KEY POINTS
- PANDEF applauds Tinubu and Shell for finalizing the $5 billion Bonga North oil deal, boosting Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.
- PANDEF urges Shell to prioritize environmental safeguards, citing concerns over past ecological damages like the 2011 Bonga South spill.
- The forum demands equitable project benefits for Niger Delta communities, emphasizing investment in local development and logistics hubs.
Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Shell Petroleum Development Company for finalizing the $5 billion Bonga North Deep Offshore Oil Deal, calling it a pivotal milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector.
The agreement is expected to bolster the nation’s energy security and drive economic growth.
PANDEF applauds Bonga deal leadership
Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF, commended the technical teams behind the deal, particularly under the guidance of the Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Igali underscored the project’s potential to significantly expand Nigeria’s oil production capacity while generating jobs, especially for the youth in the Niger Delta region.
“This landmark achievement reflects the government’s determination to rejuvenate the oil and gas industry,” Igali remarked. “The Niger Delta is prepared to support such initiatives, which will stimulate economic growth and create meaningful opportunities for our people.”
Environmental concerns loom large
While lauding the deal, PANDEF urged Shell to adhere to strict environmental protocols to avoid repeating past mistakes, particularly the 2011 Bonga South oil spill that caused widespread ecological damage.
“Shell must uphold the highest standards of environmental responsibility in managing the Bonga North field,” Igali cautioned. “Another environmental catastrophe would be unbearable for the Niger Delta, given the region’s fragile ecosystem and its dependence on natural resources.”
Equitable benefits for Niger Delta communities
As reported by Vanguard, the forum also pressed for equitable distribution of benefits from the project, highlighting long-standing grievances over neglect of the oil-rich region. Igali called for direct investment in coastal communities that bear the brunt of oil exploration.
“This is a critical moment to address the historical marginalization of the Niger Delta,” he said. “The Federal Government and Shell should consider establishing new logistics hubs in the region and implementing initiatives that directly uplift local communities.”
Commitment to collaboration and growth
Reaffirming PANDEF’s commitment to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Igali emphasized the forum’s readiness to work with the Federal Government, regional leaders, and community stakeholders to maximize the industry’s potential for the South-South region and the national economy.
“PANDEF remains steadfast in advocating for fairness, sustainability, and inclusive growth in the oil and gas sector,” he concluded.
