“This agreement marks an important milestone for Shell in Nigeria, aligning with our previously announced intent to exit onshore oil production in the Niger Delta,” Zoe Yujnovich, Shell’s integrated gas and upstream director, said in a statement. The assets that Shell is selling are largely owned by the Nigerian government’s national oil company NNPC, which holds a 55% stake. However, pollution from oil and natural gas production has prevented residents from accessing clean water, hurt farming and fishing, and heightened tensions. Despite joint military operations and a government benefits program for former militants that accompanied the amnesty deal, the Niger Delta remains volatile. The oil industry faces risks of violence, including pipeline vandalism by oil thieves, whom companies often blame for oil spills.

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Persons: — Shell, Shell, Zoe Yujnovich, France's TotalEnergies, ”, Ledum Mitee, Dumnamene Organizations: Shell, Aradel Energy, Nigerian, Eni, Movement, Ogoni, Youths, Environmental Advocacy, AP Locations: ABUJA, Nigeria, Niger Delta, West, London, Ogoni People, Niger, Guinea