The Niger Delta crisis: Issues, challenges and prospects

Abstract

Nigeria’s Niger Delta region is not only home to the greater part of Africa’s largest mangrove forest, but
also the source of Nigeria’s oil wealth. Here, in this amazing network of creeks, and an aquatic splendor
comprising marine, brackish and freshwater ecosystems, lie the operational bases of a kaleidoscope of
ethnic militia and insurgent organizations dedicated to the socio-economic emancipation of the Niger
Delta peoples. These have culminated in the Niger Delta Crisis. Thus, the area has become a hot bed of
violence, insurgency, kidnapping, hostage-taking, oil pipeline sabotage, crude oil theft, gang wars,
internecine struggles and so much else by way of anarchy and chaos. Making use of library research
and content analysis methodologies, the paper detailed in a systematic manner the real issues involved
in the struggle, from the perspectives of the Nigerian State, the Niger Delta communities, and the oil
Companies. The paper identified and analysed the major challenges posed by this crisis to the Nigerian
State. It concluded that in spite of the continuing deterioration of the crisis into anarchy, terror and a
revolving criminality, and the militarization of the region by the Nigerian state, the conflict can still be
amicably resolved. It recommended among other things that the commitment of government to
infrastructural development of the region and corporate social responsibility would bring enduring
peace and stability.