Photography Portfolio-: Nigerian Oil

Over the past four decades almost half a trillion dollars in oil has been exported from the Niger River Delta region of Nigeria. As Africa's biggest energy producer, oil accounts for nearly 80% of the Nigerian government revenues. Nigeria is the world's seventh-largest oil exporter, producing over 3 million barrels a day.

Multinational oil companies have drawn attention because of poor business practices and inability to work with local communities. Tension between Nigerians living in the area, the Nigerian government and the oil production industry has made the Niger River Delta one of the most dangerous and volatile places on earth to conduct business. Ongoing turmoil has stemmed from extreme poverty and anger due to questions regarding land rights, employment, environmental destruction and poor business practice. Conflicts around these issues have fueled a multitude of problems, including ex-patriot kidnapping for ransom, violence, ethnic tension and sabotage resulting in damage to oil pipelines and ultimately the seizure of oil-related facilities by angry villagers.

Nigeria plans to increase its current crude oil extraction rate to 4 million barrels per day by 2010. Scientists estimate that the Niger River Delta has 43 years until its oil reserves are exhausted. With the recent history of violence, environmental decimation, and the increasing level of poverty, it appears that the amount of oil extracted from the fertile Niger River Delta is consistent with the strife and exploitation of its indigenous people and their beloved land.

Photographer Mark Allen Johnson

Photojournalist Mark Allen Johnson

Los Angeles based photojournalist Mark Allen Johnson

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