Using Entrepreneurship Development and Corporate Social Responsibility as Strategies for Conflict Resolution in the Niger-Delta region in Nigeria

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Abstract The Niger Delta undoubtedly is the oil fountain of Nigeria. The region comprises of nine oil rich states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Riveri, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. The region's oil accounts for approximately 90 percent of the value of Nigeria's exports, but remains one of the least developed regions as a result of deliberate neglect. The neglect of the region for many years by successive governments in Nigeria degenerated into violent political crisis and armed conflict, which began to surge appreciably in the late 1990s and reached a dangerous dimension in 2009. The objective of this paper is to validate the proposal that using entrepreneurship development (ED) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be better strategies for conflict resolution (CR) in the Niger-Delta region in Nigeria. Based on the objective of this paper relevant literature on entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility was reviewed to provide more insights into the various dimensions of the subject matter. More importantly, a survey technique was preferred for the study through the use of structured questionnaire to generate vital information on the topic from 600 Nigerians. The received responses of the respondents were tabulated and systematically analysed with simple frequency table and percentages, while the tentative research hypotheses were tested using Regression and Correlation Analyses. From the data analysis carried out and taking cognisance of the research questions, it was established empirically that entrepreneurship development and corporate social responsibility can be better strategies for conflict resolution in the Niger-Delta. In conclusion, palliative recommendations were given to Fedral Governemnt, policymakers of the multinational oil companies and stakeholders in the oil industry to help forged sustainable peace and energy development in the Niger-Delta.