Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Petroleum Industry in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study investigated environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the petroleum industry in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The petroleum industry is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy and as in other global countries where exploration of petroleum and other minerals take place, zero emission is impossible. Thus, there is no doubt that production of noneconomic materials such as emissions and waste will be an ongoing process from petroleum activities. However, the need for environmental sustainability for the existence of life in the study area cannot be compromised. Thus, this study used qualitative research approach by means of examining scholarly papers of the subject, content analysis and environmental reporting for discussion. The study found that corporate social responsibility of oil petroleum companies is preoccupied with demands made by local communities for relief materials and compensation on the occurrence of pollution while environmental remediation is politicized. This may be the result of lack of knowledge of the long run effect on the environment or possibly for selfish gains by the host communities or as a deliberate action by the oil companies or government to mislead the locals on the demand for remediation of the environment. Additionally, the study found low environmental reporting in recent years suggesting lack of interdependence and oversight, lack of technical competence on the part of regulatory bodies, lack of technical competence on the part of community representatives, lack of transparency one the part of oil companies, amongst others. This study recommended interdependence of environmental reporting and continuous orientation on the adverse effects of petroleum activities should be considered in CSR activities. Additionally, present, and future generations should demand for environment remediation in future legislations regarding oil spills and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.