Oil Producing Communities Research Articles

Assessment of Activity Concentration of Radionuclides in Sediment from Oil Producing Communities of Delta State, Nigeria

Activity concentrations of twenty-six (26) samples of sediment collected from rivers from eleven (11) oil-producing communities and two (2) non-oil producing communities in Delta state of Nigeria were studied. Hyper Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector was used for counting and detection of radionuclide content of all samples. Results of the samples analysed showed that the radioactivity concentrations of K40, Th232 and U238 in the sediment samples from oil-producing areas range from 32.47 Bq·kg-1 to 525.1 Bq·kg-1 with an average of 302.15 Bq·kg-1, 6.31 Bq·kg-1 to 19.33 Bq·kg-1 with an average of 11.66 Bq·kg-1, and 4.45 Bq·kg-1 to 18.69 Bq·kg-1 with an average of 8.66 Bq·kg-1 respectively. Activity concentrations at the control site ranged from 3.15 Bq·kg-1 to 4.80 Bq·kg-1, 2.27 Bq·kg-1 to 4.18 Bq·kg-1 and 1.15 Bq·kg-1 to 1.76 Bq·kg-1 for K40, Th232 and U238. These values are within the world average; natural radioactivity mapping of the study area is carried out using the Surfer software. Statistical analysis of the results showed that there is a significant difference between the radionuclide concentrations of the sediment samples from rivers in the oil producing site compared to results from non-oil producing communities, except for one of the oil producing site samples (Idumuesah) which has values that are close to those from the control sites for K40. The values of the radiological assessment indices obtained were observed to be within the permissible maximum values; hence the radiation hazard at study areas are negligible. However, concentration values of studied radionuclide at the oil-producing study areas were observed to be higher than values from the non-oil producing sites in most cases. It could therefore be reported that the operations of the oil companies in Delta state of Nigeria may have contributed to the high radioactivity level of the river sediments. Although the concentration at the time of this study poses no risk, further industrial activities in the study area may raise the activity concentration and radiological burden in the future.

Microbial Diversity of a Remote Aviation Fuel Contaminated Sediment of a Lentic Ecosystem in Ibeno, Nigeria

Environmental pollution from Oil & Gas Exploration & Production (O&G E&P) activities remains one of the major problems in the oil-producing communities of Nigeria. This results from improper oily wastes disposal as well as incessant oil spills in the region. The operator’s lack of responsible business practices in wastes management and the over-dependence of the economy on oil and gas earnings, in the most part, exacerbate the problems of environmental pollution. Government's lack of political will power which treats issues on oil pollution with levity and long period of neglect of these polluted sites leave the environment ecologically destabilized. Studies to ascertain the ecological status of remote aviation fuel-contaminated sediment of a lentic ecosystem in Inua Eyet Ikot village, Ibeno, Nigeria, have been carried out using conventional microbiological culture-dependent methods. This methodology is known to reveal only <1% of the microbial diversity present. These results were therefore considered inaccurate and grossly misleading. In this present study, sediment samples from this lentic ecosystem in Ibeno, Nigeria previously polluted by Aviation fuel in 2001 (about 14 years ago) were collected and analyzed to assess its prokaryotic diversity using both the conventional culture-dependent as well as culture-independent (16S metagenomic) techniques involving community DNA extraction, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. The culture-dependent techniques revealed the presence of only six genera of bacteria and no archaea was detected. The 16S metagenomic methods revealed that the sediment of the polluted lentic ecosystem harbors a much more diverse population of bacteria and archaea. These results corroborate the ‘great plate count anomaly’ principle and demonstrate that the use of 16S metagenomic tools will redefine the actual ecological status of the environment.

Implications of crude oil pollution on natural regeneration of plant species in an oil-producing community in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The study evaluated the impact of crude oil pollution on natural regeneration of plant species in a major oil-producing community in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Three sites—unpolluted site (US), polluted and untreated site (PUS), and polluted and treated site (PTS)—were purposively chosen for the study. The seedling emergence method was used to evaluate soil seed banks in the various sites at two depths, 0 to 10 cm and 10 to 20 cm. Woody-plant species richness, abundance, and diversity were higher in the US seed bank than in the PUS and PTS seed banks. The highest number of non-woody plants was observed in the US, followed by the PTS, and then the PUS. Both species richness and diversity of non-woody plants were highest at the US, followed by the PUS, and lowest in the PTS. Woody species in the US seed bank were 87.5% and 80% dissimilar with those of the PUS and PTS at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm respectively. No variation was observed between woody species in the PUS and PTS seed banks. Non-woody species at 0–10 cm US seed bank were 73.08% dissimilar with those of PUS at the two soil depths and 81.48/88.46% dissimilar with those of the 0–10/10–20 cm of the PTS respectively. At 10–20 cm, non-woody species of the US were 69.66% dissimilar with those from each of the two soil depths in PUS; and 73.91/81.82% dissimilar with those of 0–10/10–20 cm of the PTS respectively. Non-woody species variation between the PUS and PTS was higher at 10–20 cm than 0–10 cm. The poor seed bank attributes at the polluted sites demonstrates that crude oil pollution negatively affected the natural regeneration potential of the native flora because soil seed banks serve as the building blocks for plant succession. Thorough remediation and enrichment planting are recommended to support the recovery process of vegetation in the polluted areas.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Concerns in Nigeria: A Critical Focus on Oil Producing Communities

