Yenagoa Metropolis Research Articles

Perception of the Residential Environmental Quality of Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria

Residential environmental quality (REQ) affects human health and quality of life (QoL). Therefore, this study as sessed residents’ perception of the REQ of the Yenagoa metropolis. Data for the study were sourced from the 400 administered questionnaires, which required respondents to rate their REQ based on seven selected indicators (air quality, drinking water quality, housing location, sanitation, waste management, housing accessibility and noise pollution). The respondents were sampled using the multistage sampling technique. The data were analyzed using frequency, percent age, t-test, ANOVA and REQ model. The findings show that the overall calculated REQ of Yenagoa was classified as “good quality". The best-rated indicator was drinking water quality, while the least-rated was noise pollution. Ratings based on respondents' sex, income and educational status recorded similar results. Also, the respondents' perception of the REQ across the four zones was similar as the calculated ratings of all the zones fell under the "good quality" classification. Furthermore, the hypotheses tested revealed that there were no significant differences in the perception of the REQ by sex and income status, while significant variation exists by education status. Despite the general "good quality" rating, there is still room for improvement, especially in the areas of noise pollution, sanitation and housing location, which received relatively low ratings.

Identification of Types of Disrespect and Abuse of Women During Childbirth in the Major Hospitals in Yenagoa , South-South Nigeria

The aim of this study was identify the types of disrespect and abuse of women during childbirth in two hospitals in Yenagoa metropolis in South-South Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using 165 mothers who delivered from August and September 2018 (six (6) weeks period was used), using purposive sampling method. Data was collected using the Level of Disrespect and Abuse of Women during Childbirth Scale (LDAWCS). Prevalence of disrespect and abuse during childbirth in selected hospitals was low with 26.7 % (n=44) of women experienced at least one form. The most frequent types of D&A were; detention for non-payment of bills 50.3% (n=83), women never given the opportunity to make the choice of birthing position, carrying out procedures without consent 39.4% (n=65), women left naked in the view of many staff 29.7% (n=49) and women abandoned during labour 21.2% (n=35). There was a significant relationship between disrespect and demographic characteristics of parity and education, marital status, ethnicity, income and occupation had moderate evidence of relationship with disrespect and abuse while age and religion showed no significant relationship with D &A at ? = 0.05 level of significance. National human rights commission should look into cases of D & A of women and they should be encouraged to report such cases as they leave the premises for proper action to be taken. Professional bodies like Nursing/Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Medical Association should investigate and institute disciplinary action against any member found to have disrespected and abused women during childbirth.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among residents in Yenagoa metropolis

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-medication among residents in Yenagoa metropolis

A study of aquatic macrophyte for remediation of chromium and cadmium in wastewater effluents in Yenagoa Metropolis, Niger Delta

Although aquatic macrophytes have been used individually for wastewater remediation, there is a dearth of studies comparing their efficiency level to determine the most effective for remediation of specific heavy metals. This study aimed to determine the most effective aquatic macrophyte amongst Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes, Nymphaea nouchalli, Lemna minor and Ceratophyllum demersum for the remediation of Cr and Cd from wastewater effluents in Yenagoa Metropolis, Niger Delta. Wastewater samples from emulsion paint industries were collected from six locations (L1-L6) and analyzed for Cr and Cd concentration using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. The wastewater samples were treated with these aquatic macrophytes and the concentration of Cr and Cd in the samples were assessed every two weeks for six weeks. Results showed that the mean Cr concentration (0.27mg/L) and Cd levels (0.080mg/L) in the wastewater samples were higher than the recommended WHO limits of 0.05 and 0.003mg/L respectively. The treated wastewater showed that Cr and Cd concentrations in the wastewater were reduced to minimum values by P. statiotes (0.003±0.001mg/L) and E. crassipes (0.000±0.000mg/L) respectively. The removal potentials of the macrophytes were in the order of P. stratiotes > E. crassipes > N. nouchalli > L. minor > C. demersum for Cr, and E. crassipes > P. stratiotes > N. nouchalli > C. demersum > L. minor for Cd. It was concluded that the most effective aquatic macrophyte for remediation of Cr was P. stratiotes (with 97% efficiency) and Cd was E. crassipes (87.5% efficiency). Therefore the macrophytes were considered good phytoremediators.

