An Examination of the Relationship between Communication and Conflict in Oil and Gas Conflicts in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract The relationship between oil companies and host communities in the Niger Delta is characterized by conflicts. Through library research, it has been observed that conflicts arise not just because of oil companies’ purported refusal to develop the host communities but that in most cases, conflicts occur as a result of insufficient appreciation of the roles communication play in oil companies’ relationship with host communities. The paper argues that communication as a fundamental conflict management tool could be dysfunctional if not properly managed. While suggesting the adoption of communication techniques that incorporate the cultural values that matter to the different host communities for conflict management in the Niger delta. The paper concludes that unless oil companies give required attention to the peculiarities involved in communicating with the people, no significant improvement will be achieved in their relationship with Niger Delta host communities. Key Words: Communication, Conflict, Cultural Values, Oil Companies, Host Communities ______________ *Aniefiok Udoudo, Ph. D. is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. **Christie U. Omego, Ph. D. is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. ***Oyakemeagbegha Musah, is an Assistant Lecturer, Department of English and Communication Studies, Federal University Otueke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 9, No. 1, April 2017, 61 – 72