OPL 245 Transparency: Civil Society Groups Demand Full Disclosure of Shell, Eni, NNPC Deal

Civil society organisations in Nigeria are calling for full transparency over the recent reported agreement on the controversial OPL 245 offshore oil block. The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), alongside a coalition of groups including HOMEF, BudgIT, CODWA, and Social Action Nigeria, petitioned the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to make all documents and agreements publicly available. The appeal comes amid media reports of a new deal involving Shell, Eni, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

The coalition raised concerns that while the government highlights potential economic benefits, critical details about the deal remain undisclosed. Key information such as the fiscal terms, ownership structure, and the beneficiaries of the agreement have not been shared, leaving the public uncertain about the integrity and fairness of the process. “OPL 245 is not just another oil block; it is a symbol of nearly three decades of alleged corruption, abuse of office, and opaque transactions,” the groups stated.

The petition emphasizes that transparency is both a legal and moral obligation. Referencing the 2023 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard and NEITI’s statutory mandate, the organisations urged that the deal undergo the highest level of public scrutiny. They warned that withholding information would erode public trust and questioned claims of government transparency that lack verifiable evidence.

Among the coalition’s demands are detailed disclosures of the block’s division, any new licences issued, NNPC Ltd’s equity stake, and whether Shell and Eni made additional payments under the new arrangement. They also called for clarity on the fiscal framework, licensing process, production projections, and gas development components, noting that comparison with the criticized 2011 agreement is essential to evaluate improvements.

In conclusion, HEDA and its partners called on NEITI to use its statutory powers to review and publish all relevant agreements, contract terms, and financial arrangements tied to OPL 245. The organisations stressed that comprehensive disclosure is necessary for Nigerians to determine if the deal truly serves national interests and promotes accountability in the extractive sector.

source: newtelegraph