BUS-260: Business Communication

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has had a poor record on human rights. This episode looks at the situation in the midst of 33 years of military rule. From the promised elections that were aborted by the military junta, the execution of a prominent human rights activist, and the actions of the U.S. government and Shell Oil Company, Nigerians have been denied basic human rights. The worldwide response to this situation is examined. Included is a report on the lobbying efforts in the U.S. by American corporations, non-profit organizations, Nigerian nationals, and the American public, due to its position as Nigeria’s largest trading partner. Also featured is an excerpt from “Ken Saro-Wiwa: An African Martyr,” the final interview with the human rights activist before his execution. Part of the series Rights & Wrongs: Human Rights Television. Original broadcast title:: Nigeria, Show #412. (26 minutes)

For 50 years, Nigeria has been an El Dorado for oil companies around the world—an El Dorado and a hell. As the fourth-largest producer in OPEC, the profits are huge and the conditions extreme. Hostage-taking, corruption, attacks, massive pollution, and environmental destruction are the flip side of this industry. The Niger Delta is now one of the most dangerous regions of the world. One of Africa’s most populous countries is a very sick giant. The film takes us to meet the people, the activists, and the hostage-takers. We board an oil rig off the coast, where engineers and technicians dig ever deeper under the water’s surface in the search for oil. On land, we discover an incredible underground refinery, pirated pipelines, and villages without water, electricity, or gas yet crisscrossed by dozens of pipelines. Buried for millions of years, Nigeria’s oil is now the world's energy. It is the treasure and the curse of the country. It enriches the oil companies, allows economies to grow further, to fuel our factories, our cars, our planes, and our rockets, but does not feed its own people.

Meet the comics and club owners in Nigeria who are cashing in on comedy and making laughter an essential part of every evening out.

Over the years, Nigeria has become an economy based almost entirely on the mining of crude oil. But having a single economic focus has not kept the country safe from violent rifts and factionalism—indeed, rebel groups have regularly battled the government for control of oil pipelines while attacking the installations of foreign oil companies. Meanwhile, those companies often came up short in their obligations to maintain and repair the infrastructure that keeps oil flowing. This film illustrates what resulted from the chaos, both military and corporate, that engulfed Nigeria’s foremost industry between 2003 and 2009: case after case of oil spilling from a damaged pipeline, with tremendous commercial and ecological ramifications. In retrospect, is sabotage largely to blame, or are the aloof, profit-driven corporations? Is the conflict really over now? It depends on whom you ask—but this documentary faces the issue head-on as it searches for answers. (Portions with English subtitles, 22 minutes)