IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND LEADERSHIP RESEARCH (JPSLR )

E-ISSN 2504-883X
P-ISSN 2695 2432
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/jpslr.v11.no2.2025.pg27.42

---

The Impact of Amnesty and Post-Amnesty Programs on the Niger Delta Crisis: A Case Study of Bayelsa State

Undutimi J Dudafa, PhD

---

Abstract

The people’s calls and NGO efforts for attention to the Niger Delta were repeatedly ignored and met with repression from successive governments, often in alliance with oil MNCs. This study focuses on the Niger Delta crisis in Bayelsa State, analyzing social conditions during and after the amnesty program. Survey data shows mixed awareness and support for militancy among Bayelsans, with tensions arising from unpaid benefits to ex-militants. Although there is some amnesty support, skepticism persists about government commitment. Bayelsans advocate for true federalism, criticizing elites as primary amnesty beneficiaries. Recommendations include dialogue, increased revenue, corporate responsibility, and international support for local conflict resolution, with stability and investment as essential for addressing root issues.

keywords:

amnesty, post-amnesty, Niger Delta crisis.

---

References:

Abdullahi, A. (2016). Assessment of amnesty policy in Nigeria under President Umar Musa Yaradua's
administration. Lapai journal of politics, 4(1), 12–30.
Alagoa, J., & Ibaba, S. (2017). Post-amnesty programs and local perceptions in Bayelsa State: a mixed-
methods approach. Niger Delta Research Journal, 5(2), 45–61.
Blumer, H. (1958). Race prejudice is a sense of group position. The Pacific Sociological Review, 1(1), 3–
Egwemi, V. (2010). Amnesty to the Niger Delta militants: challenges and opportunities for peace in Nigeria.
Journal of sustainable development in Africa, 12(1), 61–73.
Ekumaoko, C. E. (2013). The amnesty question in post-conflict Niger Delta and peacebuilding. Arabian
journal of business and management review (Oman chapter), 2(10), 1.
Ikelegbe, A. (2013). The problems and prospects of reintegration in the post-amnesty niger delta. Journal
of peacebuilding & development, 8(2), 31–46.
Lipton, M. (1977). Why poor people stay poor: a study of urban bias in world development. Harvard
University press.
Lipton, M. (2005). Urban bias: the evidence. In J. P. McMahon (ed.), the urban-rural divide. Oxford
University Press.
Nwankpa, M. (2015). The politics of amnesty in Nigeria: a comparative analysis of the Niger Delta and
boko haram insurgencies. Journal of terrorism research, 6(1), 1–10.
Nwankwo, B. O. (2015). The politics of conflict over oil in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria: a review of
the corporate social responsibility strategies of the oil companies. American journal of educational
research, 3(4), 383–392.
Obi, C. (2014). Oil, environmental conflict, and national security in Nigeria: ramifications of the amnesty
program for sustainable development in the niger delta. African security review, 23(3), 1–16.
Okpako, I. F., & okolo, p. O. (2019). Niger Delta armed struggle and contemporary wider security threats
in Nigeria. State governance and regional interaction in Africa. A publication of the Nigerian
Political Association (npsa), 849–859.
Onuoha, F. (2016). Post-amnesty program and environmental sustainability in the niger delta. International
journal of peace and development studies, 7(4), 23–35.
Osaghae, E. E., ikelegbe, a. O., olarinmoye, o. O., & Okhomina, s. I. (2011). Youth militias, self-
determination, and resource control struggles in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Paki, F. A., & Ebienfa, k. I. (2011). Militant oil agitations in Nigeria’s niger delta and the economy.
International journal of humanities and social science, 1(5), 140–145.
Rigg, J. (2006). Land, farming, livelihoods, and poverty: rethinking the links in the rural south. World
development, 34(1), 180–202.
Sherif, M. (1966). In common predicament: social psychology of intergroup conflict and cooperation.
Houghton mifflin.
Suku, P.G., ugwoha, e., & orikpete, o. F. (2024). Artisanal crude oil refining in the niger delta:
environmental impacts, health outcomes, and strategies for sustainable mitigation. Journal of earth
and environmental science research. Src/jeesr-283. Doi: doi. Org/10.47363/jeesr/2024 (6), 220, 2–
Udoh, I. (2020). Oil production, environmental pressures, and other sources of violent conflict in Nigeria.
Review of African political economy, 47(164), 199–219. Nigeria Nigeria.
Udogbo, s. T. (2021). An exploration of the Ogoni people’s resistance in Nigeria: a participatory action
research approach. National University of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland).

DOWNLOAD PDF

---

Back