Niger Delta – Disparity

Black Gold

Black Gold
Ed Kashi

Since oil was discovered in the Niger Delta in 1956, over 400 billion dollars worth has been pumped out of these fertile grounds. The Delta, the third largest wetland in the world, has become the main source of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria yet it remains the least developed area of the country. These images document daily life along the Niger Delta, its inhabitants and the conditions in which they live.

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  • The "Amayanabo" (King) of Koniju, Okrika, Rivers State, Captain Nemi Tamunoyalla Oputibeyax, sits on his throne.

    He was made a king in 2002, as part of the new financial and political system of the ethnic communities in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

  • A small child uses a dirty plastic bucket as a toilet in Njemanze, a slum community along the waterfront in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

    Areas like this are hotbeds of gang violence and extreme poverty that exemplify the lack of development and support for the local communities of the oil producing Niger Delta. This community has been the scene of violence in recent years between "cults', or gangs supported by the government.

  • Outhouses on stilts empty into water that is used for bathing and fishing as well as defecating and garbage.

    In Bonny Town, uncontrolled growth due to oil and gas development has caused environmental disruption and degradation.

  • Children beg on the streets of the oil city of Port Harcourt, where poverty runs rampant.

    A crumbling infrastructure reflects the neglect of the government even while the riches of oil continue to flow.

  • Ogbaland is a tribal area of the Egi people and is comprised of 20 communities.

    Located close to each other, these villagers all consider the reigning king of 25 years, King Egi, their leader. The king's reception room was built by money from Total/Elf Oil Company.

  • There are no options for work. Fifty years of oil has brought the Deltans nothing. Ebia Amakady, 18, sits with her sleeping two-year-old son.

    There are no options for work. Fifty years of oil has brought the Deltans nothing. Ebia Amakady, 18, sits with her sleeping two-year-old son.

  • Odiama is a town that was attacked and destroyed by the Nigerian Military Joint Task Force as part of Operation Restore Hope in 2005.

    At least 17 people were killed and virtually all buildings and homes were burned down or destroyed. The population had been nearly 15,000, and since the attack, only 2500 residents have returned to start rebuilding their homes, businesses and lives. The attack was part of a campaign of retaliation and intimidation by the government security forces in response to attacks on oil facilities in the area. The town is now occupied by the military.

  • King Nemi Tamunoiyala Oputibeya Xth, of Okrika, addresses his subjects.

    Okrika Town in the Niger Delta is close to Port Harcourt and a place of oil related violence and struggle.

  • Her Royal Majesty, Queen Georgiana Tenalo, Queen of Ogoniland, was crowned in 2004.

    She is a lawyer who represents the complex syncretism between a constantly changing tradition and new values and belief wrought by education and Christianity. Here the queen presides over her weekly prayer meeting and visits with her people.

  • One of the mothers in the village of Oweiyaya passes out pieces of coconut to village children.

    One of the mothers in the village of Oweiyaya passes out pieces of coconut to village children.

  • A Urobho couple celebrate their wedding day in Warri.

    A Urobho couple celebrate their wedding day in Warri.

  • In the village of Gbarantoru, which is the closest community to the massive Gbaran Gas project.  Local kids play on their front porch.

    This community lives in poverty even though there are more than a dozen wells in their vicinity.

  • Celebration of the Egi New Year, which is tied to the harvest season and lunar calendar, takes place in August.

    It is also the New Yam Festival, which augers in one month of relaxing before farming and fishing begin again.  The King and Queen of Ogbaland are the centerpiece of the event, which involves families from all 20 communities of the clan. The crowned prince, Chika Elenwa, is in the black longcoat.

  • Okrika Town in the Niger Delta is close to Port Harcourt and a place of oil related violence and struggle.

    Okrika Town in the Niger Delta is close to Port Harcourt and a place of oil related violence and struggle.

  • Students in the run-down primary school of Ogulagha take their exams or "just hang out."

    Most of the classrooms do not have tables for the students, and most of the teachers do not show up due to lack of pay.

  • In Nembe town, Bayelsa State gubornatorial candidate Chief Timipre Sylva holds a campaign event. 

    Local chiefs, supporters and townsfolk come out for this rare political event. Chief Timipre Sylva, who is running for governor of Bayelsa State, is in the black gown. He sits with the other very important chiefs from the region.
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Niger Delta – Disparity

Areas of extreme poverty in Niger Delta exemplify the lack of development and support for local communities that are overshadowed by those benefiting from oil wealth. 

Niger Delta – Disparity
Artist/Author: Ed Kashi

Areas of extreme poverty in Niger Delta exemplify the lack of development and support for local communities that are overshadowed by those benefiting from oil wealth.