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Do Amnesty Policies Reduce Conflict? Evidence from the Niger-Delta Amnesty Program

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  • Uzoma Iloanugo
  • Indranil Dutta
  • M. Emranul Haque

Abstract

We examine the effect of the Niger-Delta Amnesty Program on oil related conflict in Nigeria. The policy enacted in August 2009 made concessions to rebel groups in the oil producing region in exchange for peace. Using a difference-in-difference strategy we compare conflict in Local Government Areas with and without oil fields in the Niger-Delta region. We find robust evidence that amnesty policy reduced the rebel and militia activities significantly. However, the reduction of conflict was not long lasting. We also find evidence of a peace dividend in terms of increase in economic activities — as measured through night time luminosity data — in Niger-Delta LGAs with oil fields after the policy. We explain our results through a simple analytical model.

Suggested Citation

  • Uzoma Iloanugo & Indranil Dutta & M. Emranul Haque, 2020. "Do Amnesty Policies Reduce Conflict? Evidence from the Niger-Delta Amnesty Program," Economics Discussion Paper Series 2011, Economics, The University of Manchester.
    • Handle: RePEc:man:sespap:2011
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q34 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War

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