Following the Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) Proposed Sale of its Drilling Facilities onshore and in shallow waters, the representative of the Community Development Committees of Oil and Gas Producing Areas of Niger Delta (CDCOGPAND), have through Emiko & Associates, addressed a letter to the Managing Director of SPDC, demanding compensation and clean-up of the polluted Niger Delta environment or face legal action within fourteen days.
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The solicitors, on behalf of Mr. Joseph Ambakaderemo, Mr. Augustine Iyamu, and Mr. Sampson Anga, registered trustees of the Community Development Committees of Oil and Gas Producing Areas of Niger Delta (CDCOGPAND), highlight the significant socio-economic damage caused by Shell’s exploration activities in the Niger Delta communities, emphasizing the United Nations and the Federal Government of Nigeria’s directives for clean-up and compensation for affected communities.
“We are informed by our Clients that owing to the notoriety of the socio-economic damage occasioned by your exploration and related activities in several Communities and the people of the Niger-Delta where you operate, and their call for you to abate same, the United Nations and the Federal Government of Nigeria mandated you to clean up these communities and compensate the indigenes and occupants thereto.”
Expressing concern over the lack of transparency regarding the terms of the proposed sale, Emiko & Associates demand immediate clean-up of affected communities and financial compensation for the locals. They also advocate for the right of first refusal for Niger Delta states, indigenes, and indigenous companies for the acquisition of Shell’s assets.
Furthermore, the letter which was also copied to, The Honorable Minister of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream, National Assembly, warns of potential legal action if Shell fails to respond to the demands within fourteen days, indicating the readiness of CDCOGPAND to pursue legal proceedings to restrain the proposed sale.
“Take further notice that unless you revert back to our clients regarding the above demands within fourteen (14) days of your receipt of this letter, we have the instruction of our clients to commence legal proceedings in court against you and/or your prospective buyers to seek to restrain you from perfecting your proposed sale aforesaid”, the letter warned.
The solicitors emphasize the significance of addressing the grievances of the Niger Delta communities and urge Shell Petroleum to engage in dialogue to resolve the issues raised. The root causes of unrest in the Niger Delta are closely linked to issues such as impunity. The CDC is leading the charge to seek justice for our people who have long suffered from the terrorism perpetrated by international oil companies.