We are members of Nigeria's emerging democratic government. Even though we were previously under a military dictatorship, we are trying to present a new face to the international powers present at the Forum. Even with the change of government, we retained ownership of 55-60% of the oil extracted in Nigerian territories by international companies Shell, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, Agip, Elf and Pan Ocean (Bureau). This provides our country with $60 billion in revenue, half of which is divided equally and distributed to each of the thirty-six state governments for use (O'Neill). As part of our government, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources currently controls and oversees “4,500 miles of pipelines, 159 oil fields and 275 flow stations” within our nation's borders. We joined the forum here today in the hope of addressing several pressing issues relating to the social and environmental climate in Nigeria and to seek how best to continue our lucrative trade agreement with those present. There are three main problems in Nigeria. The first is the environmental damage caused by oil rigs (O'Neill). As oil spills and gas flames spread through the air and waterways, they not only kill animals and plants, but also affect the Nigerian people. The lack of food sources and clean water leads citizens to starve with dangerous health problems resulting from inhaling toxic fumes. The second and third major problems are caused by so-called rebels who not only bomb pipelines across the country, but also kidnap hundreds of pipeline workers for ransom, demanding up to $10 million each. Among the parties present at the forum today, the multinationals are obviously......middle of paper......or Energy Economy. Print."Economic Sabotage: Bailout Oil Majors, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation with HDD Technology." Trenchless technology. Benjamin Media, February 16, 2009. Web. March 11, 2012"Nigeria: History of Exploration." All businesses: Small business advantage. APS Review of Gas Market Trends, August 2, 1999. Web. March 11, 2012. Poisoned Fire. Dir. Lars Johansson. Perf. Ifieniya Lott, Ishaya Garau and Lars Johansson. Friends of the Earth International, 2006. O'Neill, Tom. “Nigerian Oil: Curse of Black Gold.” National geographic. National Geographic Society, February 2007. Web. 10 March 2012. O'Reillly, Finbarr. “Nigeria's oil curse.” Global Mail. Global Post-International News, May 25, 2009. Web. March 10, 2012.Shah, Anup. "Nigeria and oil". Global Issues: Social, political, economic, and environmental issues that affect us all. 10 June 2010. Web. 10 March. 2012