Natural Resource Curse Theory and Crude Oil Exploration in the Niger Delta: A Contemporary Analysis

Abstract: This study attempts to situate the contemporary Niger Delta crises and its socioeconomic problems which lead to the underdevelopment status in the region, to the exploration of crude oil deposits, using the Resource Curse theory as a focus. The study argued that the discovery of oil and its exploration in large quantity over the years has generated so many conflicts than it has brought peace and harmonious relations among the host communities, the multinational corporations (MNCs) and the Government; and has generated intra and inter-communal crisis as well. The study questions these social realities and relates same to the  activities of the Nigerian government and its practice of quasi-federalism in the country since independence. The study adopts the historical and analytical design as its methodological component. This means that relevant data for the study were derived from secondary sources via textbooks, journal articles, official documents, and internet sources. Most importantly, the study proffers useful recommendations which will be of benefit to the Federal Government, the host crude oil producing communities and the MNCs. The study also suggests a radical approach to be adopted by the government, to eliminate the underdevelopment status of the country through proactive measures such as a well planned and coordinated program for infrastructural development across the regions of the country.
Keywords: Resource Curse, Dutch Disease, Natural Resources, Oil Exploration, Niger Delta, Nigeria, Conflict,
Economic Development, Underdevelopment.