Abstract
The Niger Delta region is richly endowed with crude oil and natural gas. However, in spites of its rich resource endowment the region is largely underdeveloped leading to the emergence of different militant groups. The activities of these groups have had numerous effect on oil production, host communities, Multi-National Oil Companies (MNOC), the Nigerian State and the world at large. The different measures put in place by the government to manage the situation have not achieved the desired outcome; as the crisis has continue unabated. The country’s national security is thus threatened; thereby making it extremely difficult for the government in promoting the general well-being of the people. The paper used both primary and secondary sources of data. The former is In-depth Interview (IDI) conducted with respondents while the later are materials from books, journals etc. The study discovered that deep-rooted mistrust and frustration through long years of neglect is responsible for the emergence of militants groups in the region. It concluded that the crisis in the Niger Delta has had negative consequences on the people of the region, the MNOCs, the government and even the international communities which depend partly on crude oil from Nigeria. The national security is therefore negatively affected. It recommended that the government should sign into law the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) that will make the host communities also benefit from their natural resources endowment and reduces thereby reducing the perceived marginalization, corruption, poverty etc. in the Niger Delta.
Keywords