Oil Terrorism and Politics of Environmental Protection in Nigeria: The Niger Delta Conflict Revisited

Nwanolue BOG and Okeke CC

Published on: 2022-08-19

Abstract

The commencement of commercial production of oil at Oloibiri, Bayelsa state in 1958 brought with it pipeline system attacks and seizure of oil barges, oil wells, flow stations, support vessels and other oil facilities by militants. The deliberate acts of terror are aimed at getting the attention of government to some challenges which require political solution, particularly the need to protect the environment frequently degraded as a result of the activities of the oil companies operating in the region. Today, the Niger Delta people who once enjoyed safe ecosystem in the pre-crude oil era are confronted with serious threats to their health and source of livelihood. More so, there is perceived complicity of government in the unending conflict. This study therefore seeks to examine the issues surrounding oil terrorism and environmental protection in the Niger Delta region. Specifically, it seeks to find out how oil resource has contributed to environmental-protection challenge in the Niger Delta region, what factors exacerbate oil terrorism and environmental-protection challenge in the region as well as the practical solutions that can effectively end oil-related conflicts in the region. The study is anchored on regulatory capture theory while qualitative approach is adopted for data collection and analysis. Among other things, the study found out that environmental degradation persists as a result of weak regulatory approach by government. It equally found out that the oil companies operating in the region have successfully captured the regulators and continued to engage in unending flouting of the extant environmental-protection laws. In view of the findings, the study recommended the need for strict regulation against compromise of collective interest in the region. It also recommended the setting up of local surveillance team of activists with a responsibility to independently provide quarterly report to government on matters pertaining to the environment.