Introduction: Natural resource, conflict, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta

摘要: Sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria is vital not only to the stability and prosperity of Nigeria, but also to global energy security. However, the Niger Delta has in the past two decades experienced protracted violent conflicts. At the roots of these violent conflicts are the genuine quest of the people for sustainable development that is based on social justice, equity, fairness, and environmental protection. Although richly endowed, the region is hopelessly poor. This paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty has been attributed to a myriad of fractors ranging from Nigeria’s centralized federalism, to ethno-regional domination, corruption, poor governance, and oil-related environmental degradation.