Effects of the deep-rooted problems of oil exploitation to the Niger Delta

Abstract

Oil spillage and gas flaring by the oil industry has devastated the Niger Delta for more than half a century.
Oil pollution causes both immediate damage and long-term harm to fish, agricultural lands and the health of
the living environment. The exploitation of oil and gas in the Niger Delta of Nigeria resulted to
impoverishment, conflict, human rights abuses and despair to the majority of the people rather than
development. The impact of the crises continuously affects oil and gas operators leaving the area unsafe
and endangers the lives of workers and assets. This study tends to capture experiences from the events so
as to prevent further deterioration of law, peace and order in the region. To provide a long lasting solution to
the deep-rooted crises, the present study identified the root causes of the Niger Delta crisis, the trend of
escalation, and the management strategies that were engaged along with their impact and recommended
appropriate management approaches to prevent further deterioration of the situation and to restore peace in
the areas