The Politics of Conflict over Oil in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Review of the Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies of the Oil Companies

Abstract

This article evaluates the nature of corporate social responsibility related oil conflict with emphasis on the key reasons for the conflict in the Niger Delta region that has remained impoverished despite the region's huge contributions to the Nigerian economy for many decades. The problem is that the region has been underdeveloped despite its contributions to the national economy. In fact, observations show that the corporate social responsibility projects of the oil companies are inadequate and therefore require a change of strategy. The methodology is a combination of the qualitative data, especially secondary and primary sources including observation of the situation in some oil producing communities, and also the use of the Nigeria Watch database which identifies the sources and maps and the trends of violent deaths in the country. From observations, the resistant movements were formed in the region to address environmental rights violations and enhance economic development. In terms of theoretical and practical significance, the study argues, based on the stakeholder's theory that there is a direct relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and conflict, considering the disconnect between the community development projects and the actualisation of human needs. Their capacity to differentiate between what the people want and their actual needs would end the attacks on the oil workers by restive youths. The article has suggested possible ways of resolving this conflict.

A multi-criteria sustainability assessment for biodiesel and liquefied natural gas as alternative fuels in transport systems

“…However, the main LNG and crude oil suppliers of Spain are still extracting these resources by conventional methods. Analyses of the social and environmental impacts of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria claimed that the most serious impacts occurred specifically due to oil operations in the Niger Delta region, where millions of barrels of crude oil have been spilled into the environment and have degraded the drinking water and sources of livelihoods and consequently led to poverty and violence (Ebegbulem et al, 2013;Nwankwo, 2015;Omokaro, 2009). Specifically for NG, this industry has better records for sustainability in comparison with other fossil fuels (Marcogaz, 2008).…”

“…Fuels: (DTTL, 2014;Ekener-Petersen et al, 2014;Manik et al, 2013) h Infrastructure: (DTTL, 2014). Fuels: (APPA, 2015;CORES, 2016;DTTL, 2014;Ebegbulem et al, 2013;Ekener-Petersen et al, 2014;Manik et al, 2013;Marcogaz, 2008;Nwankwo, 2015;Omokaro, 2009) i Vehicles, infrastructure and fuels: (DTTL, 2014) and own analyses based on semi-structured in-depth interviews to the different stakeholders Osorio-Tejada, J., Llera-Sastresa, E., Scarpellini, S., 2017. A multi-criteria sustainability assessment for biodiesel and liquefied natural gas as alternative fuels in transport systems.…”

The effects of oil pollution on the marine environment in the Gulf of Guinea—the Bonga Oil Field example

“…This is ultimately due to poor governance, 49 which has resulted in environmental degradation-pollution of the farmlands and water sources-by the multinational oil companies operating in the region, thereby undermining the sources of livelihood of families and communities. 50 The multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria have to take responsibility for their own laxity, evident in decades of poor maintenance and underinvestment, which have resulted in the corrosion of ageing facilities and the subsequent equipment failure and oil spillages. 51 Similarly, the Nigerian state may be criticised for not having a robust system for regulating the activities of these companies and holding them responsible for their actions.…”

The Role of Multinational Oil Companies (MNOCs) and Militancy in Niger Delta

“…The root of Niger Delta militancy has also be linked to Akassa raid of 1895. The people of Nembe was denied participation in the oil and palm product business by the Royal Niger Company, the people revolted and attacked the company's depot in Akassa (Nwankwo, 2015;Ako, Okonomah, & Ogunleye, 2009;Oloya & Ugbeyavwighren 2009;Aghalino, 2006). However the pre-independence was not borne of of crude oil agitation because crude oil was not the mainstay of the state.…”