Exxon-Mobil and Corporate Social Responsibility in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: Past and Present

The main aim of this study was to assess the up to date role of Exxonmobil in the development of host State, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. As the company’s policy is that of being a good corporate citizen, it has identified, supported and operated a planned and sustainable programme of community development in the State. Through quantitative facts, the study has revealed that in the past (Mobil) has made great contributions in the area of physical infrastructure namely; road construction, water, electricity, health facilities etc. However, following the merger between Exxon and Mobil now Exxonmobil, the company’s policy shifted from physical infrastructure to capacity building and economic empowerment. This is evident in various training and support programmes embarked upon by the company. The study has further revealed that there will always be a difference between State/Community expectations and what Exxonmobil can provide. Based on this, the work has recommended that Exxonmobil should keep on discussing ways to close such gap. Moreso, Exxonmobil should balance infrastructural provision with capacity building. One should not be made to suffer. Keywords: Exxon-Mobil, Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State, Corporate responsibilit

The Perceived Role of Micro-Credit in Poverty Alleviation: The Case of South-South Nigeria

Abstract Gross market imperfection in resource mobilization, allocation and utilization exists in south-south Nigerian economy. This situation has given rise to dualistic tendencies in the operations of the rural and urban economies. The so called urban and semi-urban areas are seemingly developed better than the rural areas. Moreso, there is rural-urban migration that leaves the rural areas poorer and the urban areas filled with criminals because of lack of useful means of livelihood and over stretched facilities. Successive governments have evolved poverty alleviation programmes to alleviate the level of poverty. One of such among many others is the use of microcredit in poverty alleviation. However, the operations of microcredit have only been streamlined and not properly evaluated to assess its desired impact. Impact assessment of microcredit is highly recommended to know how to appropriately streamline operations. JEL Classification numbers: O4