MARANA GLOBAL

SERVICES LTD
Rc: 1305260

Training Guide for

Conflict Management and Community

Affairs

Website: www.maranaglobal.com, Authorized Training Provider for

www.maranaglobal.com.ng Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria
Email: info@maranaglobal.com
Phone: +2348110141960, 08138591811

www.ispon.gov.ng
CAN WE MEET?
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Introduction

• In Nigeria, just like in other parts of the world,

companies are established for business purposes.
• While these organizations operate their systems to
produce goods and services, they do so in various
communities which serve as their hosts.
• To accomplish the goals of any establishment, there
must be continuous or uninterrupted operation in
line with the company's planned activities.
Introduction
• The aim of this course is to achieve business
sustainability through a more cordial and mutually
beneficial relationship between organizations and
their host communities.
• The course may be particularly recommended for
expatriates and other non-nationals working in
Nigeria, and everyone who desire to gain more
insights on community engagement.
Conflicts

• A conflict is a serious disagreement over interests

between two or more groups (state or non-state
groups) which may not necessarily be violent.
Example, the Labour Union and the Federal
Government.
• A non-state group does not have control of the
State’s power (economic, political, security).
• A state group typically represents the government
and seeks to protect the interest of the state.
Types of Conflicts
• For the purpose of this course, conflicts will be
discussed under three categories.

Types of conflicts based on approach

• Non-violent: a disagreement between groups
which is addressed through non-violent means,
such as dialogues, non-violent protests, strike
action, etc.
• Violent: conflicts in which groups use weapons or
arms against oppositions.
Types of Conflicts
Types of conflicts based on Actors
• State conflicts: involving groups in which at least
one group directly represent the government (state
actors).
• Non-state conflicts: Non-state conflicts involve
actors who are independent of government or
government resources. These can include civil
society, private sectors, economic and social
groups. Virtually anyone apart from government
can be an actor. However, some actors may be
officers of the State who have influence over
resources but their involvement does not directly
represent government interest in the conflicts.
Types of Conflicts
Types based on Sources
• Internal conflicts: arising within the organization,
usually between members of the same team or
department, or between one department and
another. Example is typical of Admin and Finance
department against the Operations department.
Such may arise during resource planning and
allocation, or during work execution.
• Third party conflicts: arising between an
organization and an external Actor, such as a
community, opinion leaders or even regulators.
State-based Conflicts

• This is a form of conflict involving groups in which

at least, one group directly represents the
government.
• It also includes such instances where a ruling
government goes into conflicts with the opposition
due to unwillingness to give up power, or where
the government goes into conflicts against an
insurgent, a rebel or militant group.
Example of State-based Conflicts

In 2017, The Republic of Gambia showed this

example following their Presidential election where
the ruling president refused to step down having lost
the election.
• That resulted into various violent conflicts which
directly involved people representing the interests
of the government and the opposition.
Examples of State-based Conflicts

• Another typical example is the Boko Haram

insurgency that has lasted for several years in
Nigeria. It is so severe that “in north-east Nigeria, a
seven-year uprising by the Islamic extremist group
Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people
and driven 2.6 million from their homes...” The
Guardian, March 11, 2017.
• The Nigerian Biafra war from 1967-1970 and the
Odi incident in 1999 are some other examples.
• State-based conflict has tendency to degenerate
into civil wars if not properly managed.
Non-state based Conflicts

• This occurs between parties in which neither of

them have control over the State’s resources. It is
usually caused by ethnic, religion or other factors
not connected to the government. They typically do
not represent the interest of government in any
clear way.
• Though a group may have members who are
government officials, such conflicts are typically
engaged locally and does not legally involve the use
of state resources.
Examples of non-state Conflicts in Nigeria
• Ethnic conflicts due to differences in cultural, language,
beliefs or other identities.
• Pastoralist clashes: is another popular dispute typically
between the Fulani cattle hearders and some
communities across Nigeria.
• Land disputes can be described as trans-boundary
conflicts between neighbouring communities. Major
disagreements are due to land boundaries.
• Private sector conflicts occur mostly between an
organization and one or more communities.
• Religious conflicts involve members of different
religious views, typically of Muslims and Christians.
Communal Crisis

