EVADING RESPONSIBILITY: THE STATE AND THE INTERNATIONAL OIL COMPANIES

Abstract

The sustainable development of the petroleum resources is a constant challenge to the government because it seems that the latter prefers to opt for economic development at the expense of the environment.
Studies of the Niger Delta Region (NDR) of Nigeria have shown that a minor crude oil leakage often destroys a farm produce that can last for years, thus debilitating the farmers and their families who depend on farm-land and water for their livelihood.
According to Ejumudo et al, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) means the "commitment of companies towards encouraging the growth and development of the community and voluntarily eliminating practices that are not in accordance with public interest". It is therefore important that public interest is included in the operational decisions of companies, taking into consideration the well being of the people and their environment. 
If the concept of CSR is implemented properly, the companies would take the path of sustainable development of petroleum resources in the NDR of Nigeria. Too, they would have taken into consideration the public interest which includes the welfare of the people and their environment. 
This article intends to highlight reason(s) for the continuous degradation of the NDR environment by the activities of international oil companies (IOCs) and illegal oil bunkering, etc. despite the extant environmental laws and the impacts of the damage and pollution on the environment; also, how the state and oil companies’ evasion of responsibility aids in the reoccurrences of crude oil spills and gas flaring; and finally proffer some solution to observed challenges.