DELSU Journal of Niger Delta Studies

Between pulpit and policy: Mediating citizens exclusion, accountability gaps, and stalled development in the Niger Delta

John A. Ottuh — 2026-08-29

This paper analyzes the relationship between religious institutions and the Niger Delta, Nigeria, emphasizing the dual function of these institutions as political intermediaries. Although the region produces over 75% of national GDP and operates under democratic administration, inhabitants are predominantly marginalized from resource benefits and face significant accountability deficiencies. The current study emphasizes militancy and corruption, neglecting the mediation roles of religious institutions. The study utilizes qualitative documentary analysis, drawing on forensic audit reports, ethnographic investigations, and official publications, framed by the notions of articulated sovereignty and mediated citizenship in resource-dependent environments. The research demonstrates that religious (Pentecostal) mediation has led to disarmed of militants resulting to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) by redefining governmental authority as a spiritual obligation, thereby reducing demands for citizen accountability. This theological rationale also emphasizes developing institutional innovations that may provide substitutes to further religious mediation, while their future viability remains dubious. The study concludes by emphasizing that although religious mediation mitigates acute conflict, it sustains long-term citizen exclusion and undermines governance mechanisms. It proposes the dissemination of forensic audit reports, the augmentation of advocacy functions of religious organizations, and the formalization of collaborations between development commissions and anticorruption agencies to guarantee accountability devoid of political involvement. Thus, this research enhances the political sociology of religion by demonstrating how spiritual legitimation can supplant democratic accountability in resource-abundant, conflict-impacted governments, while offering a longitudinal perspective on the interplay between religion and governance in the Niger Delta.

Nanobioremediation innovations: Integrating nanotechnology and microbial systems for sustainable pollutant detoxification in petroleum-impacted energy systems

Fegalo J. D. Kaaka — 2026-08-29

The intensification of petroleum extraction, refining, and energy distribution activities has exacerbated environmental contamination in soils and groundwater, demanding innovative remediation strategies. This paper looks at nanobioremediation which uses nanotechnology and microbial systems to develop green technology to extract and detoxify petroleum products. With a secondary data synthesis and comparative analytical framework, this research evaluates the studies on nanomaterial assisted microbial degradation of zero-valent iron and metal oxides and biologically synthesized nanomaterials in hydrocarbon, heavy metals and pesticide contaminated matrices. The key findings suggest that nanobioremediation increases the bioavailability of contaminants, speeds up degradation kinetics, and enhances remediation efficiency when compared to traditional bioremediation methods. Also, it provides economic and governance benefits as remediation is carried out within a shorter time frame and with lower life-cycle costs while complying with regulatory standards. This applies to petroleumimpacted energy infrastructures. According to the study, nanobioremediation, which is capable of supporting energy transitions, is a vital innovation connecting environmental technology and energy governance. It is recommended that nanobioremediation be incorporated into petroleum environmental compliance policies, incentivize pilot scale adoption, and develop governance architecture for toxicological risk mitigation of nanoparticles. The study builds knowledge on energy economics and petroleum governance by situating nanobioremediation. It helps reduce regulatory liabilities in managing oil spill disasters by facilitating cross-sectoral discussions.

Review of operational thermodynamic cycles of grid connected thermal power plant in Nigeria

Isiaka Isah — 2026-08-29

This paper reviews the operational thermodynamic cycles of grid connected thermal power plant in Nigeria. Several studies have been carried out on the simple cycle gas turbine power plant to assess the plant which needs to be modified for improved performance and adopted technologies on them were reviewed. The configurations, technologies, design capacities and locations of various gas turbine power plants in Nigeria have been presented. Research materials such as textbooks, specialized handbooks, journals, technical paper publications and original equipment manuals (OEMs) were utilized for this review. The findings of the review showed that the effects of different operating conditions on the performance parameters were analyzed appropriately and also retrofitting the existing simple cycle gas turbine power plants in the country with steam turbine cycles have been assessed to increase power output production, efficiency in addition to utilizing a single fuel source.

