Violence, terrorism and instability in the Niger Delta: Understanding the domestic and global dimensions of underdevelopment.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The main feature of the Nigeria economy is the oil, which accounts for 90 percent of export receipts and 70 percent of government revenue. But in spite of its position as the nation's breadbasket, the Niger Delta remains underdeveloped. This underdevelopment manifests itself in the political marginalization of the people, poor infrastructures and pitiful human security.
In the last decade, the oil-producing communities have been agitating for increased federal presence; 50 percent resource control; or complete political autonomy. Thus far, the government has refused to yield to any of these demands---prompting segments of the community to engage in extra judicial activities, i.e. bombing of oil pipes, hostage taking and secessionist activities. In light of the aforesaid, the primary question this project intends to answer is this: "What are the domestic and global implications of underdevelopment with particular reference to the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria?".
Secondary questions were also investigated: The geopolitical importance of the oil-rich Niger Delta vis-a-vis global politics and international political economy; and the implication of continued neglect and the attendant impact of the ensuing instability vis-a-vis domestic and international security.
This study concludes by proposing public policies to ameliorate the grievances of the local community and also proffered long-term confidence building measures. It was important to engage in this study because of the need to understand the implication of underdevelopment. In addition to helping Nigeria cope with underdevelopment related issues, this study and its recommendations are expected to serve as a blueprint for other oil-producing African countries like Chad and Equatorial Guinea.
Unless Nigeria, like other oil-rich African countries addresses these disparities, the cost of oil business may severely outweigh its benefits to the Nigerian and global economy. And indeed, there are domestic and international security implications for the continuing underdevelopment of the Niger Delta.
This treatise utilized both the qualitative and quantitative research approach. Data were obtained from several sources, including the United Nations Development Programme agency and the Niger Delta Development Corporation. Several theoretical frameworks were considered, but in the end, "poor governance, weak institutions" was adjudged the most inclusive framework that best accounts for the Niger Delta crisis.