Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria Research Articles

Global Mou Perspective on Sustainability Expenditure and Host Community Satisfaction in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This study examines the effect of corporate sustainability expenditure on host community satisfaction from the perspective of the SPDC’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GoMU), focusing on the host communities of oil companies in Rivers and Bayelsa. The environmental, social, and fiscal dimensions of corporate sustainability expenditures were analysed, whereas community satisfaction is measured in terms of community trust, attachment, and quality of life. The research utilised a mixed-method design. The primary data were analysed using Pearson Correlation and Cross-Sectional Multiple OLS regression. The findings indicated that none of the three dimensions of corporate sustainability expenditure (environmental, social, and economic) significantly impact community trust. Based on these findings, the study concludes that GMoU has not yet addressed the numerous socioeconomic and environmental challenges facing oil-producing communities. Among the recommendations is that SPDC should be more transparent in its relationships with its host communities and eliminate all barriers surrounding the implementation of the GMoU.

Spatial Assessment of Elevation-based Flood Risk Level of Communities and Mitigation Measures in the Wetlands Areas of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

The study examined the spatial assessment elevation-based flood risk level of communities and mitigation measures in the wetlands areas of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The study made use of the elevation data from the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission, flood height and tidal inundation data to determine the flood risk levels of communities in the study location. Similarly, 400 copies of questionnaire were administered to the residents from the wetland communities using random sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis. Findings revealed that majority of the coastal region in the study area is generally low lying and highly exposed to flood event. Results also showed that most communities in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas are very highly exposed which included Ahoada, Azagbene, Eben, Kpopkie, Owenegbene, Bisagbene, Ekeni among others while the very risk exposed communities included Okpogo, Ebubu, Aboigbene among other. Findings showed that damage compensation and government relief funds were the major ways used to tackle the negative impact of flood. The popular methods of flood abatement in the study area were restoring meanders in brooks and rivers and coastal wetlands protection. The study concluded that many communities in the coastal parts of Rivers and Bayelsa States in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria are highly prone to flood risk. The study recommended among others that the use of dam for flood abatement and prevention should be adequately established in the study area; and apart from embankment, other flood defense and control measures such as flood barrier, mobile flood wall, coastal sand supply, bypasses to safeguard wetlands, connect rivers to existing lake, dredging rivers, and river bed widening should be adequately put in place to reduce the levels of flood impact in the study area.

Optimization of Gamma–Power–Log–logistic distribution and its applications in modelling volume of oil spillage

Oil spillage is one of the major problems in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which have affected human health and aquaculture. There is a need to estimate the volume of spill per incidence. Estimating the volume of crude oil after spill is a problem in environmental sciences. In this research, a newly-convoluted gamma–power generalized linear model (GLM), which was derived from Gamma–Power–Log–logistic distribution was developed. The proposed model was used to fit a regression model to estimate the spill volume of crude oil in the South–south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Some statistical properties of the distribution such as, the transformation to a gamma distribution and the likelihood ratio test were derived. The Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) technique, using generalized Newton Approximation with Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm was used to obtain the model parameters and the consistency of the parameters estimated was justified by a simulation study. The simulation study result showed that the parameters estimated are consistent. The result of the likelihood ratio test (LRT) and other selection criteria adopted showed that the novel GPGLM outperformed other models. The LRT showed how much better the proposed model could be when compared to gamma and normal models as a good fit to bimodal skewed leptokurtic dependent response variable in a regression settings. The new model is an extension of the gamma model and would be very useful for modelling bimodal, skewed and leptokurtic dependent variable in a regression model. The study recommended that clean-up should be done promptly in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of access to clean water and improved quality of life.

