Niger Delta Area Of Nigeria Research Articles

Contribution of Sweetpotato Production to Economic Empowerment of Farming Households in Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria

Many farming households in Nigeria are deprived, and poor, hence, the need for economic empowerment intervention. Sweetpotato production, due to its short cycle and low input requirement could be projected on a larger scale for farming households’ economic empowerment. However, data regarding ability of sweetpotato farming for farming households’ economic empowerment is scarce. Therefore, farming households’ sweetpotato production and economic empowerment in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta Area was investigated. 364 sweetpotato farming households were chosen through a five-stage sample process. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, T-test, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data that interview schedule was used to collect. Most respondents were female and aged 42.7±11.9 years. Farm size; farming experience; and income from sweetpotato, other crops, and non-crop livelihood activities were 2.6±3.4 hectares; 17.2±12.4 years; and ₦1,327,723.0±1,639,414.0 yearly, ₦2,385,815.0±2,615,273.0 yearly, and ₦1,828,004.0±2,336,270.0 yearly, respectively. The sweetpotato production and economic empowerment were low and high amongst farming households, respectively. Age, farm size and income from sweet potato were significantly related to economic empowerment. The economic empowerment status of high and low sweetpotato producers differed significantly. Between farming households with low and high income from sweetpotato production, their economic empowerment status significantly differed. Farming households’ economic empowerment was mostly predicted by farming experience; and income from sweetpotato, and non-crop livelihood activities. Sweetpotato production influenced farming households' ability to prosper economically. Agricultural policies oriented towards improving economic empowerment should be promoted to emphasize increased sweetpotato production.

Gas flaring, sustainable development goal 2 and food security reflections in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria

The flaring of gas is a double jeopardy of wasting valuable energy resource and environmental degradation. That had been the experience with the Niger Delta area since 1956 when oil was discovered in commercial quantity in the region. Gas flaring is an active contributor of Green House Gases (GHG) emissions, global warming, climate change crisis and the consequent acid rain, rising temperature and sea level, flooding, agricultural and aquatic food chain disruption. The Niger Delta area as a global spot rich in oil, gas, aquatic and agricultural foods had remained a paradox of plenty, poverty and hunger. In view of this stack reality, it is the concern of this study to determine if zero hunger can be achieved in the area by 2030 and make recommendations that will serve as blue print for national and global actualization SDG 2. The study adopted documentary research method, leveraged on Public–Private Partnership (PPP) and Win–Win Concept as frameworks of interpretation and unveiled that ending gas flaring is associated with inherent economic growth, environmental preservation and sustainable livelihood in and beyond Niger Delta.

Effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of <i>Rhizophora racemosa</i> g. Mayer grown in garden soil

This study investigated the effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of mangrove seedlings Rhizophora racemose G. Mayer grown in garden soil. The aim was to discover means of improving mangrove nursery growth and survival in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Rhizophora racemose was planted in garden soil amended with four different treatments: C (Garden soil only), PC (Garden soil + Charcoal), PCSEO (Garden soil + Charcoal + 6% Spent engine oil), and SSEO (Garden soil + 6% Spent engine oil), with three replicates each and randomized complete block design was adopted for the study. The effect of these treatments was monitored biweekly on some growth indices – plant height, leaf area, leaf length, number of leaves and stem girth, except for root length, number of roots, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content of R. racemosa which were obtained at 18th week after planting. The study revealed that PC treatment had the highest values for plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, plant girth, root length when compared to other treatments (C, PCSEO and SSEO) while SSEO recorded the least values. Among the treatments, there were significant differences in the plant height, fresh weight and root length of R. racemosa at P = 0.05. The garden soil amended with charcoal improved the performance of R. racemosa than in spent engine oil alone (PC > PCSEO > SSEO). This could be attributed to the presence of heavy metals in spent engine oil. Again, the charcoal amended soil had higher values for growth indices when compared with the control (C) treatment. This suggest that charcoal has the potency of improving garden soil fertility, plant survival and productivity. Therefore, charcoal could be beneficial in environmental conservation, restoration of endangered forest especially the mangroves in the Niger Delta polluted with crude oil. The study recommends that, charcoal should be incorporated in reforestation and afforestation approaches of mangrove forests.

