Abstract:
The problem of environmental degradation is global and topical as a result of the heightened
industrial activities taking place in all countries of the world, occasioning the dangerous global
warming and depletion of the ozone layer, threatening mankind. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria
has been the hub of oil exploration and exploitation activities in Nigeria carried out by various multinational
oil companies; and have equally been theatre of conflicts and crises, which has drawn the
attention of the entire world. Violent conflicts and militant activities undertaken by the youths of the
region have caused the deaths of oil workers of many nations and have continually affected global oil
market prices. The paper reveals that environment pollution and degradation occasioned by the
operational activities of the oil multi-national underlie the conflict situation and crises in the Niger
Delta region. This paper therefore examines and confirms the level, nature and impacts of
environmental degradation of the region and concludes that effects of the operation of the oil
companies on the environment are not only devastating but have triggered off the crises in the
region. The study depended on reports and existing studies on the region, as well as, personal
observations of the author who hails from one of the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta.
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