urging the court to block Shell’s ongoing divestment of onshore assets
By Ajewole Joshua
YENAGOA, Nigeria — A fierce legal battle is unfolding in Bayelsa State as King Bubaraye Dakolo of the Ekpetiama Kingdom, supported by a coalition of civil society organisations, has filed a lawsuit against oil giant Shell, demanding $12 billion in compensation for alleged environmental destruction in the Niger Delta.
In a report monitor by ABNews Correspondent on Channel News, the monarch appeared before the Federal High Court in Yenagoa on Friday, urging the court to block Shell’s ongoing divestment of onshore assets until the company commits to a full environmental cleanup, decommissioning of obsolete infrastructure, and compensation to affected communities.
This legal action follows Shell’s recent announcement of a $2.4 billion divestment deal, part of its strategic shift to offshore operations. But community leaders and civil groups argue that Shell is trying to leave the region without taking responsibility for decades of oil spills, gas flaring, and land degradation.
“Shell wants to leave behind a mess that has ruined our rivers, farmlands, and livelihoods,” said King Dakolo in a joint statement. “We will not accept abandonment.”
The lawsuit also names Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum, the Minister of Justice, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission as co-defendants. It seeks to stop the transfer of Shell’s assets until a binding agreement on remediation and reparations is reached.
Isaac Asume Osuoka, Director of Social Action Nigeria, one of the groups involved in the suit, added:
“Shell wants to exit with profit, leaving behind toxic air, poisoned water, and broken communities.”
The case was mentioned in court and has been adjourned to July 22.
Shell has not yet responded to the allegations. The company, along with others operating in the region, has often blamed oil spills on sabotage and illegal pipeline tapping.
Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, is keen to attract foreign investment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who came into office in 2023 with a wave of reforms. However, unresolved environmental grievances in the Niger Delta continue to pose major challenges.
