A political economy perspective on oil and conflict in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

The fragile peace achieved since 2009 in Nigeria’s oil-bearing delta region may soon be undermined if the government proceeds to discontinue the Presidential Amnesty Program, a measure adopted to provide support, education and training to repentant former insurgents. Despite the programme’s institutional shortcomings, Dr Uche Igwe argues an abrupt termination may plunge one of Africa’s biggest oil producers back into another avoidable conflict and economic crisis.