This paper examined the unintended negative implications of oil drilling activities in the Nigerian Niger Delta region. The region has suffered neglect in every index of human and material development despite accounting for more than 90% of foreign exchange earnings. Its geo-strategic importance to the political economy of Nigeria as an oil producing and gas-surplus Niger Delta is the heart of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon and the life blood of national economy. Oil drilling by government establishments, multinational oil companies (MNOCs), poor infrastructure and illegal activities of pipeline vandals and thieves, illegal refining, and seismic blasting and drilling of holes, have caused spills, gas flares, soot and venting of hazardous chemicals, that have negative effects on the ecosystem and economy. As of 2015, oil drilling which extends over half-a century, has caused about 9 - 15 million barrels of oil spills, in over 6817 incidences, raised the conflict profile and dynamics in the region has led to the internationalization of the crisis in the region. This paper adopted a historical descriptive method of inquiry by interrogating the role of the Nigerian state and MNOCS in the oil exploration activities in the Nigeria Delta. Using the resource curse thesis, the paper noted its applicability in the Nigerian Niger Delta question where oil exploration and exploitation has generated negative externalities resulting in youth restiveness, health hazards, and pollution of water bodies, environmental degradation and the lack of a sustainable means of livelihood for the people in the region. This paper found that oil externalities if not mitigated might result in 60% reduction in household food security, and about 30% of child malnutrition, and low life expectancy for the people in the region. Finally, the paper concluded that the stake holders who generate these externalities have not done enough as any genuine and worthwhile effort aimed at mitigating these negative externalities by the Nigerian State, the MOCs, the international community, the people of the region and civil societies must adopt international best practices which must be holistic and indigenously sustainable without further endangering the present and future environment and generation of the Niger Delta people.
Cite this paper
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