Dumping on Waters: The Lacunae in Waste Management in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

The need to provide additional information towards adopting a well-developed and standard waste management scheme in Yenagoa Metropolis prompted this study. It was based on waste source, transferring process and stakeholders, location and elevation, ecological sensitivity, risk factors and general people’s wellbeing. The operation of waste stakeholders and their activities were recorded on daily basis through Mass-Volume Analysis method using weighbridge scale for twelve (12) months (January–December 2021); Student-T test (t) and Two-Ways ANOVA were used to analyzed results. Results confirmed that, Etelebou is a government approved open-air-dumpsite for both liquid and solid waste; the Brikari Nig. Ltd. Company is transferring 50% solid waste while the Patico and Saturday (21.8% each) merged top commuters transferring liquid waste to the central Dumpsite. In general, the open-air-dumpsite is receiving an average 546.830 tonnes of waste annually consisting of 91% solid and 9% liquid with less than 10% material recovery for reuse and recycling. At 5% (ά=0.05%) interval, the difference between weekly waste stream and wastes stakeholders (commuters) is insignificant (0.324<2.57); so also waste stream per monthly summary (0.32<2.14). We therefore discouraged the current dumping operation at Etelebou due to its elevation (5 meters below sea level), proximity to natural drainage with a porous geological structure that posses’ ecological health risk on flora and fauna. Therefore, the study advises alternative disposal site and recommends controlled incineration, compositing and waste recycling for best practice in low regions like the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

Comparative Assessment of Heavy Metals Pollution in Surface Water in Ikoli River and Epie Creek in Yenagoa Metropolis Using Geographical Information System

The article is the investigation of heavy metals pollution on surface water in Ikoli River and Epie creek in Yenagoa, metropolis, Bayelsa State. Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn was determined and evaluated using Geographical Information System. Zinc concentration was below the permissible limit of 3 mg/L in all the locations sampled. Iron is 77.78% below the limit of WHO 2011 of 0.3 mg/L while other heavy metals examined in Ikoli River and Epie creek are highly polluted. The pollution index for contamination index shows 11.11% sample are high and 88.89% are low while the evaluation of heavy metal index and the pollution index load of the heavy metals contain 22.11% of the sample are low and 77.78% are high which imply the Ikoli River and Epie creek is polluted. Multivariate treatment of the result revealed a good correlation between the PCA and HCA, which showed activities of natural processes and man influenced environmental sources of the heavy metals which were mainly products of automobiles exhaust, water tank leakages as well as dumping of radioactive wastes and burning. The study investigated successfully the potential use of GIS with the help of multiple criteria decision analysis to predict and characterize areas of high pollution, medium, and low pollution in the study area.

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN YENAGOA, SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Maternal mortality still remains a substantial burden and hence progress towards the fifth Millennium Development Goal (MDG 5) was particularly slow. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in developing regions is 15 times (240/100,000 live births) higher than in developed regions (16/100,000live births). Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest MMR at 500 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. <strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the sociodemographic factors affecting birth preparedness and complication readiness<strong> </strong>amongst those attending antenatal clinics in Yenagoa metropolis. <strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done amongst pregnant women of childbearing ages attending ANC clinics using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 20. <strong>Results: </strong>Most of the respondents 258 (99.2%) were Christians. The majority 239 (91.9%) of the respondents were married. One hundred and thirteen (43.5%) respondents were Ijaw in their ethnic group, followed Igbo; 71 (27.3%). The majority 141 (54.2%) of respondents had a secondary level of education Socioeconomic status II had the highest frequency 97 (37.3%), then status I, 94 (36.2%) Birth preparedness and complication readiness of mothers was significantly (<em>p</em> <0.05) associated with mother’s education, socioeconomic status and knowledge of obstetric danger signs. Birth preparedness and complication readiness of mothers were not significantly (<em>p</em> > 0.05) associated with the age of the expectant mother, marital status, family size, gestational age, antenatal care follow-up, number of antenatal care visits and time to the nearest health facility. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Educational status, socioeconomic status and knowledge of key danger signs during pregnancy were independent predictors of birth preparedness and complication readiness. There is a need for improvement of the above factors in other to enhance birth preparedness and complication readiness.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0949/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Exploring the Factors that Influence Customers Intention to Revisit Restaurants in Yenagoa Metropolis

