Oil and Youth Militancy in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region

Abstract

This study explores the myriad of reasons responsible for the role of the youth in violence in the Niger Delta region. Based on data drawn from primary studies of community youth groups in four oil-rich communities in Bayelsa and Rivers States and secondary sources, findings reveal that community youth revolt over socio-economic and political deprivation arising from oil exploitation and exploration by multinational oil corporations in collaboration with the Nigerian state. These deprivations and marginalization have transformed youth from merely engaging in community protests to militancy with deleterious consequences threatening the security of the region.