Publication Details
Abstract
Oil and gas extraction globally is an indication of economic growth and development in the area where such economic activities are carried out. Unfortunately, its anticipated benefits have become a curse to the host communities’ environment and their socio-economic wellbeing due to unethical exploitation practices leading to environmental degradation and pollution in the region. Its effects in the area have manifested in ecological devastation and economic underdevelopment particularly without alternatives for livelihoods and human survival. Most of the communities where these natural endowments are exploited have become so impoverished, barren and unproductive that they are abandoned and the people alienated. Tables 1 & 2 revealed, the extent of oil and gas infrastructure and operating activities which impoverished the people and degraded their environment causing abject poverty, mass unemployment and constant neglect of infrastructural development in the region from where Nigerian wealth (oil & gas) derives; can only breed social unrest/instability and economic underdevelopment; capable of disintegrating the country. The paper thus recommends that for the Niger Delta Region to become economically prosperous, socially stable without insecurity threats, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful; its people need sustainable development as the accruing benefits from their natural endowments’ democratic governance.