Open seminar: Norway and Nigeria's oil adventure

Turmoil and opportunities in Nigeria. New report. Organized by: Norwegian Council for Africa, Norway, Future in our hands (FIVH), Norway, Centre for Democracy & Development (CDD), Nigeria.

Time: Wednesday 26. April 10:00 - 15:00
Venue: Stratos - Youngstorget 2A, Oslo, Norway
Open seminar: Send an email to sigurd@afrika.no for attendance (no charge!)

PROGRAMME

10:00
Welcome and introduction
Chair of seminar, Anne Hege Simonsen

10:15-11:00
Prospects for oil and development in West Africa

A short introduction to oil in West Africa: How can Africa benefit from the increasing international demand for its oil resources? How can the oil business create viable local industry and employment? What responsibilities do the oil companies have towards African countries?

Speaker: Anver Versi, African Business, London

11:00-12:15
Turmoil in the Niger Delta
The connection between conflict and oil in Nigeria's oil regions.

During the first months of 2006 the simmering conflict in the Niger Delta has again spilled over, with kidnappings of oil workers, armed conflict between militants and the army/navy, sabotage of oil installations, falling oil production and rising oil prices on the global market.

What is the connection between conflict and oil in Nigeria's oil provinces? Does oil create conflict, or fuel existing tensions? What demands and views do people in the Niger Delta have on oil companies such as revenue, employment and environment.

Speakers:
Alekiri Nnanta, CDD, Niger Delta
Ogu Enemaku, Nordic Africa Institute, Sweden

*** FREE LUNCH (12:15-12:45) ***

12:45-13:30
Statoil in Nigeria -- presentation of a new report

Statoil has been in Nigeria more than ten years, expecting to start oil production in 2008. Will Statoil contribute to the Nigerian government's goal of increased Nigerian content in Nigeria's petroleum sector, and to expanded openness on finances and operations? What are the Nigerian stakeholders expectations towards the new offshore oil development?
The Centre for Democracy and Development (Nigeria), together with Future in our hands and the Norwegian Council for Africa will present findings and recommendations of their new report on Statoil in Nigeria.

Speakers:
* Stella Amadi, CDD, Nigeria
* Mekonnen Germiso, FIVH
* Comments by Statoil

13:30-15:00
Norway and Nigeria's oil adventure: Statoil, State and Civil Society

Statoil will soon be one of the many international oil companies reaping profits in Nigeria. The Norwegian State has launched the "Oil for Development" initiative with the aim of helping African states developing sound frameworks and practices for oil production. What role does Norway play in Nigeria's oil adventure? How can NGOs play a constructive role in putting forward local demands to the oil companies? How does Nigerians see Statoil and Norway's participation in the scramble for Africa's oil?

Panel discussion:
* Stella Amadi, CDD Nigeria
* Mekonnen Germiso, FIVH
* Odd Godal, Project Manager, Country Analysis and Social Responsibilities, Statoil
* Representative for Norad - (invited, name to be confirmed)

Chair: Camilla Houeland, Norwegian Council for Africa

The seminar is open to all and free of charge, but send an email to sigurd@afrika.no to let us know you will participate.

More info: afrika.no

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