Bottom-up and bottom-top institutional changes in environmental management in the Niger Delta

Research into how changes occur in repeated human practices, or ‘institutions’, is expanding rapidly. Yet there is still only limited understanding of how institutional change involves social networks. To address this gap this paper proposes a new Network Communication Framework, which predicts how ‘bottom-up’ and ‘bottom-top’ institutional changes can arise through interplays between state and civil society networks. While ‘top-down’ institutional change requires perfect compliance with state policies by a civil society network in a ‘strong state’, bottom-up institutional change can occur in a ‘weak state’ when a civil society network has high autonomy and adapts to a vacuum in state institutions at local scale by devising new informal institutions itself. Bottom-top institutional change, proposed here for the first time, can occur when a state network has a moderate ability to enforce its formal institutions throughout a country and a civil society network has moderate autonomy, and members of the two networks jointly negotiate new hybrid informal institutions. This paper reports evidence from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria for: (a) a bottom-up change by a clan network in its traditional land rights institutions which enabled it to sell communal land to an oil company; and (b) a bottom-top change in timber harvesting institutions, negotiated between members of a logging network and an informal government network (comprising staff of the state forestry department), which allowed loggers to extract more timber than permitted under formal state institutions. The example of bottom-up institutional change reported here leads to higher environmental impacts than under the original informal traditional institutions, showing that autonomous bottom-up change is not always as environmentally benevolent as previously assumed, though environmental impacts will vary according to circumstances. The example of bottom-top institutional change has higher environmental impacts than under perfectly implemented formal state institutions. This is likely to be typical of bottom-top changes generally, and shows that it is difficult to treat overlogging as ‘illegal logging’ if state personnel are complicit in its operation.

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury in Blue Crabs Found in Creeks in Bayelsa State of Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury in Blue Crabs Found in Creeks in Bayelsa State of Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Counter-conducting environmental injustices and (un)accountability: Ken Saro-Wiwa’s accounts of the Ogoni’s struggle for emancipation

PurposeThis paper explores the historical roots of environmental accountability in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by focusing on the campaigns for social and environmental justice by writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and the indigenous Ogoni people.Design/methodology/approachThe methods consist of an analysis of books, diaries, letters and poems written by Ken Saro-Wiwa as well as books, reports and audio recordings of panel discussions which capture the Ogoni struggle, Ken Saro-Wiwa’s activism and its impacts. The authors’ approach to the data is sensitised by Foucault’s notion of counter-conduct as it enables the authors to better grasp the creative agency of Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni as they struggle and campaign for political autonomy, environmental justice and accountability.FindingsThe authors’ findings illustrate how Ken Saro-Wiwa’s books, letters, poems, diaries and articles provide early accounts of environmental injustices and the absence of accountability in the Niger Delta. They highlight how Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni movement deploy counter-conduct to subvert existing power and accountability structures through innovative strategies, effective mobilisation and communication at local and international levels. The authors’ findings also highlight how these have led to specific forms of accountability for human rights and the environment at local and global levels. They also show how Saro-Wiwa’s activism and the Ogoni struggle have inspired a new generation of environmental activists and new ways of demanding accountability.Originality/valueThis paper presents, for the first time, an account of the historical roots of environmental accountability practices from an African and developing country context. Its focus on the historical roots of environmental accountability is also unique as it expands the view beyond the origins of environmental accounting to look more broadly at the origins of environmental accountability practices.

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in groundwater around automobile workshops in a popular Niger-Delta University town, Nigeria

The research was carried out to assess the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in groundwater from selected automobile workshops in Ozoro metropolis, a busy university town, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The major activities carried out in the sampled automobile workshops include vehicle maintenance, painting, panel beating and fabrication. Nine (9) groundwater samples from the automobile workshops and one control sample 2 km away from the influence area were analyzed. Heavy metal concentration, contamination factor, and pollution loading indices were investigated using geostatistical modeling and statistical analysis tools. Heavy metal concentrations in the various samples were determined in accordance with the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) International guidelines. Findings obtained from the study revealed that the groundwater was affected by leachates from the automobile workshops, as the heavy metal levels in the groundwater from the sampling sites were considerably higher than the reference point. The concentration ranges (mg/L) of the heavy metals were Cd (0.0217–0.0412), Cr (0.0643–0.0901), Cu (0.0599–0.0803), Fe (0.3118–0.4171), and Pb (0.1423–0.1781). The spatial distribution maps showed that the metals spread unevenly across the study area. The pollution indices revealed that groundwater from the sampling sites is moderately polluted with heavy metals and the trend of the pollution load index (PLI) is Cd > Ni > Cu > Mn > Pb > Zn > Fe. Comparing the results with those of international regulatory bodies, the groundwater from the study area was found to still be within the approved range for potable water. However, there is evidence of slight contamination due to the activities of the automobile workshops. This may call for minor treatment before usage, regular monitoring and ensuring that the artisans comply with relevant regulations in their operations.

