COPENHILL AS A BLUEPRINT: HARNESSING EXPERIENCES TO ENHANCE LOCAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This study explores the potential adaptation of Copenhill's community-centric model to enhance local ownership of pipeline security and sustainability efforts in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. By focusing on experiential approaches, the research investigates how initiatives similar to Copenhill’s waste-to-energy and recreational projects can inform strategies to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes secondary data sources, including academic literature, government publications, media reports, and case studies, to generate robust insights. Through thematic analysis, the research identifies core themes. The study emphasizes the role of cultural resonance in shaping security strategies, particularly within the Niger Delta's socio-economic and environmental context. The findings identified the potential of positively perceived cultural experiences within host communities to serve as a cornerstone for security interventions. Also, since Tantita has achieved notable successes in the region, the findings suggest that the integration of experiential approaches is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of security solutions. Based on these findings, the study recommends that both governmental and private security agencies integrate experiential and culturally attuned elements into their frameworks. This approach could enhance community engagement and ownership, thereby creating a more sustainable and cooperative security environment in the Niger Delta.