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The film crew went to Chevron’s Warri offices for a fascinating meeting with Simon Lowes. He and others within Chevron are working on community development projects in the Delta. A multi-national company has basically had to start an NGO inside the company, as community problems have had such a severe impact on oil production and revenues. Says Sandy, “Do you realize that if a corporate executive said this in the U.S. they’d be considered a liberal?” What companies like Chevron wish they could have in Nigeria is to pay the taxes and the government would take care of the people. That’s a novel idea here.

Because of lack of development, oil companies are becoming more proactive in their humanitarian development. They are taking on roles that corporations usually don’t take; it’s become a necessary part of the corporate structure in Nigeria in order for them to efficiently operate.

They are attempting to use a new model where they are giving money to “Regional Development Councils.” Each council will determine how resources will be used in communities, rather than Chevron simply gifting individual projects. They are hoping this approach will bring more ownership to the people and create longer lasting results and sustainability. The emphasis is not on physical buildings, but more on building relationships, and skills through training and education.

With recent crisis and tension in the Delta, security issues are highly sensitive. As a result, getting permission to film oil facilities is imperative and at the same time, very challenging. Sandy forged this dialogue in an effort to get permission to film as much as possible relative to oil activity – this has been mostly successful.

When the GCJ delegation was in Oporoza last year, the community women asked for help to overcome the poverty they experience here. Some of the GCJ delegates stepped forward to help initiate a micro-lending program. They have raised seed money to get started and have been researching organizations in Nigeria that could administer the program. This meeting was with the Erikpo Community Bank, an NGO with extensive micro-lending experience in the Niger Delta. Their credentials are impressive. Before disbursing loans, they offer in-depth training in bookkeeping, marketing, business and leadership development. Their approach is well thought out, encouraging women to build community as well as businesses—emphasizing empowerment and responsibility. There are a few details to be worked out, but we are hopeful that Erikpo will be on board soon and the micro-lending program can begin.