The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC JV) has announced a $1 million donation to support relief efforts for over 500,000 people displaced by severe flooding in Borno State. The SPDC JV—comprising NNPC Limited, SPDC, TotalEnergies, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company—will fund the procurement and distribution of critical relief materials and medical supplies for affected communities.
Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the relief effort, saying, “This donation will go into the procurement and distribution of essential relief materials and medical supplies for displaced residents who are in urgent need of aid.” An experienced NGO with local expertise in Borno will lead the distribution in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency.
The intervention responds to an alert issued in September by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) after rising water levels from the overflowing Alau Dam triggered widespread displacement. Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had called for support to aid those affected.
“This support demonstrates our commitment to our society and expresses our deep concern for the victims of the devastating floods in Borno State,” Okunbor added. He noted that this donation continues the SPDC JV’s history of assistance to a region still recovering from conflict.
Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Operating Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), echoed the urgency of the relief effort, highlighting the flood’s impact on vulnerable communities. “The flooding has severely disrupted socio-economic activities, with women and children disproportionately affected. We are glad the joint venture is able to provide succor at this time,” Wunti said.
He added that NNPC, as a responsible corporate partner, supports the SPDC JV’s relief initiative. “Our thoughts are with those affected, and we pledge ongoing support through immediate aid and long-term partnerships for sustainable recovery,” Wunti stated.
The $1 million aid package will help provide essential resources to communities in crisis, reflecting the joint venture’s commitment to supporting Nigeria during times of need.