Title:
Environmental Regeneration and Economic Sustainability: Examining Some Stylized Facts for Long-term Development of the Niger Delta

Authors:
Donatus Otaigbe, ONOGBOSELE, Ph.D., Nigeria

Abstract:

The study examines the relationship between environmental regeneration and economic sustainability in the Niger Delta within four decades. It demonstrated that dearth of funds, corruption and mismanagement had wreaked havoc on the region's environment. This environmental degradation had impacted traditional livelihoods such as farming and fishing, jeopardising the region's long-run economic viability and survival. As a result, many residents had turned to crude oil theft and unlawful refining ("Kpo fire"). Pollution had also caused widespread health concerns, including respiratory disorders, cancer, and skin ailments, while acid rain and decreasing agricultural and fish yields have jeopardized the region's well-being. To achieve long-term growth, survival and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, it is recommended that the region diversifies its economy beyond oil and gas, focusing on sectors with greater potential for job creation and poverty reduction. Oil firms should increase their corporate social responsibility by working directly with communities and employing local labour for development initiatives, rather than going through intermediaries who may mismanage the resources. Efforts should also be made by stake holders to discourage residents from the entitlement mindset surrounding employment or revenues generated in the oil and gas operations, and prepare the region for a post-oil future, and the problems of climate change through inclusive and forward-thinking measures. Bioremediation was also recommended as one of measures to reclaim the environment for the sustainable development of the region.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51505/IJEBMR.2025.9606