Do Leadership Structure and Team Trust Drive Organisational Performance? Empirical Approach

Purpose: Over the years, manufacturing firms have struggled to achieve maximum productivity because such organizations lack good leadership, work-team, and persons with the team leading skills to lead work-teams. The problem of leadership structure of work-teams in most Nigerian firms was the motivating factor for this research. Thus, the aim of this paper is to assess the effect of team trust and leadership structure on performance of manufacturing firms in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is hinged on Self-Leadership Theory, which focused on participatory decision making, individual discretion and team work as important motivating factor and suggestions that will lead more committed employees who strive for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Design/Methods/Approach: Two specifics objectives are considered; the first being team trust and the other being leadership structure. Using a descriptive survey research design, 534 respondents in nine states in Nigeria were examined to obtain their perceptions. Findings: The results of the analysis indicated that the performance of manufacturing firms is dependent on team-work. In other words, acceptable and planned team-building had direct relationship with performance of firms. Research, Practical and Social Implication: The study shows that team trust and leadership structure are major drivers of organizational performance. Originality/Value: The value of the study is vital to manufacturing firms such that top management are advised to create teams whereby members should create increased trust among themselves by communicating openly and avoiding activities purely out of self-interest and reciprocating help from team mates for better results in manufacturing industries.

Invasion in the Niger Delta: remote sensing of mangrove conversion to invasive Nypa fruticans from 2015 to 2020

AbstractInvasive species are a leading threat to biodiversity worldwide. Nypa palm (Nypa fruticans) has emerged as the predominant invasive species in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. While endemic mangroves have high rates of carbon sequestration, stabilize coastlines and protect biodiversity, Nypa does not provide these services outside its native region of Southeast Asia. Oil exploration and urbanization in this region also exacerbate mangrove loss and Nypa spread. As Nypa is difficult to distinguish from endemic mangrove species in remotely sensed data, estimates of mangrove and ecosystem services losses in Nigeria are highly uncertain. Here, we analyse multisensor satellite data with machine learning to quantify the rapid expansion of Nypa from 2015 to 2020 in Nigeria. Using Landsat imagery and random forest classification, we quantify total potential Nypa extent in Nigeria in 2019. We then produced a Nypa extent map using iterative combinations of Sentinel‐1 SAR, Sentinel‐2 MSI and ALOS PALSAR. Random forest classifications using SAR data from ALOS and Sentinel‐1 were best suited for mapping Nypa extent with similar accuracies (78% and 75%, respectively). Based on data availability and accuracy, we focussed our change analysis on Sentinel‐1 SAR. Our results show ~28 000 ha of mangroves were converted to Nypa in Nigeria by 2020 and covered a larger extent than endemic mangroves, compounding the effect of the existing degradation and deforestation in the region. We also compared forest height and complexity estimates from Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation LiDAR to further distinguish between endemic mangroves and Nypa in three dimensions. Nypa structural variability, measured by top‐of‐canopy height, vegetation cover, plant area index, and foliage height diversity, was lower than that of mangroves. At current rates of Nypa expansion, the entire area of study would be invaded by Nypa by 2028, with potentially detrimental consequences to the ecosystem services provided by mangroves.

