CLIMATE CHANGE POLICIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

The Niger Delta is a paradox of petro-dollar wealth and extreme climate vulnerability, occasioned by recurrent flooding, coastal erosion, salinity intrusion and oil-related environmental degradation. Despite Nigeria’s adoption of climate policies, weak implementation and limited local engagement have undermined sustainable development outcomes. This article anchors on the vulnerability framework and the policy implementation theory to explain the dynamics of climate change policy implementation, adaptation practices, and governance challenges in the region. Using hypothetical survey data from Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states, the study examines policy awareness, perceptions of effectiveness, adaptation practices and key barriers to policy implementation. Findings reveal that while 68% of respondents are aware of at least one climate policy, only 25% understand its provisions. Perceptions of policy effectiveness are low, with a mean score of 2.1 on a five-point Likert scale. Chi-square results indicate that awareness is significantly associated with education level (χ²(3)=12.54, p=0.006), while regression analysis shows education and income significantly predict adaptation practices (β=0.33, p<0.05; β=0.28, p<0.05). Key barriers include lack of funding, corruption, weak intergovernmental coordination and limited public awareness. Effective climate action in the Niger Delta requires policies that are locally tailored, well-financed, and institutionally coordinated. The paper concluded that effective climate action in the Niger Delta requires policies that are locally tailored, well-financed, and institutionally coordinated.