In Nigeria is in the process of investigating an oil spill and fire on one of the Shell pipelines in the region. The fire has been put out but there is still clear evidence of an oil spill, crude in the surrounding farmland. Officials are not sure how much damaged has occurred due to the spill. Investigations have revealed that the pipeline was sabotaged and it is a known fact that Militants have tapped into and blown up pipelines in the past. Oil spills are common in this region because of this and the effects of the oil spills are starting to spread to surrounding areas. The United Nations released at statement saying a worldwide clean up might have to take place to combat the problem.
The country of Nigeria is one of the countries that apply to the dependency theory. The dependence theory states that poor countries rely on richer countries for support. Shell is one of the largest American Oil Companies. It has tapped into the resources that are available for use in the Niger Delta. Most of the revenue that the country earns comes from the Oil Industry. Since the oil spill has occurred this will affect the dependency that the United States has on Nigeria and its oil supply. We will have to look for other resource for some time while efforts are made for the clean up from the spill. The United Nations has even predicted that the effects from the oil spill will not only affect the United States and Nigeria. Not only has it contaminated the ocean but it will affect the global economy. Since the Nigeria Delta oil supply will be decreased the United States will have to look for oil in other places, this will raise the level of competition between nations who want oil. This many even change the dependency of Nigeria on the United States in the future because this has occurred multiple times in the past. It might not be worth the United States time of money to have an agreement with Nigeria. We are starting to look at other resources for energy and even drilling off the shore of our coast to due dependency on foreign oil and countries.
1 comment:
Oil drilling is a double edged sword, in my opinion. It would help us ease dependency off of other nations, but is also very environmentally harmful. In this case, for Nigeria, it could be a real economy booster as well, but could destroy a lot of beautiful and natural wildlife that is present there.
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