In the words of one Shell worker, you pay whomever you have to pay. Thats just the way it is (p.10). The location of Shells priorities is perhaps most clearly seen when the US$60 million the company spends per year on community development is compared to the money reserved for pacifying local militias. Watts asserts that it amounts to at least double that figure and may be as high as US$200 million per annum or 10% of the operating budget.
Nigerian Militants
Transnational Corporations in Conflict Zones: Shell and Society – Securing the Niger Delta?
Prime Minister Gordon Bean intervenes: Nigerian militants end ceasefire
Mr Brown's comments amounted to "military support to the illegal government of Umaru Yar'Adua", the leader of the group, known as Mend, said in an email.