Conflict+in+Niger+Delta+Region

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**__Return to Public Policy in Nigeria__** = = =Conflict in the Niger Delta Region  Conflict Overview =

Conflict in the Niger River Delta has been present since the 1970's, when the Nigerian government first began the displacement of local peoples in order to extract the valuable oil resources of the region. Though 85% of the Nigerian government's revenue now comes from the oil taken from the delta, the region continues to suffer from poverty, poor infrastructure, and environmental degradation. This combined with the movement of oil companies such as Shell and Chevron into the region spurred the action of the native groups that have traditionally lived there, resulting in outright violence beginning in the 1990's. The conflict has intensified over time, and the Niger River Delta has become heavily militarized. Raids on oil pipelines and the kidnapping of foreign oil workers at the hands of local militant groups has become common, and government troops are struggling to suppress local militias.



A Summary of the Conditions in the Niger River Delta media type="youtube" key="ck2TJTdjJjg" height="390" width="480" align="center"

[|Militant Violence in Nigeria's Oil Delta]

media type="custom" key="8892470" width="300" height="300" align="center"

=Recent and Current Policy =

In 2000, Obasanjo made a large step in addressing the Niger River Delta conflict by forming the Niger Delta Development Commission, a federal agency designed specifically to reduce regional strife. Furthermore, in 2008, a Niger delta Ministry was created under Yar'Adua, with the NDCC acting as a parastatal under the ministry. Though the Commission has little ability to reduce violence in the delta, it is aimed at reforming the social and economic woes of the native peoples who are being exploited by foreign oil companies. The money made by the government from this oil is being used in the effort to improve local living conditions, in response to complaints that local peoples are receiving none of the profits generated by oil drilling. The NDDC has stated its goals to include the further technological development of the delta, an improved regional infrastructure, and a reduction of environmental degradation in the region. However, many view the commission as a vessel for corruption, and its progress thus far is questionable. In addition, no effort to remove or control the foreign oil companies existing in the region has been made by the government. This is due to the heavy reliance of the Nigerian government on these companies for revenue.



In response to the local militia, Nigeria has used force in the form of troop increases and aerial attacks in the region. This action includes a massive military crackdown on the region in 2008, and a series of raids and occupations since the 1990's. Reports of government soldiers attacking citizens, destroying homes, and generally adding to the already present danger in the region are somewhat common. So far, military advances have done little to lessen the threat posed by anti-government and anti-oil company militias.



Public Opinion

= Majority of Nigerians Reject Violence in Delta Region =

More than 8 in 10 do not condone vandalizing pipelines
While 63% of Nigerians think the people of the Niger Delta have a right to protest their situation the majority do not support violence.



61% of Nigerians think residents of the Delta are suffering, and a similar percentage (63%) think the people of the Delta have a right to protest against their current situation. However, strong majorities of Nigerians also reject the violence that marks the region: 82% of respondents do not support vandalizing pipelines, taking hostages (82%), kidnapping children (86%), or kidnapping women (85%).



The polling organization found that "Nigerians fall short of glorifying militants" and the results "[suggest] that over time Nigerians' weak support for the militants' actions could erode."

= Party Opinions Presidential Debate (Candidates discuss the Delta) (see each party heading for time of candidate's analysis) media type="youtube" key="NrqySLhxeTk" height="305" width="373" align="center"

__**PDP**__ In general, the PDP takes a leftist stance toward poverty, and has made efforts to improve the economic situation for the people of the Niger Delta. This is evidenced by the formation of the NDDC, which is aimed at repairing the economy, infrastructure, and quality of life of the region. Despite this effort, the PDP has rejected several efforts to apportion oil profits evenly between the state and national level. Because of this, the Niger Delta continues to see little of the profit made from the oil it produces.

Recently, the Action Congress ran a campaign in the Delta region, stating its goals of taking power from the inactive PDP government in the 2011 election and providing greater support to the Niger Delta. It focused on improving the region's conditions and creating opportunities for the local people to "achieve their dreams." Furthermore, the party argues that the Niger Delta receives an unfair apportionment of the oil wealth it produces. Overall, the AC is critical of the current government's efforts to improve the Niger River Delta situation, and claims that it would work harder to resolve the conflict at its roots if it were to take power.
 * __AC[[image:http://emnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/action-congress.jpg width="94" height="152" align="left"]]__**

Ribadu (AC)- start at 33:40-37:30 "the companies have the responsibility," supports agencies to confront the issue

On the Role Of Multinational Corporations:

Ribadu (AC) Start at 41:25- "not satisfied" "accountability, openness" "[oil companies] ... above the law this has to change" "put the money in the local community"

__**ANPP**__ Though the All Nigeria People Party has not voiced any desire to increase aid to those in the Delta Region, it has emphasized the necessity of military action against local militia. In particular, the ANPP demanded in 2009 that a list of supporters of the anti-government forces be released, so as to more easily counter and destroy the threat they pose.

Shekarau (ANPP) Start at 39:05- 41:25 "allocate appropriate funds" "deal with the problem at the roots ... citizens ... not the militants"


 * __CPC__**

Buhari reiterates the tactic of peaceful negotiations with the militants ostensibly tried by past regimes, Buhari (CPC)- start at 37:20-39:00 "sit down with [offending party's] leadership"

= __**Implications for the Political System**__ =

As we know, one of the major problems facing the democratic development of Nigeria is the cultural, religious, and ethnic division of the nation. Adding to this division is the Niger River Delta conflict, which is essentially based on the repression and exploitation of the Ogoni and Ijaw peoples, as well as other regional ethnic groups. Through its current policy, the government has shown its ineffectiveness at sustaining the Nigerian people. The region is essentially at war with the government, a struggle which costs around 1000 lives each year. Partially responsible for this is the Nigerian military, as government soldiers have been accused of rape, murder, and unnecessary destruction of property. The conflict deepens the divisions between the north and south, and between minority groups and the government. In addition, the integration of foreign oil companies into the Nigerian economy prevents the Niger River Delta from establishing a sustainable economy of its own. Until the conflict is resolved, peace is reached, and the living conditions in the region are restored, a functional, democratic national government that controls and maintains all regions of Nigeria is fundamentally impossible. However, this does not seem possible in the near future.