IMPACT OF OIL EXPLORATION ON THE NIGER DELTA: THE DRIVERS AND DYNAMICS OF CONFLICT OVER ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Abstract

The study examines the drivers of conflict over environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The study also investigates the mechanism used to manage conflict relating to oil spills and gas flares in the area. The study was carried out in B-Dere and Bomu communities in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.  Primary data was obtained through oral interview and questionnaires that were used to elicit responses from the target population. Taro Yamane formular was used to determine the sample size. The data was analyzed using quantitative method of analysis.  The study found that the inability of oil companies especially Shell Petroleum to respond immediately after there is a report of oil pollution and clean-up the environment was the major driver of conflict in the area. The study also found the mechanism used by Shell to manage conflict relating to oil spills was that of divide-and rule tactics, whereby the chiefs and elders are used against the youth. The study concluded that until Shell responds swiftly to cases of oil spills and remediates the polluted environment and compensates victims of oil spills and gas flares, as a way of assuaging their grievances, conflict between Shell and the oil bearing communities will continue to be a recurrent phenomenon. The study recommends that Shell should promptly respond to cases of oil spills, cleaning of spill sites, and compensation and rehabilitation of affected victims in order to reduce conflict in the area.