Niger Delta Region Research Articles

Grand challenge of insecurity and Leadership: Humanizing Leadership to enhance security in divided Nigeria nation state.

The past few years has become synonymous with grand challenge of insecurity in Nigeria, impacting negatively on individuals’ emotion, the national economy, social collectivity, peace and security. Having been impacted by the militant agitation on her oil resource exploration in the Niger Delta region; the emerged and occurrence of attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents, herders’ farmers conflicts, bandit attacks, secessionist crusade and hardship economic protests have made threat her national security. While government have adopted different policies to address the incessant conflicts, much of these are found to be counterproductive. The arrest and re-arrest of secessionists leaders like; Kanu, IPOB leader, and Ighoho who champions demand for Yoruba nation are reference in points. This paper carries out exploratory survey of the occurrence of insecurity as differently experienced in Nigeria from northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest. The article argues that, insensitivity to public opinions, high level of public distrust and bad leadership has brought Nigerians to the point of no return. It suggests that for Nigerians to build confidence on their leaders and institutions; Nigerian leaders must take to their responsibilities, seek more for inclusive social policies, and stand out for equity. Since humanizing approach emphasizes the relational and co-constitutive aspects of leadership; solving grand challenge of insecurity in Nigeria, requires a sense of leadership responsibility, coordinated efforts, pragmatic collaborations with the stakeholders while commune with their environment.

Estimation of potential health risks on metals and metalloids contaminants in black goby (Gobius niger) consumption in selected niger delta coast, nigeria

IntroductionThe Niger Delta in Nigeria is subject to anthropogenic influences, impacting the quality of its water bodies, including the Sombrero River. This study aims to investigate the concentrations of metals and metalloids in Gobius niger from the Sombrero River, as these contaminants can pose risks to human health through seafood consumption. Specifically, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Materials and MethodsSamples were collected from three different stations along the Sombrero River. The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, Pb, As, and Cd were determined using AAS. Hazard Quotients (HQ), Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Hazard Index (HI), and Individual Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values were calculated to assess the potential health risks associated with consuming fish contaminated with these metals and metalloids. ResultsStation 1 had the highest Zn concentration, followed by Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, and As, with Zn reaching 104.8 ± 1.37 mg kg−1. Station 2 exhibited a similar trend, while Station 3 had Zn as the predominant metal and metalloid. Notably, Pb, As, and Cd levels were consistently low at all stations. While Pb was within permissible limits set by FAO/WHO for contaminants in the fish samples, Zn exceeded regulatory guidelines, suggesting a potential source of contamination. Hazard Quotients (HQ) highlighted a significant risk associated with zinc, especially for children. Chronic Daily Intake values showed metals in fish consumed by adults and children were generally within safe limits, except for Zn, which exceeded Maximum Tolerable Daily Intake (MTDI). Hazard Index values pointed to a substantial long-term health risk, particularly for children due to high zinc levels. However, Individual Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values were generally below 1, indicating relatively low cancer risks from G. niger consumption for both age groups. ConclusionThis study emphasizes the need for monitoring and managing metals and metalloid pollution in the Niger Delta region to ensure safe seafood consumption and community well-being. While certain metals pose minimal health risks, it highlights the necessity of specific interventions to reduce excessive zinc exposure and safeguard long-term health in the region.

Oil Spillage Monitoring in Nigeria and the Role of Remote Sensing - An Overview

Oil spillage poses a persistent challenge in Nigeria most especially in oil-rich Niger Delta region, necessitating effective monitoring and mitigation measures. This study provides an overview of oil spill monitoring in Nigeria, emphasizing the pivotal role of remote sensing technology. Leveraging data from the NOSDRA Oil Spill Monitoring website, spanning 2016 to 2020, variations in spill occurrences among oil companies are analyzed. In 2016, a total of 42,741.25 barrels were spilled across 689 incidents, with NPDC emerging as the top spillage contributor. Similarly, 2017 witnessed 35,076.62 barrels spilled across 604 incidents, with NPDC and SPDC maintaining dominance. The trend continued in 2018, with SPDC recording the highest volume of spills among the top six contributing companies. However, in 2019, spillage increased, led by SPDC, followed closely by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and Aiteo. Conversely, 2020 saw a decrease in spillage, albeit SPDC retained its lead. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced monitoring and regulatory enforcement to mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of oil spills in Nigeria. However, proactive measures are needed to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve spill response capabilities, and promote transparency and accountability within the petroleum industry.

