Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian federal government to ensure that Shell’s planned divestment from its operations in the Niger Delta does not exacerbate human rights abuses in the region. The international rights organization highlighted the significant environmental degradation caused by Shell’s activities over the years and emphasized the need for the government to take steps that will prevent any further deterioration of human rights in an area that has suffered decades of oil pollution.
Mark Dummett, Amnesty International’s Head of Business and Human Rights, made this appeal yesterday while presenting a report titled “Tainted Sale? Why Shell’s Divestment from the Niger Delta Must Not Harm Human Rights” at an event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Dummett called on the government to ensure that Shell’s divestment doesn’t limit the company’s liabilities without a comprehensive investigation and remediation of all existing pollution, as well as necessary maintenance and protection of current pipelines from sabotage.
“Amnesty International has documented serious and ongoing human rights abuses linked to oil contamination in this region, where Shell has been operational since the 1950s,” Dummett stated. “We are concerned that the proposed sale could deny those already affected access to adequate remedies and potentially expose many more individuals to future abuses.”
The report recommends a set of safeguards and actions designed to protect the rights of people who may be impacted by Shell’s planned sale of its onshore oil interests in the Niger Delta, which is said to be valued at around $3 billion. Dummett further commented, “For decades, oil spills have harmed the health and livelihoods of many in the Niger Delta.”
He added, “Shell cannot simply wash its hands of these issues and exit the region. The company has profited immensely from its operations and must ensure that its withdrawal does not lead to adverse human rights and environmental consequences.”
The report also suggests that the government consider requiring Shell to act as a guarantor, ensuring that any potential buyer is capable of addressing and remediating any damage caused by future spills. It stresses that any buyer should commit to transparency, environmental compliance, community consultations, and limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
“By exercising proper oversight of Shell’s sale, Nigeria’s incoming administration has a rare opportunity to showcase its commitment to upholding and protecting the human rights of its citizens, including their rights to a decent standard of living, clean water, and health. We also call for effective remedies for individuals whose rights have been violated for far too long.”
Dummett pointed out that while Shell bears responsibility for the severe oil pollution affecting the Niger Delta, other parties, including federal and state authorities, also share culpability. He emphasized that these entities must ensure Shell’s divestment does not lead to further human rights violations.
