scholarly journals How Multinational Oil Companies and Corrupt Niger Delta Elites Underdeveloped the Niger Delta Region

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-266
Author(s):  
ANGELA AJODO ADEBANJOKO
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Degradation ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
The People ◽  
Oil Wealth

This study is on the role played by Multinational Oil Companies (MNOCs) and Niger Delta elites in the underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study adopts a descriptive approach drawing data mainly from secondary data such as books, articles in newspapers, journals, internet etc. The study found that the Niger Delta region is endowed with natural resources. Among this is crude oil which is the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.Despite this oil wealth however, the region is largely underdeveloped. Poverty, massive unemployment, absence of safe drinking water, filth and squalor, lack of access to health care,education and housing among others are some of the features of the region. The problem of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta was traced to MNOCs and Niger Delta elites. The paper therefore argues that oil exploration activities of MNOCs such as gas flares and oil spills which have resulted in environmental degradation have deprived the people of the region their means of livelihood while corrupt practices of Niger Delta elites who embezzle funds meant fordevelopment have been responsible for the underdevelopment of the region. The study recommends among others the need for MNOCs to compensate the people for years of environmental degradation while Niger Delta elites found guilty of embezzlement while in office should be sent to jail.

scholarly journals Social impacts of oil extraction in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Obumneme Achunike
Keyword(s):  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Critical Discourse ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Amnesty International ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
The People ◽  
Nigerian Government

Oil was discovered in Nigeria in1956 at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta Region after almost 50 years of exploration. Shell-BP at that time, was the sole concessionaire because non-British companies were not given exploration license to operate in Nigeria. After Nigerian Independence in 1960, exploration rights were extended to other multinational oil companies. More than 16 multinational oil companies were in operation with little or no supervision from the Nigerian Government, which created significant environmental, political,and social impact in the region. A critical discourse analysis of documents from Shell, Amnesty International, THISDAY Newspaper revealed that the Nigerian government has failed to safeguard the environment and the lives of the people. On the basis of evidence presented on this research, in addition to literature, it can be argued that oil has turned out to be a curse to the Niger Delta Region and Nigeria in general.

The arguments for environmental rights in Niger Delta: a theoretical framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Samy ◽  
Heineken Lokpobiri ◽  
Ade Dawodu
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Environmental Damage ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Environmental Rights ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the extent to which environmental rights enforcement is currently practiced in Nigeria and the relevant characteristics for the development of a legal framework for the practice of environmental rights enforcement in Nigeria, particularly in the interest of the Niger Delta region of the country. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is rich with abundant hydrocarbon resources and plays host to numerous multinational oil companies. For over five decades, oil spills and gas flaring from the operations of these companies have polluted water bodies and degraded farmlands on which the inhabitants depend for their livelihood. However, the absence of a legal regime of environmental rights has made it difficult for inhabitants of the region to seek legal remedy against these companies. Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the extent to which environmental rights enforcement is currently practiced in Nigeria and the relevant characteristics for the development of a legal framework for the practice of environmental rights enforcement in Nigeria, particularly in the interest of the Niger Delta region of the country. Findings – Nigeria does not have constitutional environmental rights. The legal implication of this provision is that it is not justiciable as such no court of law can exercise jurisdiction to hear any matter that is connected with the provisions of that chapter. In other words, even the government’s “constitutional” responsibility to protect the environment cannot be judicially enforced, let alone environmental rights for victims of environmental damage. Originality/value – The original and significant contribution of this paper is to highlight the real issues and address them through substantive and procedural environmental rights provisions either in the constitution or positive legislations.

scholarly journals Mirroring the Conflict Situation of the Oil-rich Niger Delta Region of Nigeria on the Screen: A Thematic Analysis of the Film - Black November

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-146
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Lucas ◽  
Fatima D. Vakkai ◽  
Tordue Simon Targema
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Resource Curse ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
The People ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The Government ◽  
The 1960S

