COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IN THE NIGER DELTA

The Niger Delta is one of the world's largest wetlands and includes by far the largest mangrove forest in Africa. Within this extremely valuable ecosystem, oil activities are widespread – The Delta produce 75 percent of Nigeria's petroleum, which represents a substantial amount of national government revenues. However, despite its vast oil reserves, the region remains poor. Gross National product (GNP) per capita is below the national average. Unemployment is also well above the national average. Optimal resource and land use in the region is constrained by a lack of development, stagnant agricultural productivity, very limited opportunities in urban areas, rapid population growth, the generally poor health of the expanding population and tenuous property rights. Conflicts have developed between local communities and private and public developers over resource ownership and use, particularly tied to oil activities.

Community Relations Strategy

Our strategy is based on the principle of “work in the community, by the community”. To this end, we have set the following goals:

At least, but not limited to, 25% of our personnel shall be of Niger Delta origin, especially the oil producing communities.

Where necessary and required, advance liaison with the community leaders will be carried out before commencement of operation in such community.

Within the limit of our profitability and growth, we shall sponsor educational development program in communities of the Niger Delta. Such sponsorship shall primarily focus on Scholarship awards to indigenes.

We intend to work closely with our customers to promote their set community relations objectives and goals in the Niger Delta communities.

At no time shall we expose our personnel to any perceived danger or threat in the Niger Delta. Besides our QHSE management system, our security strategy to any situation shall be directly linked and coordinated with our customers while working in their facilities.