Oil Exploration and Underdevelopment: A Study of Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

This study placed at the center of its focus oil exploration and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In the study, three research questions were posed; what are the benefits of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria? What are the effects of oil exploration and underdevelopment to the host communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria? What are the remedies that can enhance oil exploration and development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria? Also, three objectives were stated, which includes to identify the benefits of oil exploration to the Nigeria nation, to examine the effects of oil exploration to the host communities and to recommend remedies that can enhance oil exploration and development. Elite theory was adopted to theoretically analyze this work and descriptive research design method was employed. Secondary sources were used in gathering data and content analysis was adopted as data analysis technique. The study revealed the benefits of oil exploration such as economic growth, job creation, energy supply to power industries and homes, provide fuel for vehicles and air crafts etc. Also, the research work xrayed the effects of oil production activities and the neglect of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian state and oil and gas industries such as environmental degradation, exploitation, unemployment, lack of social amenities, infrastructure, poverty among others. Furthermore, the study made some recommendations advising the federal government and oil companies to ensure effective consultation and partner proactively with host communities to better their operations, to reduce environmental degradation and its adverse effects and improve the living standard of people in the areas of oil exploration by providing infrastructures like roads, schools, electricity, hospital scholarships among others which will protect the environment and enhance the relationships between government, companies and the host communities in the Niger Delta region.