The Effects of Oil Spillage in the Niger Delta; A Case Study of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State
Chapter One
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
- To examine the causes of oil spillage in the area.
- To find out the effects of oil spillage in the area.
- To know the extent to which the oil spillage affect the farmland in the area.
- To examine the effects of oil spillage on fishing in the area.
- To see if the environmental remediation measures by the oil companies are adequate.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
EFFECTS OF OIL SPILLAGE ON FARMING
Ellen (1994) stated that oil spillage affects agriculture and its end product in terms of risky consumption of oil contaminated food. To avoid risky consumption of polluted agricultural products, the preference for available uncontaminated products have risen their prices
Ekutegbe (1999), stated the between 1995 till date, due to the effect of oil spillage on farms, the yield of agricultural products have been so reduced to the extent that farmers are now ashamed to take them to the market for sale.
Otowo (2001) stated that around the year 2000 an oil spillage that occurred around Ogele River in Ughelli destroyed the crops planted by the residents. The kolanuts and rubber trees that no longer bear fruit or bear fruit scarcely. Even when they bear fruit, the yield is very poor. Also, fire outbreak that resulted from oil spillage has destroyed many farmlands and crops and make the soil unproductive.
EFFECTS OF OIL SPILLAGE ON FISHING
Oronto et al (1998), stated that an oil spill can directly damage the boat and gear used for catching fishes. Floating equipment and fixed traps extending above the sea surface are more likely to become contaminated by floating oil.
Ekutegbe (1999) stated that since 1998 till date, due to the effects of oil spillage on water, the prices of crabs, fishes, tortoise, shrimps etc that constitute a major part of people meal have risen up that even the common among them cannot no longer afford them. The case is worse in Ughelli main town where in every ten (10) stores one would only find them being sold at high prices in small quantities.
Majority of the river fishes are chemical in taste due to oil spillage on rivers. The person that agreed to buy oil polluted fishes only do so at a very cheap rate which result into economic loss to fisherman and fish traders. This has forced many fishermen and fish traders out of business, as well as collapsed the fishing industry. (Urhobo voices, July 12, 2002).
EFFECTS OF OIL SPILLAGE ON COASTAL ACTIVITIES
The effect of a particular oil spill depends upon many factors.
Robilliard (1981) stated that contamination of costal amenity areas is a common feature of many spill leading to public disquiet and interference with recreational activities such as bathing, boating, angling and diving.
Industries that rely on a clean supply of river and sea water for their normal operation can be adversely affected by oil spills. If substantial quantities of floating or sub surface oil are drawn through intakes, contamination of the condenser tubes may result, requiring a reduction in output or total shut down whilst cleaning is carried out.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
The population of this study covered all the residents’ area affected by oil spillage in Ughelli south local government area.
SAMPLE/SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
Since all the affected villages could not be covered and the residents be reached, a sample of five villages affected by oil spillage in the local government area was randomly selected.
The villages selected includes the following: Otujereme, Ovure, Ukpereri, Agbairoi and Agbarotor.
RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
In order to make this study a successful one, questionnaires were distributed to residents of the area.
The instrument used by the researcher was designed in such a way that all relevant information were provided by the respondents.
CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS OF DATA AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
This chapter examined the data collected, presenting them in tables and analyzing them using the simple percentage in order to arrive at objective and pragmatic findings.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
SUMMARY
This study is aimed at finding out the causes of oil spillage and the effects. Moreover, it also attempts to find out the effects of oil spoilage on farmland and fishing activities. Furthermore, the study also tries to find out if there are environmental remediations, measures by the oil companies.
A sample of five villages affected by oil spillage was selected. A questionnaire on the effects of oil spillage was prepared by the researcher. The findings of the study reveal the following.
Based on the analysed data in chapter four he following are the findings of the study;
FINDINGS
- 36% of the respondents said that the major cause of oil spillage in the area is pipeline Vandalization.
- 28% of the respondents maintained that oil spillage lead to the destruction of crops.
- 24% of the respondents maintained that oil spillage destroy fishing facilities and also cause on unemployment to fishermen.
- 96% of the respondents are of the opinion that oil spillage has affected oil fishing festivals.
- 84% of the respondents are of the opinion that the environmental remediation measures the oil companies are not adequate.
CONCLUSION
Based on the findings, the following conclusions have been made.
The respondents said that oil pipe line Vandalization is the major cause of oil spillage in the area.
Most of the respondents maintained that oil spillage lead to the destruction of crops.
Most of the respondents maintained that oil spillage destroy fishing facilities and also cause unemployment to fishermen.
Majority of the respondents are of the opinion that oil spillage has affected fishing festivals.
Finally, majority of the respondents are of the opinion that the remediation measures of the oil companies are not adequate.
RECOMMENDATION
In the light of the above, the researcher wishes to put forward he following recommendations.
There is an urgent need for more personnel in the security payment to monitor pipelines.
All efforts should be made to minimize oil spillage in the first place.
Monitoring of pipelines Vandalization through the recruitment of people in the security department will minimize spillage into streams and rivers.
The oil companies should introduce more environmental remediation measures to improve damaged sites.
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- Holmes J. Cranshaw and Laughlin (1992) Environmental Problems in Third World Cities Earth Scan Publications
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