The Niger Delta of Nigeria is highly diverse with over 40 ethnic groups who speak more than 100 languages and dialects. The region comprises 185 out of the 774 local government areas and covers nine out of the 36 States of Nigeria: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. With over 30 million people, according to a 2006 population census, and an estimated population density of 265 people per square kilometer, the region accounts for more than 23 percent of Nigeria’s population.The Niger Delta area contains vast reserves of oil and gas, which play an important role in the Nigerian economy. In spite of these abundant natural resources, the Niger Delta is marked by poverty, economic underdevelopment, inequality, environmental degradation, and violent conflict. Historical tensions and the proliferation of armed groups (militant, criminal, and ethno-sectarian) contribute to the changing conflict and security dynamics in the region.
DOWNLOAD
[embeddoc url="https://pindfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Niger-Delta-Annual-Conflict-Report-2023.pdf%22]
