By Emmanuel Enebeli
Warri: The situation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria had been described as worrisome and problematic.
This assertion was made recently by a Security and Human Development Consultant Expert in the region, and a retired staff of the Shell Petroleum Development Corporation, (SPDC), Mr Reginald Nnoshiri, in an exclusive interview with Ndokwa Reporters, in Warri.
Mr Nnoshiri said that the situation in the area calls for urgent attention from the governments, companies in the oil and gas, and all stakeholders from the area.
According to him, the Niger Delta which is predominantly made up of nine states of the country, with an area of 112,000 square kilometres, and a population of between 50 to 60 million is too large and economic viable to be allowed to slide into further destruction, as 90 percent of Nigerians economy comes from the area, where 75 percent of the population leave below poverty level.
“It is interesting to know that 90 percent of Nigeria’s export earnings comes from the Niger Delta, while 70 percent of federal revenue is from the area, but Niger Deltans leave below per capital income”. He said.
He pointed out that the area is suffering from high incident of poverty, as very many of the populations earn less than 75 US dollars monthly. Pointing out, that this is the area where infrastructure is lacking, with high level of poverty.
“This is an area where pipes carrying crude oil that feeds the country, runs under their kitchens, toilets, bedrooms, but what they experience is high rate of poverty”.
According to him, the high agitation for self-control or better development of the oil bearing region, is because of the inherent lack of basic infrastructures, high rate of poverty in the area.
Also speaking on the activities of the International Oil Companies, IOC, the Security and Human Development Expert, absorbs the companies of the neglect, saying that there was a contractual agreements between the companies and the Nigerian government, that while the companies are in the habit of meeting up with their part of the agreement, the Nigerian government had failed over the years to honour their part, by developing the region, which had many a time resulted in the closing of the companies offices by the people.
He said, that despite the lack of will to meet up and develop the areas, the IOC had under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gone the extra mile by doing the best they can, by providing some social amenities, like hospitals, roads, bridges, schools and much more.
While calling for end of hostilities by the youths in the area, he also, called on the government to look beyond the armed groups, and do the necessary thing, that will bring development and improved leaving conditions to the area.
“Not that anybody, especially myself do personally support violence, for a way to achieve a goal, but I think government should act to develop the area”. He concluded.
This is a part of an in-depth Interview that dwelt on the Nigerian state, Niger Delta, the youths and the present security in the Country. The Full interview can be assessed in our July E-copy edition. You can register for your monthly delivery.
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