THE SOCIO- ECONOMIC DIMENSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL OIL RELATED CONFLICT IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA, 1990-2010

Abstract

Nigeria over the years had been beset by differing environmental problems caused
mostly by human and natural factors. Such environmental problems had remained a source of crisis, especially in the Niger Delta. This paper explores the socio-economic dimension of environmental oil related crisis in Nigeria; Niger Delta oil-producing region. It partly discusses the environmental perspective of the crisis as it relates to oil and gas exploration in Nigeria. Set within the framework of the quest for a clean, safe and habitable environment, the study focuses on the experiences of Niger Delta region vis-a-vis oil pollution as major factor for socio-economic and political struggle by the people. By using both primary and secondary source materials, the paper further argues that while there are other factors responsible for the severe environmental pollution characteristic of the Niger Delta region, the damage and neglect associated with oil and gas production by oil companies had remained dominant in the conflict, with attendant effect on water and land economic resources. With the realization that the main socio-economic and political struggle of the Niger Delta people had for decades centred on the constant environmental pollution, the study concludes that there is urgent need for policy reform by government that would enable the people and settlements of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria to benefit from revenue accruing to federal government and multinational oil corporations.