A well-known fact about the Nigerian Niger Delta region is incessant conflicts between the Oil Transnational Corporations and the oil producing communities. This could be attributed to the fact that the activities of Oil TNCs have continued to unleash untold devastation on the environment of the oil producing communities and its consequences on the local economy and by extension the total obliteration of the livelihood of the inhabitants of the area. Therefore, the Oil TNCs are increasingly becoming conscious of their devastating impact on the ecology of the area and their blatant disregard for the socio-economic development of the host communities. Consequently, the Oil TNCs have come to embrace the idea of executing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects as a vehicle to intervene meaningfully in order to mitigate the adverse effects of their operations on the environments of the host communities. This paper attempts to review and analyze CSR practices of the two major Oil TNCs in Bayelsa State: Shell and Agip in six host communities: Olugboboro, Olugbobiri, Ikebiri 1, Oporoma, Angiama, and Peremabiri in Southern Ijaw local government area. The key question explored in this study is: has the practice of CSR in the Nigerian Niger Delta region by Oil TNCs brought about socio-economic development and drastic reduction in conflict between the host communities and the Oil TNCs? The paper argues that CSR projects of transnational oil corporations in Nigeria are driven by short-term expediency rather than the long term environmental developmental needs of host communities through the provision of poor quality social amenities to these communities in order to secure social license to operate. For transnational oil corporations to make positive impact in the Nigerian Niger Delta Region, their CSR projects should belong tern in nature, taking into consideration the sustainable development needs of the local communities. The CSR projects should be in the form of high quality social amenities and environmental rehabilitation and protection, which could serve the needs of the present and future generations.

Building Integrated Hybrid PV-Battery-Diesel Generator Energy System for Oil Producing Communities in Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria

The potential of the use of hybrid PV-Battery-Diesel generator for household in the rural oil producing communities in the Niger Delta of Nigeria is presented. The analysis was done by the optimum configuration of the hybrid system through top-ranked system configuration, according to the Net Present Cost (NPC) in the HOMER platrform. The optimal system delivers the best components alongside appropriate operating strategies to provide the most efficient, reliable cost -effective system possible. The system investigate reduces CO2 emissions by 28.2%/year. The implementation of the hybrid RES will, therefore, reduce the emission level of the over-polluted Niger Delta region by the activities of oil producing companies and the use of standalone diesel generators. The system has a better potential for providing the energy needs of the households in the oil producing communities as compared to a standalone Diesel system as net present cost is reduced by 17%. However, reliabilty of power supply is assured with the hybrid RES

Impact Assessment and Bioremediation of oil Contaminated Soil: A Case Study of Koko and Ajoki Communities, Niger Delta Nigeria

The research was conducted in two notable oil producing communities inNiger Delta, South – South geopolitical zones of Nigeria with aim of assessing the impact and recommending a remediation technique for reclaiming the land for agricultural industrial, and residential purposes. The communities are; Ajoki Community in Ikpoba – Okha Local Government Area of Edo State and Koko Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State; both communities are located on 05 25 E 0 ¢¢ and 6 05 N 0 ¢ ¢ . Eleven (11) soil samples were collected in and around the oilproducing communities, five from each community and one from Ugbowo Community in Benin City as a control site. The soils were first tested to ascertain the level of contamination before the experimental procedure began. The physiochemical parameters were determined using standard chemical methods of soil determination while remediation process was descriptive using denitrifying bacteria for 27 days at 7 days intervals. The results obtained were subjected to statistical treatment using micro softexcel format, the results were presented in tables and in graphs for easy understanding and explanation. The geochemical results show that the pollution was mild while the remediation method adopted yielded a positive result which, however, reduced the soil organic content, total nitrogen, nitrate and phosphorus. © JASEM