Using community theater to improve demand for vaccination services in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

IntroductionDespite abundant evidence showing immunization as a lifesaving public health measure, a large proportion of Nigerian children are still not or fully vaccinated. Lack of awareness and distrust of the immunization process by caregivers are some of the reasons for poor immunization coverage which need to be addressed. This study aimed at improving vaccination demand, acceptance and uptake in Bayelsa and Rivers State, both in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) of Nigeria through a human-centered process of trust building, education and social support.MethodsA quasi-experimental intervention christened Community Theater for Immunization (CT4I) was deployed in 18 selected communities between November 2019 and May 2021 in the two states. In the intervention localities, relevant stakeholders including the leadership of the health system, community leaders, health workers and community members were engaged and actively involved in the design and performance of the theaters. The content for the theater showcased real stories, using a human-centered design (HCD) of ideation, co-creation, rapid prototyping, feedback collection and iteration. Pre- and post-intervention data on the demand and utilization of vaccination services were collected using a mixed method.ResultsIn the two states, 56 immunization managers and 59 traditional and religious leaders were engaged. Four broad themes implicating user and provider factors emerged from the 18 focus group discussions as responsible for low immunization uptake in the communities. Of the 217 caregivers trained on routine immunization and theater performances, 72% demonstrated a knowledge increase at the post-test. A total of 29 performances attended by 2,258 women were staged with 84.2% of the attendees feeling satisfied. At the performances, 270 children received vaccine shots (23% were zero-dose). There was a 38% increase in the proportion of fully immunized children in the communities and 9% decline in the proportion of zero-dose children from baseline.ConclusionBoth demand- and supply-side factors were identified as responsible for poor vaccination in the intervention communities. Our intervention demonstrates that caregivers will demand immunization services if they are engaged through community theater using a human-centered design (HCD). We recommend a scaling up of HCD to address the challenge of vaccine hesitancy.

Access to Justice for Victims of Oil Pollution in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Exploring Contemporary Judicial Trends and Implications for Sustainable Development

Access to Justice for Victims of Oil Pollution in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: Exploring Contemporary Judicial Trends and Implications for Sustainable Development

English

Drinking water quality is a critical factor affecting human health particularly in natural resource-dependent countries including Nigeria. Hydrocarbon related pollution, mining waste, microbial load, industrial discharge and other anthropogenic stressors degrade drinking water quality in coastal communities and pose serious public health and ecological risks. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of drinking water in selected communities (Okerenkoko, Kurutie, and Oporoza) located in Gbaramatu Kingdom, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in order to assess the water quality using the Water Quality Index (WQI) and pollution models. Nitrate, Chromium, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Aluminium, pH, Total Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, Cyanide, and Residual Chlorine were measured in twelve selected locations across the three communities.  The WQI results of the analyzed water samples in the area indicated that they exceeded the critical WQI value of 100, with a mean pH of 8.11 ± 0.32, indicating unsuitability for consumption. Nickel ranging from 0.014 to 0.176 mg/L and residual chlorine 11.6 to 7407 mg/L were the major contributors to the degradation of water quality and exceeded the WHO recommended limit of 0.02 and 0.25 respectively. While groundwater had better organoleptic properties compared to surface and rain water, the geo-accumulation index showed that water sources in the area vary from moderately to heavily contaminated with Ni and Cd. These WQI and pollution model results necessitate an urgent response from local stakeholders to address the water quality deterioration, such as providing alternative water supplies, to minimize the potential health risks to the local population.   Key words: Water quality index, contamination index, oil pollution, chemical parameters, geo-accumulation index.

