It said this in a statement on its website on Tuesday, noting that the transaction has been designed to preserve the full range of SPDC’s operating capabilities following the change of ownership.
It, however, said the completion of the transaction is subject to approvals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other conditions.
This, it said, “includes the technical expertise, management systems and processes that SPDC implements on behalf of all the companies in the SPDC Joint Venture (SPDC JV)”.
“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, simplifying our portfolio and focusing future disciplined investment in Nigeria on our Deepwater and Integrated Gas positions” the statement quoted Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, as having said.
The statement added, “It is a significant moment for SPDC, whose people have built it into a high-quality business over many years. Now, after decades as a pioneer in Nigeria’s energy sector, SPDC will move to its next chapter under the ownership of an experienced, ambitious Nigerian-led consortium.
“Shell sees a bright future in Nigeria with a positive investment outlook for its energy sector. We will continue to support the country’s growing energy needs and export ambitions in areas aligned with our strategy.”
The SPDC JV is an unincorporated joint venture comprised of SPDC Ltd (30 per cent), the government owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (55 per cent), Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd (10 per cent) and Nigeria Agip Oil Company Ltd (5 per cent).