Foremost Nigerian environmentalist, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, has frowned at a recent comment attributed to the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, following the announcement of sale of assets by Shell.
Some Nigerian environmentalists led by Bassey had asked the federal government to stop Shell from selling its assets in preparation to divestment until all impact concerns in Niger Delta are addressed.
But, in a reaction to the request by the environmentalists, the minister said the International Oil Companies’ (IOC) exit, to the contrary, presents a golden opportunity for indigenous companies with requisite capacity to scale up their operations and rake in more profit.
He assured that the government remained committed to fostering a business-friendly environment in the oil and gas sector and, as such, would not scuttle legitimate business transactions in the industry.
“Nigerians should not lose sleep over the matter as the country loses nothing,” said the minister.
He added: “On the part of the government, once we get the necessary documents, we will not waste time to give the necessary considerations and consent. This would not adversely affect Nigeria. The government is engaging the IOCs regarding the decommissioning of non-productive assets and abandonment issues.”
On preventing IOCs from diversifying their upstream operations, the Minister clarified that companies operating in that space have not left their upstream deepwater assets.
“Instead, they are diversifying their onshore assets, creating opportunities for local companies with developed capacity and financing to acquire and profitably manage these assets,” he added.
However, reacting to the petroleum minister’s stand, Bassey, who is Director, Health or Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), described the statement by the Minister as disturbing.
The Niger Delta-based environmentalist said that contrary to what the minister said, Nigeria has already lost everything.
Bassey said: “Coming from a minister this is very disturbing. Nigeria has already lost everything. Our land, wetlands, creeks, continental shelf and even our air are all dastardly compromised. It is not just about money. It is about our lives.”
Commenting further, Bassey said the minister ought to tell Nigerians what discussions they have had with Shell and other IOCs before they “divest” from onshore fields.
“What policy is in place to ensure that full closure is achieved in terms of remediation, restoration and compensation for harms inflicted on the oil field communities? To say that nothing is lost is to ignore what has already been lost.
“It is highly regrettable that an official that should protect the interests of our people is busy telling the world that the government will not waste time approving whatever Shell lays on their table. This is unacceptable. If this position is given because the government is in bed with the IOCs, it is time for a clean break.
“We cannot afford this thinking that says we lose nothing when we have already lost everything. This move will be the nail that seals the colonial exploitation and despoliation coffin,” he said.
