RESOLVING THE NIGER DELTA CONFLICTS THROUGH INTERGROUP RELATIONS, 1900-2024

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has been a focal point of prolonged conflicts stemming from issues related to land and boundary disputes, resource control, environmental degradation, ethnic tensions, and socio-economic marginalization. This study, using the primary, secondary and interdisciplinary sources, examined the role of intergroup relations in resolving the multifaceted conflicts in the Niger Delta from 1900 to 2024. The study adopted the use of the Contact Theory and the Structural Conflict Theory as templates for analysis. The study revealed that the various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta have had long years of interactions necessitated by economic needs. The paper established that the historical and contemporary interactions among diverse ethnic groups, government actors, multinational oil corporations, and civil society groups, through dialogue, cooperation, and conflict management strategies rooted in intergroup dynamics have influenced peace-building efforts. The study underscored the significance of fostering mutual intergroup interactions, understanding, trust, and inclusive governance frameworks as pivotal to sustainable conflict management in the Niger Delta. The study brought to limelight the challenges and opportunities of intergroup engagements and offers policy recommendations aimed at strengthening collaborative mechanisms for long-lasting peace and development in the Niger Delta.