GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

ABSTRACT

This study was done to assess the challenges faced by government in discharging its functions and the outcomes of the interventions employed by the government. An in-depth interview was used as the method, while an interview guide schedule was used as the instrument of data collection. Findings revealed that some of the challenges confronting the government include kidnapping of contractors, extortion of money from contractors by youth groups, cultism, and attacks on some government staff, among others. Findings also showed that government uses meetings and peace outreaches to different locations to address these issues. The study also revealed that government public relations play an important role in the management of the Niger Delta conflict. It is therefore recommended, among others, that the government should effectively engage and involve the Niger Delta people in the execution of their projects. This is believed to give the people a sense of belonging, thereby making them more corporate with the contractors and the government in the execution of their duties. On the part of the Niger Delta people, it is recommended that they pursue justice with non-violence, the oil companies are recommended to protect the environment by complying with environmental regulations, which includes cleaning up all polluted sites in the Niger Delta as well as stopping gas flaring, which is one of the major causes of the crisis in the region.

KEYWORDS: Conflict Management, Challenges, and Niger Delta