Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to examine oil companies/communities relation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with special reference to four states of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa States.
The focus is to establish the factors that cause the heightened and frequent agitation of people from the oil bearing communities and finding solution to such problems.
The study sourced data from (60) respondents selected from twelve oil producing communities in the four states and oil companies employees of the area. Data obtained were analyzed presented in tables, percentages, frequency distributions and chi-squares.
The study discovered considerable neglect resulting in hunger and poverty, environmental pollution and degradation. It was also observed that in several cases, developmental projects embarked upon by some of the oil companies in its host areas are not done according to the needs, and priorities of the communities. It was their conclusion that oil companies and government should identify the peculiar needs of their host communities in their immediate environment.
Finally, that oil companies in the Niger Delta region should adopt adequate community relation procedures so that developmental projects could be implemented thus curbing out community clashing and disturbances.