Indigenous Media and Rural Development: The Case of Oil Producing Communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study is an attempt to provide lucid and perhaps comprehensive information on the role of traditional media on rural development in four oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It identifies types of traditional communication channels available for rural development, it examines the effectiveness of these channels of communication, and establishes how messages are packaged and presented in performance. The study employed descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised 200 respondents sampled from the four communities. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 50 out of 200 respondents that constituted the sample for this study each from the four communitiesin Ikot Abasi Local Government, Akwa Ibom State. The result of the study among others showed that indigenous media are still being effectively used on rural development. Apparently vast majority of respondents strongly agreed that indigenous media are effective in disseminating information on rural development. The findings also showed that indigenous media facilitates communication among the rural people on community development. The study among others recommended that the government through the ministry of information and culture should improve the role of folk mediaby organizing regular workshops and seminar for the training of stakeholders in media operations.

Social Impact Assessment of Crude Oil Pollution on Small Scale Farmers in Oil Producing Communities of the Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

The study assessed the social impact of oil production on small holder farmers in oil-producing communities of the Central zone of Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 120 respondents by the use of questionnaires. Soil erosion (96.6%), noise pollution (98.3%), bush burning (93.3%), land degradation/pollution (87.5%), water pollution (80.3%), air pollution (62.5%), massive deforestation (62.5%) and acid rain (52.5%) were seen as the major environmental problems experienced in the study area. The respondents reported that oil pollution impacted negatively on their income (83.3%), agricultural production (98.3%) and land availability (85.8%). None of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents such as age, gender, Educational level, religion, marital status, type of farming, family size, Farming experience, farm size, income, housing, tenure, membership of organization, land tenure and source of labour were found to determine the social impact of oil pollution on small-scale farmers. Recommendations given dwelt on making the environment conducive for the communities, agricultural activities and it sustenance for future generations.

Resource Productivity under Yam Based Crop Mixture in Crude and Non-Crude Oil Producing Communities of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract A study on resource productivity under yam based crop mixture (YBCM) in crude and non-crude oil communities was conducted in Imo State, Nigeria. The study assessed food crops’ outputs, evaluated costs and returns, and determined the allocative efficiency of resource use under YBCM system in crude and non-crude oil producing communities. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selection of respondents. Primary data were obtained using a set of questionnaire on 50 YBCM farmers each from crude and non-crude oil communities. Data were analyzed using percentages, gross margin and net profit analysis, multiple regressions, t-values, and gross returns/total costs ratio. Output levels of the food crop components in YBCM system in non-crude oil producing communities were statistically and significantly higher than those of the crude oil producing communities. This agreed with results of studies that showed reduction effects of gas flaring on food crop yields in the areas. There was higher profitability in YBCM enterprise in non-crude oil producing communities than in crude oil producing communities. However, the two critical resources in farming, land and labour, the YBCM farmers in crude oil producing communities allocated these resources better than the YBCM farmers in non-crude oil producing communities. Based on the study findings the Federal and State Governments, and other oil industry stakeholders should formulate appropriate policies, programmes and conduct detailed ecological research studies that will lead to higher farm output by YBCM farmers in crude oil producing areas.

Radiological Health Hazard Indices and Excess Life Time Cancer Risk of Oil Producing Communities in Nigeria

The γ radiation exposure due to radioactivity concentration of K, U and Th in soil samples from 250 different locations from 40 communities in the oil – producing region of Nigeria was carried out. The radioactivity concentrations of these radionuclides were used to determine the absorbed dose, annual effective dose equivalent, the health hazard indices and cancer risk using standard analytical methods. The range of values for the absorbed dose are 6.97 nGyh to 33.29 nGyh, annual effective dose equivalent Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(36): 5853-5865, 2014 5854 (outdoor) are 8.55 μSvy to 40.83 μSvy and (indoor) are 34.19 μSvy to 163.36 μSvy. The external hazard index ranges from 0.038 to 0.174 while the internal health hazard index is from 0.045 to 0.191. The cancer risk obtained for the communities ranges from 0.030 x 10 to 0.143 x 10. All these values are below the standard limits when compared to the world permissible United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) values for such environment. This shows that the exploration and exportation of crude oil in Nigeria did not pose a radioactive health hazard to the oil producing communities.

