Abstract

The presence of natural resources in some countries has lead to eradication of poverty and development but in other countries the same resources contribute to misery and underdevelopment. This can well be seen in the case of Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The region which is rich in resources particularly oil has been economically deprived. The various ethnic minorities which reside in the area are struggling with impoverishment and underdevelopment; this has generated amongst them a feeling of relative deprivation which had led to frustration. This frustration has been released by the people by resorting to various forms of political conflict. These conflicts which occurred in the past continue to pose a challenge before the Nigerian political system even till the present times.

Key words: Niger Delta, oil, poverty, underdevelopment, relative deprivation, frustration, political conflict.