Fungal Flora Associated with Petroleum-Impacted Farmland in Borobara Community, Ogoni-Land, Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Fungal Flora Associated with Petroleum-Impacted Farmland in Borobara Community, Ogoni-Land, Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Perceived soft skills needs of agriculture students in public universities in Niger Delta, Nigeria

The study investigated the perceived soft skills needs of agriculture students in public universities in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The population of the study is 11,283 agriculture undergraduate students in the 12 public universities in states in the Niger Delta geo-political zone. The sample size was 300 agriculture undergraduate students. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select the sample. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Percentage and mean were used for analysis. Results revealed that the majority of the respondents (97.2%) could communicate effectively; 96% had a good sense of humour; 95.6% possessed the ability to cope with new changes; 92% possessed the ability to meet responsibilities on time; 89.6% possessed problem-solving skills. The results also revealed that agriculture students need many soft skills; some of which are creative thinking skills (x̄ =3.51), teamwork skills (x̄ =3.50); problem-solving/decision-making skills (x̄ =3.48); and leadership/management skills (x̄ ==3.47) among others. The universities should establish 6-month to 1-year student internship programmes, which will enable agriculture students to fully understand professional soft skills such as teamwork, creative thinking skills, and time management, among others that are relevant to the establishment and sustainability of agro-based enterprises.

Correlates and Determinants of Involvement in Sweetpotato Production among Farming Households in Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria

Information on determinants of involvement in sweetpotato production (SPP) in Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria is scarce. Determinants of involvement in SPP among farming households in Niger-Delta Area of Nigeria were therefore assessed. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 330 respondents. Data were collected through structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correlation-PPMC and logistic regression. Age and household size of respondents were 42.9±11.9 years and 8.7±5.5 persons, respectively. Most respondents were female (53.3%), while 94.5% had no extension contact. Farming experience and farm size were 21.1±12.9 years and 5.4±5.1 ha, respectively. Employed labour per sweetpotato (SP) production cycle, SP farm size and farming experience were 8±6 persons, 2.6±3.5 ha and 18±12 years, respectively. Income from SP, other crops enterprises and non-crop livelihood activities were N2 637 552.0±3 362 512.0 yearly, N5 283 845.0±6 147 413.0 yearly and N1 733 562.0±2 175 223.0 yearly, respectively. Most respondents (56.4%) produced above one cycle per year. Limited knowledge on processing of SP (x ̅=1.88) was the major constraint to SPP. Above half (51.8%) of the respondents had low involvement in SPP. Gender (x2=6.79), household size (r=0.12), farm size (r=0.19), farming experience (r=0.12) and income from SP (r=0.19) were significantly related to level of involvement in SPP. Government and other stakeholders should organise intervention (training and workshop) on increasing income from sweet potato production.

Kidnapping and Socio-Economic Development in Rivers State between 2009-2019

Socio-economic processes and developmental aspirations of a country or region are usually challenged by a myriad of criminal and conflict-ridden activities, especially in 3 rd world countries of Africa and particularly in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. This paper examines kidnapping and socio-economic development of Rivers State, between 2009-2019. The paper adopted the structural-choice theory as its theoretical foundation. The design of the paper is based on the survey research design; as such data was generated quantitatively via the use of a 4 point likert scale questionnaire administered on 400 respondents which represented the sample size of the study. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamene formula. Additional data which supplemented those generated via the questionnaire was gotten through interviews and other textual materials. The study was guide by a single hypothesis which was tested using a chi-square(x 2 ) at a critical value of 5% (0.05) level of significance while data was analyzed using the simple percentage statistical method. The paper revealed that there is a strong relationship between kidnapping and socio-economic development in Rivers State between, 2009-2019. Accordingly, the paper recommends amongst others; government should put mechanisms in place that will engage the youths in compulsory education and skills acquisition while social infrastructural facilities be maintained to improve human capital index and also assist in wealth creation.