Biodegradation of bonny light crude oil by plasmid and non-plasmid borne soil bacterial strains using biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques

A laboratory scale study was designed and conducted to assess the biodegradation of Bonny light crude oil by plasmid and non-plasmid borne soil bacterial strains using biostimulation and bioaugmentation techniques. The enrichment technique, turbidometric test, plasmid curing test, molecular identification method, biostimulation test, bioaugmentation test and gas chromatographic technique were carried out using standard analytical techniques. The physicochemical analysis result showed that the pH was slightly neutral, the organic carbon content was higher (2.32 to 4.34%), the conductivity was higher (0.41 to 0.44 μS/cm), and the water holding capacity was lower (0.27 percent and 10.11 kg, respectively). Based on their capacity to use crude oil, the results showed that 22 of the 60 isolated bacterial strains had higher pollutant degrading potentials (A600nm > 0.3).The identified potent hydrocarbon degraders includes: Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa KAVK01 and Ochrobacterium E85b strains. The highest degradation efficiency of 91% was found in soil that had been contaminated with 3 % (v/w) crude oil, amended with inorganic salts, and inoculated with plasmid-borne mixed cultures. The result further indicated that the consortium of plasmid borne isolates enhanced the reduction of the crude oil from the initial concentration of 10,318 ppm to 501 ppm (95 %) whereas 64 % decontamination was facilitated by the consortium of plasmid cured isolates. The information gathered from this investigation may be useful in choosing bacterial species, particularly plasmid-borne ones that can be employed to biodegrade soil contaminated by crude oil in Nigeria's Niger Delta region as well as the sample collection locations.

Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria

This article critically examines the complex connections between human security and livelihoods in relation to development in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. This region is pervaded by a web of socio-economic and environmental issues that have severely impacted the lives of people and communities due to environmental degradation. For example, the exploration and exploitation of natural resources in this region has had extensive consequences on the livelihood activities of the people. Moreover, the Niger Delta has been affected by persistent social instabilities and a lack of access to some of the basic assets of security, including personal, health, economic and environmental security. While the concepts of livelihoods and environmental degradation are reasonably well understood in the context of the Niger Delta, the complex links between them in relation to human security remain unexplored. To examine how environmental degradation impacts livelihoods, this article explores the concept of human security, following a rights-based approach in line with the sustainable livelihood framework. Furthermore, it draws from semi-structured interviews conducted in the region on the lived experiences of community members, such as farmers and fishers, and their challenges in bridging generational crises in the context of environmental degradation. I argue that understanding the interconnectedness of security and livelihood issues in the context of such crises provides an innovative approach to considering both environmental and social factors in sustainable development, which is essential for the overall well-being of people in the region.

A reply to ‘Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria’ by Benita Ebindu Siloko

A reply to ‘Human security, sustainable livelihoods and development: the case of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria’ by Benita Ebindu Siloko

Petroleum Exploration in the Niger Delta Region and Implications for the Environment: A Review

Petroleum exploration and production in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, has been a significant source of revenue and foreign exchange for the country. Nevertheless, this industry has also been blamed for serious environmental pollution in the region. This review aims to shed light on the implications of petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta region and the resultant environmental damage it has caused. One of the most severe consequences of petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta is the frequent occurrence of oil spills. Due to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and criminal activities such as oil theft, pipeline spills have become a recurrent problem. Oil spills lead to the destruction of farmland, loss of biodiversity, poisoning of water sources, and widespread contamination of ecosystems. Petroleum exploration and production activities release substantial pollutants into the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to both human health and the environment. The burning of natural gas during oil production, also known as flaring, is particularly prevalent in the Niger Delta. This practice results in the emission of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and sulfur dioxide, contributing to climate change, respiratory diseases, and acid rain. Petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta has led to significant damage to forests and mangrove ecosystems. The destruction of these vital habitats has serious implications for species survival. Oil exploration activities often release harmful chemicals and wastes into the region's water bodies. These pollutants infiltrate the groundwater and surface water, leading to contamination that poses severe risks to human health and aquatic life. Contaminated water supplies have been linked to increased instances of skin diseases, as well as liver and kidney problems among the local population. The negative environmental implications of petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta also have severe socioeconomic consequences. Displaced fishermen and farmers face declining livelihoods, while sporadic employment opportunities generated by the oil industry do not compensate for the long-term damage inflicted on the region.