Gas flaring-induced impacts on aquatic resources in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

The Niger Delta is the Nigerian oil and gas province. About 10 – 40% of produced associated gas is underutilized and is flared into the environment. Gas flaring is the burning of natural gas and petroleum hydrocarbons in flare stacks by upstream oil companies in oil fields during operations. Flaring operations have adverse impacts on the environmental components and its aquatic resources. This paper reviewed the impacts of gas flaring on aquatic resources in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. The study revealed the induced thermal impacts on the aquatic environment to include alteration of ionic components, pH, temperature, conductivity, heavy metal concentration especially in rain water which could cause death of aquatic biota. Water toxicity from acid rain and heating from flare stacks had also caused some fish species to become extinct. Exposure to harmful air pollutants generated during incomplete combustion of gas had been linked to a variety of health hazards such as: cancer, neurological, reproductive and developmental consequences. It also affects vegetation leading to decrease in growth and productivity probably due to changes in soil quality parameters in the aquatic environment. Climate change has an impact on both physical and biological habitats, influencing biodiversity both directly and indirectly via interactions with other environmental factors. It is recommended that strict government legislations on how gas production projects may be conducted should be introduced and monitored. Regulatory agencies must fulfil their responsibilities of enforcing laws and regulregulations to check gas flaring activities in order to protect the aquatic resources of the Niger Delta Region.

"Rainfall Projection Using Different Emission Scenarios for Two Climatic Normals in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria (2016-2045 and 2045-2075)"

"Rainfall Projection Using Different Emission Scenarios for Two Climatic Normals in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria (2016-2045 and 2045-2075)"

An Ecocritical Reading of Selected Poems of Nnimmo Bassey’s We Thought it was Oil but it was Blood

This paper presents an ecocritical analysis of Nnimmo Bassey's poetry collection, "We Thought It Was Oil but It Was Blood" (2002). Focusing on contemporary issues in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, the collection delves into themes of environmental degradation, despoliation, and the abuse of nature, including the landscape, flora, and fauna. Employing ecocriticism as a theoretical framework, this study conducts a contextual analysis of the poetry collection. Additionally, the paper evaluates the literary elements employed in the text, highlighting their significance for literary research. The findings suggest that the ecocritical reading of the text raises pertinent questions about human interactions with nature and enhances readers' awareness of the natural world and its interconnectedness with it.

Ecotourism for transformative and youth development in sub-Saharan Africa: the role of corporate social responsibility in Nigeria’s oil host communities

ABSTRACT We examine the impact of multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on enabling youth participation in ecotourism development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Results from the use of average treatment test of a combined propensity score matching and logit model indicate a significant difference between youths in MOCs’ CSR global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) households and non-GMoU households in the four parameters measured: availability of finance (3.76), access to adequate training (5.91), direct patronage (18.97), and economic capability of the youths (8.2). It shows that opportunities to supply products and services to the tourism sector can help ensure a sustainable market and increase incomes and other revenues in local communities driven from ecotourism-related activities, while minimizing economic leakages. This suggests that pro-youth GMoU ecotourism projects of MOCs have the potential to play in the formation of linkages to help promote local economic development through job creation and business opportunities. It implies that a younger generation can help to promote economic diversification and contribute to job creation and enterprise development, while helping to address underdevelopment in remoe areas and intractable environmental challenges of sub-Saharan Africa.

Disaster Response and Recovery Practices among Oil Spill Impacted Communities in Selected States in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

The study examined the disaster response and recovery practices among oil spill impacted communities in selected states in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The study cut-across six (6) LGAs from three (3) states, that is, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta while questionnaire was administered among 400 respondents with return rate of 94% amounting to 375 valid questionnaires. The returned questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA for the study hypotheses. The outcome of the study indicated that abandonment of spilled site (21.3%) is the most adopted response practice while in-situ burning of oil (22.4%) and scooping of the spilled oil (22.1%) as the major recovery practices. Statistically, there was no significant difference in post-disaster practices such as disaster response (where p > 0.05, p= 0.116) and recovery (where p > 0.05, p= 0.775) across the states. In conclusion, there is need for synergy among all the multi-agency and involvement of the community in deriving long lasting post-disaster practices. Harmonizing several overlapping legislations and governance institutions was recommended.