• Communal crisis is a form of conflicts, usually

violent dispute and targeted hostility involving two
or more non-state groups organized along a shared
group identity with conflicting interests.
Occurrence in Nigeria
• Communal crisis is a common occurrence and the
leading cause of fatalities in many parts of Nigeria,
especially in the south eastern, north east and
middle belts.
• This is an example of non-state conflicts, as actors
are typically members of communities who
supposedly defending their rights.
• As at 2019, the number of deaths resulting from
non-state violence such as communal clashes in the
country was far higher than the total fatalities
during operation in all the industries put together,
notwithstanding the lack of accurate data in the
industries.
Common Factors Causing Communal Crisis
The community based aggressions in Nigeria can be
traced to some common factors such as listed below.
• Perceived or real socio-economic and political
oppression
• Poor education and social awareness
• High unemployment rate
• Perceived or real injustice, especially between host
communities and oil industry
• Violation of human rights
• Discrimination and lack of tolerance
Impacts of Communal Crisis on Businesses
• Crisis have affected the peaceful coexistence in the
nation, and it is vital that organizations understand how
their projects can be affected as well.
• A company cannot successfully execute a project in a
violent prone community unless special measures are
deployed.
• Therefore, the risks to workers must be specifically
addressed if projects are planned to be executed in
such environments.
• Over the years, workers have been kidnapped, tortured
and some lives have been lost in connection to such
crisis. Equipment have also been affected in various
ways.
• All these constitute economic losses.
Vulnerability Assessment for Organizations

• Organization should emphasize vulnerability

assessment as part of their risk assessment during
project planning.
• While accidents may not occur on the job, conflicts
can cause significant work disruption, leading to
lost time injury.
• Details of the procedures for carrying a conflict
vulnerability assessment are not covered in this
course.
Managing Communal Conflicts with
Private Sectors
• The following sections will critically and objectively
examine the relationship between industries in Nigeria
and their host communities with a view to identifying
areas of function (responsibilities), areas of mutual
agreement (possible collaboration) and consequently
suggest means to manage disputes in the course of
executing projects.
• Though, private sector conflicts are more pronounced
in the oil and gas sector, one must bear in mind that
issues of community and conflicts extend far beyond
the oil industry alone.
• Regardless of the industry, there is always a common
factor for all stakeholders.
The Common Factor

Organization Project Community

Courtesy: Marana Global Services Ltd

The Roles of Education and Enlightenment
• The role of constant education and enlightenment to ensure
industrial harmony and minimize areas of function cannot
be over emphasized for the success of a project.
• It increases the workers' awareness of their roles in
achieving company’s business objectives as well as
enhancing their conscious strive towards the betterment of
host communities.
• At the same time, it is a critical strategy to engage the host
communities and prepare them to accept the company prior
to business activities, creating opportunities for mutual
progress.
• Effective enlightenment brings peace and harmony as each
worker becomes aware of the importance of his actions and
contributions to the success of the company, the community
in which they work and the national economy at large.
Thomas-Kilmann Strategies Resolution
• Thomas-Kilmann’s conflict resolution strategies are
based on the theory that people chose how they
respond to a conflict.
• Response in a conflict can either be “assertive”
where one satisfies his own needs, or “cooperative”
where one collaborates to satisfy the other part’s
needs.
Thomas-Kilmann Strategies Resolution
• Based on this theory, the five strategies for conflict
resolution include:
i. Avoiding: where parties withdraw from the conflict
without solving the problem.
ii. Competing: where parties assert their opinions on
each other. Not willing to let go.
iii. Compromising: where parties negotiate and agree
on compromise. They walk away without having
their demands fully met.
iv. Accommodating: where one party decides to accept
the demands or opinions of the other. The problem
is not solved, instead, they are tolerating each other.
v. Collaborating: where parties decide to work
together, review each others needs and reach a
mutual understanding to achieve a common goal.
Collaborative Approach Between
Communities and Private Sectors
Collaboration is the best conflict resolution strategy by
Thomas-Kilmann. It has proven to be very useful over
time and it can help prevent further conflicts as well.

