SUMMARY - United Nations Development Programme

1 SUMMARY . NIGER DELTA. HUMAN Development . REPORT. Copyright 2006. United Nations Development Programme , UN House, Plot 617/618, Diplomatic Zone, Central Area District, 2851, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission. Designed & Printed by: Perfect Printers Ltd. 46, Hakeem Balogun Street, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos Tel: 234-1-8129546, 234-8022240911, 08034552898. E-mail: Website: Foreword Over the past four decades, the issues con- outcomes persist. In many cases, the con- fronting the Niger Delta region have caused ditions of rural communities where crude increasing national and international con- oil is produced are deplorable, with severe cern.

2 The region produces immense oil environmental degradation, and no access wealth and has become the engine of to safe drinking water, electricity and roads. Nigeria s economy. But it also presents a Consequently, analyses of poverty and hu- paradox, because these vast revenues have man Development paint a dismal picture, barely touched the Niger Delta s own per- particularly when the region is compared vasive local poverty. Today, there are for- with other oil-producing regions in the midable challenges to sustainable human world. In the Niger Delta, the results of Development in the region. The manifesta- poor Development have been disillusion- tions of these challenges include the con- ment, frustration among the people about flicts over resources among communities, their increasing deprivation and deep-rooted and between communities and oil compa- mistrust.

3 Nies. This report recommends a new develop- The delta s human Development dilemma ment paradigm to address these concerns. raises the question of why abundant human In a seven-point Development agenda, it and natural resources have had so little proposes using the region s vast oil wealth impact on poverty. This conundrum serves to create an environment that allows people as the driving force for preparing this to flourish, live valued and dignified lives, human Development report, the first for overcome poverty, enjoy a peaceful atmo- the Niger Delta. The report is a component sphere and sustain their environment. The of an integrated Development Programme agenda is a people-centred and sustainable for the delta region. The Programme s framework requiring the involvement of overall objective is to promote sustainable all stakeholders, including local, state and poverty reduction by strengthening local federal governments, the NDDC, the oil governance and participatory planning, companies and the entire private sector, ensuring sustainable use of renewable civil society organizations, the people of natural resources and constructing social the region and Development partners.

4 The infrastructure. The report analyses the highlights include the following: various dimensions of the human Development challenges in the region, with Agenda One: a particular focus on women and youth, Promote peace as the foundation for de- and proposes a people-centred velopment. Development agenda grounded in the region s natural, human and social capital. There cannot be any meaningful human Development without peace. A peace agenda The imperative for a new Development must include education, easier access to agenda arises from the fact that past de- justice and a more equitable distribution of velopment planning efforts have failed to resources. adequately address the region s needs. In spite of the efforts of federal and state Agenda Two: governments, the Niger Delta Develop- Make local governance effective and ment Commission (NDDC) and oil com- responsive to the needs of the people.

5 Panies to enhance the well-being of people in the delta, wide disparities in Development Governance is very central to achieving NIGER DELTA HUMAN Development REPORT iii meaningful Development outcomes. The sustainable livelihoods. effectiveness of governance, especially at the local government level, is an issue of The mainstreaming of environmental serious concern. At the core of promot- sustainability into all Development activi- ing effective governance is the urgent need ties must be complemented by proactive to institutionalize the practices of account- steps to conserve natural resources; to re- ability, transparency and integrity to guide duce pollution, especially from oil spills and the flow of Development resources at all gas flares; and to set and achieve adequate levels. targets for clean air and water and soil fer- tility.

6 These should be backed by rigorous Agenda Three: enforcement of environmental laws and Improve and diversify the economy. standards. The Niger Delta region, with its stock of Agenda Six: natural and human resources, offers im- Take an integrated approach to mense opportunities for developing a di- HIV&AIDS. versified and growing economy. A diversi- fied economy would reduce dependence Strong advocacy from top policy makers on oil and gas, jumpstart new industries should be coupled with public awareness and provide sustainable livelihoods. A campaigns on the multidimensional nature growth pole strategy would forge closer of HIV&AIDS and public education on links between industries and the produc- the laws against some risky traditional tion of agricultural and mineral products, practices. State and local governments, the and galvanize local economies.

7 NDDC, oil companies, other private sector enterprises, NGOs and donors should Agenda Four: collectively improve the quality and Promote social inclusion and improved accessibility of health care and HIV&AIDS. access to social services. facilities and equipment, and institute actions to curb the epidemic. A major concern is the region s longstanding exclusion from the main- Agenda Seven: stream of Nigeria s socioeconomic and po- Build sustainable partnerships for the litical activities. The majority of the people advancement of human Development . in the delta live on the margins. Reducing exclusion and achieving more evenhanded Many stakeholders must work together to Development will depend on the empow- achieve meaningful change. All levels of erment of socially marginalized groups and government and the NDDC, the oil com- individuals, stronger social institutions and panies, the organized private sector, civil infrastructure, and the Development of the society organizations and Development capacity of existing local groups.

8 Agencies should form partnerships around plans for sustainable Development and the Agenda Five: attainment of the Millennium Develop- Promote enviromental sustainability ment Goals (MDGs). to preserve the means of people s Alfred S. Fawundu Officer-In-Charge The analysis and policy recommendations of this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) or its Executive Board. It is an independent report commissioned by UNDP, Nigeria. The report is an outcome of a survey on human Development outcomes in the Niger Delta region under the leadership of a research institute led by people from the region. iv NIGER DELTA HUMAN Development REPORT. Acknowledgements The Niger Delta Human Development Odusola and Emmanuel Evbodaghe, Report benefited immensely from many coordinated all preparatory activities.

9 Mary individuals and institutions. While some Symmonds carried out the overall facilitated access to relevant information coordination, while Ayodele Odusola, the and data, others provided valuable National Economist, provided technical contributions to ensure the high quality and support. Waziri Adio, Anthony Dioka, independence of the report. David Omozuafoh, Hassana Dahwa, Munirat Ogunlaye and Sam Unom also UNDP is grateful to the lead consultant, enriched the reader friendliness of the Environmental Resources Managers Lim- report. ited (ERML), which coordinated the team of consultants that worked on the report. This report is a product of a Niger Delta Specifically, we acknowledge V. Imevbore, Development partnership between UNDP. S. Abumere, A. Imevbore, O. Areola, C. and the Shell Petroleum Development Ikporukpo, B.

10 Aigbokhan, O. Matanmi, O. Company of Nigeria Limited. UNDP. Olokesusi, J. Amakiri, A. Gbadegeshin, D. acknowledges the financial support Okorie, J. Olawoye , Y. Aderinto, K. Garba, provided by Shell. P. Aifesehi, O. Obono, Y. Aken ova , A. Odejide, B. Falade, O. Oluwasola, C. Alagoa, Finally, the invaluable contributions from S. Ekpeyong, O. Taiwo, O. Obute, W. over 200 participants from the four Okowa, O. Akpoghomen and S. stakeholders consultation meetings in Ojo. Abuja, Port Harcourt and Calabar are also appreciated. Participants came from the Appreciation goes to Emma Torres, a private sector, including the oil companies;. UNDP consultant, for the useful local, state and federal governments, and introduction to experiences and processes the NDDC; civil society organizations, in human Development report preparation.