An Assessment of the Broad Expectations of Oil Communities in Relations to Oil Resource Exploration in Some Oil Producing Communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the broad expectations of oil communities in relations to oil resource exploration in some oil producing communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Systematic random sampling procedure was adopted to obtain data from 141 communities in three local government areas of Esit Eket, Ibeno and Eastern Obolo using 400 respondents obtained from the Taro Yamane formula for sample sizes. Data was obtained from a wide range of stakeholders, community opinion leaders, NGOs, etc. through interviews and direct observation and analysed using descriptive statistics like percentages, charts and graphs. Findings showed that the expectations of the host communities regarding oil activities in the communities have not been met. The people were not satisfied with the type of infrastructure provided in the community. It could be deduced that the oil multinationals actually attempted to perform their corporate social responsibilities to the host communities but are still very far from reaching the desired level. Consequently, the study showed a wide gap between expectations and benefits deliveries. Also, although the MOUS clearly stipulate the expectations, and the oil multinationals seem to emphasize their CSR, the reality on ground points to lack of commitment on the provision of the benefits. It was recommended that Oil companies should put CSR into strategic decision process rather than leaving it for operational managers within the communities they operate, for mere compliance sake. It is the responsibility of the MOCs to give back to the host communities part of their profits not by giving peanuts to chiefs or village heads but by putting longlasting infrastructure in place that will enable the communities benefit from the natural resources God has endowed in their environs.