This study examines the potentials of film in managing conflict in the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This is against the backdrop that since the commencement of oil production in the region in the 1960s to date, it has continued to experience one form of armed conflict or the other. These manifest in several ways such as kidnapping of foreign oil workers, vandalization of oil facilities and confrontation with security operatives by militants, leaving adverse effects on the Nigerian economy which depends on crude oil as the major source of income. The paradox of plenty or resource curse that has come to characterize the region and how it can be addressed, therefore, is what prompts the current study. Using the Nollywood film- Black November, the study demonstrates that film is an instrument that can be used effectively to manage conflicts in the region. From the viewpoint of Singhal and Rogers’ Entertainment-Education approach, the study adopts thematic analysis to identify and discuss the various themes embedded in the film. Findings indicate that several forces are behind the intractable conflict in the region as contained in the film, such as exploitation of resident communities by multinational oil companies, environmental degradation occasioned by oil spillage and gas flaring, and gross injustice, insincerity and human rights abuse by security operatives that make the people lose faith and confidence in both them and the government which they represent. Other causes include betrayal and corruption on the part of community leaders and the burning fire of patriotism in the youth who are determined to fight for their rights. Given the rich thematic embodiment of the film, the study concludes that film has potentials which, if effectively harnessed, will go a long way in managing conflicts in the society.

scholarly journals Oil Wealth, Corruption, and the Multiple F(Ph)aces of Internal Colonialism in Ahmed Yerima’s Hard Ground

Anafora ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-188
Author(s):  
Nurudeen Adeshina Lawal
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
African State ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Internal Colonialism ◽  
Political Crises ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
The People ◽  
Oil Crisis ◽  
Oil Wealth ◽  
Crisis Call

This paper explores Ahmed Yerima’s play Hard Ground (2011) to show how Yerima employs dramatic elements to interrogate manifestations of corruption and internal colonialism engendered by violent struggles for oil wealth in the Niger Delta region. Some scholars from the Niger Delta region have alleged that Yerima’s Hard Ground falls short of being a “realistic” portrayal of the oil crisis in the Niger Delta. Their claim suggests that the play is an exercise in the service of the establishment. However, this study contends that Yerima’s representations of corruption and internal colonialism in the crisis are meant neither to underestimate the role of the establishment nor to overlook the suffering of the people in the region. The playwright’s portrayals of corruption and various forms of internal colonialism generating the oil crisis are informed by postcolonial, multiple, contradictory, and complementary realities/truths, which often reveal the complexities of socio-economic and political crises in the postcolonial African state. The study reveals that leadership egoism and failure are among the key factors that aggravate violent crises which recur in the region. In its conclusion, the paper asserts that the multiple insights that Yerima’s Hard Ground offers on the oil crisis call for collective efforts within the Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria as whole at finding lasting solutions to the region’s crises orchestrated by the violent struggle for oil wealth.

scholarly journals Oil Spillage and Heavy Metals Toxicity Risk in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enegide Chinedu ◽  
Chukwuma Kelechukwu Chukwuemeka
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Crude Oil ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
Heavy Metals Toxicity ◽  
Financial Interests

Background. Heavy metals are known to elicit toxic effects which negatively affect human health. Crude oil is known to contain heavy metals and oil spills contaminate the environment and can result in human exposures to heavy metals. As the seat of crude oil activities, the Niger Delta region experiences the highest rate of oil spills in Nigeria. Objective. The purpose of this study was to estimate the quantity of oil spilled into the Niger Delta region from 1976 through 2014 and to assess the resulting heavy metals exposures of the local population. Methods. Secondary data from governmental and non-governmental bodies were analyzed and the amount of oil spilled in the Niger Delta region from 1976 through 2014 was determined. The heavy metals present in crude oil from this region and the quantities released into the environment within the study period due to spillage were then extrapolated. Results. The Niger Delta region is continuously exposed to a higher rate of oil spills, and about 3.1 million barrels of crude oil enriched in manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were spilled from 1976 to 2014 in this region. Therefore, the occupants of this region may be at risk of heavy metals toxicity. Conclusion. To minimize heavy metals exposure and toxicity in the Niger Delta region, effective strategies must be adopted to reduce oil spills. In addition, curtailment and remediation of oil spills should be more rapid. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests

scholarly journals Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility by Oil Companies in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Myth or Reality