Material memory and eco-aesthetics: Reframing Niger Delta textile traditions in contemporary Nigeria

Victor Onibere — 2026-08-29

This study examines the erosion of indigenous textile traditions in the Niger Delta caused by environmental degradation, globalization, petro-capitalist exploitation, and weakening intergenerational knowledge transmission. Despite the cultural significance of weaving, dyeing, and ceremonial cloth production, limited scholarship has examined these practices as ecological archives and forms of postcolonial resistance. Anchored in postcolonial theory, eco-aesthetics, and material culture discourse, the study investigates how contemporary textile traditions encode memory, identity, spirituality, and environmental consciousness in the Niger Delta. Employing a qualitative methodology that combines archival research, visual ethnography, semi-structured interviews, and iconographic analysis, the study finds that indigenous textiles function as repositories of cultural memory and socio-political agency. Findings further reveal that women artisans remain central to sustaining and adapting these traditions through innovative and ecoconscious practices. The study concludes that Niger Delta textile arts embody cultural resilience and ecological resistance. It recommends institutional support, community-based archiving, heritage education, and sustainable textile production initiatives.

Historical reconstruction of selected plays for sustainable growth and development in the Niger Delta

Emuobonuvie Ayanyen — 2026-08-29

History has always served as a veritable source of literary materials for creative writers. This is because, since the work of art derives its materials from the society, the recreation of the people’s historical trajectory, especially at periods of crisis becomes a normal artistic phenomenon. The European encounter with the people of the Niger Delta has established itself as one of the most important themes in the literatures of the people. The writers of the region have, in many occasions reassessed imaginatively, various historical materials which derive from the people’s engagement with the British imperialist at various points in their history. These materials are adopted and adapted by the playwrights in a manner that the issues involved are not only brought to the fore, but are reconstructed to comment on contemporary experiences of the people for sustainable growth and development. This paper therefore examines the playwrights’ att empts to reconstruct the indices of colonialism in the society and its effect in the sociopolitical life of the people on the one hand and the role of the Nigerian state against her own people on the other hand. The essay leans on the theory of cultural studies to bring out the salient issues of history that constitute the path of growth and development in the Nigeria state. The paper concludes that the role of the white man in the destruction of the people’s tribal world is both symbolical and historical and should be well reconstructed for sustainable growth and development in the Niger Delta.

Christian welfare for the vulnerable: A theological application of Matthew 25:31-46 in the context of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Delta Province 16 Abraka, Delta state

Francis Ikechukwu Obioha — 2026-08-29

Consistently stressing the need of caring for the weak, the Christian religion has used Matthew 25:31 – 46 as a central passage. This text emphasizes the close link between serving Christ and serving the underprivileged. Christian welfare projects are sometimes piecemeal, lacking a thorough and complex knowledge of the biblical mandate. The aim of this study is to examine Christian welfare for the vulnerable through the lens of Matthew 25:31-46 and its contemporary implication. By offering a biblical framework for welfare projects, this study gives priority to the vulnerable. The study uses a qualitative method that blends biblical interpretation with theological analysis. Findings from the research shows that Christian's bond with Christ makes the biblical command to serve the weak inseparable and thus emphasizing the need for Christian communities to reconsider their involvement with humanitarian projects from the perspective of Matthew 25:31 – 46. The study recommends that Christians and churches in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Delta Province 16, Abraka should adapt the theological ideas from Matthew 25:31-46 into their welfare projects. This means emphasizing the needs of the most disadvantaged, fighting for justice, and practically showing compassion.

