By Peter Onyekachukwu 
BY PETER ONYEKACHUKWU, Adaba
DELTA: Despite being the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, the country’s oil-producing states continue to grapple with underdevelopment, environmental degradation, and high unemployment rates.
According to data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Akwa Ibom remains the nation’s top oil-producing state, contributing 504,000 barrels per day, followed by Delta with 346,000 barrels and Rivers with 344,000 barrels.
Bayelsa, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Imo, Abia, and Anambra complete the list of the top ten, collectively accounting for nearly 85% of Nigeria’s daily crude oil output. However, despite their contributions to national revenue, many of these states remain economically stagnant, with crumbling infrastructure and limited industrial development.
Oil wealth has not translated into prosperity for the host communities.
A resident of Gbaramatu in Delta State, Chief Ebikabowei Pere, lamented the state of affairs: “Our lands have been exploited for decades, yet our people are living in hardship.
Oil spills have destroyed our farmlands, gas flaring has polluted our air, and unemployment is driving our youths into crime.”
One of the key challenges remains the mismanagement of the 13% derivation fund allocated to oil-producing states. Many communities have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in its utilization.
“The money meant to develop our communities often disappears into the pockets of a few. If properly managed, this fund could change the narrative of the Niger Delta,” said activist Comrade Dennis Uche.
Beyond economic woes, environmental damage remains a significant concern. Continuous oil spills and gas flaring have devastated local ecosystems, rendering fishing and farming unproductive.
“For decades, we have seen multinational oil companies operate with little regard for our environment. Our rivers are polluted, and our health is at risk,” said Mrs. Ebiere Okorotie, a community leader in Bayelsa.
With increasing calls for economic diversification, experts argue that oil-rich states must move beyond crude oil dependence. Economist Dr. Michael Ogidi urged state governments to prioritize industrialization and job creation:
“Oil alone cannot sustain these states. There is an urgent need for investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism to create more employment opportunities.”
The paradox of oil wealth in Nigeria remains a glaring issue. While the nation continues to rake in billions from crude exports, the host communities that bear the brunt of exploration remain impoverished.
Until there is a conscious effort to ensure equitable distribution of oil revenue, environmental protection, and economic diversification, the cycle of poverty in Nigeria’s oil-producing states will persist.