Transformations in the Oil and Gas production in a Developing Country: The case of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Jackson Dame-Oboh (Department of Geophysics, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State Nigeria)

Email: dameobohj@yahoo.com

 

ABSTRACT:

The petroleum industry in the Niger Delta of Nigeria has in the past decade entered a new era of growth and associated problems of environmental activism, ethno-linguistic factionalism which has led to kidnappings, torture and killings in the Niger Delta. As a result, Nigeria is rated very lowly in the global oil and gas industry in terms of political and business risks. This paper, therefore, explores these issues and other set of challenges that if not addressed will derail the economy at both national and international level. The questions that also need answers include how the government of Nigeria has addressed the issues of partial privatisation and deregulation of the industry? What new technologies and alternative sources of energy are being pursued and the implications for global energy? What are the roles of stakeholders in Oil and gas flaring and what implications does it have for the local people and international politics? This paper will also recommend programmes of action that will provide information for national and international solutions to the current problem in the Niger Delta.