Oil and gas industry in Nigeria: The paradox of the black gold

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter examines the socio-economic and political challenges facing Nigeria's oil-producing sector. The Niger Delta's main environmental and social problems arise from oil spills, gas flaring and degradation of the land.

Design/methodology/approach – This analysis is based on a review of government documents as well as materials produced by international development agencies.

Findings – In spite of the large profits made by oil companies operating in the Niger Delta, the people of the region live in squalor without basic amenities. This has resulted in an upsurge of violent activities orchestrated by community-based organizations wishing to draw international attention to the plight of the people in the area. In recent years, both national and international nongovernmental organizations have launched campaigns to address the issues, but little have been achieved because the oil companies are reluctant to be responsible corporate neighbors and the Nigerian government seem unwilling to devise solutions to address the problem.

Originality/value – This chapter suggests ways of developing an effective oil policy framework that will include all the stakeholders in the management of oil resources.

Citation

Effiong, J. (2010), "Oil and gas industry in Nigeria: The paradox of the black gold", Taylor, D.E. (Ed.) Environment and Social Justice: An International Perspective (Research in Social Problems and Public Policy, Vol. 18), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 323-349. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0196-1152(2010)0000018013