Contributions of Hausa migrants to the socio-economic development of the Western Niger Delta: A case study of Warri

Rhogho Bright Oghenevwegba — 2026-08-29

Warri is the home of the Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw. Warri was one of the cities in Nigeria that played host to Hausa migrants in the colonial and postcolonial period. The city functioned as an administrative centre administration and a major centre of the oil industry in Nigeria thus presented economic opportunities. The economic opportunities which Warri presented attracted the Hausa migrants to Warri. The Hausa were found in most Nigerian cities and even in most parts of West Africa. The Hausa migrants engaged in various economic activities in Warri and. Migrant communities were known to have contributed to their host communities. The Hausa migrants played certain important role in the economy of Warri. They contributed to the socio-economic development of the city in the course of their business. The findings of this study were that the Hausa migrants dominated and supplied the city with certain food items from the north. They did not also involve in direct competition in their economic pursuit their Warri host thereby gaining wide acceptance and prevent friction. The study adopted the historical method that interprets and analyses historical data from available evidence on the subject matter.

From militancy to melody: Music production as a pathway to economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and livelihood development in the Niger Delta

Gerald-Paul Chinedum Ikem — 2026-08-29

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria, historically defined by crude oil extraction and socio-economic ostracism, is witnessing an emergent swing towards the creative economy as a vehicle for youth empowerment. This non empirical research examines music production as a premeditated interpolation for economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and livelihood improvement in the region. Drawing on strategy creativities including the Niger Delta Development Commission's “Project HOPE” and the Niger Delta Music and Arts Programme, and engaging with the scholarship of Nigerian musicologists, particularly Dr Margaret Efurhievwe of Delta State University, Abraka, and the study analyses the theoretical and practical dimensions of creative entrepreneurship. The research identifies fundamental opportunities and impairments to enacting music production as a sustainable means of support, proposing a multi stakeholder framework integrating technical training, infrastructure development, intellectual property protection, and entrepreneurial mentorship. Music production, when strategically situated within economic branching out efforts, offers a viable corridor for maintainable peace and youth enablement.

Innovation strategies and salesforce performance of selected manufacturing firms in South-South Nigeria

Williams Okpebenyo — 2026-08-29

This study focused on the effects of innovative strategies and sales force performance on selected manufacturing firms. The study examined the effect of incremental innovation on sales force performance, and that radical innovation affects sales force performance. This study employed descriptive survey design. The study used well-structured questionnaire for the survey. Cronbach's alpha-based test was performed to determine the reliability of the instrument. The reliability coefficient for all the variables was above 0.70. We obtained a sample size of 175. A stratified sampling technique was used. We utilized regression analyses to analyze the data. Findings showed that incremental innovation has a significant positive effect on competitive edge, customer satisfaction and customer retention. Finding further revealed that radical innovation has a significant positive effect on motivation and adaptive selling behaviors of sales workforce. The study concluded that the manufacturing firm's performance strongly relies on theirs, which attracts active importance attached to the analysis of innovative activities and their effects. The study recommended that manufacturing firms in the South-South that are experiencing low sales performance should embark on incremental innovation, as this would increase their level of customer patronage, and that manufacturing firms whose sales are declining should adopt radical innovation strategies by making some major adjustments to the firm and increasing their sales.

Oil exploration and public health challenges in Isokoland: A study of socio-economic costs of pollution in the Western Niger Delta

Nathaniel Omamuzo Abraham — 2026-08-29

The extraction of oil in the Niger Delta has played a pivotal role in bolstering Nigeria’s economy; however, it has simultaneously led to substantial environmental degradation and public health crises among the communities affected by this industrial activity. This study examines the socioeconomic and health-related repercussions of petroleum-induced pollution in Isokoland, a region in the western Niger Delta. Employing a mixed-methods crosssectional design, the study collected data from 360 households across six communities significantly affected by oil extraction. Various data collection methods were utilized, including structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and comprehensive field observations. The quantitative data analysis, conducted with SPSS (v27), was complemented by thematic analysis of the qualitative data gathered. The results revealed alarming statistics: 82% of respondents reported significant losses in agricultural income directly linked to oilrelated activities, while 63% experienced ongoing health issues, with respiratory ailments and waterborne diseases being particularly prevalent. Moreover, 71% of participants noted a profound decline in farmland productivity, which they attributed to contamination from oil spills and related activities. Statistical assessments indicated a robust negative correlation (r = -0.79, p < 0.01) between the degree of environmental degradation and the productivity of agricultural land. These critical findings underscore the urgent necessity for effective environmental remediation strategies, enhanced public health initiatives, and inclusive policies that engage local communities. Such measures are essential for fostering sustainable development in oilproducing regions and mitigating the adverse effects of petroleum extraction on both the environment and public health.

