Niger Delta Area Research Articles

Evaluation of the Potentiality of Chlorine in the Destruction of Ozone in Nigeria

Global warming is one of the major challenges in Nigeria. This is caused by the incessant release of depleting substances such as CFC; chlorofluorocarbon, BFC; Bromofluorocarbon, HCFC; hydrochlorofluorocarbon, UV; ultraviolet, Cl; chlorine, Br; bromine, CO2; carbon iv oxide, CH4; methane, N2O; Nitrous oxide, H2O, SO2; sulphur dioxide, this has been a major threat to Nigeria community. The major aim of writing this article is to show how far it has gone and strategies to reduce this phenomenon. This especially has being a major threat to various areas of Nigeria such as gas flaring region, and Niger Delta areas. With estimation, Nigeria has about 123 gas site which is a serious emitter of the greenhouse effect. As a result of this, there is some response to the atmosphere such as sparse rainfall in the northern part of Nigeria which brought about a loss of agricultural yield, also people in the Niger Delta region have been dealing with oil exploration, deforestation, bush burning that gives rise to acid rain. However, the behavior of the ozone as a result of this depleting agent will pay a major contribution to an adverse effect on the change of temperature, an abundance of methane, nitrous oxide. Making many references with Chlorine, it is the major constituent of this ozone layer depletion which its major source is from CFC; chlorofluorocarbon. This agent contains carbon and halogens, such as fluorine, chlorine which is known to be highly volatile. Chlorine as an element is very reactive and it interacts with ozone to turn it into an ordinary oxygen molecule. Chlorine act as a catalyst in turning ozone into oxygen in a reaction when the reaction occurs, oxygen molecule forms chlorine monoxide which is a stable compound. This reaction occurs thousands of time until an oxygen molecule is formed.

Modeling landscape sustainability in the oil producing Niger delta area of Nigeria

This paper models landscape sustainability in the oil-producing Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Simon decision making cycle (intelligence-design-choice) was used to examine landscape sustainability planning issues. This approach involves three levels of application namely intelligence, design, and choice. Probability topic model was used in R software to identify the key problems in the Niger Delta area as (1) oil spillage impacts on water/land use (landscape capital) and (2) militancy (vandalism) and leadership (planning). These problems significantly, affect the landscape capital in the Niger Delta area. System dynamic simulation was applied to evaluate landscape capital under different scenarios of vandalism and different levels of revenue allocation. The study found that the greatest landscape capital can be achieved in 18.25 years if the revenue allocation to the Niger Delta oil producing states is increased from the current level of 13 percent to 21 percent. These results are consistent with UNEP's report that highlights oil spillages in the Niger Delta area as affecting landscape sustainability in the area.

A Valuation Framework for Assessing Compensation Arising from Oil Spills in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Both empirical and anecdotal evidences suggest that valuers in the study area do not generally follow appropriate valuation procedure particularly when assessing compensation for environmental pollution arising from oil spills. This abuse of the valuation process, according to a number of extant studies, is largely responsible for widespread incoherent, inconsistent and controversial compensation assessment with its numerous potential socio-economic repercussions for a nation that oil revenue is her economic mainstay. This study is based exclusively on secondary data drawn from results of extant studies, valuation reports, relevant statutes and civil laws including several years of experience of one of the authors as expert witnesses in cases relating to compensation for oil spills in the study area. The paper is particularly written in response to Babawale (2013) which observed certain fundamental procedural deficiencies in valuation for compensation with “potentially grave repercussion for the integrity and the future of the valuation profession in the study area.” To redress the observed deficiencies and save the profession from further embarrassment, the study provides practitioners with an institutional perspective; a purpose-designed procedural framework that reflects and addresses the peculiarities of valuation for compensation for oil spills. Besides contributing to the recurrent debate on the vexed subject of compensation for oil spills and filling up part of the apparent wide gap presently existing in the body of knowledge particularly in Nigeria, the eight-step valuation process proffered is expected to boost valuers’ confidence and improve the reliability of valuation for compensation in the study area. The ultimate goal is overall improvement in the practice of valuation for compensation in the study area in particular, and Nigeria as a whole. This is expected to minimize the costs of protracted court cases including the contention and restiveness that is often associated with compensation matters in the study area. Keywords: compensation, oil spills, Nigeria, valuation process.

