The discovery of oil in the Niger Delta was initially hailed as a blessing, promising wealth and development. However, for many of the region’s inhabitants, this promise has turned into a curse, manifesting in severe environmental degradation and profound social impact. The work of Lincgreen Prospects in the Niger Delta has revealed the stark realities faced by these communities, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable and equitable solutions.
Environmental Degradation and Social Impact
The extraction activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) have left a devastating environmental footprint in the Niger Delta. Oil spills, gas flaring, and unchecked pollution have decimated local ecosystems, contaminated water sources, and rendered vast swathes of land uninhabitable. This environmental degradation has led to a collapse in traditional livelihoods such as fishing and farming, pushing communities deeper into poverty.