NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION’S PEACEBUILDING INITIATIVES IN UZERE COMMUNITY IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract

Armed conflict situations in the Niger Delta region are hinged on systemic roots. This article focus on the social conditions that promotes violent conflict and the structural dimension of peacebuilding efforts of the Niger Delta Development Commission to address the needs of Uzere community. The article adopts a qualitative research design using case study because of its phenomenal inquisition of Uzere as one of the oldest communities where onshore oil production began and the intermittent crisis the community has faced over the years. Primary and secondary data were collected through interviews, documentary review and non-participatory observation. Twenty-four (key and in-depth) interviews were conducted with members of the traditional ruling council and community leadership, youth and women representatives and Business owners. The paper argue that the peacebuilding efforts of NDDC on paper aligned with the needs of the community, however, the reality speaks volume to the opposite. Vital and important efforts have been terminated after been ongoing for almost a decade, while some have been ongoing for almost two decades with no end in sight. With under-deserving consideration for peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity, these efforts have elicited series of positive and negative impacts on the community. Through its findings, the article concludes that by adopting the need for structural peacebuilding as an alternative, the peacebuilding efforts of NDDC would in no time turn the positive curve.