• Oil is Nigeria's most explored economic resource at the

moment and it contributes nearly 90% of government
revenue. It is found in the Niger Delta region of swamps
and mangrove forest-populated areas of Nigeria.
• Exploration activities in several ways touch on the lives
of the inhabitants of the oil communities.
• It involves for instance, the construction of roads and
canals, the breaking up of mangrove forest and in the
process, the destruction of fauna and flora.
• Environmental pollution and the introduction of
entirely new cultural pattern and value system are also
common impacts.
Collaborative Approach Between
Communities and Private Sectors
• In Nigeria, the communities have a stake in
whatever resources found in their land. Therefore,
it is expected that exploration should take a
collaborative approach among all the stakeholders,
including the host community.
• As such, exploration of mineral resources and other
business activities in the country should be a
partnership venture jointly managed by all
stakeholders to ensure success.
Collaborative Approach Between
Communities and Private Sectors
• For now, the communities feel they are treated as
mere beneficiaries, rather than the partners and
stakeholders that they should be. Coupled with the
impacts of exploration, there has been a perceived
injustice to the host communities.
• The manner in which an organization manages this
aspect will ultimately determine the nature of their
relationship with the communities, whether cordial
(cooperative) or the prevailing characteristically
hostile relationship (assertive).
Collaborative Approach Between
Communities and Private Sectors
• For a sustainable business, it is recommended for
organizations to identify their functions as determining
factors and influencing party for a peaceful relationship
by exhibiting better community citizenship rather than
using exploitative approach which may result in
retaliatory consequence.
• One important tool that can facilitate good cooperation
among the stakeholders is sincere and purposeful
communication.
• This can even be more effective if the organizations
attempt to help the communities in changing their
perception from that of a “beneficiary” to “partners” in
the real sense.
Collaborative Approach Between
Communities and Private Sectors

• Achieving a collaborative relationship will make the

communities appreciate every development effort
such as youth empowerment, employment
opportunities, infrastructural development, and
others.
• This will make the community accept the efforts as
sincere gesture, rather than the normal
compensation in exchange for resource exploration.
• It should be known that no organization can pay
the full cost of operating in a community, but
efforts can be made to strike a balance through
collaboration.
Short Break

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discomfort. Take a break. Relate with others. Make it fun while
learning.

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Community Affairs
What is a Community?
• Community is a group of people located in a given
geographical area with common goals and aspiration
(Ogbebor, 1992).
• The term also refers to people inhabiting a certain
locality, having some degree of political autonomy, a
sense of fellowship, a uniform set of religious beliefs,
ethnic homogeneity, and often a particular dominant
occupation function.
• A typical community is a self-organized network of
people with common agenda, cause, or interest, who
collaborate by sharing ideas, information, and other
resources. Thus, there is usually a peculiar pattern of
living and belief system that define them as a people.
Community Affairs

• Community affairs simply mean the cooperation

between the community, governments and private
establishment (industries and NGOs) for the
improvement of the community.
• In other words, such relationship is to improve the
economic, social and cultural conditions of the
communities, to integrate them in the life of the
nation, make them relevant in economic
development and enhance their contribution to
national progress.
Elements of Community Affairs
The three elements developed by Marana Global
include:
i. Communication
ii. Community citizenship and membership
iii. Community mobilization and participation
• These are based on the functional interaction
between an organization and the host community,
as seen in the “Common Factor”.
• The use of these elements can make the Thomas-
Kilmann’s collaborative strategy more effective for
conflict resolution.
Element 1: Communication
• This is the first element and heart of community affairs.
Communication in this sense goes beyond mere exchange of
information between the organization and the community.
It comprises of purposeful and sincere interactions to
achieve specific project goals.
• It is a way by which organizations establish cordial
relationship with the communities regarding a planned
project.
• One way by which communication facilitates community
affairs is that it gives opportunities to both parties to
express themselves positively.
• The organization will be able to describe the intended
project and how the community will benefit from it. The
community will also make known their expectations as
partners regarding the project.
• A good communication will create collaboration where the
community will accept responsibility for the success of the
project.
Advantages of Communication

• It helps in identifying all stakeholders for the project,

including factions in the community
• It facilitates easy understanding among the
stakeholders
• It creates a shared responsibility for project execution
• Projects are better appreciated by the communities
• Communities will have the responsibility to protect and
guide company team members during the project
• It will result in reduced costs and avoid unnecessary
illegal levies.
Disadvantage of Communication

• The community may want to take advantage of the

company’s willingness through this principle,
especially if there is no proper training for
implementing the first element.
• Organizations may be subject to certain
unnecessary community’s tradition.
Element 2: Community Citizenship and
Membership
• This is the second element that should be considered in
community affairs. By definition, a citizen is a member
of a community, or nation.
• Community citizenship will then define the
membership status of an organization in a particular
host community.
• Community citizenship and membership simply
encourages organizations to share the aspirations of
the communities, so that in turn, the communities can
also become part of the organization.
• That is to say, the organization, whether oil company or
not, and the communities will respect certain shared
qualities such as encouraging each others goals,
accepting the rules, norms and beliefs of each other,
and demonstrating willingness to contribute
meaningfully to mutual development.
Element 2: Community Citizenship and
Membership
• Prior to any project, the community has existed. The
implication is that a community already has their
chosen lifestyle, cultural, religious and political system.
• Likewise, the organization also has its structures and
management policies before the birth of the project.
• The company as a citizen must be ready to relate with
the community as they are, giving due regards to them
irrespective of economic, social or political status.
• The community on the other hand, must also be willing
to adopt the policies of the company to which they are
becoming partners.
Community Citizenship and Membership
• To be a corporate citizen of a community does not
necessarily imply setting up an office there prior
the planned project.
• Rather, the whole idea is to create awareness that
you exist as a company and clearly make the
community understand your willingness and
sincerity to be part of their development. This in
return, should make the community to see
themselves as members of the company.
• In many cases, this should be positive step that will
create avenues to further strengthen cordial
relationship on the project, having achieved the
first element.
Advantages of Community Citizenship and
Membership
The benefits include:
• The company can be seen by communities as a
partner in the socio-cultural development of their
areas.
• It will foster goodwill for the company.
• It will provide a guide for the identification and
management of stakeholders representatives and
opinion/community leaders in the communities.
• It will create a transparent basis for the
management of resources relating to community
affairs and interventions by the company.
• Members of the community can see themselves as
part of the organization.
Element 3: Community Mobilization and
Participation

