The Niger Delta, is a densely populated region once known
as the Oil Rivers because it was a major producer of palm oil
This region is on the Atlantic coast of Nigeria where the
Niger River divides into numerous tributaries. The region
extends along the coast from Benin River on the west to
the Imo River on the east. There are several linguistic and
cultural groups namely the Ijaws, Edos, Urhobos, Itsekiris,
Yorubas, Igbos, Efiks and Kalabaris.
The Niger Delta, as defined officially by the Nigerian Government, extends over about 70,000
square kilometres and makes up 7.5% of Nigeria’s land mass. Some 20 million people of more
than 40 ethnic groups, speaking some 250 dialects live in the Delta. Their livelihoods are
primarily based on fishing and farming.
Nigeria is the largest oil producing country in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. Some
2 million barrels a day are extracted in the Niger Delta. Since 1975, the region has accounted
for over 95% of Nigeria's export earnings. The region also accounts for 40% gross domestic
product (GDP) and 80% gross revenue for the country. With this backdrop, unfortunately there
continues to be a staggering number of unemployment, illiteracy, diseases and poverty in the
region. The environmental devastation associated with the industry and the lack of distribution
of oil wealth have been the source of numerous environmental movements and inter-ethnic
conflicts in the region.
NDF feels that the underpinning philosophy in targeting these issues is that by equipping local
people with appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities, their opportunities and intelligence are
enhanced and choice making will be improved.
as the Oil Rivers because it was a major producer of palm oil
This region is on the Atlantic coast of Nigeria where the
Niger River divides into numerous tributaries. The region
extends along the coast from Benin River on the west to
the Imo River on the east. There are several linguistic and
cultural groups namely the Ijaws, Edos, Urhobos, Itsekiris,
Yorubas, Igbos, Efiks and Kalabaris.
The Niger Delta, as defined officially by the Nigerian Government, extends over about 70,000
square kilometres and makes up 7.5% of Nigeria’s land mass. Some 20 million people of more
than 40 ethnic groups, speaking some 250 dialects live in the Delta. Their livelihoods are
primarily based on fishing and farming.
Nigeria is the largest oil producing country in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. Some
2 million barrels a day are extracted in the Niger Delta. Since 1975, the region has accounted
for over 95% of Nigeria's export earnings. The region also accounts for 40% gross domestic
product (GDP) and 80% gross revenue for the country. With this backdrop, unfortunately there
continues to be a staggering number of unemployment, illiteracy, diseases and poverty in the
region. The environmental devastation associated with the industry and the lack of distribution
of oil wealth have been the source of numerous environmental movements and inter-ethnic
conflicts in the region.
NDF feels that the underpinning philosophy in targeting these issues is that by equipping local
people with appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities, their opportunities and intelligence are
enhanced and choice making will be improved.
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Niger Delta Region
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