Betrayal in the Niger Delta: Condemning the Sale of SPDC and the Abdication of Responsibility

By Peter Mazzi

Introduction

For over six decades, the Niger Delta has been the heart of Nigeria’s oil industry, providing the bulk of the nation’s revenue. However, this economic contribution has come at an enormous cost—widespread environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and persistent conflicts fueled by corporate interests. The recent sale of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to Renaissance Africa Energy Company (Renaissance) is a severe betrayal of the Niger Delta people. It is a desperate attempt by Shell to wash its hands off the destruction it has caused for over six decades without fully addressing its liabilities.

Despite years of advocacy by Social Action and other civil society organizations (CSOs), demanding accountability from Shell, the Nigerian government has once again sided with corporate interests over the well-being of its citizens. By sanctioning this sale without compelling Shell to fully compensate affected communities, the government has failed in its duty to protect the people. Worse still, state governments, especially those in the Niger Delta, have done little to push for a fair resolution.

This deal is not just about oil assets changing hands; it is about justice denied. Shell’s decision to exit its onshore operations without adequately addressing its past environmental crimes is unacceptable. The burden now shifts to Renaissance, and let it be known: they have not just bought oil assets—they have inherited decades of unpaid debts to the people. The fight for justice is far from over.

Shell’s Legacy of Environmental Degradation and Corporate Irresponsibility

Since Shell began operations in the Niger Delta in 1958, its activities have led to severe environmental destruction. Oil spills, gas flaring, and toxic waste dumping have turned farmlands barren, rivers lifeless, and communities uninhabitable. Reports indicate that between 1976 and 2001, over 6,817 oil spills were recorded in the region, leaking more than 3 million barrels of crude oil into the environment. Despite global outcry, Shell’s remediation efforts have been grossly inadequate.

A case in point is Ogoniland. A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report in 2011 revealed that the levels of benzene—a cancer-causing chemical—in some areas of Ogoni were 900 times above safe levels. Communities in Goi, Bodo, and K-Dere continue to suffer from polluted drinking water, loss of fish stocks, and extreme poverty caused by Shell’s negligence.

In Alesa Eleme, another affected community, international legal action was required before Shell agreed to pay compensation for decades of environmental damage. The case, filed in a UK court, forced Shell to settle with affected communities, proving that justice is only attainable when taken beyond Nigeria’s compromised judicial system.

Shell’s impact extends beyond environmental degradation. The company has long been accused of fueling intercommunal conflicts to weaken community resistance against its exploitative activities. By allegedly supporting local militia groups and exploiting existing divisions, Shell has left a trail of violence in its wake. The people of Gbaramatu, Ogoni, and Nembe can attest to the brutal crackdowns and bloodshed that accompanied their demands for justice.

Government Complicity and Abdication of Duty

The Federal Government’s approval of Shell’s divestment is a disgraceful act of betrayal. By allowing the sale to proceed without ensuring Shell takes full responsibility for environmental restoration and compensation, the government has prioritized corporate profits over the welfare of its citizens.

Successive administrations have made empty promises to the Niger Delta people, yet they continue to act as facilitators of corporate exploitation. When the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was debated, civil society groups, including Social Action, pushed for stronger provisions to protect host communities. However, the final version signed into law failed to hold oil companies fully accountable for their environmental impact.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which was meant to address the region’s developmental challenges, has been riddled with corruption and inefficiency. Billions meant for infrastructure, clean-up, and economic development have been looted while communities continue to suffer.

State governments have also been largely silent. One would expect governors of oil-producing states to stand firmly against this deal until historical injustices are addressed. Instead, many have turned a blind eye, further deepening the frustration and resentment of the people they claim to serve.

Renaissance: Buying Assets, Inheriting Liabilities

Renaissance must understand that by acquiring SPDC’s onshore assets, it has also acquired its unresolved liabilities. Shell’s exit does not erase the decades of environmental harm, unpaid compensation, and broken promises. The responsibility to address these issues now rests on Renaissance, and civil society will not relent in ensuring that it does.

A key issue is community compensation and the ‘Right of Way’ payments, which Shell had been making to host communities for the loss of livelihoods and access to their lands. These payments, though often inadequate, were one of the few benefits communities received from oil activities. Renaissance must publicly commit to continuing and even increasing these payments to reflect the economic realities of affected communities.

Beyond financial compensation, Renaissance must immediately roll out a comprehensive environmental remediation plan. Independent environmental audits must be conducted to assess the extent of pollution, and a clear timeline for clean-up must be established. Anything less will be met with stiff resistance.

Community engagement is also critical. The era of oil companies operating with impunity is over. Renaissance must work directly with local leaders, civil society, and regulatory agencies to ensure that their operations do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Transparency and accountability must be at the heart of their strategy.

The Struggle Continues: Civil Society’s Unyielding Commitment

Social Action and other civil society organizations are deeply disappointed by this development, but we are not deterred. Our resolve to fight for environmental justice, corporate accountability, and the rights of affected communities remains stronger than ever.

We will continue to:

1. Pursue legal action—Shell may have sold its assets, but it has not escaped its liabilities. We will explore legal avenues, both locally and internationally, to ensure Shell is held accountable.
2. Engage Renaissance Energy—We will monitor Renaissance’s operations to ensure they fulfill their obligations to the people.
3. Pressure the Nigerian government—We will continue lobbying the National Assembly to enact laws that prevent multinational corporations from escaping responsibility through divestment.
4. Mobilize communities—We will strengthen grassroots movements to demand justice and resist further exploitation.

A Call for Justice

The sale of SPDC to Renaissance is a painful reminder of the systemic failures in Nigeria’s oil industry. It demonstrates how the government consistently puts corporate interests ahead of its people. But this is not the end. Shell will not walk away without paying for its crimes. Renaissance must know that it is now under scrutiny, and civil society will not rest until justice is served.

To the communities affected, we say: Do not lose hope. The fight is not over. Social Action and other civil society organizations remain committed to ensuring that the Niger Delta is not just a region of exploitation, but one of justice, equity, and sustainable development.

The battle for the soul of the Niger Delta continues. We will not give up.