The Effect of Georesources Exploitation on Fishing and Farming in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Niger Delta is one of the world’s largest wetlands. It covers a large area of Nigeria and depending on the political, ecological or hydrological definition, of what constitutes the Delta, it now includes significant portions of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. There is a long and terrible record of environmental destruction and human rights violations in the oil-producing regions which has resulted in low production in agricultural produce in Nigeria. The gross level of environmental degradation and oil spillage caused by oil exploration and extraction in the Niger Delta has gone unchecked for the past 30 years which has reduced fishing and farming activities. Evidence shows that the oil companies operating in Nigeria have not only disregarded their responsibility towards the environment but have acted in complicity with the military's repression of Nigerian citizens. The profit-driven collusion between multinational oil companies and the past and present Nigerian governments has cost many lives and continues to threaten the stability of the region.