Distributive Justice Narratives among Different Ethnic Groups in the Niger Delta Post-Conflict Peacebuilding Processes

Abstract

Oil exploration and exploitation is characterised with inequality, marginalisation, neglect, divide and rule in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. There are different ethnic groups in this region. It worrisome to note that one ethnic group is favoured above others when it comes to the distribution of oil wealth. Distributive injustice gives room for lack of cohesion and unity among the inhabitants of the Niger Delta region. Policy makers, peace entrepreneurs, government, and international oil companies failed to realise effects of distributive injustice on peacebuilding processes in the Niger Delta. This article therefore, sets to identify reasons for protracted Niger Delta conflict. It sets to examine the nature of distributive injustice in the region. It also examines the impacts of distributive injustice on ethnic relations in the region. It examines how ethnicity brings about distribute injustice in the Niger Delta. This paper posits that resolution of ethnic divisions would lead to enduring peace in the Niger Delta. Distributive Theory is the theoretical explanation adopted in the study. The theory pointed out that equity, equality and fairness will reduce inequality in the distribution of oil wealth in the region. The total number of participants in the study was seventy-two. It was found that the general demands of the inhabitants of the Niger Delta could be stated as sharing of political offices, the creation of State structures, the creation of Local Government Headquarters, apology, oil bloc allocation, more compensation and the monetisation of benefits but distribution of these were ethnic based. Most ethnic groups in the region were neglected, abandoned, and discriminated against. Distributive justice including fairness, equity, and equality should be the focus of socio-political actors in order to ensure enduring peace in the Niger Delta, Nigeria Keywords: Distributive, Justice, Conflict, Oil, Ethnicity, Conflict, Peacebuilding