&lt;em&gt;Manipulative and Coercive Power and the Social-Ecological Determinants of Violent Conflicts in the Niger Delta of Nigeria&lt;/em&gt;

The protracted conflict in Nigeria’s Niger Delta is linked to the power dynamics that define the interaction among micro-and macro-sociopolitical factors related to oil production. This paper examines how individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors fuel violent conflict and affect efforts to build peace through cooperation, dialogue, and participation in the Niger Delta. Using a cohort of eighty-five focus group participants from fifteen oil-producing communities in Rivers State, this article analyzes the extent to which violent conflicts in the Niger Delta are produced by the exercise of manipulative and coercive power by the Nigerian government and multinational oil companies operating in the region. The participants identified several primary sources of conflict, including divide and rule policies, unemployment, rigging of elections, military raids and suppression, chieftaincy tussle, secrecy, bribery, corruption, and environmental degradation. These factors pertain to the exercise of manipulation and coercion by government and oil companies in the Niger Delta.

The Multiple Jeopardy of Oil Producing Communities and the Incessant Militancy in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

This paper examines the role of the Niger Delta ruling elites in the worsening of development of the region. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders having knowledge about the region, and using the elite capture theory, this paper found out how the elites have contributed immensely to the exacerbation of social crisis through several corrupt channels. The cocktail of environmental degradation and elites actions have pushed the people to double jeopardy, because it has obliterated the sources of their livelihood. Hence, this is fueling more grievances and the endless crisis of militancy in the region despite the existence of Amnesty Program.

Crude-Oil-Spill-Induced Spatial Variation in Woody Species Populations of an Oil-Rich Community in Rivers State, Nigeria

We used the spatial analogue technique of studying ecosystem dynamics to evaluate the impact of crude oil pollution on species composition and populations of woody plants in an oil-producing community in Ogoniland located within the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Three sites – Unpolluted Site (US), Polluted/Treated Site (PTS) and Polluted/Untreated Site (PUS), were purposively selected for the study. Five 35m x 35m quadrats were randomly laid in each of the sites for woody species enumeration. Woody species diversity was measured using Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'). Species richness was calculated using Margalef index (R); while similarity in species between sites was measured using Sorensen index (SI). A total of 2166 individuals belonging to 28 species and 16 families were recorded in US; 149 individuals belonging to 14 species and 11 families were recorded in PTS; while 72 individuals belonging to 7 species and 7 families were recorded in PUS. Species diversity was higher in US (H' = 2.917) than in PTS (H' = 2.406) and PUS (H' = 1.801). Species richness was also higher in US (R = 3.515) than in PTS (R = 2.598) and PUS (R = 1.403).

Adolescent Sexuality and Reproductive Health in two Oil Producing Communities in Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria

The Study was conducted in two contiguous oil producing rural local government areas in Imo State and Rivers State of Nigeria, to examine adolescent sexuality and reproductive health situation in the area given its peculiarities. This is a baseline study for an intervention project aimed at identifying strategies for achieving behavioural changes among the youth, and for promotion of health-seeking behaviour for the control of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data were collected through questionnaires administered among 725 students in secondary schools and 249 school drop-outs, comprising 483 females and 491 males. The questionnaire generated ample information on knowledge, attitudes and practices of the youth with respect to sexuality and reproductive health as well as various background characteristics of the respondents. Supplementary qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions. The study found a high level of sexual activity among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents, low levels of knowledge of preventive measures, negotiation skills and STIs, and relatively high levels of premarital pregnancy, abortion and incidence of STIs. The paper proffered suggestions for introducing life-building skills and sexuality education in the secondary schools through peer health education and other school programs, and underscored the need to make schooling more interesting and attractive to the youth.

An Assessment of Environmental Problems Associated with Oil Pollution and Gas Flaring in the Niger Delta Region Nigeria , C. 1960s - 2000

This paper explores the impact of oil production by oil corporations on the Niger Delta region environment over time, with particular attention paid to the case of Ijaw oil-producing community. It focuses on the environmental impacts of oil production and associated pollution in the Ijaw area, and discusses the increasing internal contradictions involving the Ijaw youth and their elites in perpetuating environmental problems on their own land. It traces the controversy that surrounds the allegations from the local people whether oil was the only factor responsible for environmental pollution. By using scientific reports and statistical data, this paper further argues that the environmental problems facing the Niger Delta people were many, whilst oil and gas were mere contributory factors with attendant effect on water and land degradation. Using the Ijaw’s case the paper have identified that lack of complaint with environmental laws and institutional structure for enforcing them in the Niger Delta oil-producing region have continued to undermine their desire for a clean environment, particularly toward a sustainable development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. It concludes that there is urgent need for the Federal government to establish new oil and gas regulation that should have a statutory body for proper implementation of those laws. This would ensure peace and stability, a safe, clean and habitable environment for the inhabitant of the Niger Delta to benefit from the profit accruing to the oil corporations and the Nigerian government.

