Triple Bottom Line Costs Reporting and Environmental/Social Restiveness: An Empirical Evaluation of Applicability Benefits to Oil and Gas Companies in Optimizing Corporate Image in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper empirically examines the applicability of the triple bottom-line reporting framework by Oil Gas Companies in stemming the tide of social restiveness in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The objective of this paper is to examine if the triple-bottom-line reporting approach can be used as an effective tool in the restoration of much needed peace in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The research adopted the survey design method and the indices measured were derived from the UN Global Impact (a set of principle based standards for reporting business impact on the environment and the people) and GRI (Global Reporting Initiative). Data were analyzed using the ordinary least square regression method and the results show that youth restiveness is a function of social and environmental neglect and that the triple bottom reported approach can be adopted as a surrogate tool of financial reporting to stem the incidence of social restiveness in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. It was recommended that, in the interest of environmental and social justice vis-à-vis economic interest of the Oil and Gas Companies and that of the government of Nigeria, the Oil and Gas Companies should adopt the triple-bottom-line reporting framework as a panacea for restiveness in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Keywords: Triple bottom line costs, corporate social practices, corporate environmental practices, spillage control costs, decontamination costs, restiveness, corporate image, oil and gas companies, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.