COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PRACTICES OF TOTALENERGIES AND NAOC NIGERIA

This study examines the stakeholder engagement practices of Total Energies Nigeria Ltd and
Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in the Niger Delta. Specifically, the study examined the
stakeholder engagement frameworks and strategies employed by both companies, determined
the implementation of their stakeholder engagement practices, assessed the sustainability of
their engagement initiatives in terms of long-term community benefits, evaluated the
effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing environmental, employment, and socioeconomic concerns, and identified the challenges affecting stakeholder engagement practices.
The study was anchored on Stakeholder Theory and Corporate Social Responsibility Theory and
adopted a survey research design. The population comprised public relations staff of Total
Energies Nigeria Ltd and NAOC, as well as residents of the Niger Delta, with a projected
population of 31 million. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected using a multi-stage
cluster sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires and interview guides,
while analysis was conducted using weighted mean scores based on a four-point Likert scale.
The findings revealed that Total Energies Nigeria Ltd and NAOC employ structured stakeholder
engagement frameworks and strategies that promote active community participation and
sustainable development. The study further found that the implementation of stakeholder
engagement practices is structured, consistent, and participatory, while the engagement
initiatives are designed to deliver long-term community benefits. The findings also showed that
the initiatives are moderately effective in addressing environmental, economic, and social
concerns within host communities. However, challenges such as community distrust, sociopolitical tensions, inadequate communication, limited resources, and inconsistent monitoring
were found to hinder the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement practices. The study
concluded that although Total Energies Nigeria Ltd and NAOC have established structured and
strategic stakeholder engagement frameworks, the long-term effectiveness and sustainability
of these initiatives depend on continuous monitoring, increased community participation,
transparency, and adaptability to changing community needs. The study recommended that
both companies enhance transparency and communication, establish structured feedback and
grievance mechanisms, increase community participation in planning and evaluation,
integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into all engagement initiatives,
and strengthen monitoring and follow-up systems to improve corporate-community relations
and ensure sustainable development in the Niger Delta.