Assessment of Flood Vulnerability Levels in the Lower Orashi River, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Flooding is one of the most frequent and widespread of all environmental hazards and of various types and sizes. This study investigated the flood vulnerability levels in the lower Orashi River, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The study considered the landuse, soil texture, elevation, slope, stream power index (SPI), rainfall, drainage density and proximity to river channels as factors determining flood. The components of these factors were reclassified as lowly, moderately and highly vulnerable areas with assigned numbers 1, 2 and 3 respectively. All the maps were overlaid using the UNION module for the final flood vulnerability levels. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis. Results showed that the very low flood vulnerability levels covered spatial extent of 244.4 sq km (7.31%), low flood vulnerability covered 901.31 sq km (26.95%), moderate flood vulnerability level 1240.18 sq km (37.08%), high flood vulnerability level 846.47 sq km (25.31%) and very high had 112.11 sq km (3.35%). It can be concluded that more than 65% of the entire lower Orashi River are highly and moderately vulnerable to flood. It is therefore recommended among others that periodic studies should be carried out in lower Orashi River to monitor the factors that can cause flood in the area.

Morphometric Characteristics of the Lower Orashi River, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

The study examined the spatial analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the Lower Orashi River, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The river course was segmented into 30 equal distances of 4.8m from each other and at each point, the morphometric parameters like width, depth, and flow velocity. The discharge was measured from these parameters. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis while results are presented using tables and graphs. Results showed that width of the river ranged from 77.90m to 2788.00m with the mean width of 318.83m. The depth ranged from 2.10 to 7.60m with the mean depth recording 4.14m as it was higher at the upper section of the river while it becomes lower as it is entering the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, width was significantly correlated with the depth (r= -0.556, p<0.05), cross sectional area (r= 0.989, p<0.05) and discharge (r= 0.987, p<0.05). Also, elevation was significantly correlated with cross sectional area (r= -0.506, p<0.05) and discharge (r = -0.511, p<0.05). More importantly, the cross sectional area was correlated with discharge (r=0.995, p<0.05). The study concluded that there is significant variation existing in the morphometric parameters namely width, elevation, cross sectional area and discharge among the segments along Orashi River. The study therefore recommended that the water course should be reduced of human activities to reduce the rate of soil loss or discharge and to boost the river floor with adequate morphological property.

A Study on the Morphological Process of Reduplication in English and Ùkwuàni Languages

This research is a contrastive analysis of the morphological processes of reduplication in English and Ùkwuàni languages. Its purpose is to establish points of divergence while noting convergence in the formation of reduplicants in a bid to predict learning difficulty which an Ùkwuàni L1 learner of reduplicant words may encounter. The theoretical frame for this research is on Marantz and Selkirk’s theories. The primary and secondary source of data was utilized. Data analysis reveals that some reduplicants have no phonological effects on the base to which they are attached. Other reduplicants in English change phonologically whereas they do not in Ùkwuàni. This study has, therefore, helped in identifying the difficulty associated with phonological changes encountered by the Ùkwuàni L1 learner of English during the learning process. It recommended that in language pedagogy, English L2 and Ùkwuàni L1 teachers particularly in the Niger Delta region should utilize effectively the ordering of difficulties in learning.

