Environmental degradation and sustainable peace dialogue in the Niger delta region of Nigeria

Abstract

Resource-related environmental degradation is a critical issue in Africa, especially in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. Since the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta region, unchecked and unregulated exploration has led to environmental stress and degradation. This study deploys the Environmental Peace Building theory and secondary sources of data to interrogate the dynamics and problems of environmental degradation and how this impacts the peace process and human security. This study argues that the inability of the oil multinationals, state and local governments to address resource exploration and environmental degradation remains a potential source of conflict and instability in the region. This has been made worse by persistent and violent demands for social justice and infrastructural development across the region. The inability of the major stakeholders to effectively deploy the use of dialogue and the lack of sincerity in fulfilling peace agreements, flagrant abuse of international and regional frameworks guiding exploration, and displacement have led to armed conflict, proliferation of small and light weapons, bunkering, kidnapping, human insecurity, poverty and chronic environmental degradation. Undoubtedly, there is the need to examine and reengage the oil multinationals on the need to conform to international and local laws guiding exploration while equally ensuring that they partner with the relevant key stakeholders in the quest for sustainable peace and human security.