BBC World Service East Asia

The Essential

News

A chance to hear extracts from some of our most thought provoking broadcasts.

The Essential: From Our Own Correspondent: No Deal in the Niger Delta

Magazines & Reviews

Religion & Ethics

From Our Own Correspondent: No Deal in the Niger Delta

28/07/2016 GMT

BBC World Service - The Essential, From Our Own Correspondent: No Deal in the Niger Delta

In Gbaramatu, Nigeria, a palace and university lie in ruins, symbols of dashed hope

The Niger Delta should have grown rich on its oil - but Martin Patience finds its watery landscape dotted with derelict symbols of dashed hope.

Once the Niger Delta region was a byword for militancy, kidnapping and rebel groups - but some years back a deal with central government seemed to address local discontent. Violence ebbed and there were signs more oil revenue would benefit small communities directly. Yet many of the facilities built, and the promises made, now look decidedly empty. Martin Patience visits the Gbaramatu kingdom to find a palace and a 'delta university' in ruins and public opinion growing increasingly restive. 

(Photo: The deserted lecture hall of an abandoned training facility for oil workers)

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Essential

From Our Own Correspondent: No Deal in the Niger Delta

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service East Asia

About BBC World Service