A Critical Assessment of the Pollution Prevention Laws and Regulations of Nigeria: Why They Failed to Protect the Environment of Nigeria

The research is financed by Chief Favour O. Izoukumor (The Fieye-Owie of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, the immediate past commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality on the board of DESOPADEC) Abstract Oil pollution is a big challenge to the Nigerian government. The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency claimed that from January 2010 to August 2015, about 294,352 barrels of oil spilled into the Niger Delta environment of Nigeria. The truth is that the Nigerian government initiated several policies, laws, regulations and standards to curb crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, still, pollution is on the increase. This article seeks to critically assess the weaknesses of the pollution prevention laws and regulations set up by the Nigerian government to protect and prevent oil pollution in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The analyses of this article show that the penalties imposed on the Oil Corporation to clean up oil spill are too low, enforcement of the laws is exclusively placed on the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria while excluding public litigation, inspection of oil pipelines is imposed on the operators while allowing the regulators to sleep. To surmount these challenges, this article concludes that the regulators in the oil sector should take responsibility of investigating and monitoring the activities of the operators, there should be stringent sanction compelling the operators to clean-up oil spill whenever it occurs. Keywords: Environment, Laws, Regulations, Pollution, Oil Spill, Nigeria DOI : 10.7176/JLPG/87-06 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

OIL EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION IN NIGERIA AND THE CHALLENGE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA

The study seeks to evaluate the environmental problems associated with oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria on one part with a focus on empirical examination of one of the variables highlighted in the literature - emission of CO2 on people's health. With data 1980-2015 drawn from CBN bulletin, we employed OLS and 3SLS regression model to analyze. Life expectancy at birth is the dependent variable, while carbon emission, gross domestic product per capital, female education, and public health expenditure are explanatory variables. Findings show that Carbon emission (CO2EM) has a negative coefficient which is in line with the theoretical expectation. It is observable that an increase in carbon emission by one unit will reduce life expectancy by 0.04 per cent. This result supports the unsustainability of the business and gas emissions and oil spill in the Delta region as harmful to the wellbeing of the masses.Keywords: Carbon emission, Oil exploration, environmental degradation, resource curse, JEL Classifications: O13, Q33, Q34DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.7812

Evaluation of Cow-Dung Effectiveness for Bioremediation in Petroleum Polluted Loamy Soil Site

The development of local nutrients to enhance remediation of petroleum polluted soil mediums motivated this study. The study therefore, aimed at evaluating effectiveness of cow-dung for bioremediation of petroleum polluted loamy soil environment in the Niger delta area. The study was conducted in two distinct criteria, that is, petroleum polluted loamy soil with no Cow Dung Nutrient (NN) and petroleum polluted loamy soil with cow-dung Nutrient (WN) mediums. The two experimental set-ups were mixed manually to obtain homogeneity of impaction. Average weight measuring 3.2 kg Loamy Soil, Cow-dung 0.5 kg with ranging petroleum volume 50-190 ml for time ranging from 0 to 32 days at intervals of 25 ml petroleum and 4 days exposure time were used in the evaluation study. The evaluation was carried out based on Total Petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration CTPH as a function of petroleum quantity (v) discharged and exposure time (t). The results obtained showed that total petroleum hydrocarbon concentration (CTPH) increases with increase in the quantity of petroleum discharged at constant exposure time for both NN and WN. Similarly, the TPH concentration (CTPH) decreases with increase in exposure time at constant quantity of petroleum discharged. The TPH concentration (CTPH) shows rapid biodegradability with (WN) than those of (NN) indicating that Cow-dung is a good nutrient for bioremediation of polluted sites. In addition, generalized predictive models for the bio-simulation of TPH concentration (CTPH) as a function of petroleum physical properties, soil conductivity and cow dung mass for NN and WN are developed using Abowei modified Raleigh dimensional approach. The models showed that TPH concentration (CTPH) demonstrated density independency for NN and dependency for WN. The predictive models as developed are:

