| This thesis examines the importance of oil to the Nigerian economy and the relationship between Nigeria's ruling elite and Shell's executives with a view to understand the nature and causes of the Ogoni crisis. The research study discussed the deplorable plight of the Ogonis whose oil wealth generates the income that sustains the Nigerian economy. Rather than enjoy the benefits of their oil wealth, they are short changed and beset with abject poverty, lack of infrastructure and social services.; This study formulated three hypotheses. First, Shell's presence has stifled the development process of the Ogoni region. Secondly, the Nigerian state has failed to enforce its environmental laws. Thirdly, there is an unholy alliance between Shell and the Nigerian ruling class. The research utilized secondary sources and was conducted in a descriptive and qualitative fashion.; The study concluded that the failure of the Nigerian government to enforce the country's environmental laws and police the activities of Shell Petroleum Development Company has led to series of political, socio-economic and environmental crises in the Ogoni region. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
