The Politics of Oil and Identity in Nigeria

Listen to this podcast, which asks whether oil created the Ijaw, Nigeria's fourth-largest ethnic group, by giving them a sense of identity and political purpose or whether this ethnic group would have formed without these natural riches.

Petroleum is the largest industry in Nigeria and has been a primary generator of economic growth in Africa's most populous country. However, ownership claims of the country's rich oil reserves between the Nigerian state and ethnic minorities have been a source of civil and often violent conflict. While listening to the podcast, consider the claims made by each side. Can you identify any ways to resolve this conflict?