UNDERDEVELOPMENT AND MARGINALIZATION OF NIGER DELTA: A CASE OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE CHOICE OF MANAGERS IN PETROLEUM SECTOR, PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Underdevelopment and Marginalization of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: A case of discrimination in the choice of managers in the petroleum sector and office of president was examined. The examination revealed a paradoxical situation as the crude oil wealth of Niger Delta, instead of being a blessing to the people of the region has become a curse. The paper frowned at the poor treatment of the Niger Delta by the Federal government of Nigeria for over two decades, despite its position as the major income earner for the country. The study discovered with dissatisfaction the negative tendency of the northern hegemonic forces to frustrate the development of the Niger Delta region in the provision of infrastructure, social amenities, choice of indigenes of the region to managerial positions in the petroleum sector, and president of the country as well as manipulation of population census figures in their favour during national population census exercises to enable them benefit more, from resource allocation to the northern states. Recommendations were made that the federal government of Nigeria should take the overall development of Niger Delta as a priority, provide infrastructural facilities in the region, choose indigenes of the region to managerial positions in the petroleum sector, provide opportunity for them to ascend to the office of president of the country from time to time and compensate fishermen and farmers for loss of land and fishing waters due to oil spillage. In conclusion, the Nigerian government should not concentrate only on exploiting the regions natural resources but provide commensurate developments in the interest of peace in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.