The dominance and crucial role of fast food restaurants in the food service delivery process in Nigeria is without dispute. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of food quality, customers’ service, physical environment and security on customers’ intention to revisit a restaurant. The study also sought to ascertain the extent of gender difference in customers revisit intention. A survey research design and convenience sampling method was adopted in this study. Questionnaires were distributed to 350 patrons of fast food restaurants in Yenagoa metropolis Bayelsa state Nigeria. The descriptive analysis of the respondent shows that male are the dominant patrons of fast food restaurants. Also middle income earners and self-employed are the most common among the respondents, Furthermore, the result shows that there is gender difference in customers’ intention to revisit a restaurant, Equally, the study found that food quality, customers’ service, physical environment and security significantly influence customers revisit intention. The paper posits that customer intention to revisit a restaurant is contingent upon food quality, customers service quality, physical environment quality and provision of adequate security. Consequent upon these findings, this paper recommends among others the inclusion of restaurants operations among the functions of the government regulatory agency in charge of food and drugs administration and control, and the training and retraining of employees on the strategies of effectively managing customers’ relation.

The Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus in Fresh Meat sold at Evening Markets within Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The Incidence of Staphylococcus aureus in Fresh Meat sold at Evening Markets within Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Histopathological Response of Liver to Fasciola Infection in Cattle Slaughtered from Two Major Abattoirs in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The information on the histopathology of liver infected with Fasciola is germane to the implementation of control intervention of Fascioliasis in cow. The study was undertaken to determine the histopathology of the liver in cow slaughtered in two abattoirs in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, during April, 2021 - May 2021. Forty-eight cow slaughtered in the abattoir was inspected for the presence of Fasciola parasite species. Seven liver lobe were collected for histopathological study. The preparation of the liver for histological analysis followed standard procedures. From the result, the prevalence of the Fasciola infection was 14.58% by palpation method. The histopathological analysis of the seven liver showed that they were all heavily infected. The infection causes intensive destruction of the liver parenchyma, which also resulted to chronic tissue response. The responses demonstrated the zones of granulocytic inflammation consisting area of central necrosis, surrounded by infiltration of lymphocytes, histocytes and plasma cells. The result of this study has demonstrated that there is lack of supervision in the abattoir. The heavy infestation of liver parasites in the major abattoir in Yenagoa metropolis is an indication that there is need for thorough veterinary services in the abattoir and call for public attention.

Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in Yenagoa Metropolis and Its Associated Management Problems, Nigeria

Abstract: Waste proliferation has increasingly become a serious concern of municipal authorities in recent times, especially for developing countries and municipalities. This paper presents the composition of municipal solid wastes generated in the Yenagoa metropolis and dumped in the Yenagoa Central waste dumpsite, Bayelsa State Nigeria. The character of the municipal solid waste was determined in terms of the composition of individual waste in the waste stream using average mass (kg) and percentage composition by mass of the various components using electronic weighing balance. It was found that 53.125% of the solid waste generated in the study area was made up of organic waste. Out of this percentage, food waste was the most abundant with 32.38% by mass. Vegetable waste recorded 5.8% composition by mass. Paper and Textile recorded 6.5% and 6.38% respectively. Wood waste had 2.13% composition by mass. While the percentage of inorganic waste within the waste stream was 46.875% in the following order, Plastic and nylon bags recorded 20.38% by mass of the total waste stream. Bottles, leathers, ceramics and construction wastes recorded 8%, 1.38%, 1.13% and 5.63% respectively. Electronic waste recorded 6.75% composition by mass. Metals, Cans and Battery wastes recorded 0.75%, 2% and 0.25% respectively. Finally, medical waste recorded 0.63% composition by mass. It is recommended that adequate financial provision, proper waste legislation, training and re-training of staff and full community participation in waste management should be encourage. Formal composting and recycling facilities should also be setup to enhance adequate management of waste. Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste, Characterization, Proliferation, Composition.

Prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis among reproductive women and children in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity and mortality and it is endemic in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study was conducted between March and November, 2021 to determine the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis among reproductive women in three (3) communities (Biseni, Okordia and Zarama) in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200; Biseni 70, Okordia 70 Zarama 60) Mid Stream Urine (MSU) samples collected were immediately taken to Medical Microbiology Laboratory unit, Niger Delta University and analyzed using Filtration and Sedimentation technique. Snails collected were identified by the shape of their outer shell. Basic statistics method and ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Out of the 200 urine samples examined, 50(25.0%) were tested positive for Schistosoma haematobium. The age- related infection showed that the age-group 19-30 years had relatively the highest (18, 36.0%) rate of infection, followed by 12-18 years 16 (32.0%), age-group (31-40)(6, 12%) and age group (41-50) years had (10, 20.0%) infection rate while the most infected community was Zarama with percentage prevalence of 40.0, followed by Okordia 36.0 and the least was Biseni 24.0. Observation showed that farmers had the highest prevalence of 30.6%, house wives 29.7%, Traders 24.5%, Students 22.9% and the least was Civil servants 14.7%. Bulinus globosus was the only snail intermediate host identified in both ponds and streams. Human water contact activities observed around the water bodies were recreational activities (washing, bathing, and fishing) and harvesting of freshwater snails. Variance (ANOVA) of the age- specific prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in the three communities showed no significant difference among the study population at P<0.05 and also across the infected population in the three communities. In conclusion, this study has revealed the existence of urogenital schistosomiasis in these three (3) study communities in Bayelsa state, hence health education and provision of safe water should be stepped up as a control measure of the infection in the area.

Prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasitic infections in Zebu cattle slaughtered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

The prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases in Zebu Cattle (Bos taurus indicus) ready for slaughter in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State were investigated. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 200 presumably healthy Zebu cattle using 10ml hypodermal syringe into well- labelled Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic (EDTA) bottles. Thin and thick blood films were prepared for microscopy. Haematological parameters were determined using the micro haematocrit method. Out of the 200 Zebu cattle examined, 125 (62.5%) were infected. More female75 (75%) were infected than male 50 (50%). The parasites identified were Anaplasma marginale (57.5%), Bebasia bovis (35.8%) and Theileria parva (6.7%). There was a significant reduction (P > 0.05) in the level of PCV (20.53±0.70), Hb (8.60±0.30) and RBC (8.00±0.6) in infected cattle compared to the reference range. The high prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in zebu cattle in the study area could be reduced through proper animal management practice, health orientation of herders, good sanitary habit and proper treatment of infected cattle.

Total serum cholesterol and selected electrolytes during pregnancy among women residents in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa state Nigeria

The incidence of high cholesterol, electrolytes imbalance and hypertension are emerging health issues prevalent among pregnant women globally. This study determines total serum cholesterol, selected electrolytes (Na+ and K+) and blood pressure of pregnant women subjects in Yenagoa metropolis. A total sample of two hundred pregnant women subjects aged 18->40years with 80, 70, and 50 in their first, second, and third trimesters were randomly recruited. While total serum cholesterol was measured using oxidative and hydrolysis method the blood pressure and electrolytes were recorded by standard methods using automated electrolytes analyser and Omron digital blood pressure machine. One way ANOVA was used to analysed the data obtained for comparison between groups. Result from the study shows a significant (<0.05) increase in total serum cholesterol and percentage difference from the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Serum sodium concentration was slightly higher in the second trimester compared with the first and third trimesters while potassium concentration was slightly higher in the first trimester compared with other trimesters. The blood pressure of the participants were higher among subjects with high total serum cholesterol and age 34years and above during pregnancy. Findings from this study have shown slight decrease in serum potassium concentration among pregnant women with raised blood pressure compared to mean values of other subject groups.

