Politicisation of Corruption: A Driving Force behind Conflicts and Development Crises in Nigeria's Niger Delta

The development crises in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region have been attributed to myriad factors. These include marginalisation and frustration among local communities, resource control (oil revenue) and environmental degradations resulting from oil exploration and exploitation. However, these explanations are not necessary compatible and no doubt improve one’s understanding of the crises from a variety of standpoints. This paper made the case that in order to comprehend the issues in the region holistically and find a solution, it is necessary to place it within the context of corruption, which has an impact on all regional development initiatives and policies. To support this position, this study gathered and analysed data from the Nigerian state (federal government) allocations to Niger Delta States for a period of eight years and compared to other geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The paper concluded that resource control and topography of the area are not the only problems affecting the region but also the major issue is politicisation of corruption in the region