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-132
Author(s):  
Onyeka Festus Mbalisi ◽  
Christiana Uzoaru Okorie
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
The People ◽  
Corporate Social

Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a home to many multinational oil companies with different packages of corporate social responsibility (CSR) because of its huge natural resource reserve especially of oil and gas. The CSR packages are designed to address social, economic and environmental concerns of the indigenes of the Niger Delta region, arising from the oil and gas operations of the multinational oil companies. The operational activities of the oil companies over the years have led to the degradation of the Niger Delta environment with consequent loss of livelihood sources, thereby triggering protests and other violent activities in the region. The paper identified and analysed the indices of the components of the CSR (social, economic and environmental components) packages using results-based management framework to determine the impacts of the CSR projects and programmes on the people. The analysis revealed that multinational oil companies release funds from a philanthropic perspective for the execution of some social development projects/programmes, but these projects/programmes do not address the welfare and livelihood needs of the people. This means that the multinational oil companies operating in the region create an illusion of compliance with social development and responsibility rules. The paper linked these unfortunate situations (environmental degradation, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, etc) found in the region today to failure of CSR implementation due to corruption, insincerity and philanthropic approach of the oil companies and regard it as injustice to the people of Niger Delta. It therefore concluded that CSR implementation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a myth and as a result recommended that Multinational oil companies should therefore incorporate the people of the Niger Delta into the oil economy by enlisting household heads into the payroll system of the multinational oil companies as well as engage sincerely in projects that will lead to the development of the region, if protests and other violent activities in the region must stop. Key Words: Implementation, Corporate social responsibility, Environmental Resources, Niger Delta, Multinational Oil Companies

scholarly journals RIGHTS TO OIL THEFT AND ILLEGAL REFINERY IN NIGERIA

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
C.O Okwelum
Keyword(s):  
Social Contract ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
The State ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Analytical Methodology ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
The People ◽  
The Social

The reactions of the ethnic communities which have morphed into violent militant groups and ganglands in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to State and industry control of land and mineral resources require a very close study. A comparative analysis of the current situation in Nigeria with what is obtained in the early days of the European civilization when the challenges of governance and economic crimes were emerging from the womb of the industrial revolution is equally of importance. If sovereignty resides ultimately with the people and the State governs with the consent of the citizens and the ultimate responsibility of the State and business is the welfare of the citizens, a fundamental breach of the social contract leaves the people with the right not only to abolish the State but to sabotage business in social banditry. This paper tries to apply the general principles of the theories of social banditry and social contract to the phenomenon of oil theft and illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It employs the comparative, historical and analytical methodology in presentation while relying on secondary materials and doctrinal research method. It argues that the crimes of oil theft and illegal refineries have arisen from the lack of the development of the Niger Delta by both the State and the multinational oil companies and that they are an expression of the rights to resource control by indigenous communities after 50 years of State and industry control of same have failed to yield development on the ticket of the United Nation’s Resolution 1803 of 1962 guaranteeing national sovereignty over natural resources. It finds that they fall within Hobsbawm’s social banditry thesis and that the basic conditions for the abolition of the State under the social contract thesis have been largely met by the economic and socio-legal contexts prevailing in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

scholarly journals Consolidating Peace in the Niger Delta for National Development in Nigeria: Rising Beyond Tokenism

2021 ◽  
pp. 24-41
Author(s):  
Umaru Tsaku Samuel ◽  
Moses E. U. Tedheke
Keyword(s):  
Federal Government ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
National Development ◽  
Oil Production ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
The People ◽  
Peace And Development

