Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria has said that it was providing the sum of $10 million as take-off fund and contribution towards the clean-up of Ogoniland.The oil firm further expressed its commitment to the remediation of oil impacted spots in the area.
SPDC General Manager, Internal Relations, Mr. Igo Weli, explained that funds that would be used for the clean-up of Ogoniland would be available based on the Joint Venture and budgeting process with the Federal Government.
Weli spoke while briefing journalists in Port-Harcourt on Saturday, added that while the Federal Government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation would make available 55 percent, Shell would provide 30 percent.
He stated that Total Exploration and Production was expected to contribute 10 percent of the funding for the clean-up of Ogoniland while Eni’s Agip would provide five percent.
He added, “SPDC JV commits to support HYPREP and the HYPREP Project Coordinator, Dr. Marvin Barinen Dekil, in the clean-up process. SPDC JV has made available the $10million take-off fund for HYPREP as part of its contribution towards funding its share of the Ogoni Restoration Fund.
“SPDC JV remains fully committed to continue supporting and contributing its share to the ORF within the appropriate framework and governance structures. We encourage all relevant stakeholders to also remain committed to contributing their quota to the Ogoni Restoration Fund.
Explaining that the actual clean had not begun because the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project also known as HYPREP was still expected to present a programme for the exercise, Weli stated that the situation had nothing to do with lack of funds.
