OGONI UNEP REPORT: A PANACEA FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE NIGER DELTA

Abstract

This study attempts to explore the current challenge of the non-implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoniland. It argues that the commencement of the remediation of impacted sites in Ogoniland by the State and the oil companies have continued to be illusive and treated with levity and disdain. It reveals that the State is demonstrating nonchalant political will towards the implementation of the UNEP report on Ogoniland in spite of the health, social and economic implications of the environmental degradation on the people, which is likely to generate severe consequences on the livelihood of the people and the fragile peace prevailing in the region. It contends that the full commencement of the clean-up of Ogoniland would have given hope to the Niger Delta people who are suffering the same environmental degradation and translate to sustainable industrial harmony and even resumption of oil production in the area. It argues that the continuous  despoliation” of Ogoni’s natural resources, environmental degradation, and persistent poverty due to deprivation of livelihood means, is an utter disregard for the colossal damages caused by oil exploration to the eco-system. It concludes that the delay in the implementation of the UNEP report to the latter is responsible for the growing poverty rate among the rural populace and persistent agitations. It recommends a sincere display of commitment towards the clean-up of oil impacted sites in Ogoniland as a strategy of reaffirming government commitment and a possible way of re-negotiating for the resumption of oil exploration and creating a robust economic empowerment and stimulating development in the area.