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Global Position

Growing global competition for natural resources is placing renewed attention on the Gulf of Guinea region, and specifically on the Niger Delta. This is happening at the same time as a consensus is emerging amongst policy makers in the developing world that addressing poverty through supporting good governance and promoting the development of physical and social infrastructure are global - as well as African - priorities.

West Africa's oil is becoming increasingly central to this heightened focus on the region. This is not only due the continually expanding global demand for secure sources of energy, but also because of its potential to act as an "engine of growth" for the region. SDN's work will be increasingly important in introducing "community voice" to this debate, so that the dual objectives of resource development and community empowerment can be better harmonised.

SDN believes representative governments and laws are the most effective way for ordinary people to negotiate a social contract with extractive industries. However, we argue that the energy rich region of the Gulf of Guinea and specifically the Niger Delta, provide a clear example of the dangers faced by communities with little economic bargaining power, trapped in a political vacuum without effective local democracy or the impartial application of laws. There is an urgent need internationally to create both institutions that are more accountable to societies, and channels of communication between stakeholders in the world economy. Without these conditions, vulnerable communities with huge wealth under their land run the risk of being disenfranchised rather than empowered by its exploitation.

SDN will seek to identify where there are clear conflicts of interest and dangers for stakeholders in the region and will develop initiatives to address these. So that those at the bottom get a better deal and a more secure operating environment is created in the medium term. This harmonisation will depend on a much needed transition occurring in current Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies from "reputational risk" issue management by businesses to policies driven by negotiation with local government, communities and representative stakeholder bodies.