Globalization and Socio-Environmental Effects of the Oil Industry in Sudan and Nigeria with Suggested Solutions from the Islamic Perspective

Abstract

Crude oil is a top export in Sudan and Nigeria, generating millions of petrodollars annually. Despite this, Sudan is a (Least Developed Lower-Income) and Nigeria (Middle-Income Developing). They are also low in HDI (Human Development Index). The problems of poverty and low human development are mainly seen in the oil-rich regions such as the Niger Delta of Nigeria and Kordofan in Sudan. Heavy environmental degradation is also seen in these oil-rich regions. The paper aims to study if there is a link between the globalized oil industry and socio-environmental issues in the oil operating regions. It also aims to determine whether non-compliance with Islamic Governance, Islamic Management, Islamic Development and Islamic Economics contributes to these issues. Recommendations are provided from the Islamic perspective. The paper draws parallels between globally accepted indicators such as the World Governance Index and Sustainable Development Goals with Islam to strengthen the recommendations to the non-Muslim reader. The paper uses secondary data derived from qualitative and quantitative data. It aims to use recent research on the socio-environmental issues. It gives precedence to research done by the Sudanese and Nigerians themselves, especially those who have visited the affected areas or worked in them. The globalized oil sector has a part to play in the killing of humans and animals, violent displacement, ill health, loss of traditional occupation, poverty and political, social and cultural marginalization. A significant finding is that environmental issues are responsible for most social issues, thus highlighting the importance of taking care of the environment. Lack of conformance to the fundamentals of Islamic Governance, Islamic Management, Islamic Development and Islamic Economics are among the significant reasons for socio-environmental issues.