Contending Issues in the Niger Delta Crisis of Nigeria - Journal of ...

Dr. Esekumemu V. Clark
recommended the abrogation of the derivation principle. It thus led to
the demise of the derivation principle in the country’s fiscal policy.
Hence, the principles of land mass, equality of states and
population, among others, are devices being used today for revenue
distribution without taking into consideration the severe effects of
pollution that are damaging the oil-producing region and perpetuating
the marginalisation of the Ijaw people. These people are bearing the
brunt of the negative effects of oil exploration and exploitation.
Indeed, their ecosystem and biodiversity are being systematically
damaged. In addition there is a depletion of those finite resources
and fresh water is being contaminated.
Conclusion
The federal should endeavour to resolve the crisis in the Niger
Delta peacefully instead of adopting Macchiavellian tactics which
could become costly for the Nigerian state.
Indeed, the Kaiama Declaration drew attention to the loopholes
in the Nigerian system, as contributing factors to the country’s
unabated problems. However, the manner in which the federal
character principle was practised has had distorting effects.
However, a most comprehensive policy must be formulated to
reverse the predicament in the Niger Delta. Efforts should be focused
on development, job creation and reduction of poverty in order to
improve the living conditions in the area.
Also, a strategy of
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