SERVICE RECOVERY AND NET PROMOTER SCORE IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR OF NIGERIA

Customer satisfaction and loyalty stand as pivotal determinants of organizational success in the evolving sector of transportation. This study explores the intricate relationship between Service recovery effectiveness and Net Promoter Score (NPS) within the transportation sector, focusing on selected transport companies in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Through a mixed-methods approach and a sample size of 400 participants, the research identifies key factors influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty in Service recovery scenarios. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between perceived Service recovery effectiveness and NPS, aligning with the Service Recovery Paradox theory, a Negative NPS score was also observed, indicating improvement on key factors highlighted by factor analysis. This study contributes valuable insights into enhancing service delivery, fostering customer loyalty, and driving organizational growth within the transportation sector. Keywords: Service recovery, Net Promoter Score (NPS), Transportation sector, Customer satisfaction, Service quality.

Safety culture assessment in petroleum industry: cross sectional survey of workers safety performance in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Poor safety culture influences workers safety behaviour, which in many situations leads to accidents and injuries, and the performance of workers can be improved only by strengthening the safety culture in workplaces. The present study evaluates the safety behaviour and its impact on the safety performance of oil and gas workers in Nigeria. Opinion of 462 oil and gas frontline workers from fifteen different oil and gas companies in Nigeria (Niger Delta) on safety culture was collected using an online survey questionnaire. Findings from the study show that there is a significant relationship between safety management and safety participation including safety compliance. Work experience did make significant direct estimated impact of safety participation and a non-significant direct estimated impact on safety climate. Age was found to have a significant estimated impact on safety compliance, but did not indicate direct significant role in safety participation. The study clearly indicates that safety culture influences workers’ safety behaviour in the Nigeria oil and gas sector and timely strengthening of workplace safety culture and visible management approach to safety is important for occupational safety improvement within the oil and gas industry. In addition, there is the need for policy realignment to aid in the promotion of safety culture and adherence to safety standards within the industry as practiced in other countries.

Mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains: the role of CSR in Nigeria's oil producing communities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts an explanatory research design with a mixed method to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses. A total of 1,200 rural women respondents were sampled across the Niger Delta region.FindingsResults from the use of a combined logit model and propensity score matching indicate a significant relationship between the GMoU model and mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains in the Niger Delta.Research limitations/implicationsThis study implies that MOCs’ CSR interventions that improve women’s access to land and encourage better integration of food markets through improved roads and increased mobile networks would enable women to engage in cash crop production.Social implicationsThis implies that improving access to credit through GMoU cluster farming targeted at female farmers would improve access to finance and extension services for women in cash crop production in the Niger Delta.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the gender debate in the agricultural value chain from a CSR perspective in developing countries and is rational for demands for social projects by host communities. It concludes that businesses have an obligation to help solve problems of public concern.

Ecological Implications of Non-Standardized Crude Oil Refining Operation on Blue Carbon Resources in the Niger Delta

This study, through a review of existing literature, investigates the implications of non-standardized refineries on the mangrove ecosystem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The Niger Delta region is home to one of the largest blue carbon sinks and mangrove ecosystems in the world, providing important habitat for a diverse range of species and playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration. However, the presence of non-standardized refineries in the area has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts on the delicate ecosystem. These refineries often operate without regulations or oversight, leading to pollution of waterways, destruction of habitat for various species, and disruption of the natural food chain. This study examines the specific ways in which these non-standardized refineries are affecting the mangrove ecosystem and explores potential solutions to mitigate their negative effects. Findings from this study show that non-standardized refineries in the region are significant sources of pollution, leading to mangrove destruction. The study revealed the environmental issues, risks, and ecological significance of mangroves in the Niger Delta. The study emphasized the urgent need for better regulation and enforcement to protect these important mangrove habitats from further destruction. Finally, the study concluded that protecting the mangroves of the Niger Delta is essential for the overall health of the region.