Diagnostic and prognostic analysis of oil and gas pipeline with allowable corrosion rate in Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

This paper presents diagnostic and prognostic analysis of oil and gas pipeline industries with allowable corrosion rate using artificial neural networks approach. The results revealed sand deposit, carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressure, pipe age, diameter and length, temperature, flow velocity of the fluid, fluid pressure, chloride contents and pH value of its environment as the relevant parameters affecting corrosion of oil and gas pipeline in this region. Condition prediction of steel pipes used for the transmission of oil and gas varies 0.02 mm/yr to 0.10 mm/yr. The training of the neural network was performed using Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm and optimal regression coefficient was equal to 0.99, for the network 10-40-1. Also, the results show a remarkable agreement with the field measurement. A corrosion severity level of two (0.01 mm/yr to 0.10 mm/yr) oil and gas pipelines was established from the analysis.Keywords: Artificial neural network, Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, condition prediction, oil and gas data

Rheological properties of some oil based muds used in reservoirs in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Rheological properties of some oil based muds used in oil reservoirs located in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria were analyzed using standard methods (American standard for testing and material. Rheological parameters were obtained with a rotational viscometer by relating the shear stress of the fluid to the shear rate of the equipment. Results obtained from two of the oil based muds labelled OBM 3 and OBM 2 ; 1st gel strength (8 -9 lb/ft 2 ), 2nd gel strength (21 — 28 IbIft 2 ), plastic viscosity (19-23 cP), yield point (6-23 Ib41 2 ) show that the properties were within mud specification as recommended by American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) while results from the third oil based mud (OBM 5 ); 1st gel strength ( 171b1f1 2 ), 2 nd gel strength (35 1b111 2 ), plastic viscosity (49 cP), yield point (32 IbIft 2 ) show that the parameters were off mud specification. Plastic viscosity and yield points are flow parameters of drilling fluids determined by their solid concentration and electrochemical forces within the particles of the fluid respectively whereas the gel strengths are time dependent flow parameters hence they are termed thixotropic. Rheological properties maintained within mud specification as specified by AADE are essential for efficient drilling operations. Keywords: Newtonian, Thixotropy, Shear Stress, Shear Rate, Organophillic, Flocculation

Reflections on Pottery Art in the Oil Rich Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Study of Pottery Art in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States

Niger Delta region is very rich in oil and gas deposits, clay, agricultural land, fisheries, extensive forest and other resources. They are nine states which make the region namely, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. The most oil producing communities among them are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta and Rivers State. Clay is equally found in abundance in all the states like crude oil is found in Niger Delta communities. The available clay mineral in the region has the capacity to transform the nation’s economy if properly utilized. Clay is the basic material for pottery or ceramics production. It is also used to ease the penetration of pipes in drilling of crude oil. This paper looks at the practice of pottery in Niger Delta Area with a focus on pottery practice in both Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. Indigenous and contemporary pottery or ceramics practices in these communities indeed have played vital role in the economic, social religious and cultural ways of life of the people. Clay products such as dinnerware and sanitary wares and others are highly sought for and they have the capacity to boast the national economy as experienced in other nations such as Japan, Italy, Britain, United States of America, India and China among others. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources and were subsequently assessed. The result shows that proper utilization of clay found in Niger Delta has the potential to create numerous job opportunities for the teaming population of youths in the region. The availability of abundant clay in the region, if well harnessed could adequately compete with crude oil exploitation for economic purposes in the region.

Reflections on Pottery Art in the Oil Rich Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Study of Pottery Art in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States

Niger Delta region is very rich in oil and gas deposits, clay, agricultural land, fisheries, extensive forest and other resources. They are nine states which make the region namely, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. The most oil producing communities among them are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta and Rivers State. Clay is equally found in abundance in all the states like crude oil is found in Niger Delta communities. The available clay mineral in the region has the capacity to transform the nation’s economy if properly utilized. Clay is the basic material for pottery or ceramics production. It is also used to ease the penetration of pipes in drilling of crude oil. This paper looks at the practice of pottery in Niger Delta Area with a focus on pottery practice in both Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. Indigenous and contemporary pottery or ceramics practices in these communities indeed have played vital role in the economic, social religious and cultural ways of life of the people. Clay products such as dinnerware and sanitary wares and others are highly sought for and they have the capacity to boast the national economy as experienced in other nations such as Japan, Italy, Britain, United States of America, India and China among others. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources and were subsequently assessed. The result shows that proper utilization of clay found in Niger Delta has the potential to create numerous job opportunities for the teaming population of youths in the region. The availability of abundant clay in the region, if well harnessed could adequately compete with crude oil exploitation for economic purposes in the region.

