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Hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta: Geographies of impacts and appraisal of lapses in extant legal framework

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  • Anejionu, Obinna C.D.
  • Ahiarammunnah, Precious-Ann.N.
  • Nri-ezedi, Chinenyendo J.

Abstract

The Niger Delta is home to the third largest mangrove forest in the world, endowed with extensive freshwater swamp and tropical rain forests, which are rich in unique biological diversity. However, the region has experienced a wide range of environmental pollution and degradation as a result of decadal extraction of its huge hydrocarbon reserves. Despite the financial benefits accruing from hydrocarbon export, it has raised serious environmental concerns in the region. The pollution has heavily impacted on the ecosystem and health of the inhabitants. Prominent among the hydrocarbon-induced pollution include oil spill, gas flaring, and pipeline explosions. Over 10,000 oil spill and pipeline explosion incidents have been recorded and more than 350 billion cubic metres of gas have been flared in the region in the last 14 years. These have caused huge human and material losses in addition to environmental degradation and poor air quality. The region׳s ecosystem has therefore been declared one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. This paper reviewed past and current research on the impact of pollutions from oil and gas exploitation activities, alongside the history of hydrocarbon exploration in the region. It importantly outlined the geographies of the pollution, showing their magnitude and spatial spread to demonstrate how they may have impacted on the wellbeing of the inhabitants of the region. In addition, the paper reviewed lapses in the country׳s legal framework that has encouraged such practices harmful to the environment. It critically analysed the failure of the relevant legal framework in imposing responsible attitudes and behaviours on the oil and gas companies towards the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Anejionu, Obinna C.D. & Ahiarammunnah, Precious-Ann.N. & Nri-ezedi, Chinenyendo J., 2015. "Hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta: Geographies of impacts and appraisal of lapses in extant legal framework," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 65-77.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:45:y:2015:i:c:p:65-77
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2015.03.012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Imo J. Ekpoh & Ajah E. Obia, 2010. "The role of gas flaring in the rapid corrosion of zinc roofs in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 30(4), pages 347-352, December.
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    5. Julius Otutu Oseji, 2007. "Thermal gradient in the vicinity of Kwale/Okpai gas plant, Delta state, Nigeria: Preliminary observations," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 311-314, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ebikapade Amasuomo & Jim Baird, 2016. "The Characteristics of Retail Wastes in the City of Yenagoa, Nigeria," Journal of Management and Sustainability, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 6(4), pages 59-72, December.
    2. P. Ikezam & E. I. Elenwo & C. U. Oyegun, 2021. "Effects of Artisanal Refinery on the Environment, Public Health and Socio-Economic Development of Communities in the Niger Delta Region," Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Macrothink Institute, vol. 10(3), pages 97-111, August.
    3. Wan Ahmad, Wan Nurul K. & Rezaei, Jafar & de Brito, Marisa P. & Tavasszy, Lóránt A., 2016. "The influence of external factors on supply chain sustainability goals of the oil and gas industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 302-314.
    4. Sam, Kabari, 2023. "Uncertainty in policy transfer across contaminated land management regimes: Examining the Nigerian experience," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    5. Agaptus Nwozor & Jacob Audu & Joseph Ibrahim Adama, 2019. "The Political Economy of Hydrocarbon Pollution: Assessing Socio-Ecological Sustainability of Nigeria s Niger Delta Region," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 9(1), pages 7-14.
    6. Peterval E. Ozougwu & Christian N. Madu & Johnbosco C. Chukwuorji & Augustine O. Ozougwu & Stella U. Ozougwu, 2023. "Environmental Identities and Attitude towards Crude Oil Pipeline Vandalism in Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-19, March.
    7. I. G. Ukpong & K. G. Balcombe & I. M. Fraser & F. J. Areal, 2019. "Preferences for Mitigation of the Negative Impacts of the Oil and Gas Industry in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 74(2), pages 811-843, October.

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