Ambient Air Pollution and Chronic kidney disease risk in Deltan communities: A Policy Brief, 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent, devastating, yet neglected, non-communicable disease in developing and emerging countries. National, regional, and international agencies’ communications and reports on non-communicable diseases intentionally or non-intentionally do not feature CKD. The traditional risk factors for CKD, such as hypertension and diabetes, which have received relatively ample attention, do not sufficiently explain the high burden of CKD in these countries. Ambient air pollution is an emerging significant environmental risk factor for CKD; however, epidemiological data and evidence are lacking for susceptible populations in developing countries. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is a petrochemical hub known for environmental degradation, including air pollution, and thus, serves as a good case study for investigating the association between air pollution and CKD. This brief is based on the results of a mixed-methods study conducted in four communities situated near an oil and gas refinery in Warri, Nigeria. Air pollutant concentrations measured in partnership with citizen scientists showed that all except one air pollutant (ozone) exceeded the WHO acceptable limits in all four communities. The overall prevalence of CKD was high (12.3%) but even higher (18%) in a socially deprived semi-urban community closest to the oil refinery. Hypertension, diabetes, other behavioral risk factors, and exposures associated with CKD were prevalent among the inhabitants of the four communities. However, public environmental health information and education are lacking. A multifaceted approach is required to mitigate air pollution and the associated health risks in the state. Public inclusion is strongly recommended for the planning and implementation of future interventions. Kidney disease prevention and treatment should be emphasized in health policies and insurance schemes.

Assessing Tuberculosis and Risk Factors: Population Study in Rivers State, Nigeria's Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), an infectious airborne bacterium primarily impacting the lungs and instigating a chronic inflammatory response, persists as an enduring menace. This study aims to evaluate the interplay between MTB infection and associated risk factors in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study involved 392 participants from three local government areas (LGAs): Eleme, Obio/Akpor, and PHALGA. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics variables and associated risk factors. A stratified random sampling method was employed. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient, was performed using SPSS version 25. Correlation analysis of socio-demographic variables revealed no significant associations with MTB, as indicated by non-significant p-values of (p=0.27), (p=0.83), (p=0.42), (p=0.35), (p=0.49), (p=0.28) for age, sex, education, occupation, marital status and geographical area respectively. However, significant positive weak correlations emerged between MTB infection and cough (p=0.00), hepatitis (p=0.01), coughing blood (p=0.00), and fever (p=0.00). Conversely, family TB history (p=0.93), cough lasting 2 weeks (p=0.84), weight loss (p=0.19), contact with a person who has been coughing for 2 weeks (p=0.93), and alcohol consumption (p=0.55) did not show significant associations. While demographic characteristics alone may not be strong predictors of MTB infection, this study highlights the complex interplay between various risk factors Addressing these risk factors through targeted interventions and raising awareness can contribute to reducing the TB burden in Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.

Evaluation of Alterations in Basic Cardiac Functions in Operators of Artisanal Refineries in Rivers State, Nigeria

The impact of numerous artisanal refineries on the populace in Niger Delta region has been a great source of mainly health, economic and environmental concerns. Thus, the present study comparatively assessed the alterations of basic cardiac functions that may be associated with the operation of artisanal refineries (OAR) in Rivers State of Nigeria. This cross-sectional survey used a multi-stage sampling technique (including purposive and snowball tools) to recruit 203 (including 120 OAR-exposed and 83 non-OAR exposed) consenting and apparently healthy adult male and female subjects. With the use of the electrocardiographic (ECG) machine, the basic ECG indices were recorded from the study subjects. Quantitative data obtained from the subjects were subjected to statistical analyses using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The result indicated significantly (P<0.0) elevated heart rates in the OAR-exposed subjects when compared to their non-OAR-exposed counterparts. Amongst the various ECG features, the exposed subjects predominantly presented with left atrial enlargement (LAE) (male exposed=57% and female exposed =46.3%) as against none in the unexposed group. And there was no significant association of the incidences of Abnormal/clinical ECG Features between the actively exposed (OAR operators) and passively exposed (residents in same city who are non-OAR operators) subjects. In conclusion, the operation of artisanal refineries in our locale may potentially predispose its operators to significant elevation of heart rate and incidences of abnormal ECG features.

