On 10th April, Global Witness and Finance Uncovered exposed leaked emails that revealed that Royal Dutch Shell knowingly participated in a vast bribery scheme for one of Africa’s most valuable oil blocks, known as OPL 245, which deprived Nigeria and its people of $1.1billion.
Global Witness’ investigations into the case have exposed how Shell’s most senior decision-makers knew that the money they paid for the oil block would go to convicted money launderer and ex-Nigerian oil minister Dan Etete, via his Malabu company – rather than benefiting the Nigerian people. For six years, Shell has consistently denied any wrong-doing, saying it only paid the Nigerian government. But after our release, Shell shifted its position.
In a statement on 10 April, Vice President for Global Media Relations at Shell, said: “Over time, it became clear to us that Etete was involved in Malabu and that the only way to resolve the impasse through a negotiated settlement was to engage with Etete and Malabu, whether we liked it or not”. He added Shell knew that the Nigerian government “would compensate Malabu to settle its claim on the block”.
This is devastating for the people of Nigeria. Right now five million of them face starvation. The money paid for the block equates to one and a half times what the UN says is needed to respond to the current famine crisis. But the Nigerian people saw none of the benefits.
Please join Global Witness’ Oil & Corruption campaigner, Barnaby Pace, to hear more about how the world’s fifth biggest company took part in a scheme which deprived Nigeria and its people in a murky deal for access to one of Africa’s most valuable oil blocks.
Light refreshments will be provided.
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