Using geophysics to guide the selection of suitable sites for establishing sustainable earthen fishponds in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria

Water retention in earthen fishponds throughout a fish farming cycle is challenging due to climate-induced water loss via evapotranspiration, seepages, and lowering of the groundwater table. These processes depend on the soil hydrostratigraphic condition and constitute a major challenge for fish farmers in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, where seasonal variations cause groundwater levels to fluctuate. This study assesses the use of non-invasive geophysical methods, including electrical resistivity and induced polarization, to guide the selection of sites with appropriate hydrostratigraphic conditions for establishing earthen fishponds. We combined measurements of electrical resistivity and chargeability distributions to assess the subsurface of two earthen fishpond sites at Ugono-Abraka and Agbarha-Otor areas in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. Electrical soundings were acquired at ten locations, while two-dimensional electrical resistivity and Induced polarization were acquired across five transects using Schlumberger and dipole-dipole electrode configurations. The field data were inverted using IP2win, and Diprowin software. The geophysical models were combined with lithological data from soil cores to characterize the subsurface stratigraphy, while measured clay contents were used to estimate infiltration coefficients relying on established petrophysical relationships. The delineated subsurface properties at Ugono-Abraka and Agbarha-Otor show higher variations than assumed by practitioners. The complementary results of low resistivity (20–140 Ωm) and high chargeability (10–50 msec) revealed areas with clay-rich sediments. Soil samples confirmed higher clay contents of up to 10% at Ugono-Abraka and low values of 2% at Agbarha-Otor. Estimated infiltration coefficients are lower at the Ugono-Abraka site (1.6 m/day) compared to Agbarha-Otor (8.4 m/day). This implies variable water loss in the earthen fishponds; hence, we recommend characterizing these variations using non-invasive geophysical methods before establishing medium to large-scale earthen fishponds in the area.

Modelling Reaeration Coefficient of Stream using Regression Analytical Method - A case of Mmubete Stream, Rivers State Nigeria

Surface water pollution is a major problem/ occurrence in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Mmubete stream is never an exception. Mmubete stream is significant to the people of Rivers State owing to its usefulness in terms fishing activities and domestic usage. The modelling of Mmubete stream using regression analytical method with emphasis on incorporating mixing properties of stream in stream reaeration prediction was carried out. Water samples were collected and analysed for dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature. The hydrodynamic data (depth, velocity, surface area, kinematic viscosity and dispersion) of the stream were measured while re-aeration coefficient using empirical models developed using regression analytical approach was determined. The results revealed that the field reaeration coefficient of Mmubete stream ranges from 2.4432d-1 to 3.7568d-1 in the wet season and 0.96d-1 to 2.712d-1 in the dry season. The reaeration coefficient of the stream ranges from 1.983d-1 to 3.088d-1 using the model 1 for the prediction, 1.983d-1 to 3.5065d-1 using the model 2 and 3.0221d-1 to d-1 4.1817 using the model 3. The R2 of the models are 0.934, 0.934 and 0.998 for models 1, 2 and 3 respectively and the standard errors are 0.11135, 0.549694 and 0.022008 for model 1,2 and 3 respectively. The models developed are reliable considering the root mean square and standard error values.

Assessment of Issues Related To Environmental Degradation in the Niger Delta Region by Selected Nigerian Newspapers

This study focused on assessment of issues related to environmental degradation in the Niger Delta Region by selected Nigerian newspapers. The Region is faced with the problem of oil-related environmental degradation; the press is the watchdog of society which is supposed to draw the attention of all and sundry to environmental issues. In this vein, the study had a sample of 324 in a population of 2,193 issues of Nigerian newspapers. The research design used for this study was a content analysis of the coverage patterns of oil-related environmental degradation issues in the Niger Delta Region by Nigerian newspapers: The Guardian, Daily Sun and The Nation. The objective was to identify issues of oil-related environmental degradation reports in the newspapers across the years (2020-2021). The trends of their reports showed that oil- related environmental degradation stories were on the increase from 2020 to 2021.The study recommended that journalists and other media organizations should be trained and assigned special reporters to cover oil-related environmental degradation issues in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.