Is It Always the Economic Stupid?: Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) and Petroviolence in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract

Economics narratives concluded that the availability of natural resources propels conflict and underdevelopment instead of stability and progress in resource-rich states; that the drive and duration of conflict in resource-rich states rest on three premises: Financing – appropriation of natural resources by the rebel or militia groups, Recruitment – opportunity to induce fighting power and thirdly geography which implies that rebel groups thrives in difficult terrains. Scholars here concluded that militancy and militant groups like MEND operating in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria are driven by economic considerations in its violent agitation in the region. Based on field data and theoretical evidence, this study concludes that MEND is a violent child of necessity, borne of frustration and hopelessness of a people and community as a result of protracted socio-economic and political servitude in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. That insurgency by MEND in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is fundamentally rooted in grievances; even though method of resistance is essentially greed-oriented in character. It concludes by making a case for rethinking of Peace and Development in the Niger Delta region while also suggesting an integrated approach to interpreting resources-linked conflicts in every given state.