that agencies should no longer demand documents containing information already available on government databases.

“Our objective is to create an environment where businesses provide information once, and relevant government agencies can securely access it instead of making investors repeat the same process multiple times,” she said.

Audu explained that the reforms are part of PEBEC’s broader mandate to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, simplify regulatory processes and position Nigeria as a preferred investment destination.

Rather than adopting a confrontational approach, she said the council works collaboratively with government institutions to resolve operational challenges.

“PEBEC is not a name-and-shame organisation. We identify gaps and provide technical support to help agencies improve their services,” she said.

She revealed that the council recently concluded a 90-day Business Environment Enhancement Accelerator Programme, during which reform champions embedded across 69 MDAs worked with PEBEC to strengthen compliance with the Business Facilitation Act.

The initiative, she said, resulted in 98 per cent of the agencies meeting service delivery timelines and responding promptly to enquiries from businesses and members of the public.

Audu noted that the council is now shifting attention from basic compliance to competitiveness, with the goal of making Nigeria a more business-friendly destination than neighbouring economies such as Ghana, Benin Republic and Kenya before benchmarking against leading global performers.

As part of efforts to simplify business regulation, she said PEBEC reviewed licensing procedures and documentation requirements across several agencies to eliminate obsolete and repetitive processes that increase the cost and time of doing business.

She also identified top-performing agencies during the council’s assessment, commending the Nigeria Customs Service for fully complying with reform requirements while reducing cargo clearance timelines and simplifying import and export procedures.

Other agencies recognised for exceeding compliance expectations include the Nigerian Ports Authority, the National Information Technology Development Agency and the National Pension Commission, all of which introduced additional customer-focused reforms beyond the minimum standards.

Audu stressed that the assessment was not intended to rank agencies but to institutionalise reforms capable of improving the experience of businesses dealing with government institutions.

She warned that inefficiency in a single government office can undermine investor confidence in the entire country.

“If someone has a bad experience with one government agency, they do not separate that agency from the government. They simply conclude that Nigeria is not working,” she said.

To sustain the reforms, Audu disclosed that PEBEC will continue its quarterly mystery-shopping exercise, under which officials anonymously access government services to independently assess service quality from the perspective of ordinary users.

She added that the council also operates live performance trackers that allow agencies and the public to monitor compliance levels and identify areas requiring improvement.

According to her, the 2026 Business Facilitation Act Compliance Report is expected to be released in November after the completion of the annual assessment.

She said PEBEC’s long-term goal is to entrench a public service culture built on transparency, efficiency and accountability while creating a fully integrated digital government that makes regulatory compliance faster, easier and more predictable for businesses and investors.

PEBEC Targets Seamless Digital Government as 98% of MDAs Meet Business Reform Standards

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