Ethical Issues in Environmental Pollution: Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and Oil Industries in Tropical Regions—The Nigerian Niger-Delta Case

Abstract

Multinational oil corporations (MNOCs) operating in the tropical region of the Nigerian Niger Delta have increasingly been accused of engaging in polluting and environmental degrading activities. The unsustainable issues of crude oil and gas exploitation by the MNOCs in this tropical region have been re-occurring episodes. The MNOCs’ ability to carry out their operational act of crude oil exploration without taking responsibility for their actions have been characterized by associated environmental impacts that include, but not limited to environmental degradation, severe pollution, biota toxicity, ecological effects, loss of biodiversity, human health effects and gross abuse of human rights. There have been constant critics on the lack of MNOCs’ adoption of an environmental sustainable approach that will avert issues of crude oil pollution and environmental degradation, and reduce human health consequences. Due to these corporate activities and potentially unethical practices associated with MNOCs, host communities, human rights groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) usually commence social movements against them. They agitate for the need of the MNOCs to adopt an appropriate attitude towards nature, human health and rights. Regarding MNOCs and the environmental protection in the Niger Delta, one fundamental question is: Do MNOCs have the “right” to cause environmental damage potentially resulting to loss of life and do they have an obligation to restore? This paper analyses the issues of oil and gas pollution problems emanating from the corporate act of the MNOCs in pursuance of sustainability, environmental and social justice for the environment and ecosystems of the oil-producing Niger Delta region.