Empirical Assessment of Underdevelopment in the Niger Delta: Implication for Security, Peace and Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined empirical assessment of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta : implication for security, peace and development in Nigeria. Primary data were collected using questionnaires structured in line with Likert summation scale. The chi-square, a non-parametric statistical method was used to analyze data and test the two hypotheses formulated for the study. The study found that, underdevelopment in the Niger Delta was caused by lack of political will on the part of the Federal and State governments as well as the Oil companies’ singular intent of sapping and exploiting the huge oil deposit from the region. It was also discovered that, incessant protests, violence and militancy in the region were aftermath of pervasive poverty and hunger, visible marginalization, massive unemployment and avoidable underdevelopment. Furthermore, insecurity and underdevelopment have been seen as twin and deadly maladies that undermine security, peace and development of the Niger Delta. The study therefore, recommends that, governments at all levels ( Federal, State and Local governments) should enshrine and enforce good governance structure by creating a strategic development plan for the region. It is also suggested that a strategic employment generation scheme( such as entrepreneurial arrangements) be developed to engage the youths of the Niger Delta.

Crude-oil, development, Dutch disease, Niger-Delta, security, underdevelopment