CRISIS OF DEVELOPMENT IN BAYELSA STATE, 1996-2015: A DISCOURSE

Abstract

This study examines the crises of development facing Bayelsa state. The state has one of the least populations in the Federation; 1 .70 million (2006 census) and richly endowed with huge oil and gas resources but has one of the worst socio-economic indicators. The study made use of qualitative research design and uses content and thematic approach in analyzing the data. The study reveals that between 2001-2015 the state earned N950.6 billion as federal transfers excluding internally generated revenue, yet this oil windfall has not translated to a better standard of living for the ordinary people. The oil wealth has rather created a dysfunctional system, characterized by collapsed public infrastructures, underdeveloped agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sector, impoverished masses, corrupts elites, fiscal indiscipline etc. Statistically, 26.29% of the population live below $1 dollar a day, only 27.2% of the population have access to improved water sources, while 41.7% of the youth population remained unemployed. The study further reveals that though the topography of the state is difficult, in terms of cost in project execution but not beyond the capacity of man to develop, as demonstrated in the swampy Delta regions of the Netherlands, United States and other developed countries. The study therefore, concludes and recommends that the crises of development facing Bayelsa state is self-inflicted and a function of failed and corrupt leadership and that given the huge potential abounds, a purposive and visionary driven leadership is capable of leading the state out of its development crises.