Nigeria

Boko Haram and the Case For Amnesty

The following was originally published in Foreign Policy Journal, penned by former Governor of Abia State Orji Uzor Kalu on the notion of amnesty for Boko Haram: French poet Victor Hugo once stated that “amnesty is as good for those who give it as for those who receive it. It has the admirable quality of [...]

Minimizing Political Risk in Frontier Markets

From threats of a coup in Thailand to rebel invasions in the Congo to an anti-corruption trial in Brazil, every business with foreign operations finds itself tasked not only with navigating complex political issues but also coming up with its own policies to limit exposure and rapidly respond to changing conditions.

Shell Faces New Risks in Nigeria

After a number of accidents, attacks by militants, and political scandals, is Shell’s honeymoon with Nigeria coming to an end? Some recent events and transactions indicate a shift in the Dutch company’s strategy in the country, opening a window of opportunity for new operators.

Nigeria Makes Another Attempt at Anti-Corruption

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has sacked the country’s corruption czar and appointed a new one. Can they turn things around?

Nigerian Oil Exploration at 10-Year Low Before Law

Despite a drop-off of instability in the Delta today, oil exploration in Nigeria has slumped to the lowest in a decade after producers including Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Total SA backed away from investment until the country’s petroleum law is finally passed. Just one exploration well was drilled in Nigeria over the past two [...]

Corporate Foreign Policy Speech in Helsinki

Robert Amsterdam’s speech on corporate foreign policy in Helsinki, Finland.

Shell Lawsuit Settled: How Nigerian Human Rights Move Forward

Oil company Royal Dutch Shell will pay $15.5 million to settle a lawsuit against its Nigerian subsidiary by the family of executed Nigerian environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and other dissidents, the plaintiffs announced yesterday.  The lawsuit accused Shell of complicity in the 1995 hanging of Saro-Wiwa and the murders or persecution of other environmental activists [...]

Opportunity in Investment: Nollywood on the Rise

The beauty and indeed power of Bollywood has never been more prevalent than in recent months, with the smash-hit success of the film “Slumdog Millionaire“. Through the music of A.R. Rahman and the dazzling cinematography, one can only imagine the next big hit to come from an emerging economic and indeed cultural market. However, there [...]

A United Africa Needed in Conquering Conflict, Corruption

Rule of law in Africa has always been a controversial issue to foreign investors looking to take steps in to emerging markets. The recent acts of piracy coordinated on the ground between Nigeria and Somalia are examples not only of a lack of domestic security but of the power of African inter-connectedness, even if it [...]

Won’t You Be My Neighbor – African Infrastructure being Abused and Unused

“If a continent is divided in to a patchwork of tiny countries, countries too small to have internalized key externalities, vital public goods will be missing.”  - Paul Collier, Wars Guns and Votes Infrastructure Reform – a critical platform for one running for elected office in Africa against the incumbent. Roads, schools, houses and yes, [...]