In 2005, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) initiated a newCommunity Engagement strategy called Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) in a bid to improve its relationship with communities in the Niger Delta region where it operates.
The initiative was signed as atripartite agreement among CNL, clusters of communities, referred to as Regional Development Councils (RDCs) and their state governments. Under the GMoU process, all stakeholders have clearly defined roles and responsibilities aimed at promoting sustainable development and better relations between CNL and community stakeholders. In order to address the capacity gaps identified in the 2008 GMoU evaluation that was conducted among stakeholders, Participatory Partnerships for Community Development (PPCD) was set up by CNL. The project is designed to strengthen the implementation of the GMoU through capacity building programs and empowerment of RDCs to deliver sustainable development to their communities. The project also aims to promote peace, reduce conflicts, and ensure effective communication among the RDCs and the communities they represent. Since its inauguration
in 2010, PPCD has undertaken capacity building programmes on issues such as gender mainstreaming, resource mobilisation, project management, advocacy,budgeting, financial management, among others.
These programmes have increased the capacity of the RDCs and other stakeholders to manage and implement development projects.
