Rethinking corporate-community engagement in the petro-economy of the Niger Delta

This study applies the political ecology perspective in reframing corporate‐community engagement and adapts the community‐directed intervention (CDI) strategy using Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) framework in relation to 30 rural communities that are likely to be affected by gas exploration and production activities in the Niger Delta region. The study draws attention to the indigenous structures and capacities of communities to implement CDI initiatives for possible replication in areas facing similar development challenges. Adopting the CDI framework as represented by the GMoU model could reconfigure social relations of power between companies and communities and fast‐track development and prevent or, at least, reduce corporate‐community tensions and conflicts in the petro‐economy of the Niger Delta.