Assessment of Socio-Demographic Changes between 1974 – 2018 around Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, Chikun Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Socio-economic development and improvements in infrastructure enhancing positive impacts and avoiding or mitigating adverse impacts of petrochemical companies. Social impact of petroleum provides companies with an effective risk management tool and communities the opportunity to give input on a project. This paper assesses the socio-demographic changes between 1974-2018 around Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company both quantitative and qualitative data was used through questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion Respectively. Yamane sample size formula was used to determine 399 households around the KRPC which, was later selected purposely and the questionnaires was administered systematically. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected through the individual questionnaire and FGD by people in all communities of the study area. The result reveals both positive and negative changes. The positive changes include the evolution of Socio-demographic variables such as hospitals, Schools, Electricity and Road. This resulted in the emergence of small-scale business in the study area such as Petty trading, Achaba, Restaurants, Hotels and Computer Business centre. The findings also showed that, there is emergence of new ethnic groups in the surrounding communities. The study areas have witnessed increasing commercial activities due to the presence of the refinery. Which, indicate that there are impacts of the KRPC on the study area which are positive and negative. The positive impact is the increase in commercial activities within the area and the provision of some infrastructures and social services by the refinery, while the negative impacts are increasing health problems as result of pollution. The KRPC should undertake community development projects annually with emphasis given to projects that have direct bearing on the socio-economic lives of the people.