Phytoremediation of Physico-chemical Parameters in Wastewater Effluents from Car Wash Bays in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria

Surface water pollution through the discharge of untreated wastewater is on the increase globally. Efforts made using conventional techniques had not yielded the needed results. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of some native aquatic plants for the removal of some physico–chemical parameters from car wash wastewater effluents in Yenagoa metropolis. The plants used for this study were lemna minor, nymphaea nouchalli, pistia-stratiotes, eichhornia crassipes and ceratophyllum demersum; while the physico-chemical parameters investigated in this study include pH, DO, COD, BOD5, NO3, PO4 and turbidity. The wastewater samples collected from car wash bays were analysed to determine the level of the physico-chemical parameters concentrations using standard methods. The experiment was conducted in a green house for 42 days retention period. The results indicated that the cultured plants reduced the physico-chemical parameters to a minimum level, except DO, which increased in concentration. Therefore, they are considered good bioremediators of the parameters under review and the bioremediation potentials of the plants are in the order of P. stratiotes > L. minor > E. crassipes > N. nouchalli> C. demersum. It is therefore recommended that these plants should be used to treat wastewater effluents based on the investigated physico-chemical parameters.

Assessment of Spatial Variation of Physicochemical Parameters of Groundwater in Some Communities of Yenagoa Metropolis

Water is a basic need of life, and more so, potable water is critical for healthy living. Shallow boreholes are now popular as the main source of drinking water in the Yenagoa metropolis due to the contamination of surface water and rainwater caused by poor management of wastes and crude oil facilities in the area. However, there are concerns about variations in the quality of groundwater across communities in the Yenagoa metropolis. Thus, this study assesses the spatial variations of physicochemical parameters of groundwater samples from 50 boreholes in the area, and results compared with recommended standards prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Parameters analyzed were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, chloride, sulfate, total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron. Global Information System (GIS) technology was adopted to present the groundwater quality in respect to each physicochemical parameter, in thematic maps. The maps showed that groundwater was slightly acidic in most communities in Central and Northern Yenagoa like Ekeki, Swali, Akaba, and Okolobiri. In communities like Ogbogoro, Ekeki, Azikoro and Yenegwe the EC was higher than the standard permissible value according to the WHO. A very high concentration of iron was observed across all communities except a few like Nedogo, Okolobiri, Tombia, Gbarantoru, Ayama, Famgbe, and Ikibiri having iron-free groundwater. Concentrations of TDS, calcium, magnesium, nitrates, sulfates, potassium, and sodium were within permissible limits across all communities. Communities like Ayama-Ijaw, Obololi, Ikibiri, Ikudu, Bomodi, Tombia, and Akaibiri had good groundwater while Ekeki, Famgbe, Yenaka, and Kpansia boast of excellent groundwater quality, and other areas had either poor or unsuitable groundwater for consumption. Treatment is recommended for parameters with higher concentrations than the standard value stipulated by the WHO.

HARD DRUG USE AMONG YOUTHS AND CULT VIOLENCE IN YENAGOA METROPOLIS, BAYELSA STATE - NIGERIA

The purpose of this work therefore was to examine factors that are responsible for hard drugs use among youths and how it has help in the rise of cult violence in Yenagoa metropolis of Bayelsa state, Nigeria. There are three competing theories for our theoretical framework- Routine activity theory (RAT), Rational choice theory (RCT) and Situational action theory (SAT), but we adopted the later. The study adopted the descriptive research design to survey 482,462 populations of Yenagoa metropolis, using the Taro- Yamane formula to draw a sample size of 400; purposive sampling technique was used in the study. The major instruments used in generating data for this study were questionnaire, observation and interview. The structured questionnaire titled: “Hard drugs use among youths and cultism in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa state- Nigeria” (HDUAYACVIYMBSNQ). The collected data were analysed using the simple percentage and Chi-square (x2) statistical tool to test the various hypotheses. The study findings are as follows: (i)That there is a relationship between hard drugs used and increase in cult violence in the study area. (ii) That the more tramadol is used the more cultism will be on the rise and, (iii) That when tramadol is easily accessible to the youths, it influences violent behavior of the cultists in the study area Based on the above, the following recommendations were made: (i) that there is a need to fight against hard drugs use among youths (ii) that public enlightenment campaigns should be encouraged against the dangers of hard drugs use and cultism (iii) that there is need for parental discipline at home (iv) the need for religious discipline (v) that this research be extended to other geo-political zones and the scope broaden, deepened and widened. A number of references were finally made for further review.

