Amnesty International Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, has called for Shell to be held fully accountable for decades of human rights abuses in Nigeria's Niger Delta region before it is permitted to sell its business there.

Sanusi's statement comes in response to Nigeria's oil industry regulator's indication of a fast-track sales approvals process for oil companies seeking to divest their businesses in the country.

"Shell must be held fully to account for decades of grievous human rights abuses related to oil spills," Sanusi emphasized, citing environmental pollution, contaminated drinking water, and poisoned agricultural land among the harms inflicted on local communities.

Expressing concern over the proposed fast-track option, Sanusi highlighted the potential for large oil companies to wield disproportionate influence in negotiations and called for community involvement in decision-making processes.

Furthermore, Amnesty International stressed the necessity of ensuring that buyers have the requisite operational expertise and financial stability to manage acquired operations safely and effectively, safeguarding local communities from enduring harms.

The organization reiterated its recommendation for a thorough sales approval process, including environmental studies, asset inventories, and evaluations to ensure adequate funds for potential decommissioning of oil infrastructure.

Shell's sale of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium for up to US$2.4 billion has raised concerns about accountability and the potential for exacerbating existing environmental damage.

The head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission introduced the fast-track approvals option during a meeting with representatives of major oil companies, including Shell and Exxon Mobil, in Abuja last week. (ILKHA)