Shell D’arcy Exploration and the Discovery of Oil Asimportant Foreign Exchange Earnings in Ijawland Ofniger Delta , C. 1940s - 1970

This article explores the processes involved during the exploration for crude oil by Shell-BP and its discovery in Oloibiri Ijawland between 1946 and 1960. It argues that the granting of licences to prospective oil companies by the Federal Government was to enhance smooth production of oil to generate revenue for the nation. At the early stage of oil discovery, agricultural exports still continued to thrive in the international market until crude oil became an important foreign exchange earner for the government in the late 1960s. The paper discusses how Shell-BP despite the civil war, had by the end of 1969 recorded a production rate of one million barrels per day. The authors argue that the Federal Government had failed to use the profits accrued from oil toward the socioeconomic transformation of the Niger Delta areas and Nigeria at large. The level of poverty and human degradation within the oil-producing communities and among Nigerians, particularly the expectations of the local people for accelerated economic and social development as a result of the crude oil discovery in Ijawland, explains the underlying factor for the lingering crises in the Niger Delta region.

Initiatives of Oil Producing Communities and the Dynamics of Conflict and Peace Building in the Niger Delta

Local initiatives in the dynamics of conflict and peace building are germane to understanding the actions and inactions of a people reacting towards their plights. This study adopts a qualitative methodology to investigate initiatives in local communities in the unending conflicts and peace building processes in Nigeria, using the Gokanaya, Onelga, and Eche communities in Rivers State as case studies. The major findings were that the roles and networks of key indigenous institutions such as the elders' council, ruling houses and 'mothers of the land', as well as traditional healers and witch doctors are vital in directing the affairs of the communities: their socio-political, economic, spiritual and religious activities. However, government and multinational corporations often sidelined them. With only technocrats and the educated elite involved in negotiating peace, key stakeholders were missing and conflicts in the region intensified. The study recommends that peace building initiatives should take a bottom-top approach and be devoid of politics. &nbsp;

Globalisation In Nigeria’s Oil And Gas Sectors, 1956-2011: An Analysis

The study appraises globalization in Nigeria's oil and gas sectors from 1958-2011. It also examines the various laws regulating the Nigeria's oil and gas sectors, its historical background and key aspects of economic globalization, such as financial, trade and investment liberalization, etc, in the face of the Nigeria's Niger Delta crises to the international community. A comparison or analysis will be made on these laws regulating the oil and gas sectors in Nigeria with other European countries and conventions so as to ascertain whether royalties, damages and compensation are directly paid to the oil and gas producing communities or to the state. The theoretical approach of this paper will focus on the analysis that Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) seeks capitalist laissez-faire within a country. The findings of this study goes under the euphemism of deregulation or market-friendly policy, by responding to Adam Smith and the Laissez-faire bourgeois thinkers and using the Nigeria's Niger delta crises as a case study. The paper concludes that the clamour for a fairer revenue allocation and agitations by oil and gas producing communities in Nigeria's Niger Delta region would not have arisen if the Nigerian government repeal or review the laws regulating the oil and gas sectors. Also, if the multinational oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria are directly answerable to the oil and gas producing communities and pay them directly as obtainable in other European countries, it would have reduced their agitation, selfish interest, human right violations, insecurity and environmental degradation, etc, being suffered by these communities.

Environmental Challenges and Eco-Aesthetics in Nigeria's Niger Delta

The effects of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria have attracted serious concern on a global scale, largely thanks to the initiative of Ken Saro-Wiwa. In spite of the activities of environmental activists the region remains an epitome of environmental disaster. This has given rise to an impressive body of work by poets and visual artists enunciating the environmental challenges in this oil-rich region. The authors examine the common thread that is shared in this corpus within the larger context of education in eco-aesthetics and social responsibility, considering the relationship that currently exists between oil-producing communities and the multinational oil corporations. This position is anchored on the insights offered by current thought in eco-ethics and eco-aesthetics. Previous efforts to ameliorate these effects failed; what is now required is a strong synergy between aesthetic/environmental education and social function.

Proximate, Phytochemical and Mineral Elements Compositions of Some Edible Fruits Grown in Oil Producing Community of Rivers State, Nigeria

Proximate, Phytochemical and Mineral Elements Compositions of Some Edible Fruits Grown in Oil Producing Community of Rivers State, Nigeria