This study closely examined how oil exploration has caused environmental degradation
and untold hardship to the local communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Nigeria is known to be the sixth largest producer of crude oil among the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the largest in the African continent. The
crude oil that puts Nigeria in this position is being produced in the Niger Delta region of
the country. Nigeria’s economy is based on crude oil exports.
Despite this enormous wealth coming from the Niger Delta, there is pervasive poverty
and despicable environmental damage as a result of crude oil mining activities going on
in this region. Suffice it to say that, there is total neglect of the region in terms of
infrastructural development and economic empowerment of its local populace by the
government and oil companies operating in the region. This has led to youth restiveness
and hostage taking in the area.
A sound methodological research approach was developed and utilized in this study.
Both primary and secondary data were collected from questionnaires, structured
interviews, personal observations, relevant literature, documentation from government
agencies and oil companies. These data were analyzed, and they synthesized the
discussions contained in this study.
This study is all about charting a new course in the way the oil companies operating in
the Niger Delta region carry out their activities in order to ensure the environmental
sustainability of the region, and improve the economy of the rural communities in the
region at the same time. It identifies the constraints to effective implementation of
Nigeria’s environmental laws and policies especially the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) as it concerns oil prospecting, which has hitherto contributed in
hindering her environmental sustainability. It also unveils the critical issues concerning
the deplorable state of the economy of the local populace of the region.
After identifying the various problems contributing to the environmental woes, and the
poor economic growth of the region, this research proffers recommendations that should
be conscientiously and vigorously implemented to reverse the trend. Although, the oil
companies have made some efforts towards providing the necessary infrastructures needed in the region, they need to do more in the area of capacity building, and use of
green technologies to ensure healthy environment of their host communities. The
government on her part should strengthen the various Ministries and Agencies vested
with the responsibility of protecting the Nigerian environment, by providing them with
the necessary incentives for maximum efficiency. This study therefore emphasizes a
concerted approach from all the stakeholders in the Niger Delta region for the successful
implementation of the recommendations herein to ensure the sustainable development of
the region, and Nigeria in general.