Assessment of the human health risks of heavy metals in nine typical areas.

Human health risks of five different heavy metals were assessed in nine typical areas in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) of arsenic (As) in Hyderabad (HB), cadmium (Cd) in Veles (VL), and lead (Pb) in Murcia (MC) were found to be 5, indicating extreme contamination. This is related to their high concentrations in soil. The concentration of As in wheat in Niger Delta (ND) and European Union (EU) areas were 3.3 and 2.55mg/kg, which were 22 and 17 times respectively of the World Health Organization (WHO)/Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) criteria. In general, the concentrations of heavy metals in wheats were higher than those in corns, indicating that heavy metals were easier to accumulate in wheats than in corns. The human risks induced by the carcinogenic metals As and Cd were much higher than those induced by noncarcinogenic metals in different exposure ways. The human health risks of heavy metals in different exposure ways were Rw-ing > Rc-ing > Rs-ing > Rs-der > Rs-inh. The human health risks induced by wheat ingestion for adults and children accounted for 67.75-97.52% and 69.52-98.04%, respectively, of the total human health risks. The total human health risks in the VL and MC areas were 1.58 × 10-4 a-1 and 1.3 × 10-4 a-1 for adults and 1.14 × 10-4 a-1 and 9.47 × 10-5 a-1 for children, respectively, which were significantly high according to the Environmental Protection Agency and International Commission on Radiological Protection. The ranking of the total human health risks in different areas were RVL > RMC > RND > REU > RHB > RKY > RTB > RMLV>RNHM. The total human health risks of adults were higher than those of children.

An Investigation of Potential Sources of Nutraceuticals from the Niger Delta Areas, Nigeria for Attenuating Oxidative Stress.

Background: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants possess antioxidants potentially capable of mitigating cellular oxidative stress. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and total phenolic and flavonoids contents (TPC/TFC) of dietary sources traditionally used for memory enhancing in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Methods: Dacroydes edulis methanolic seed extract (DEMSE), Cola lepidota methanolic seed extract (CLMSE), Terminalia catappa methanolic seed extract (TeCMSE), Tricosanthes cucumerina methanolic seed extract (TrCMSE), Tetrapleura tetraptera methanolic seed extract (TTMSE), and defatted Moringa oleifera methanolic seed extract (DMOMSE); Dennettia tripetala methanolic fruit extract (DTMFE), Artocarpus communis methanolic fruit extract (ACMFE), Gnetum africana methanolic leaf extract (GAMLE), Musa paradisiaca methanolic stembark extract (MPMSE), and Mangifera indica methanolic stembark extract (MIMSE) were evaluated for free radical scavenging antioxidant ability using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power capacity (reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron), AChE inhibitory potential by Ellman assay, and then TPC/TFC contents determined by estimating milli-equivalents of Gallic acid and Quercetin per gram, respectively. Results: The radical scavenging percentages were as follows: MIMSE (58%), MPMSE (50%), TrCMSE (42%), GAMLE (40%), CLMSE (40%), DMOMSE (38%), and DEMFE (37%) relative to β-tocopherol (98%). The highest iron reducing (antioxidant) capacity was by TrCMSE (52%), MIMSE (40%) and GAMLE (38%). Extracts of MIMSE, TrCMSE, DTMFE, TTMSE, and CLMSE exhibited concentration-dependent AChE inhibitory activity (p < 0.05–0.001). At a concentration of 200 µg/mL, the AChE inhibitory activity and IC50 (µg/mL) exhibited by the most potent extracts were: MIMSE (≈50%/111.9), TrCMSE (≈47%/201.2), DTMFE (≈32%/529.9), TTMSE (≈26%/495.4), and CLMSE (≈25%/438.4). The highest TPC were from MIMSE (156.2), TrCMSE (132.65), GAMLE (123.26), and CLMSE (119.63) in mg gallic acid equivalents/g, and for TFC were: MISME (87.35), GAMLE (73.26), ACMFE (69.54), CLMSE (68.35), and TCMSE2 (64.34) mg quercetin equivalents/gram. Conclusions: The results suggest that certain inedible and edible foodstuffs, most notably MIMSE, MPMSE, TrCMSE, GAMLE, and CLMSE may be beneficial to ameliorate the potentially damaging effects of redox stress.