This study attempts an investigation into oil politics and other related issues that have generated security crisis in the Niger Delta region, which made peace to elude the people over the years. For decades, peace in the Niger Delta remains a mirage because of the violence and counter violence unleashed by the different stakeholders in oil production in the Niger Delta. While the militants in the Niger Delta resorted to kidnapping of expatriates, oil theft, and the destruction of oil installations of the international oil companies to register their grievances against the Nigerian state and international oil companies over the debilitating development conditions in oil producing communities, the Nigerian state had militarized the region to maintain law and order in the oil producing areas in order to secure oil installations of the international oil companies which were targeted for destruction by the militants who felt the federal government and oil companies have not done enough to improve the living conditions of the people. To pacify the Niger Delta people and to ensure seamless oil production in the region, the federal government introduced some initiatives and created different Commissions such as the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, increased derivation formula in revenue allocation to 13 percent and the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission to engender peace and development in the region. In recent times however, the federal government in furtherance of its commitment to resolve the Niger Delta crisis created the Ministry of Niger Delta and equally granted Amnesty for repentant militants with a view to re-integrating them back to the society in the interest of national peace and development. Except for Amnesty Programme which introduced relative peace in the Niger Delta, which itself failed to address the root causes of underdevelopment, all other initiatives have not engendered development and lasting peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. These initiatives and Commissions were simply tokenism as they failed to fundamentally, reposition the region on the path of sustainable growth and development. However, in generating data for this research, both primary and secondary data were used for analysis. The primary data were obtained from questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions carried out in Bayelsa and River states. The study concluded that peace and development is possible in the Niger Delta if conscious and deliberate efforts are made by the government and international oil companies to improve the lots of the people who bear the devastating consequences of oil production in Nigeria. 

Gender and Economy in the Niger Delta: An Examination of the Role of Women in Sustaining a Region in Conflict

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ikechukwu Umejesi
Keyword(s):  
Niger Delta ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
Mining Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
Economic Survival ◽  
Role Of Women ◽  
Oil Wealth

The discourse on the structure of the economy and the drivers of growth in different African societies is underlined by patriarchy. The dominant view is often that men are at the heart of the productive and profitable sectors of the society, hence the skewed power relations and visibility of men in all organs of the society. While this framework seems to typify patriarchal societies in different African nations, it overshadows the tenacity of women in conflict-ridden societies where men focus mainly on the execution of war and combat roles rather than on the economic survival of their families and society. In the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, years of grassroots struggle against the state and mining companies over oil wealth and the environment have shifted economic relations hitherto dominated by men, and created a platform where women have become visible participants in the economy. This paper looks at the role of women in the economy of local communities of the Niger Delta. Analyses of the decades-old conflict have often been limited to male-led military, political and environmental struggles between major actors in the conflict, with little attention paid to the role of women in the economic survival of the region. The paper uses both ethnographic and secondary data collected from Egbema community and its neighbours in the northern Niger Delta region.

scholarly journals Restructuring towards Sustainable Development: The Role Corporate Social Responsibility Should Play in the Development of the Niger Delta Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 65-80
Author(s):  
Abraham Orhero ◽  
Zephaniah Osuyi Edo
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Niger Delta ◽  
Social Activism ◽  
Delta Region ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Niger Delta Region ◽  
Oil Wealth ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
A Company

The oil rich Niger Delta region is host to several big corporations that are involved in the exploration and extraction of her oil. Right from 1958 when oil was first exported in commercial quantity, the region has continued to play significant role in the budgetary calculation of Nigeria. However, despite its oil wealth, the Niger Delta is largely underdeveloped as its environment have been impacted negatively by the activities of oil multinationals and ignored by successive governments. Over the years, conflicts and oil theft have also affected its development. This is in spite of oil companies affirmed commitment to corporate social behavior. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been used to measure a company developmental commitment to host communities and it is a well settled argument that companies have a role to play no matter how minimal, either to mitigate the impacts of their activities or to enhance local participation. This paper attempts to look at how effective oil multinationals CSR is in the region, in the wake of increased spate of violence, social activism and massive environmental degradation. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Environmental Responsibility, Niger Delta

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