The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has taken legal action against the Nigerian government, Shell Petroleum Development Company, and other entities over the transfer of an oil exploration licence.
The lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos by Kunle Adegoke, SAN, on behalf of HEDA.
The case, registered as FHC/L/CS/651/2025, challenges the legality and transparency of the oil licence transfer from Shell to Renaissance African Energy Company Limited.
HEDA argues that the transaction may have violated Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, and other regulations governing the sector.
The lawsuit names seven defendants, including:
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd)
Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
Ministry of Petroleum Resources
HEDA claims that Shell and Renaissance African Energy failed to meet key legal requirements, such as conducting an Environmental Evaluation Study under the Upstream Petroleum Environmental Regulation, 2022.
The organisation warns that proceeding with the transaction without fulfilling these obligations could harm the environment and the well-being of Niger Delta communities.
HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, stressed the need for transparency in the process, stating:
“This transaction threatens public interest and the environment if legal requirements, such as the Environmental Evaluation Study, are ignored. The welfare of Niger Delta communities and the sustainable management of petroleum resources must be prioritised.”
The lawsuit seeks a court order to halt the licence transfer until all legal conditions are met.
The Federal High Court will hear the case in the coming weeks, with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry closely monitoring its outcome.
