OIL INDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND INTERNAL POPULATION DISPLACEMENT IN THE NIGERIA'S NIGER DELTA

Abstract

Internal displacement has become an issue of topical concern, due to the human tragedy and insecurity associated with it. The theme that dominates discussions on IDP’s at global and national levels is conflict-induced displacements. The objective of this paper is to bring into focus, the linkages between oil based environmental degradation and displacements in the Niger Delta. The framework of analysis sees displacement as a definite social condition that diminishes individuals and group capacity to pursue interests that may or may not involve relocation. The study concludes that oil related environmental problems – oil spillages, gas flaring, among others, have diminished the productivity of Oil Producing Communities, resulting to occupational and income losses that set in both voluntary and involuntary migration. Again, for this reason, some individuals live as aliens in their own communities, where they are unable to actualize their interest or aspirations. The paper draws attention to the urgent need to resolve environmental degradation issues in the Niger Delta.