Sustainable Engagement of Stakeholders for Socio-Economic Development in Oil Producing Communities Niger Delta Region Nigeria. A Case Study of Multinational and Indigenous Oil Companies

Muhammad, Nabiha Dandutse

Abstract

ABSTRACT
This study examines current engagement between oil producing communities and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta Communities in Nigeria while attempting a comparison of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of Multinational Oil Company (MNOC) and Indigenous Oil Company (IOC) in oil producing communities of Nigerian Niger Delta Area. Current academic literature presents CSR as a philanthropic or moral but largely voluntary activity, intended to satisfy various stakeholders, it is often theoretical and descriptive as well as neglects local communities as stakeholders.
To achieve the set objectives, this study conducted semi-structured interviews with forty members from the two communities selected for the study. Additionally, semi-structured interview was conducted with two oil companies operating in both communities to explore the mutual understanding and engagement that occurs between communities, their leaders, and the oil companies before agreeing on what the CSR projects and programmes are implemented as CSR initiatives by MNOC and IOC.
Furthermore, the study employs a data triangulation approach to enhance the robustness of the data collection process, encompassing a diverse array of data sources. These sources include semi-structured interviews conducted with all research participants, the use of archival data derived from websites of oil companies, press reports featured in newspapers, annual reports published by the oil companies, and press release disseminated by local communities. Additionally, the study incorporates photovoice as a supplementary data source, (photos were employed from companies’ websites, internet, and newspapers). Photovoice is an emerging qualitative research methodology designed to actively involve community members in the research process, thereby shedding light on their real-life experiences to initiate change.
The study found out that an effective and efficient CSR delivery by oil companies (and in extension other extractive industries) needs a robust engagement and mutual understanding between the CSR beneficiaries and the CSR providers. This understanding should include trust, knowledge of communal needs and priorities, identifying the different social groups (they might differ across communities), developmental plans of local government, and that different host communities have different needs and values. Therefore, oil companies should endeavour to engage meaningfully and constructively with all stakeholders in the host communities (including the local governments) to have acceptance, ownership of projects, and peaceful oil operations. The study proposes a conceptual framework for effective sustainable engagement with all stakeholders. 

Citation

Muhammad, N. D. Sustainable Engagement of Stakeholders for Socio-Economic Development in Oil Producing Communities Niger Delta Region Nigeria. A Case Study of Multinational and Indigenous Oil Companies. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 24, 2024
• Award Date: Nov 21, 2024