In a recent development, Mr. Blessing Agbomhere Esq., a prominent legal practitioner, has taken legal action against the divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria’s assets to Renaissance Group. Agbomhere has filed a lawsuit, questioning the legality of the divestment, which was approved by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Agbomhere argues that the divestment does not comply with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He insists that the divestment should be nullified due to its failure to meet the requirements outlined in these legislations.
Shell’s decision to divest its onshore assets in Nigeria was driven by the challenges it faces in the country, including theft and oil spills, which are incompatible with the company’s long-term energy transition strategy. However, this move has raised concerns among the people of the Niger Delta region, who have historically had a strained relationship with the company.
Agbomhere, representing nine claimants, is seeking a court declaration that Shell’s assets should be divested to capable companies with their headquarters in the Niger Delta region, and whose majority shareholders are indigenous to the region. He emphasizes that it is crucial for the people of the Niger Delta, who are surrounded by water, to have access to clean drinking water.
The lawsuit highlights that Shell did not comply with the legal requirement to divest its assets to companies based in the Niger Delta region. Additionally, it argues that the majority of the shareholders in the companies that acquired the assets are not from the Niger Delta region.
Agbomhere and the claimants are urging the court to nullify the divestment and initiate a fresh process that takes into consideration the aspirations of the Niger Delta people. They hope that this legal action will create an opportunity for the empowerment of the region’s inhabitants.
Agbomhere appeals to the President, emphasizing the need to view this situation as an opportunity to empower the people of the Niger Delta region, in line with his RENEWED HOPE AGENDA.
