Community social insecurity: An environmental degradation induced problem in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study, therefore investigated the effects of NDDC’s programme in alleviation of community social insecurity in the two oil producing states. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study.  In each state, five communities were purposively selected from Edo and Ondo States.  Random sampling procedure was used to select 3212 respondents from the two States.  Data were collected using the Niger Delta Project Community Assessment Scale (NDPCAS), (r=0.82) and NDDC Projects Implementation Scale, (r=0.66).  The survey was complemented with Focus Group Discussions (FGD).Two research questions were answered and data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and mean analysis.  The FGD results revealed that most of the facilities claimed to have been put in place by the NDDC were non-existent.  Inadequate consultations with beneficiaries of the programmes hindered the NDDC in the delivery of its programmes.  The NDDC programmes were ineffective in the reduction of social tension (69.2%), violence and crime (69.5%).The NDDC programmes and facilities did not contribute significantly to the development of the oil producing communities of Edo and Ondo States. It is recommended that the NDDC should adopt an integrated participatory approach in the design of its projects for the effectiveness of its programmes.

Key Words:  Empowerment, Poverty alleviation, insecurity, programme, beneficiaries, environmental- degradation