The Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme in the Niger-Delta: An Appraisal

The purpose of this article is to appraise the federal government’s amnesty programme in the Niger-Delta. Specifically, the article seeks to determine the extent to which the amnesty programme has addressed the Niger-Delta conflict, highlight the financial commitment of the federal government to the programme, and identify the implications of the amnesty programme for the economy and society. The article is framed by relative deprivation theory. Based on review of published literature and other media sources, the article discovers that of all the explanations offered for the amnesty by the Nigerian government, threats to economic survival and national security catalyzed the programme. A dismantling of the Nigerian ‘rentier state’, and clean up of the effects of pollution by multinational oil firms in the region are recommended. The Nigerian government should also draw inspiration from the US government action in ensuring compensation of the Gulf of Mexico oil spills victims.