Civil society groups, led by Amnesty International, are calling on the Nigerian government to block Shell Plc’s proposed sale of its onshore oil business in Nigeria.

The $1.3 billion deal, agreed upon in January 2024 with Nigerian-owned Renaissance Africa Energy, aims to fulfill Shell’s long-term goal of exiting operations in the challenging Niger Delta. However, the groups argue that the sale should not proceed until adequate safeguards for human rights are ensured.

In a report published on Monday, 40 groups, including Amnesty International, outlined several conditions that must be met before the sale can be approved. These conditions included: an assessment of environmental pollution around the assets, a guarantee of funds for clean-up efforts, and consultation with local communities. The groups emphasized the importance of protecting human rights and the environment amidst such transactions.