Resource Based Conflict and Climate Change in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effects of climate change on the local economy occasioned by resource-based conflict in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. The alteration in weather conditions in the Niger Delta region is associated with anthropogenic activities of the transnational oil companies for over five decades in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Despite the degree of oil exploration and exploitation, the Niger Delta region remained underdeveloped in social amenities. The inhabitants were deprived and alienated from the Petrodollar benefits. The launching of artisanal refining by the locals as a way of getting from Petro Dollar business became inevitable. These activities have increased greenhouse gas emission leading to the alteration in weather conditions in the Region Sadly, the Joint Military Task Force deployed to monitor and arrest culprit bombard and burn down the artisanal refining equipment unprofessionally, thereby increasing greenhouse gas emission into the atmosphere. Given the above, the Niger Delta inhabitants are experiencing alteration in weather condition leading to poor agricultural harvest.  The study adopted Frustration/Aggression theoretical as its framework. The study relied on primary through questionnaires and interview, while secondary sources data was through journals, books, newspapers, among others. The study unraveled that resource-based conflict occasioned deprivation and frustration increased greenhouse gas emission. The study recommends amongst others convening a climate change summit that will involve all the stakeholders in the oil activities in the Region.