The Niger Delta: A Case of Poverty Amongst Plenty

History

The region derives its name from being situated at the mouth of the River Niger. Before the creation of the Nigerian state, economic activities of the Niger Delta in pre-colonial days entailed mainly export of salt and fish to the hinterland. In the 18th century, when the slave trade was at its peak, the region was West Africa’s largest slave exporting area, this was enhanced by its proximity to the sea. Slave traders, however, diverted to palm oil trade in the 19th century when the slave trade declined.

The main ethic groups of the region are the Ijaws (who are the largest ethnic group in the area), the Itsekiris, Yorobas, Efiks, Ibibios and other smaller ethnic groups. Within Akwa Ibom State it is the Ibibios who make up the majority of the population. The Niger Delta includes the states of Abia, Imo, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Ondo. Diverse animals and plant species, which are native to the area, are now threatened with extinction due mainly to very serious ecological damage caused by over forty five years of crude oil exploration. Other consequences of this include negative impacts on the fertility and life span of inhabitants in such a manner that life expectancy is falling and the birth of abnormal babies and plants has increased. Malnutrition is a major problem especially among children. Water-related diseases and waste disposal practices constitute serious problems throughout the area. Studies of the six major causes of death in Nigeria ( measles, malaria, pneumonia, tetanus, dysentery and tuberculosis) indicate that the coastal area constitutes a zone of disproportionately high mortality proneness to these diseases. HIV/AIDS is also a significant problem with the UN estimating that there are 930,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in Nigeria.