Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability in the Niger Delta: A case study of Chevron Nigeria Limited.

The objective of this study is to explore Chevron Nigeria Limited's (CNL) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in relation to environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta (ND), as both in theory, work simultaneously towards the effective development agenda of their host communities. Through a study of the environmental and CSR practices of CNL, this research explores CNL's flagship CSR program, the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) and environmental stewardship process. The study finds that CSR alone does not effectively address the development of the ND based on the fact that what is invested in the region does not compensate for the sometimes irreversible environmental damage caused to flora and fauna, especially considering the deteriorating human and social infrastructure evident in the region. It is worth mentioning, however, that the onus of the development of this region has always been contentious, as CNL (and other IOCs) are quick to point out that it is not their responsibility to develop their host communities or operational sites as attested in the Joint Venture (JV) agreement with the Nigeria government.

This study also explores the inability of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to create an enabling environment for CSR to flourish. The study argues that the value of CSR to CNL and its host communities is not mutually reinforcing. CNL's GMoU is critically analyzed in this study in relation to its practical implication in the host communities, considering the fact that CSR, which was devised in the Global North, respects and considers other countries' norms (Blowfield and Frynas, 2005, p. 512). The inference therefore is that CSR should be country specific, tailored to suit the circumstances of the ND people. This study adds to the body of literature that addresses the need for integration of CSR models, business and the environment for more effective and sustainable development in the Nigerian context.

Keywords: Global Memorandum of Understanding, Corporate Social Responsibility, Social and Ecological Sustainability, Environmental Impact Assessment, Resource Curse, Rentier State, Niger Delta, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Petroleum Industry, Fossil Fuel, Petroleum Pollution, Oil Industry.