AEC calls for fast-tracked approval for Shell to sell Nigerian onshore assets  

Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin

Lagos — Following the decision by British multinational oil and gas company Shell to sell the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, which owns onshore oil assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, the African Energy Chamber, AEC, strongly urges the government to take a fast-tracked approach to approve the deal.

The AEC believes that Nigeria stands to serve as an example of how the successful transfer of oil assets from an international major to local players can advance the industry.

For Shell, the sale of these assets allows the British multinational to attention on other critical assets within its portfolio. The company is looking at increasing investments in the Bongo and Erha fields where nearly one-third of the country’s deepwater production is derived. Through the transaction, greater focus, capital, and time can be given to these assets, resulting in both a more profitable and productive future for Shell in Nigeria.

“This agreement marks an important milestone for Shell in Nigeria, the deal is simplifying our portfolio and focusing future disciplined investment in Nigeria on our deepwater and integrated gas positions” Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director Zoe Yujnovich explained.

Meanwhile, the sale of the SPDC to the local consortium offers several benefits, both for the consortium companies and the country as a whole. In addition to ensuring the continuous development of fields and infrastructure, the acquisition showcases the capacity of domestic Nigerian companies and will lead to enhanced job creation, revenue generation, and technology transfer for the consortium itself. SPDC will also benefit from the expertise and experience of the local players, improving risk mitigation and greater social responsibility.

Executive Chairman of the AEC NJ Ayuk stated: “The AEC strongly urges the government of Nigeria to approve the transaction, thereby transferring the onshore assets into the capable hands of the local consortium.

“For decades, the Chamber has been promoting the role local energy companies play in Africa’s energy industry and this transaction is a strong testament to this. Local Nigerian companies will lead the next phase of the country’s energy industry transformation and we look forward to the success the consortium will have in the onshore market.”