Palynostratigraphic and Paleoenvironmental Study of an Offshore Well in the Niger Delta Nigeria

Palynomorphs were employed in this study to deduce the palynozones, age and paleoenvironment of an exploratory well drilled in the Niger Delta area. Sixty (60) ditch cutting samples were selected at intervals of 60ft from the depth of 6110ft to 11690ft and subjected to palynological laboratory analysis. The residual samples which comprise of Particulate Organic Matter (POM) were identified under optical microscope and the information from the abundance of pollens and spores identified were imputed into the Stratabug software. The lithostratigraphy of the section penetrated by the well comprises of intercalation of sandy mudstone, argillaceous sandstone to coarse sandstone. Also, a total of one hundred (100) palynomorph species were identified, out of which some marker species such as Botryococcus braunii, Laevigatosporites sp, Striatopollis catatumbus, Stiamoncolpites rectostriatus, Peregrinipollis nigericus, Cicatricosisporites dorogensis, Verrucatosporites sp, and Pachydermites diederixi were identified. This was followed by biozonation with the aid of standard zonation scheme and four (4) zones of pollen and spores comprising of P540, P560, P580 and P5620 were identified based on the Last Downhole Occurrence (Base) and First Downhole Occurrence (Top) of some marker species. Based on the palynozones identified, the age of the sections penetrated by the well ranges from late Oligocene to early Oligocene, which falls within the Rupelian and Chattian stage while the paleoenvironmental studies of the abundance and diversity of pollens and spores with respect to their environment, shows that most of the species falls within the Brackish water and the Freshwater swamps environments.

Women Participation in Conflict Management in Nigeria: A Case of a Rural Community in the Niger Delta Area

The Niger Delta of Nigeria is plagued by crisis and youth criminality, most of which are committed by jobless and frustrated youths. Communal/ethnic, political, and youth violence are some of the crises and community leaders, the women are usually excluded due to the cultural biases against their involvement. This study examined women participation in conflict management in Omuku, bedeviling the region. Unfortunately, in an effort to manage and tackle these crises by the government Rivers State. The main objective of the research is to determine the extent of women participation in conflict management in Omuku community. The Radical Feminist and Socialist Feminist theories were used as the theoretical framework. A sample of 150 were drawn from a population of 283,292 using the purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Collected data were analysed using a descriptive method. The research found that women had very limited participation in conflict management. The research also found that women did not have any significant roles in the management of conflict in Omuku community.

Structure and diversity of fish communities in man-made ponds of the Niger Delta (southern Nigeria)

Abstract 1. A survey of eight local earthen hand-dug ponds located within the freshwater swamps of a Niger Delta area (southern Nigeria) was conducted over a period of 3 months. A total of 4,313 fishes representing 19 species from 12 families were recorded. 2. The most abundant species was Xenomystus nigri (905 individuals), whereas the least common was Protopterus annectens (13). Cichlidae and Clariidae counted three species each, whereas Anabantidae, Hepsetidae, Mochokidae, Protopteridae, Phractolaemidae, Malapteruridae and Gymnarchidae were represented by a single species each. 3. A lotic species, Synodontis sp., was recorded possibly as a result of the episodic flood of 2012. 4. The Engenni swamps harbour a moderately diverse ichthyofauna. Regulations should be put in place to further enhance the fisheries potential of these local ponds.

