Oil Extraction and the Environment in Nigeria’s Niger Delta: A Political-industrial Ecology (PIE) Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the environmental impacts of oil extraction in Nigeria’s Niger Delta through the lens of Political-Industrial Ecology (PIE). The Niger Delta, known for its rich biodiversity and substantial oil reserves, has experienced severe ecological degradation due to decades of oil exploitation. The environmental challenges include frequent oil spills, gas flaring, and habitat destruction, all of which threaten the livelihoods of local communities and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. By applying the PIE perspective and analyzing existing literature, government reports, and environmental assessments, this paper aims to clarify the systemic power dynamics between state and corporate interests that prioritize economic profit over environmental protection. This study explores the interconnectedness of political, economic, and environmental factors contributing to the ongoing crisis in the region. It emphasizes the need for a thorough evaluation of the forces that drive environmental degradation and offers insights into potential policy reforms aimed at achieving sustainable development in resource-rich areas like the Niger Delta.