THE POLITICS OF OIL EXPLORATION AND THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: THE ISSUE OF BAYELSA STATE

This paper focuses on politics of oil exploration with regards to the challenges of sustainable development in Nigeria, the Bayelsa State Experience. Oil exploration and production in Nigeria, Bayelsa State by the Petroleum sector has greatly improved the nation’s economy over the years. Nigeria joined oil producing nations on 3rd august 1956 when oil was first discovered in commercial quantities in the Oloibiri of Bayelsa State and today Nigeria ranked as the leading oil and gas producer in Africa and the 6th largest exporter in the world. The area is generally referred to one of the most important wetland and marine system in the world. But the activities of oil exploration and exploitation have affected the area and the people are facing poverty. The research employed qualitative approach and made use of secondary sources of data collection. The data collected was analysed descriptively. Major findings showed that oil exploration by the oil sectors have problems of implementing sustainable development policies, it is also revealed that the existing statutory laws and regulations for environmental protection appears to be grossly inadequate. The study recommended that sustainable development strategies should be revisited and implemented in the area, Nigeria local Content Development and Monitoring Act of 2010 should adhere to its rules.