The Role of the Oil Industry and the Nigerian State in Defining the Future of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined the tripartite relationships that exist between the oil industry, Nigerian State, and the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with a view to defining its future roadmap to sustainable development. It has been estimated that the Niger Delta’s crude oil reserves as at the year 2000 was 30 billion barrels. Unfortunately, oil has not brought prosperity and better living conditions to the people. Rather, it has been accompanied by instability, insecurity, conflict, violence, crime, and social tensions. The paper therefore proffers solutions to the Niger Delta question by defining its future to sustainable development through short; medium, and long term solutions.

Keywords: Oil, State, Future Niger Delta, Nigeria.