Public and environmental health implications of artisanal petroleum refining and risk reduction strategies in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Artisanal petroleum refining (APR) is often the use of rudimentary equipment to process crude oil into different products. APR is rampant in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria and is often outside the boundaries of the state law. Some typical products of the process include gasoline, automated gas oil, and kerosene. Despite the socioeconomic advantages, which include creating jobs, it poses significant environmental and public health concerns. This review focuses on the environmental and human health effects of APR in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. According to the research findings, these actions have resulted in the loss of arable farmland, plant cover, household and drinking water supplies, and human food sources. In addition, these activities lead to the emission of harmful particles and gases. These pollutants have adverse health effects, including loss of respiratory and cardiovascular functioning, irritation of the sensory organs, and congenital disabilities. In addition, food safety concerns may ensue from improper management of the APR's effects. It is, therefore, necessary to mitigate the dangers linked to APR in Nigeria's Niger Delta area, i.e., through institutional strengthening and licensing of the artisanal petroleum operatives in the region and applying the environmental and petroleum-related laws in Nigeria. Furthermore, the enlightenment of the populace on the dangers of the long-term impact of APR is crucial.

Experience Marketing and Customer Retention in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry

The Nigerian Telecommunications Industry is classified as the fastest-growing and most competitive Telecommunications industry in the world. It has the largest subscriber base in Africa with over 150 million subscribers. Due to the increased competitiveness in the telecommunication industry in Nigeria, customer retention has become the focus of telecommunication providers. It is in this light that this paper is built. Hence, the general objective of the paper is to determine the effect of experience marketing on customer retention in the Nigerian Telecommunications industry. The study made use of primary data gotten through a validated set of structured questionnaires which was distributed to a selected sample of 402 respondents within the six states of the south-south geo-political zone of the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria, which are Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Calabar, Edo, Delta and River States. The paper adopted correlation and regression analysis to test the formulated research questions and hypotheses. After the analysis, it was discovered that there was a strong and positive effect of experience marketing on customer retention in the Nigerian Telecommunications industry. The study, therefore, concluded that Customer Service Quality, Customer Brand Relationship, and Customer Emotional Experience are good indicators and dimensions of Experience Marketing that could increase the degree to which customer retention is enhanced in Telecommunication Firms in Nigeria. Hence, it was recommended, among others, that Telecommunication operators in Nigeria must switch from the traditional marketing approach to an experience-based marketing strategy if they want to remain relevant and competitive in the globalised telecommunication industry.

Impacts of Oil Exploration (Oil and Gas Conflicts; Niger Delta as a Case Study)

The discovery of Oil and Gas in Nigeria led to exploration of crude oil for revenue basis. Oil exploration and exploitation caused environmental problems which resulted into major conflicts in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The article examines the impact of oil exploration, and oil and gas conflicts in Niger Delta area and it highlights the problems of pipeline vandalism, structure of oil and gas and the general obstacles in the industry. It discovers that pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, pollution, oil spillage causes serious environmental degradation which resulted into serious conflicts. The article discovered that environmental problems in the area dislodged the people of their means of livelihood both in the area of fishing and farming. It recommends that there should be a compelling environmental restoration of natural resources by deploying land treatment technologies. Government should sanction multinational companies discharging oils or creating environmental pollution through necessary laws and regulations.

Microbial Diversity and Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon in Impacted Soils and Water Bodies in Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Microbial diversity of hydrocarbon in polluted soil and water bodies explains the variability that exists among various species of microorganisms inhabiting such environments. Sources of these pollutions include among others polycyclic hydrocarbons, heavy metals contamination, industrial wastes and the unregulated use of pesticides. No doubt, Niger Delta region is heavily polluted due to unregulated exploration activities of the petroleum prospecting and exploration industries, including the illegal activities of the locals. This has grossly affected the distribution and existence of some species of microorganisms. The survival of microbes in such polluted sites depends largely on their ability to adapt, tolerate and/or degrade these pollutants. The degradation of these hydrocarbons has resulted in the formation of metabolites some of which influences diversity among the indigenous microbial species. There is a significant relationship between the level of contamination and alterations in the microbial community. Decontamination of polluted sites can be used to increase biodiversity. Therefore, biodiversity is influenced by the concentration of the pollutants. The ecotoxicological effect of petroleum pollution is the need for oxygen during degradation of the hydrocarbon. In a reduced oxygen supply, serious ecological damage may take place. Also, the presence of heavy metals and organic compounds may enhance toxicity to microorganisms.

