Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria and Multinational Corporations in the Fight Against Human Trafficking in Oil Producing Communities
Joseph Ikechukwu Uduji, PhD, DBA, MSc, MPA, MBA & Elda Nduka Okolo-Obasi, MSc | September 23 | 10:15-11:15 am
Topic: Research, International | Knowledge Level: Advanced
In Nigeria, human trafficking is a hidden crime, driven by the current economic situation of the country. The Nigerian government has demonstrated significant efforts to combat human trafficking in the country by creating the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The incidents of human trafficking in the Nigeria’s oil producing communities have remained among the highest in the country and higher than the national average. The objective of this investigation was to determine the impact of a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) model of multinational oil companies (MOCs) on the fight against human trafficking in the host communities. The researchers generated cross-sectional data from a total of 1,200 households selected across the host communities of Niger Delta using multi-stage sampling procedure. Results from the use of a combined propensity score matching and logit model indicated that MOCs hold the key to combating human trafficking by fostering effective partnership across different sectors, if highest CSR priority is assigned to reducing incidents of human trafficking in the oil producing communities. Embracing the fight against human trafficking should form the foundation of General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoUs) practice, which in turn will provide the enabling environment for more widespread responsible business. As most of the human trafficking in the Niger Delta is exploited by relatives or friends, MOCs, governments, and other stakeholders should increase awareness campaigns in public places on the risks of trafficking. Advocacy efforts should aim at changing the perception of rural people that life is better in the cities or abroad.
Presentation Objectives:
· Analyze the level of multinational oil companies’ CSR interventions in the fight against human trafficking in Niger Delta, Nigeria
· Examine the impact of multinational oil companies’ GMoUs in reducing incidents of human trafficking in rural communities of Niger Delta region in Nigeria
· Determine the consequences of reducing the incidents of human trafficking in the Niger Delta, Nigeria