In its bid to improve the living standard of its host communities, Shell Petroleum Development Commission (SPDC) in a statement released recently said it had spent $29.8million on social investment projects and also awarded 94% of their contracts to indigenous firms in line with the local content initiative of the government. This was valued at $0.74billion. Also in fulfilling its civic responsibilities the oil company has paid $1.4billion in tax and royalties to the Nigerian government and another $106.8million as part of its contribution to the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Social investment activities focus on community and enterprise development, education, health, access-to-energy and since 2016, road safety. This, however, excludes community-driven development programmes and initiatives delivered through the Global Memorandum of Understanding, which focuses on various themes as determined by benefiting communities.
Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and country Chair, SCiN, Osagie Okunbor said:
“Shell Companies in Nigeria have emerged the 2017 best Nigerian companies in sustainability innovation in Africa, beating two other finalists at the 11th edition of the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards for Corporate Social Responsibility held in Lagos”
He pledged the firm’s commitment to improve the living standard of its host communities.
“We’re delighted at the continued recognition of our modest support to Nigeria and Nigerians to make life better and to create opportunities to individuals and institutions, particularly in our host communities. We are challenged by these laurels to do even more as CSR remains part of the DNA of the Shell business, and we are striving to improve our partnership with NGOs, government and communities to ensure our people participate more in the execution of programmes and own them for greater sustainability,” Okunbor added.
