NIGERIA’S NIGER DELTA AND THE CHALLENGES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION
Authors:
Adeyemo, Babatunde Adeoye
Abstract:
The Niger Delta of Nigeria today is totally enmeshed in ecological degradation as a result of oil exploration and production. The devastating effect of oil spillage, gas flaring and other side effects are noticeable across the region. The Nigerian government and the Multi-National Oil Corporations (MNCs) are palpable culprits. Both have contributed in no small measure to the environmental problems noticeable all over the region today. The environment and means of livelihood of the Niger Delta people have been compromised. The resultant effect is devastating and it is the ‘raison d’etre’ behind militancy and arms struggle in the Niger Delta region. Seemingly, the Nigerian state abandoned its primary responsibility of not only protecting the fauna and flora of the region but also not facilitating the socio-economic development of the area. The MNCs, on the other hand, had been operating below internationally acceptable minimum standards as their activities promote oil spillage, gas flaring and other heinous side effects that have continued to grossly incapacitate the environment and affect the health and livelihood of the people and the ecosystem. This paper discusses the Niger Delta ecological crisis and how it is also one of the major environmental hazards the world is facing today.