Militancy and Its Socio-Economic Implications For Nigeria's Economic Recession: An Appraisal of Niger Delta Avengers Machination

Abstract

This paper examines the socio-economic implications of militancy and its effects on Nigeria's economi-recession. It bothers to unravel the underpinnings surrounding the formation of the Niger Delta Avengers. The study specified objectives include; (i) to find out how vandalisation of Nigeria's energy infrastructure by NDA affects oil production and revenue (ii) to assess the implications of vandalisation of fuel and gas pipelines on powe supply (iii) to identify the effects of NDA notoriety on investment potentials. Relevant secondary data have been used in the analysis and discussion of findings which show that the deadly militant group is famous for the litanyof high profile attacks on Nigeria's energy infrastructure which have hobbled Nigeria's oil production to a 22 year low. This has led to plethora of socio-economic ills ranging from declining oil revenue to large scale power outage in Nigeria thereby cempounding the recession. Nigeria's oil production that was about 2.2 million bpd has been slashed to 1.5 million bpd thereabout. This accounts for a dramatic decline in revenue accruing to government coffers. Offensive militarization approaches have failed to record zero militancy. Adequate security is needed on Nigeria's energy infrastructure. Genuine dialogue between Niger Delta communities and multinational oil companies is needed along with realistic economic policies of the Nigerian government to boost infrastructural development. These should include enhancing ownership of oil wells by natives in the region.