• Community mobilization simply means bringing

together members of the community for a
particular purpose. This can only be possible
following the success of the first two elements.
• Community’s willingness to participate in a project
is a necessary ingredient for the success of that
project.
Objectives of Community Mobilization and
Participation
The objectives include:
• To encourage community participation
• To further create awareness of the project to be
carried out
• Training and empowering the community for the
project
• To educate the people about project specific
hazards and how to manage them
• To motivate and enlist the support of the
community members in planning and
implementing .
Advantages of Community Mobilization and
Participation
• More of the company's project will be
accomplished.
• Service can be provided at a lower cost by the
community
• Insecurity challenges can be better managed.
• It helps to reduce the destruction of company's
equipment and maintains good rapport between
personnel and the indigenes.
• The organization is better informed about the
problem(s) in that particular community.
Advantages of Community Mobilization and
Participation
• It can be a catalyst for further development efforts
• The community can create a sense of responsibility
and ownership for a project
• Unskilled youths in the community can be engaged
by the company for non-technical tasks.
Disadvantages of Community Mobilization and
Participation
• The members of a particular community may want
to impose rules and regulations or ideal on an
organization in terms of employment, wages,
salaries, social amenities, etc.
• Intra- and inter communal clashes can affect the
growth and development of the company in their
communities.
• If not properly implemented, the organization
concerned may spend more money, time and
personnel in providing community needs.
Model interaction between the elements of
community affairs

Communication Community
Organization

Courtesy: Marana Global Services Ltd

 MODEL FOR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
1. 2. Elements of Community Affairs
• Communication
• Community citizenship &
Organization Project Community
membership
• Community mobilization &
participation
The Common Factor

3.

Communication Community
Organization

Model interaction between the elements of community affairs

Courtesy: Marana Global Services Ltd
Nigerian People and Culture
• Organizations must recognize the uniqueness of
Nigerian people, and respect their cultures. This must
be considered when dealing with any community.
• As friendly as a man can be, he will always strive to
protect his sense of dignity and beliefs.

Important Definitions
• Taboos could be defined as things or places members
of a particular community avoid, because they think
they are offensive or embarrassing to the smooth
governance of that community.
• It could also be a social custom which members must
avoid or a religious custom that forbid a particular
activity because it may offend God.
 Taboos and Totems
• Totems are animals, plants, foods, etc, that are
thought to have special spiritual connection with a
particular tribe and community.
• In some south eastern parts of Nigeria, snakes are
not to be killed or eaten. Snake, in this case, is a
totem.
• Be that as it may, it is instructive to note that
taboos, totems and laws in a given community
where a project is to be executed should be learnt
or taught to the company's personnel by those who
are conversant with the customs and traditions of
that particular community.
Taboos and Totems
• The best way this can be achieved is successful
implementation of the first two elements
(communication and community citizenship and
partnership), as already discussed.
• In the process of engaging each other, the company
will have opportunity to learn directly from the
community by asking questions.
• Doing this can save the company and workers from
embarrassment, arrest, fines and compensations as
the case may be.
Conclusion
Following the guides in this manual,
• It is expected that organizations can improve on
their processes to achieve a smooth project
execution with minimal disruption due to conflicts.
• Applying the elements of community affairs
described, together with Thomas-Kilmann’s
strategies can further help to achieve a cordial
relationship with host communities.
• If conflict can be avoided, there will be no need to
manage it.
Submission of Continuous Assessment

• You are required to answer the continuous

assessment questions and submit by email to
assessment@marana-global.com

• If you have questions, send to

marana-training@maranaglobal.com

• For general information and complains, send to

info@maranaglobal.com
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