Exploitation of Petroleum Resources and the Challenges of Development of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is blessed with petroleum deposits, which are largely available in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria with abundant oil and gas resources. The development of the people of the Niger Delta has been on the front burner as it is believed that there is a need for economic transformation to ensure that the life of the people in the area should be able to achieve basic needs and standards of living. The conditions of life in the Niger Delta have been very weak, with the people not being able to meet their basic needs of life. There are challenges of low literacy level and poverty. The cases of oil pollutions continue to increase. The infrastructural development has been very poor. Employment opportunities are not readily available. Much is seen from the activities of militants. There is a need for reassessment of the development strides initiated by the Government and the oil companies operating in the Niger Delta for the good of the people of the Niger Delta.