Effect of Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons on the Development of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was a survey of the sources of small arms and their effects on the development of the South-South Zone of Nigeria. The study was conducted in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The data used for the project were the responses of youths, staff and adults randomly selected from the research area. The Mean and Simple Percentage Method formulae were used to analyze the data and interpret the results. The results revealed that it was not the advent of small arms but oil multinationals activities, insensitivity and long years of neglect that caused the insecurity in the Niger Delta. The Federal Government of Nigeria made no genuine effort to develop the region until the creation of Niger Delta Development Commission in the year 2000. The study concludes that rather than cause the insecurity situation in the Niger Delta, small arms aided the militants to panic the Federal Government into accepting development as the indispensible solution to the Niger Delta question. The study recommended adequate finding and supervision of Niger Delta Development Commission and accountability of the part of Commission officials to at least realize the 15 years of the Commissions Master Plan.