Natural resource conflicts and innovation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

Abstract

Several studies on the Niger Delta have focused on the effects of oil production on the environment and conflicts associated with the mismanagement of oil revenue. However, inadequate attention has been given to a positive outcome of the conflict: the link between conflict in the region and the development of indigenous innovative strategies for petroleum refining. This briefing therefore utilises primary and secondary data to examine how conflicts over the exploitation and management of the benefits from natural resources have con-tributed to innovation.