Colonial Interference and Sustainable Development in Bonny Local Government Area Rivers State Nigeria

Pepple Princess Ada

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Abstract

Colonial interference has historically shaped development trajectories across Africa, often leaving behind economic, political, and socio-cultural structures that continue to influence present-day sustainability. This paper empirically examined the lingering effects of colonial interference on sustainable development in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, assessing how historical exploitation, institutional restrictions and socio-economic disparities impede or influence present-day development strategies. Using a secondary, qualitative approach, data were collected from archival records to assess how colonial exploitation, land tenure systems, and governance frameworks affect local sustainable development in Bonny Local Government Area. The findings revealed that colonial extractive systems disrupted indigenous development structures and created dependency patterns that still undermine inclusive growth. Recommendations highlighted the need for community-driven development and participatory policy restructuring, and historical redress, educative and capacity training programs that focus on knowledge in sustainable development, heritage preservation and promotion, local economic empowerment and environmental conservation, fair trade practice and equitable resource-sharing agreements to ensure local communities benefits from their resources, promote economic diversification beyond oil extraction to reduce dependence for sustainable economic growth.

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