Oil Exploration and Ethnic Militia activities in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Before the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta region, agriculture was the
dominant source of livelihood of the people in the region. The exploration
and exploitation of crude oil has resulted in environmental degradation,
contamination of soil and waters, pollution, loss of aquatic life and Bio
diversity, etc. The above conditions have led to the emergence of Ethnic
Militia who continues to struggle for the emancipation and development of
the region. The activities of these militia groups have transformed from the
struggle for emancipation and development of the region to criminality in the
oil rich region of Nigeria. The study is an attempt to show how the failure on
the part of the multinational corporations and the Federal Government to
mitigate the consequences of their activities and develop the region given the
fact that the region contributes a huge proportion of the National income of
the Nigerian State has led to conflict in the region. This paper will also
demonstrate how adequate mitigation measures and Development Projects
and Programme will help to reduce conflict in the region.