TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT. ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………….iii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem.. 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 5
1.4 Research Questions. 5
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 6
1.6 Significance of the Study. 6
1.7 Scope of the Study. 7
1.8 Limitations of the Study. 7
1.9 Organization of the Study. 8
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction. 9
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 9
2.2.1 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Theory. 9
2.2.2 Supply Chain Accountability Theory. 9
2.2.3 Community Engagement and Empowerment Theory. 10
2.2.4 Advocacy and Policy Influence Theory. 10
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 11
2.3.1 Overview.. 11
2.3.2 Historical Context 11
2.3.3 Challenges Faced by Oil and Gas Companies. 11
2.3.4 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives. 12
2.3.5 Government Regulations and International Standards. 12
2.3.6 Community Engagement and Empowerment 12
2.3.7 Transparency and Accountability. 13
2.3.8 The Role of Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 13
2.3.9 Case Studies. 13
2.4 Empirical Review.. 13
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 15
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction. 17
3.2 Research Design. 17
3.3 Population of the Study. 17
3.4 Sampling Technique and Sample Size. 18
3.5 Data Collection Instruments. 18
3.6 Validity and Reliability of Instruments. 19
3.7 Data Collection Procedure. 19
3.8 Data Analysis Techniques. 20
3.9 Ethical Considerations. 20
3.10 Scope and Limitations of the Study. 20
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Preamble. 22
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 22
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one: 26
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 37
4.5 Discussion of Findings. 39
5.1 Summary of Findings. 41
5.2 Conclusion. 42
5.3 Recommendations. 43
REFERENCES. 45
APPENDICES. 50
Appendix I: Research Questionnaire: The Role of Oil and Gas Companies in Promoting Human Rights in Nigeria (A Case Study of ExxonMobil, Nigeria) 50
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Nigeria, a country endowed with vast oil and gas reserves, has witnessed substantial economic growth over the decades driven by its thriving energy sector. However, the extraction and production activities of oil and gas companies operating in the region have raised significant concerns regarding their impact on human rights.
Human rights are sets of claims by individuals which have been recognized and legitimized by any particular legal system (Okogbule, 2012). The use of the phrases “recognized and legitimized” connotes that it is a legal system that recognizes human rights.
Tomuschat thinks differently when it is said that, in general, human rights are those rights which a person enjoys by virtue of being human without any supplementary condition being required (Tomuschat, 2003). These are rights held by all human beings irrespective of any other rights or duties that they may have in other capacities (Idiong, 2022). The main purpose of rights is to protect the owner and holder of such rights against claims which are on the basis of those principles (Idiong, 2022).
Following the wave of economic globalization across countries of the world, human rights are currently exposed to violation in great proportion by actors other than the states, including multinational corporations (Ehusani, 2009). Violations caused by economic developmental activities are often accompanied by and related to violations of civil and political rights such as information, citizenship participation, freedom of speech, and association (Ehusani, 2009).
Basic human rights such as the right to life, the right to personal development, the right to own property and manage it for one’s own benefits, and the right to a satisfactorily healthy environment remain unprotected as a result of the activities of the petroleum industry in the face of inefficient petroleum institutions and weak regulatory frameworks (Human Rights Watch, 2017).
Since industrial development and natural resource exploration or oil and gas mining affect the health, safety, and settlement of host communities, those who question the negative effects of these developmental activities are subject to harassment or suppression by the government or project authorities (Idiong, 2022; Ehusani, 2009).
A direct link between the petroleum industry and the violation or abuse of human rights is seen when International Oil Companies hire military and paramilitary forces to protect their infrastructures and facilities in the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta (Idiong, 2022). Away from merely protecting facilities and installations, these officers have used force to unleash attacks on lawful Nigerians residing within the oil and gas-producing regions (Idiong, 2022).
There are also documented cases of open attacks on lawful, peaceful, and non-violent agitators and protesters demanding the cleanup and remediation of polluted and degraded environments (Idiong, 2022), as well as compliance with international standards for oil and gas production. Indirectly, the right to life is frequently violated by incidents of oil spills and gas flaring, which pollute the environment (Atsegbua et al., 2010). This pollution has accelerated the deaths of millions of people residing within the oil and gas-producing communities (Human Rights Watch, 2017).
Other rights become meaningless when the right to life is interfered with. For instance, one needs life to enjoy dignity, liberty, private and family life, own property, or live in a safe and healthy environment. Humans need life to associate, move about freely, or own and acquire property as the case may be.
A win-win approach advocates an industry practice wherein the quest by man and corporate organizations in the oil and gas industry will continue to explore natural resources without infringing upon human rights. Hence, this study seeks to identify the role of oil and gas companies in protecting human rights in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The role of oil and gas companies in promoting human rights in Nigeria presents a complex and pressing challenge. Nigeria, as a major oil-producing nation, relies heavily on the revenue generated by the oil and gas industry. However, the exploitation of these resources has often been associated with human rights violations, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities. The extraction and production processes have been linked to incidents such as forced displacements of local communities, pollution of water sources, and health issues among residents in the vicinity of oil facilities. This raises crucial questions about the responsibility of oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria to actively contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights, as well as their accountability for any adverse social and environmental impacts stemming from their activities (Okonta & Douglas, 2003).
Moreover, the relationship between oil and gas companies and human rights in Nigeria is further complicated by issues like corruption, lack of transparency, and weak regulatory frameworks. The influence of these companies on the political and economic landscape can sometimes undermine efforts to address human rights concerns effectively. The challenge lies in finding a balance between the economic benefits derived from the oil and gas industry and the imperative to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of the local communities affected by these operations. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive examination of corporate practices, regulatory frameworks, and international standards to ensure that oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria actively engage in promoting and respecting human rights, contributing to sustainable development and equitable socio-economic progress in the region (Amnesty International, 2019).Top of FormBottom of Form
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the role of oil and gas companies in promoting human rights in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. Analyze the impact of oil and gas company operations on human rights in Niger Delta communities, focusing on specific rights impacted (e.g., livelihoods, environmental health, land rights).
- 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing initiatives by oil and gas companies to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their approach.
- Develop recommendations for oil and gas companies, the Nigerian government, and civil society organizations to foster a more collaborative and effective approach to promoting human rights in the Niger Delta region.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- 1. To what extent do oil and gas company activities lead to human rights violations in Niger Delta communities, including displacement, environmental degradation, and economic marginalization? What specific rights are most affected?
- 2. How do existing corporate social responsibility programs and human rights policies implemented by oil and gas companies in Nigeria contribute to or hinder the protection of human rights in the region? What factors influence their effectiveness?
- What collaborative mechanisms or partnerships between oil and gas companies, the Nigerian government, and civil society organizations could be created to address human rights concerns effectively and contribute to sustainable development in the Niger Delta?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between oil and gas companies and promoting human rights in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Oil and Gas Management sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analyzed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Exxon Mobil, Nigeria. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
