The Niger Delta is a densely populated area in the Niger Delta in southern Nigeria . According to the Nigerian government, the region occupies about 70,000 km², accounting for 7.5% of the territory of Nigeria.
Geographically, the region includes the territory of 3 states: Delta, Bayels and Rivers. However, in 2000, the Obasanjo government included 6 more states in the Niger Delta, Abia, Edo, Imo, Cross River, Aqua Ibom and Ondo.
Thus, more than 31 million people live in the region [1] , more than 40 ethnic groups, the largest of which are Ijo and Igbo .
Oil industry
Potential oil production in the Niger Delta is 3 million barrels per day. However, in practice, in recent years, less than 2 million were produced (1.9 million barrels per day in 2007). The decrease in oil production was largely facilitated by the activities of the MEND .
Notes
- ↑ CRS Report for Congress, Nigeria: Current Issues Updated January 30, 2008