Ecclesial contributions to social stability in conflict-prone Niger Delta communities

Abel Omamiyiere Akpotor — 2026-08-29

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has long experienced social instability resulting from environmental degradation, economic marginalization, militancy, and communal conflicts associated with oil exploration and resource control. Within this context, religious institutions particularly the Christian church have emerged as significant actors in promoting social stability and community cohesion. This study examines the ecclesial contributions to social stability in conflict-prone Niger Delta communities, focusing on the church’s roles in peacebuilding, conflict mediation, moral formation, youth engagement, and community development. Using qualitative and theological analysis, the study explores how church teachings, pastoral leadership, and faith-based initiatives foster reconciliation, social justice advocacy, and nonviolent conflict resolution. The research also highlights the church’s involvement in humanitarian support and grassroots development programs that address socio-economic factors contributing to instability. Despite these contributions, challenges such as denominational fragmentation, political influence, and limited institutional resources sometimes constrain the church’s effectiveness in conflict transformation. The study argues that strengthening collaboration between churches, community leaders, and civil society organizations can enhance the church’s capacity to promote sustainable peace and social stability in the Niger Delta. Ultimately, the church remains a vital moral and social institution capable of fostering reconciliation, justice, and peaceful coexistence in conflictprone communities.

Postwar British marine transport services in the Niger-Benue confluence area of Nigeria, 1945 – 1960

Mohammed Lawal Shuaibu — 2026-08-29

This work focuses on the British marine transport services in the Niger-Benue confluence area from the end of the Second World War to the twilight of colonial rule Nigeria in 1960. Marine services were utterly neglected by the British authorities for the prosecution of the war. Personnel and navigational equipment of the Marine Department, the British authority responsible for marine services and inland waterways management, were deployed for the war purposes thereby creating low postwar marine services in the study area. The paper, therefore, examines

Impact of the Nigerian Baptist convention on the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta

Okeoghene Prosper Idjesa — 2026-08-29

This article analyzes the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC)’s contribution to the socio economic advancement of the Niger Delta region. Although, current scholarship has concentrated on environmental deterioration and governance problems in oil producing regions, there has been insufficient focus on faith based institutions as agents of development. This article contends that the NBC has served as supplementary development infrastructure in the Niger Delta, drawing on archival records, recent economic data, and missiological studies. The Convention has established educational institutions, healthcare facilities, agricultural training centres, and microfinance networks that have collectively enhanced human development indicators in Baptist majority communities. The article contextualizes these contributions within the wider framework of regional underdevelopment, examining how Baptist missionary tactics of inculturation fostered institutional resilience and community trust. The findings indicate that religious organizations have mitigated state deficiencies in certain areas, while their influence is inconsistent and insufficiently examined in conventional development research.

Functionality of 21st century digital libraries for information services provision in Nigerian universities: A review

Daniel Akparobore — 2026-08-29

This article examined the functionality of digital libraries for information services provision in Nigerian universities with a view to highlighting the role and functions of digital libraries to information services provision in university libraries and to possibly highlight the challenges inhibiting digital libraries from functioning effectively to positively affect information service provision in universities. The study is a review of literature and it utilized Google search engine to gather scholarly articles from databases that are open access and are relevant to the study. Literature reviewed has shown that there is gradual growth of digital libraries in Nigeria universities especially the private owned universities and there are also gradual acceptance of digital libraries and its functions by librarians as they are now embracing the roles of digital libraries in information services provision. However, numerous factors are inhibiting digital libraries from fulfilling its full potentials in libraries which ultimately affects services provision in university libraries negatively. This study practically implied that if Nigeria is to play an active role in the global village, the issue of development and utilization of digital library should be handed with seriousness and urgency as technology is evolving by the day.