Professionals fault use of force in Niger Delta as economy loses huge revenue to crisis

Built environment professionals say the Federal Government will be getting it wrong as it tinkers with the idea of using force through the Crododile Smile strategy to quell militant activities in the Niger Delta as such a strategy will be counter-productive in the long run.
The oil-rich Niger Delta has, in the past 12 months, been embroiled in very destructive militant activities that have reduced oil production in the region by over 50 percent, leading to a substantial loss of revenue to the government estimated at N3 trillion in just six months.
In spite of this, the experts are advising that government should embrace dialogue as the use of force would be counter-productive in the long run. “War will do no good in the Niger Delta.

Resources for war may be adequate to provide holistic solution. Planning for the proposed solution can be done within six months while genuine implementation may span 10 years”, explained Misbau Aminu, an engineer and expert in community engagement, who spoke at a press conference in Lagos, Tuesday.
But Tunde Obileye, a facilities management expert, says much as these approaches should be adopted for the sake of peace and the economy, people have no excuse for committing crime, adding that the under-development of the region is no justification for the destruction of national assets by the militants.
“I share the pains of people in the Niger Delta for the deprivation and under-development they have suffered over the years, but I also don’t see that as enough justification for destroying both the region and the oil wells in their domain”, Obileye stressed, adding, “I don’t believe that extreme poverty is enough justification for anybody to steal or commit any form of crime”.

 

CHUKA UROKO