PERSONAL INTEREST VS. GENERAL INTEREST: A BARRIER TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE NIGER DELTA CRISIS

The Niger Delta conflict is a complex issue characterized by competing interests and stakeholder dynamics. Through the lens of social exchange theory and conflict theory, this study examines how personal interests can lead to conflict and hinder conflict resolution efforts. The research highlights how stakeholders in the Niger Delta region crisis engage in exchanges that prioritize personal benefits over collective well-being, resulting in a lack of trust and cooperation. Conflict theory also employed to analyse the underlying power dynamics and resource competition that drive the conflict. The findings suggest that addressing these underlying issues and promoting more equitable exchanges can help overcome the barriers to conflict resolution and achieve sustainable peace in the region of Niger Delta and rapid development in Nigeria as a nation.