Impact of Oil Spillage on Economic Development of Niger Delta- Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of oil spillage on the socio-economic livelihood of the Niger Delta in Nigeria. The study utilized questionnaire techniques as the method of primary data collection, sampling the opinions of the oil-bearing communities. A random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 100 respondents for the research. The simple percentage method was used to critically analyze the questionnaires. Both the primary data and research findings were presented. The majority of the respondents agreed that oil spillage in the investigated communities occurred as a result of pipeline corrosion, resulting in land degradation, unproductive soil for agricultural production, and death or reduction of aquatic animals, especially fish. It was concluded that oil-related environmental problems, such as oil spillage, have socio-economic impacts on the livelihood of the host communities. It is recommended that adequate regulatory measures, such as technology-based monitoring devices, be installed to monitor the pipelines against sabotage and vandalism. Secondly, pipeline replacement should be done every 15 to 20 years to prevent corrosion and leakages.

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