Impact of Niger Delta Crisis on National Security in Nigeria

This study aimed at examing the impact of Niger Delta crisis on National security. To investigate this relationship, 350 respondents of the Niger Delta region were surveyed. The Niger Delta region constitutes a number of ethnic nationalities which are rich in natural resources mainly in oil and gas reserves. However, the region has suffered extreme marginalization and neglect over the years despite its major contribution to the nations economy leading to agitations for better living standards by the people. The agitations have transformed from peaceful talks and dialogue to violence, unrest and chaos resulting to huge losses to the region and affecting the development process of the nation at large. Data was collected through the administration of questionnaires, conduct of interviews and consultation of books and relevant documents. The data analyzed revealed that the Niger Delta crisis has affected job creation, infrastructure provision and maintenance as well as increased criminal activities in the areas.