Can Nigeria build a sustainable democratic society in midst of environmental degradation and conflict

Abstract

This study examines Niger Delta's environmental degradation, the attendant conflict, and the implications for building a sustainable democratic society in Nigeria. The study makes use of documentary research and also adopts a qualitative case-study approach. Findings reveal that environmental degradation and conflict exist at alarming levels in the Niger Delta region. Niger Delta is one of the most polluted cities in the world with resultant conflict that has caused immeasurable harm to the people. Thus, Nigeria cannot build a sustainable democratic society amid double jeopardies of environmental degradation and conflict. For sustainability to be achieved, the government must work assiduously towards ensuring environmental sustainability and responding to the plights of the people (Niger Deltans/aggrieved communities) through a peaceful and inclusive human security approach, and not through the military force that exacerbates conflict.