Assessment of Mycological Quality of Groundwater in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study examined the mycological quality of groundwater in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Triplicate water samples were obtained from 8 locations in the metropolis, and the fungi quality analyzed following standard microbiological procedures. Results showed that total fungi density ranged from 5.2±1.00 x102 to 8.50±0.56 x103 CFU/ml. Analysis of variance indicates statistical variation (p=0.001) across locations with total fungi density exceeding the limit of 102 CFU/ml specified by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization for potable water in 62.50% of samples. Eight fungi isolates (species) were identified in the study with frequency across the locations as follows: Aspergillus flavus (20.59%), Aspergillus fumigatus (20.59%), Aspergillus niger (20.59%), Cladosporum (5.88%), Fusarium (2.94%), Mucor (8.82%), Penicilium (14.71%) and Rhizopus (5.88%). Of these, Aspergillus species were predominant across the locations. Since groundwater meets diverse purposes, it is essential that it is suitable for the desired use, and this can be done using appropriate technology to make groundwater potable for human consumption.

Assessment of Mycological Quality of Groundwater in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study examined the mycological quality of groundwater in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Triplicate water samples were obtained from 8 locations in the metropolis, and the fungi quality analyzed following standard microbiological procedures. Results showed that total fungi density ranged from 5.2±1.00 x102 to 8.50±0.56 x103 CFU/ml. Analysis of variance indicates statistical variation (p=0.001) across locations with total fungi density exceeding the limit of 102 CFU/ml specified by World Health Organization/Food and Agricultural Organization for potable water in 62.50% of samples. Eight fungi isolates (species) were identified in the study with frequency across the locations as follows: Aspergillus flavus (20.59%), Aspergillus fumigatus (20.59%), Aspergillus niger (20.59%), Cladosporum (5.88%), Fusarium (2.94%), Mucor (8.82%), Penicilium (14.71%) and Rhizopus (5.88%). Of these, Aspergillus species were predominant across the locations. Since groundwater meets diverse purposes, it is essential that it is suitable for the desired use, and this can be done using appropriate technology to make groundwater potable for human consumption.

A Survey of Electrical Materials Counterfeiting in Bayelsa State: A Case Study of Yenagoa Local Government Area

Electrical cables are the bedrock of every electrical wiring and installation. In this study, some essential cable properties (size, electrical resistivity and flame retardant) of electrical cables sold in Bayelsa state were determined according to NIS-approved methods. Four commonly used electrical cables (1 mm2, 1.5 mm2, 2.5 mm2, and 4 mm2) in Bayelsa State were sampled. Results obtained showed that most of the electrical cables sold within the Yenagoa metropolis fell below International Standards. Only 58% of the 1 mm2, 43% of the 1.5 mm2, 62% of the 2.5 mm2 and 46% of the 4 mm2 cables met the NIS recommended sizes. For electrical resistivity, most of the cables failed to meet the NIS recommendations. The resistivity of 45% of the 1 mm2 sampled cable, 39% of 1.5 mm2, 52% of the 2.5 mm2 and 33% of the 4 mm2 sampled cable were above the maximum limits approved by the Nigeria Industrial Standard. High resistivity observed in these cables can lead to electrical fire due to temperature buildup within the cable. Most of the cable insulators were made from good fire retarding materials. 92% of the 1 mm2, 93% of the 1.5 mm2, 89% of the 2.5 mm2 and 87% of the 4 mm2 cable insulators had flame retarding characteristics. Results from this study can be used as a guide by standard regulatory agencies to monitor the sales of electrical cables in the state since most of the cables sampled in this study fell below National and International standards. Keywords: Electrical cables, electrical fire, electrical resistivity, fire retardant, standards