Community Relations Techniques of Oil Companies in Managing Conflicts with Host Communities in Niger Delta Region

Onita; Helen; Prof R N Amadi; Prof B G Nsereka; H W Dike PhD

doi:10.56201/ijmcs.v9.no5.2025.pg34.52

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Community Relations Techniques of Oil Companies in Managing Conflicts with Host Communities in Niger Delta Region

Onita, Helen, Prof R N Amadi, Prof B G Nsereka, H W Dike PhD

Abstract

The study examined community relations techniques of oil companies in managing conflicts with host communities in Niger Delta Region. The study was anchored on stakeholders theory. The research design used for the study was descriptive survey and the population of the study comprised of sixty-six (66) members of staffs of the corporate affairs units of the oil companies and two hundred and eighty-two thousand, four hundred and thirty-three (282,433) residents of Ugborodo, Opuama and Ayogboro in Delta State, Evbodogun, Ugu and Oloten in Edo State and Obieti, Obakata and Usomini in Rivers State. The sample for the study comprised six (6) companies staff members and three hundred and eight four (384) residents of the host communities. The sampling techniques used were purposive sampling techniques and opportunity. The instruments for data collection were interview guide and questionnaire. Data from the interview were analysed in line with Yin explanation building techniques while data from the questionnaire were analysed using mean scores based on four-point likert scale. The study revealed that oil companies engaged with community stakeholders, community development committee (CDC), council for dialogues, negotiations and employ situational approach to address issues as it affect the welfare of host communities. The study also revealed that through community relations techniques, oil companies have embarked on some projects as programmes such as sponsorship of local sport team, youth employment initiatives, skill acquisitions and empowerment programmes. The study recommended that oil companies should strengthen relationship between them and their host communities, incorporate engagements with improvement in their communication strategies and meet more often with the community leaders, other groups like the women wing, youths to achieve a symbiotic relations that will improve productivity and growth of the oil companies to enha

Keywords

community relationscommunity relations techniquesoil companiesconflicts

References

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Community Relations Techniques of Oil Companies in Managing Conflicts with Host Communities in Niger Delta Region

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