Contemporary Challenges Facing the Niger Delta Region in Nigeria: Areas For Legislative Interventions

Abstract

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is home to oil and gas exploration in Nigeria, and thus the mainstay of the economy. It comprises nine states of the Federation with a total population of 42.65 million people. According to the World Bank, oil accounts for 40% of Nigeria’s GDP, 70% of federal government revenues, and 95% foreign exchange earnings. Despite the economic benefit of the region, the adverse effect of oil exploration activities in the region poses socioeconomic challenges for the people. Our analyses identified some of the challenges to include: environmental degradation, high poverty levels, spiraling armed conflicts, poor infrastructure, and widespread unemployment, amongst others. This study discusses the extant legal frameworks aimed at addressing Niger Delta problems, and identified some gaps. Consequently, we proffered recommendations for the consideration of the National Assembly as follows: (1) The National Assembly should utilize its investigative hearing instrument to determine the level of compliance with the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board Act, 2010, and the Niger Delta Development Commission Act, 2000 in order to ensure that they fulfil their respective mandates. (2) The legislators from the Niger Delta Region should organize sensitization workshop for community leaders and youth groups on the benefit in working together to support NCDMB in realizing the objectives for which it was established, which can reduce the level of unemployment in the region. (3) The legislators from the region should call on the executive to expedite actions on cleaning up of the Ogoni community and other exploration-ravaged communities in the region, to address the problem of environmental degradation. (4) The National Assembly should investigate the activities and operations of JTF through oversight function to curb their excesses. This study concludes that the collaboration of all stakeholders in the Niger Delta region is necessary to accelerate the socioeconomic development of the region.