Samuel Ekpokeme Epouwei, Master of Laws, University of East London
ABSTRACT
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is made up of the area covering the east and west parts of the Niger River. The unique terrain and topography of the region notably rivers, streams, swamps, braided streams and Oxbow lakes, besides a stretch of flat and fertile landmass- have played a major role in the history of the people of Niger Delta. The landscape and demography diversity of the people have become sources of tension among the people over access to space for habitation and resources. Moreover, the despoliations of those elements since the beginning of oil exploration have triggered most of the struggles for improved environmental condition and sustainable means of livelihood in the recent history of the region. The obvious lack of effective strategy to address the environmental and development inadequacies in the Niger Delta by government has provided the basis for vehement rejections and reactions by the people of Niger Delta expressed in the form of relentless resistance struggles for improved development and sustenance of the delta area. It is against the foregoing that this paper examines the historical context of the struggles for development and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.
