An Evaluation of International Oil Companies (IOC's) Attempts to Develop the Niger Delta Region since the 1970's

Abstract

This paper is an assessment of international oil companies' contributions in the development of Niger Delta region. It provides evident steps taking by international oil companies in Nigeria towards the development of Niger Delta region. The paper adopts both primary and secondary sources, using content analysis and in line with historical research methodology, this paper evaluates the contributions of International Oil Companies in the attempts to develop the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The approach taken by oil companies have evolved from an initial focus on corporate philanthropy to a more sustainable and long-term strategy with increasing emphasis on community development involvement. It is observed that International Oil Companies have invested extensively towards the development of the Niger Delta Region in particular. This paper presents case studies on the contributions of the International Oil Companies, as well as general commentary on other oil corporations operating in Nigeria in relation to their community development activities. It concludes that, to some extents, the problem of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta is not a responsibility of the IOC's alone and went further to list existing selected developmental programs of International Oil Companies in the Niger Delta, financial contributions the oil companies have made to the region as well as International Oil Company community relations impact on Niger Delta Region.