10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

The Ijaw are the largest tribe in the Niger Delta ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 14962]

"6.83 The Ijaw, the largest tribe in the Niger delta, numbering an estimated five to eight million people, accused the smaller but influential Itsekiri tribe of rigging the boundaries of electoral wards, in connivance with the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, to win undue political advantage.

6.87 The Ijaw, who are mostly fishermen are to be found throughout the 70,000 square kilometre Niger delta, wherever there is water. Many live in deep poverty in remote villages where they lack access to the most basic government services. Consequently they have suffered the worst effects of oil operations. Their waterways and fishing grounds have been polluted by oil spills which have messed up their traditional way of life, and they have received little in exchange.

6.88 Young, educated Ijaw youths complain that not enough Ijaws are being employed by the oil companies. They accuse the companies of hiring people from other smaller, but more influential ethnic groups, such as the Itsekiri.

6.89 This new and dissatisfied generation provides the brains for groups such as the FNDIC and the Ijaw Youths Council. Both have been at the forefront of demands for greater Ijaw control of oil resources."

Document(s): Open document