In the midst of political instability, Chevron Corporation and the United States Agency for International Development have agreed to provide $50 million in aid to the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, each providing $25 million. Over the past several years, Chevron has invested billions in establishing facilities in Nigeria to obtain oil. However, it has faced great opposition by neighboring people and tribal groups. The region's people have vandalized facilities and taken workers hostage, expressing their anger over the corrupted system. Although the oil in the area provides wealth to the country, the people continue to live in poverty, never seeing the profits from exported oil. Over 40% of Nigeria's population lives below the poverty line and the GDP per capita is $2400. People in Nigeria experience some of the worst living conditions and injustices, while the corrupted government profits from the country's oil. As Chevron continues to spend millions in securing their facilities, it is attempting to boost the area's economic development, improve government efficiency, and help reduce conflict. It is in the company's best interest for the government to operate efficiently and help improve the people's economic development. Although their efforts are self-interested, pressure for government efficiency from large corporations could be a positive influence. After all, money is at the center of conflict.
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2011/02/17/chevron-usaid-50m-nigeria.html
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