Authors : O.L. Ndubuisi and I.O. Asia
Abstract: Oil spillage and air pollution, via gas flaring, constitute the major persistent environmental pollution problems affecting oil-producing areas of the Niger River Delta in Nigeria. This study presents a preliminary empirical assessment of the trend and rural community�s perception of the problems. About 6133 major oil spill incidences were reported in area between 1976 and 2002. This resulted to the loss of about 2.97million barrels of crude/refined oil or an average of about 1.14�105 barrels per year. Between 1976 and 1999 about 94.8 tones of Particulate Matter (PM), 950477.0 tones of Nitrous Oxides (NOx), 190717.0 tones of Carbon Mono Oxide (CO) and 5462.3 tones of Oxides of Sulfur (SOx) were recorded from the annual levels of gas flared in the area. Trend equations attempted using statistical method show that the quantity of oil spill is declining, while the number of incidence is on the increase. A linear relationship exists between the components of air pollution. The views of the project-affected communities are quite polarized. One group (about 56% wished to see on-shore oil exploration and production activities cease, while the reminder (44%) does not. The major cause of conflict between the host community and the oil exploration and production company is environmental pollution (51.63%). This is followed closely by youth unemployment (23.96%). The most perceived affected environmental component is rural water supply (85%). Strategies for future management are discussed.
O.L. Ndubuisi and I.O. Asia , 2007. Environmental Pollution in Oil Producing Areas of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria: Empirical Assessment of Trends and People�s Perception. Environmental Research Journal, 1: 18-26.