Pages: (158-171 )
Abstract
The quantity of oil and the wealth that accrue to the Nigerian State on daily basis from the Niger Delta is supposed to have transformed the Nigerian polity into a food secured nation, but to no avail. The oil wealth which has eluded the vast majority of the Nigerian populace has led to chaotic situations in terms of food security. Peace, security and sustainable development have been a kind of mirage since the 1950s when oil was discovered in large quantity. Oil enriched the Nigerian State, but impoverished the Niger Delta due largely to oil spillage and gas flaring activities of the oil Explorers. These have adversely affected the Niger Delta people in terms of food production. The study therefore, is set to find out the effect of the oil wealth, which has led to the transformation of many Nigerian cities, on the Niger Delta region. The research is descriptively qualitative in method and used secondary sources of data. The study found among others that oil exploration in the Niger Delta has frustrated the people and denied them of the fishing and farming activities in their God given environment, leading to joblessness and restlessness of the youths. The various government efforts to transform the area have not been able to bring back food and peace in the Nigerian polity, hence, the general populace had suffered poverty in various ways making the masses to resort to taking laws into their hands by turning to terrorism, cultic activities and kidnapping as ways of solving the problems. The way forward is to make the oil rich area a more conducive environment for her people to inhabit and carry out their occupation.
Keywords: Oil Wealth, Security, food security,