Human Biomonitoring of Maternal exposure to Carbon Monoxide in the First Trimester of Pregnancy in the Core Niger Delta

Background: In the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, human medical biomonitoring, including that of maternal Carboxyhemoglobin (MCOHb) had never been performed irrespective of devastating environmental pollution in the region. Aim: The goals of the study were to quantify the impact of maternal exposure to CO in the first trimester of pregnancy in the core Niger Delta by measuring MCOHb concentrations and to assess the effect of maternal demographic and obstetric characteristics on the impact. Material and methods: The study was of cross-sectional design carried out at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in Nigeria. 490 consecutive pregnant women in the first trimester were recruited from the antenatal clinic from January 2021 to January 2022. Gestational age was estimated with the aid of an ultrasound scan. Demographic, social and obstetric characteristics were taken. MCOHb concentrations were measured with the aid of a smokerlyser. Data was analyzed, using SPSS version 25.0 (Armonk, NY) software. Ethical approval was obtained from the RSUTH Ethics Committee. Results: The mean value of MCOHb concentration was 1.15±0.40% Out of the 490 patients that were assessed, 461(94.08%) had mild impact from CO exposure (MCOHb= 0.78-1.5%), 18 (3.67%) – moderate impact (MCOHb = 1.75-2.23%) and 11 (2.24%) had severe impact (MCOHb = 2.39% and above). Moderate and severe impact were most prominent in women of 25-29 and 35-39 years of age respectively at which they occurred in 11 out of 145 (7.59%) and 7 out of 103 women (6.80%) respectively and the differences at various age groups were statistically significant [X2=23.119, p<0.010, 95%CI (0.038,0.046)]. The differences in the severity of maternal impact among women with different BMI classes were statistically significant [X2=56.707, p<0.001, 95%CI (0.001,0.001)] with those with class III BMI most likely to have severe impact [4(22.22%) out of 18 patients]. There was inverse relationship between parity and the severity of the impact of CO exposure but the differences at various parity groups were not statistically significant [X2=10.580, p<0.012, 95%CI (0.101,0.113)]. There was also a paradoxical finding of 3 smokers having only mild impact. Conclusion: The mean value of MCOHb was 1.15±0.40. Mild, moderate and severe impact from maternal CO exposure was established with the moderate and severe impacts more prominent at maternal ages of 25-39 years, at higher BMI and at lower parity.

Direct patient care practices in community pharmacies in Bayelsa and Rivers State in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Direct patient care practiced in community pharmacy settings remains among the best remedy to the ever-emerging meddling practices of allied health and non-health personnel in the health promotion and disease prevention function of the pharmacy profession. The professional strides for totally owning this hub, though in the progress, were not easy in prehistoric times, nor is it getting any easier now. This study determines the extent of practice carried out in direct patient activities (patient counseling, patient care and technology standards) in community pharmacies in Bayelsa and Rivers states as at the year 2017. Of the three hundred and thirty seven (337) questionnaires distributed, three hundred and twelve (312) were retrieved (92.58% retrieval rate). The questionnaire was constructed in likert form with responses as “never”, “rarely”, “sometimes”, “often” and “always”. The results were analyzed using non parametric analysis using SPSS version 23. Young male pharmacists having B.Pharm (177; 56.7%) with 6 to 10 years’ experience (140; 44.9%) in self-owned premises (190; 60.8%) were observed to contribute significantly to the study domains. Pharmacists were reported to always carry out patient counseling activities (44.2%), always carry out patient care activities (35.9%) and never, apply technological applications in community pharmacies (45.9%) in the study area. Community Pharmacy Practice is below recommended standards in the two states. Improvement is needed in the hub of direct patient care to maintain the needed pharmaceutical care practice and philosophy.

