Colonialism and Political Conflict in Contemporary Nigeria: The case of the Niger Delta
PAKI, A.E. Fidelis, EDOUMIEKUMO, G. Samuel

Abstract
This paper explores the issue of colonialism and contemporary political conflict in Nigeria with particular reference to the Niger Delta. The findings from an extensive readings of related materials suggest that the colonial root of contemporary political conflict in the Niger Delta shows clearly in the area of the administrative structures that were established in the years before and after independence in which the people of the region are minorities; the area is experiencing development problems; the issue of oil politics and the ownership of oil and gas resources, and the role of oil multinationals. Thus, the region is engulfed in various forms of agitation involving youth groups, women, elders, chiefs, and even governments of states. The attempt to solve these problems over the years has been mere palliative than permanent. The paper contends that contemporary political conflict in Nigeria is an extension of colonially entrenched inequalities by the Nigerian state and suggested economic and political restructuring as panacea for colonially instituted conflicts in the federation.

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