Characterization and Physicochemical Properties of Wood Sawdust in Niger Area, Nigeria

Investigation was carried out to examine the characterization and physicochemical properties of some wood sawdust obtained from Niger Delta Area of Nigeria limited for the purpose of usage as an absorbent for remediation of contaminant in soil environment. Experimental examination was conducted on value, moisture content, bulk density and porosity, iodine number and ash content for the various wood sawdust samples from Obuba and Abura, Opepe/mahogany. The result obtained revealed that the pH value of Obuba red (soft wood) is 5.48, Abura (hard wood) 6.18, opepe/mahogany (hard wood) 5.75 and iroko (soft wood) 5.29, whereas the moisture content value opepe/mahogany and iroko. The result further revealed that the bulk density and the porosity value are as presented, grain volume value are 2.910, 2.475, 1.931, and 2.959, bulk density value are 1.0317, 0.884, 0.2190, 0.4306, 0.5490, and 0.3499 for obuba red, abura, opepe/mahogany and iroko. The iodine number tested demonstrates the following value of 10.20, 6.90, 13.90 and 5:9 and 6.6 for obuba red, abura, opepe/mahogany and iroko. Finally, it was demonstrated that the usefulness of characterization and examination of physicochemical properties of functional components that control and improve the monitoring, predicting and determination of the kinetics values.

A Valuation Model For Assessing Compensation Arising From Oil Spills In The Niger Delta Area Of Nigeria

This study proffers an encompassing valuation model that reflects and addresses the multi-faceted, multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of the issues and activities involved in valuation for compensation for environmental contamination, particularly, oil spills. The ultimate goal of the study is overall improvement in the practice of environmental valuation in the study area in particular, and Nigeria at large. This is expected to eliminate, or at least minimize, the protracted and costly litigations, and social disquietedness often associated with assessment of compensation for oil spillage in the study area. The study is based exclusively on secondary data drawn from relevant documents including results of past studies, valuation professional standards, valuation reports, relevant statutes and case laws as well as the experience of one of the authors as expert witness in cases involving compensation for oil spills in the study area. Specifically, the study is a follow-up to Babawale (2013) which examined certain emerging issues in assessment of compensation for oil spillage in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria but came short of providing appropriate valuation model but rather recommended that further studies be carried out to fill this gap.

Sustainable Environmental Management in Nigeria: An Appraisal

Sustainable development necessitates that a nation must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own desired goals. Therefore, there is need by all nations to struggle to maintain a balance between its economic development and the sustainability of its environmental resources. There have been a lot of efforts by Nigeria, since her independence in developing the right framework aimed at protecting the environment, including the marine and coastal environment, the conservation of natural resources, and the management of trans-boundary hazardous wastes. However, issues of environmental degradation occasioned by hydrocarbon production in the Niger Delta area and solid mineral mining still persist. There are also cases of improper waste disposal and unavailability of waste collection services to many households and industries. This has resulted in some severe and diverse environmental problems such as ecological problems, unplanned growth, domestic and industrial waste pollution. In fact, some of these hazards are irreversible, and resulting in loss of lives and means of livelihood of the local communities. This review is an appraisal of the efforts by the Nigerian government in attaining sustainable environmental management by examining the Nigeria’s Environmental Legal Framework, assess the compliance with the sustainable development standards, identify the challenges and suggest the way forward.

The effects of oil pollution on the marine environment in the Gulf of Guinea—the Bonga Oil Field example

ABSTRACTFish makes a significant contribution to the food security of millions of people in the Gulf of Guinea, accounting for up to 80 per cent of the animal protein, and sometimes the only source of animal protein consumed in coastal communities across the region, including those in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. However, this contribution is increasingly undermined by unsustainable practices that are harmful to the marine environment such as pollution, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and by climate change. This paper focuses on the role that pollution from oil spillages plays in damaging the marine environment, thereby exacerbating food insecurity in the region. Using the Bonga Oil Field spillage example, the paper exposes, from a policy perspective, the manner in which the shortcomings of existing environmental regulations and their implementation in Nigeria weaken efforts for a sustainable marine environment and, by extension, threaten the food security of coastal communities.

Characterization of some crude oil samples from Niger delta area of Nigeria using infrared absorption spectrometric technique

Characterization of some crude oil samples from Niger delta area of Nigeria using infrared absorption spectrometric technique