Evaluation on the Effect of Cost Effective Cow Dung (in Bio-Fertlizers Form) on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays) Production in the Niger Delta Area (Bayelsa State) of Nigeria

Evaluation on the effect of cost effective cow dung in bio-fertilizer form on growth and yield of Maize (Zea mays) production in the Niger Delta Area, was conducted, in 2017 cropping season of Bayelsa State, at the Niger Delta University Teaching and Research Farm, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, located within latitude 50N and longitude 6.050E of the equator. Treatments adopted for the experiment was cow dung in bio-fertilizer form, which was applied with different rates 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha, and replicated 5 times, experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The least significant difference (LSD) was used to compare the means at 5% level of significance. Parameters assessed were growth and yield components of maize which included plant height, leaf area, cob length and girth, average number of kernels per cob, weight of 1000 kernels and yield in t/ha. Parameters, generally, increased significantly with an increase in the rate of application of cow dung on the experimental plots. The result obtained from the yield (t/ha) showed that, there was no significant differences between the application rates of 20, 15, 10 and 5 t/ha of cow dung, whereas only at 20 t/ha differed significantly when compared to the untreated (Control), but 20t/ha, had more yield than the rest rates of application. However, twenty (20 t/ha) application rate of cow dung bio-fertilizer produced the highest yield with a mean value of 6.45 t/ha when compared to the control (0 t/ha) which had the least mean yield value of 4.05 t/ha. Furthermore, the control had the lowest mean values in all the growth and yield parameters tested throughout the period of assessment, whereas application rate of 20t/ha produced the highest mean values and differed significantly from the rest application rates of cow dung in all of the growth parameters of maize of production. Therefore, 20t/ha of cow dung was recommended for small scale farmers in the study area and other parts of the Bayelsa State and the Global World which had similar soil characteristics and environmental conditions, that are found in the arable area of land for maize production. In fact, this research work has created positive awareness to the people of Niger Delta Area on the danger of inorganic fertilizer application in our soils, because they are hazardous to the ecosystem that affected the biodiversity of some beneficiary soil microbes, because the type of maize farmers in the area which had little or no adequate knowledge on the negative chemical residual impact of inorganic fertilizer, to our crops and the soil microbes, which affected the biodiversity of some beneficiary soil microbes, hence the evaluation on this research project work to create the awareness on the importance of cow dung bio-fertilizer that are readily available in our environment at the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria.

Characterization and Mechanical Property Measurements by Instrumented Indentation Testing of Niger Delta Oil Shale Cuttings

Oil shales have unstable mechanical and chemical properties, which makes their extraction for characterization and conventional mechanical testing uneasy and complex. Most often, mechanical property measurements are usually taken from core samples that are costly to extract and test using conventional testing methods. This paper presents a focused study carried out on oil shale cuttings obtained from the sidewalls of two different wellbore depths in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Using the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) characterization techniques, the morphology of these shales was studied. The results obtained clearly showed the composition, bonding and variations in the morphology of the studied shale samples. Furthermore, the heterogeneity associated with these shales across varied depths were revealed. An efficient and less expensive technique compared to conventional testing methods, instrumented indentation testing (IIT) was carried out to obtain essential mechanical parameters of the shale specimen. These properties are important parameters in determining the hydrocarbon storage space of shale formations, wellbore stability, and optimization of hydraulic fracturing which is necessary for efficient drilling operations.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Pollution in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria and Its Impact on Foeto-Maternal Health

