Nigeria: Despite delays, deal still likely this year

Wood Mackenzie's sister company, Verisk Maplecroft, examines recent developments in the Niger Delta. Securing an agreement with Niger Delta militants to end the attacks that crippled oil production throughout last year is undoubtedly one of the government’s biggest priorities in 2017. While negotiations remained deadlocked at the end of 2016, the administration is more likely to succeed this year. Neither side stands to gain from the continued interruption of oil proceeds that generate crucial government revenue and enable monetary transfers to the region. Furthermore, there is considerable common ground between the demands of local stakeholders and the government’s strategy for developing the region.