Link between Oil Pollution and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Oil exploration in the Niger Delta has led to severe environmental pollution. This study investigates the association between exposure to crude oil and adverse pregnancy outcomes. 
 Study Design: This was a comparative cross-sectional study of the differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes of people living in heavily oil polluted and non-polluted communities
 Place and Duration of Study: Kegbara Dere (K-Dere), a rural Community in Ogoniland, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State and Obohia community in Ndoki kingdom, Ukwa East LGA of Abia state between June 2022 and Jan 2023.
 Methodology: We recruited 900 study participants (450 each from the crude oil impacted and the non-oil polluted communities) using multi-stage random sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographics and adverse pregnancy history by case definitions using the adapted WHO indirect sisterhood method of maternal mortality estimate. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Differences in proportions were compared using Chi Square test. The association between living in an oil polluted community or exposure to crude oil pollutants and adverse pregnancy outcomes was determined using crude odds ratio. Confidence intervals were determined at 95% level and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
 Results: Pregnant women in the polluted community experienced a significantly higher prevalence of adverse outcomes, including stillbirth, abortion, and birth defects. The risk of experiencing an adverse pregnancy outcome was 30 times higher in the polluted area.
 Conclusion: This study suggests a strong link between oil pollution and pregnancy complications. Further research with robust designs is needed to confirm causality. Environmental cleanup and protective measures for pregnant women are crucial in these areas.

The Effect of Oil Pollution on the Engineering Properties of Construction Soils in Some Selected Oil Region of Nigeria: A Case Study of Four Oil Towns in Rivers and Delta States

The nature of subgrade as well as basic information of soils for construction purposes is important for engineers, especially civil engineers and the general public. The primary aim of this research work is therefore to access the effect of oil spillage on the engineering properties of soils around the oil producing states of Nigeria. Four communities in two state of the Niger- Delta region of Nigeria were selected for investigation. These communities include Alesa (as sample A) and Aleto (as sample B) in Rivers state and Elume (as sample C) and Mereje (as sample D) in Delta state of the Niger- Delta region of Nigeria. Soil samples from these communities were collected at the subgrade depth of the oil spilled soils and was later subjected to laboratory examination. Important soil properties that were evaluated through laboratory investigation include soil shear strength test using triaxial test where the shear strength parameters were determined to enable evaluation of soil bearing capacity using Terzaghi’s equations. Others include soil strength (CBR) test, soil permeability test, and soil classification test as well as soil compressibility tests or one dimensional consolidation test. The results show that the oil pollution/ spillage have affected the engineering properties of construction soils in the four towns investigated to some degrees. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value of the subgrade, the Coefficient of Volume Compressibility,Mv, the Safe Bearing Capacity and the Coefficient of Permeability, K of the investigated soil , all fall below the accepted standard limit for soils to be used for construction purposes. This result will hopefully add to the existing knowledge as well as equipping the government and other relevant agencies for policy and regulatory development for the oil and gas, and construction industries for the sustenance of economic development in Nigeria. Therefore, before any meaningful civil engineering construction works can be done in these communities, the soils within the area will have to be subjected to series of engineering soil tests so as to equip the government and other interesting stakeholders with the requisite knowledge on how to apply appropriate soil remediation and soil stabilization techniques.

A Contrastive Analysis of Plural Formation in English and Ụkwụanị

This study is a contrastive analysis of the morphology of plural formations in English and Ụkwụanị. It is primarily directed at investigating the cross-linguistic variations in plural formation processes and the acquisitional challenges they pose. With insight from Auto-segmental phonology, primary and secondary data were analyzed using probability sampling and nominal scale. Data analyses revealed that phonological conditioning of the D1 morpheme and realizing nouns through allomorphs is only obtainable in English. However, plural noun formations are morphological processes involving vowel and consonant spreading of the skeletal tier. The study identifies the structural divergence between English and Ụkwụanị in number marking systems and establishes the pedagogical value of pluralization. The study recommends that English language teachers, especially in the Niger Delta region, particularly among Ụkwụanị users of English, should utilize auto-segmental phonology in the teaching/learning processes to avoid overgeneralization. Keywords: Contrastive analysis, pluralization, nouns, morphology, phonology, Ụkwụanị