Background: Carbon monoxide is produced in abundance in the Niger Delta, a fact that was acknowledged in the World Bank study of the region in 1995 and the Environmental assessment of Ogoni land by UNEP in 2011. Objectives: To ascertain the extent of CO pollution in the Niger Delta, its impact on foeto-maternal health and to review the pathophysiology and the treatment of the poisoning. Methods: A mixed method study (observational-descriptive and systemic review). A literature review on the above objectives was carried out. The known foeto-maternal impact of CO exposure was extrapolated to the prevailing state of CO pollution in the Niger Delta. Questionnaires distributed to Doctors working in the tertiary Centres in the core Niger Delta focused on the prevalence, clinical presentations and foeto-maternal findings in patients who presented with CO poisoning. Results: There was no data on the prevalence and clinical presentations of CO pollution in the Niger Delta. The ambient and indoors air concentration of CO in the Delta range from 0 ppm to 191μg/m3 but in places within 60-200 metres from crude oil flow stations, the concentrations range from 100 to 5320 μg/m3. Maternal impact of CO pollution ranges from headaches at carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) levels of 5-20% to maternal death at COHb levels of >66% while in the foetus, it causes birth defects, growth restriction, prematurity and sudden intrauterine and early neonatal death. Conclusion: The core Niger Delta is under perpetual siege of CO pollution and the ambient and indoors air concentration of it in the Delta range from 0 ppm to 191μg/m3.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Pollution in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria

The Niger Delta in the Southern part of Nigeria had been captioned ‘a region of environmental degradation’ including carbon monoxide (CO) pollution in the World Bank study of the region in 1995 and in the UNEP Environmental assessment of Ogoniland in 2011. The objective of the study was to ascertain the sources of CO production in the Niger Delta, the availability of Nigerian national guidelines on CO pollution, Nigerian national and regional register of CO poisoning and air quality check for CO in the region. A mixed method study (observational-descriptive and systemic review was carried out. Sources of CO production were visited, guidelines on environmental protection, CO and its register and data on daily air monitoring were looked for in Rivers State and the Nigerian Federal Ministries of Environment, Health and Justice. The result showed that there were no guidelines on environmental protection against CO pollution, no register of its poisoning and no monitoring of its ambient and indoor air concentrations in the Niger Delta. Sources of its pollution were tobacco fumes, generator, firewood, kerosene, bush and refuse burning, fire out-brake, barbecues, burning of fossil fuels in old vehicles, crude oil and gas industry (three refineries, oil wells, flow stations and gas flaring, crude oil and condensate spills, vapours from crude and refined oil storage, processing and transportation facilities, petrochemical plants and gas liquefaction plants). In conclusion the Niger Delta was plagued with numerous sources of CO emission and ineffective environmental protection laws. There was therefore urgent need for revival of regional and national environmental laws, maintenance of registers for CO poisoning and conduct of daily air quality check for CO and other gases in the Niger Delta and in Nigeria at large.

Physicochemical characteristics of sediment from odeama creek of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria

The coastal environment of the Niger Delta sub-region of Nigeria has been degraded over the years as a result of anthropogenic activity, particularly oil exploration and exploitation. This study is carried out to investigate if there are human influences on the quality of sediment in Odeama creek. Water samples were obtained from 20 sampling points and four control points during wet and dry season. The samples were analyzed using standard methods and procedures. The physical and chemical parameters analyzed showed no statistical difference (p> 0.05) at 95% confidence limit between sampling points except copper, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) at 95% confidence interval during the wet season. The particle size analyses are in the order: sand > clay > silt. The percentage composition observed ranged from 52. 90 – 73. 20%, 15.60 – 33.20%, 5.50 - 19.0% for (sand, clay and silt respectively) and 70.6 –83.40%, 5.40 – 13.80%, 9.30 – 19.90% for (sand, clay and silt respectively); pH range of 2.80 – 5.10 and 4.30 – 6.70; TOC, 0.34 – 1.35mg/kg and 0.78 – 3.03 mg/kg; THC, 0.69 – 4.68mg/kg and 0.88 – 106.14 mg/kg; PAH, 0.00 – 3.54 mg/kg and 0.57 – 72.55mg/kg; chloride, 444.86 – 804.50 mg/kg and 924.71 – 1624mg/kg; Iron, 39.31 – 1171 mg/kg and 24.16 – 166.27 mg/kg; Zn, 1.04 – 30.98 mg/kg and 3.44 – 23.14 mg/kg, Cr, 0.01 –0.22 mg/kg and 0.002 – 0.04mg/kg; Pb, 0.00 – 0.06 mg/kg and 0.28-2.16 mg/kg during the wet and dry season respectively. The high values of PAH, THC, Iron, zinc, sulphate, chloride and sodium could be attributable to anthropogenic influence from illegal bunkering, oil spillage and runoff from surrounding farmlands. Low TOC and heavy metals with the exception of Iron; is an indication that most of the heavy metals and organic compounds produced from the observed anthropogenic influence in the study area may be dissolved more in the water column due to high percentage of sand particles in the study area. The level of PAH and THC observed could be detrimental to aquatic life and humans. Environmental monitoring of anthropogenic activities should therefore be conducted to curtail the adverse effect of the exceedances observed in this study.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Service Failures and Recovery Strategies for Sustainable Business: The Case of Nigeria

