November10, 2006: China is offering loans and technical assistance to rebuild railroads and other infrastructure. China wants to appeal to the government for a larger share of Nigeria's oil sales.

November 9, 2006: Six of the 48 captive oil workers escaped from the oil facility held by armed villagers. Some $75,000 in ransom is being sought for the remaining captives, and five of the remaining captives were released to facilitate the negotiations. Soldiers and police have surrounded the oil facility.

November 7, 2006: Two foreign oil workers, seized last week, were released, apparently after payment of a ransom.

November 6, 2006: In the Niger Delta, a gang of armed and unarmed tribesmen overwhelmed security guards and took control of an oil facility, taking 48 oil workers prisoner.