The study examined the impact of the GMoU framework on poverty related issues in rural oil bearing
communities in the Niger Delta region with emphasis on the GMoU frameworks of Chevron and SPDC.
The descriptive and Chi-Square (X²) statistical methods were adopted to present and analyze primary
data obtained through the questionnaire, focus group discussions and transect walk. Findings from the
study indicate a significant relationship between incidences of rural poverty and community resistance
of oil multinationals’ operations in the region. It also shows that although the GMoU framework tends
to serve immediate domestic socio-economic needs of host communities and business interests of funding
companies, the framework proved too weak to drive and implement big-ticket development projects
across the Niger Delta. Stemming from the findings, it is recommended that development stakeholders
and other oil multinational companies operating within the region adopt and adapt the GMoU
framework in the implementation of development intervention projects and programs that impact on the
rural communities of the Niger Delta region.