This study explores the relationship between CSR, service failure and recovery, and sustainable business in the context of Nigeria’s oil industry. Globally, there is nowhere these problems of environmental degradation, socio-political dissonance, lack of sustainable development, poor CSR, and poverty are more visible than in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria which has been described as “the goose that lays” Nigeria’s golden eggs – oil and gas. It is important, therefore, that multinational corporations (MNCs) in Nigeria provide effective service recovery strategies in an attempt to resuscitate stakeholders’ satisfaction, legitimacy, and trust following a service failure, which could be achieved via the prism of CSR. As has been examined by the available literature, CSR can be an effective organizational strategy for service recovery following failure, which could engender sustainable development in the region of the world habitually known for unsustainable organizational practice and strategy. Therefore, the reason for this study is to explicate via extant literature the relationship between CSR, service failure, and recovery strategies for sustainable business in Nigeria. Consequently, this paper has developed a theoretical model premised on extending Visser’s African variant of the CSR model. This study believes that effective organizational management and recovery approach can strengthen relationships amongst MNCs, the communities, and other relevant stakeholders through building relationships, legitimacy, and trust for a sustainable business.

Biomonitoring of Fetal Exposure to Carbon Monoxide in the First Trimester of Pregnancy in the Core Niger Delta

Background: In the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, human medical biomonitoring, including that of maternal Carboxyhemoglobin (MCOHb) had never been performed irrespective of devastating environmental pollution in the region. Aim: The goals of the study were to quantify the impact of maternal exposure to CO in the first trimester of pregnancy in the core Niger Delta by measuring MCOHb concentrations and to assess the effect of maternal demographic and obstetric characteristics on the impact. Material and methods: The study was of cross-sectional design carried out at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) in Nigeria. 490 consecutive pregnant women in the first trimester were recruited from the antenatal clinic from January 2021 to January 2022. Gestational age was estimated with the aid of an ultrasound scan. Demographic, social and obstetric characteristics were taken. MCOHb concentrations were measured with the aid of a smokerlyser. Data was analyzed, using SPSS version 25.0 (Armonk, NY) software. Ethical approval was obtained from the RSUTH Ethics Committee. Results: The mean value of MCOHb concentration was 1.15±0.40% Out of the 490 patients that were assessed, 461(94.08%) had mild impact from CO exposure (MCOHb= 0.78-1.5%), 18 (3.67%) – moderate impact (MCOHb = 1.75-2.23%) and 11 (2.24%) had severe impact (MCOHb = 2.39% and above). Moderate and severe impact were most prominent in women of 25-29 and 35-39 years of age respectively at which they occurred in 11 out of 145 (7.59%) and 7 out of 103 women (6.80%) respectively and the differences at various age groups were statistically significant [X2=23.119, p&lt;0.010, 95%CI (0.038,0.046)]. The differences in the severity of maternal impact among women with different BMI classes were statistically significant [X2=56.707, p&lt;0.001, 95%CI (0.001,0.001)] with those with class III BMI most likely to have severe impact [4(22.22%) out of 18 patients]. There was inverse relationship between parity and the severity of the impact of CO exposure but the differences at various parity groups were not statistically significant [X2=10.580, p&lt;0.012, 95%CI (0.101,0.113)]. There was also a paradoxical finding of 3 smokers having only mild impact. Conclusion: The mean value of MCOHb was 1.15±0.40. Mild, moderate and severe impact from maternal CO exposure was established with the moderate and severe impacts more prominent at maternal ages of 25-39 years, at higher BMI and at lower parity.