Oil Exploitation, Neglect of Coal and the Ngwo Society, 1909 - 1987

Coal was one of the catalysts Industrial Revolution which started in England and spread to other parts Europe. It provided main source primary energy for industry transportation. The coal mining Africa as a result European conquest subsequent colonization. Ngwo 1908 led discovery eventual Enugu-Ngwo from 1915. In period exploitation lasted, town furnished needed transportation, industrialization urban development Nigeria. also direct indirect employment people across Europe well facilitated international trade between Nigeria her partners world. Since petroleum discovered 1956 found better alternative terms wealth generation, suffered neglect gradually collapsed. How collapse rise affected is central theme this paper. contends that, though regarded Nigeria, it is, nonetheless poverty people. British colonialists dispossessed them massive farmlands upon they operated their local economy set up colliery facilities. Also, more than 8,000 who contributed youthful years mostly miners lost jobs without compensation. prospects especially under corporate–social responsibilities generation ought benefit with continued existence were demise industry. Primary sources constitute greater percentage deployed historical reconstruction. They include oral tradition granted by reliable informants materials acquired National Archives Enugu. are be augmented secondary books, journal articles un-published materials. Available facts will analyzed using qualitative research methodology.