Oil production and the problematic of water pollution in the Niger Delta: A study of selected communities in Bayelsa State

The general objective of the study is to examine the problematic of oil production and water pollution in selected oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State, while the specific objectives are to:

Assess the role of the Nigerian State and the community leadership in the negative effect of water pollution on the health of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

Examine the role of the Nigerian state, multinational companies and the community leaders in the negative impact of water pollution on the occupation/economic status of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

Examine the role of the Nigerian state, multinational companies and the community leaders in the negative impact of water pollution on the livelihood standards/poverty level of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

The following research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study:

Osumgborogwu, Okoro, and Oduaro (2018) assessed social effects of crude oil exploration and extraction activities in some selected communities in Egbema of Imo State. To achieve this, 150 copies of well-structured questionnaire were distributed to residents of the study area. Of this number, 141 copies were correctly filled and returned, thus, representing 94 percent of respondents. Ten oral interviews were also conducted with identified heads of households. The results as presented showed that social activities in the community have not been affected by crude oil production. However, some hostile behaviours such as youth restiveness is as a result of demand for compensation/payment from oil companies operating in the study area were observed. It is therefore recommended that further research be carried out to assess security effects of crude oil production.

Abosede (2017) examined the effect of oil exploitation on the socioeconomic life of the Ilaje-Ugbo people of Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and a questionnaire. Oil exploitation, through environmental degradation, depleted the fishing and farming output, resulting in the subsequent loss of income base, thereby accentuating poverty, which in turn created divisive tendencies leading to endemic social conflict. Nigerian government top-down approach to the development of the oil-bearing areas has not been peoplecentered, participatory, and sustained. Any effort to eradicate poverty in the oil-bearing areas must seek to revive the traditional economic activities. Providing viable employment opportunities for the people and channelling their energies into the development of sustained livelihoods can reduce tensions and conflict in the Niger Delta region.

Afonughe and Mukoro (2017) also investigated the impact of oil exploitation on the socio-economic life of Orogun community, an Oil Producing Community in Delta State, Nigeria. The states in the Niger Delta have the largest concentrations of these oil deposits. Expectedly, this is supposed to translate into economic prosperity for these “fortunate” states and communities. Sadly, the reverse is the case. There have been cries of marginalization, environmental pollution, climate change, unemployment, prevalence of sicknesses and diseases due to the activities of crude oil exploitation in these oil producing communities. It is against this backdrop that this study was conducted. Orogun community was selected as a case study because of its prominence in the comity of oil producing communities in Delta State, and also for the fact that despite its enormous contributions to Nigeria’s GDP, very little or no research has been conducted to ascertain the negative impact of oil exploration on its socio-economic life. The study identified that the activities of crude oil exploration companies are impacting negatively on the development of the community. Farmlands have been rendered infertile, thereby hampering agricultural output and productivity. Rivers and streams have been polluted as a result of oil spillage, leading to the reduction in the availability of fishes and other aquatic products, resulting in untold hardships being experienced by the indigent populace. In order to ameliorate the situation, this paper recommends that a proper legislation and a regulatory framework guiding the operations of the oil exploration companies should be put in place.

Mehtab, Muhammad, Asma, Sidra, Nayab, Sharon, and Jaweria (2017) equally explored water pollution and human health. The data that was used for the study was obtained and compiled through a thorough review of various published research articles of international reputed journal and relevant books. Water covers about 70% Earth’s surface. Safe drinking water is a basic need for all humans. The WHO reports that 80% diseases are waterborne. Industrialization, discharge of domestic waste, radioactive waste, population growth, excessive use of pesticides, fertilizers and leakage from water tanks are major sources of water pollution. These wastes have negative effects on human health. Different chemicals have different affects depending on their locations and kinds. Bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases like typhoid, cholera, encephalitis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis, skin infection and gastrointestinal are spreading through polluted water. It is recommended to examine the water quality on regular basis to avoid its destructive effects on human health. Domestic and agriculture waste should not be disposed of without threating.

Akankali and Nwafili (2017) evaluated the impact of crude oil pollution on aquaculture, with the objective of assessing its impacts and the extent of the identified impacts socioeconomically. Data were obtained from a total of 150 fish farmers in five communities of Gokana LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria using structured questionnaires. The study established that crude oil pollution has adverse and severe socio-economic impacts on fish farming. The results of the study also showed that, crude oil pollution led to increased fish mortality rates, reduced yield and general poor quality of cultured fishes. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, W was 0.97, indicating high degree of agreement among respondents. Recommendations based on the findings include the provision of more accessible means of information about the adverse consequences of oil pollution to the local communities in particular, educating the people on the socio-economic impact of crude oil pollution and the effects of consuming aquatic resources from polluted waters on the health of humans. Best practices for spill and pollution abatement/prevention including quick response to spill site and mobilizing communities through Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU) model to take more direct responsibility for monitoring oil theft and sabotage were recommended to be implemented by the crude oil producing companies within the Niger Delta region, as a means of abating the negative effects of crude oil pollutants adversely impacting aquaculture.

Imoukhuede and Afuye (2016) assessed water pollution and its effect on water consumption in Akure. The research focuses primarily on the causes, consequences and ways of mitigating the ongoing fresh water pollution problems among Akure communities. Surface water quality of River Ala, which cut across the town of Akure was assessed and three locations (3) were chosen spatially to reflect a consideration of all possible human activities capable of changing the quality of river water. Water samples were analyzed for physio-chemical parameters and it was observed that variations exist in the quality of the sampled waters and impaired to different degrees using WHO drinking water standards for the selected parameters. Leo road (Ala 3) has the highest dissolved solids, which shows that the dumping of waste to the water bodies might have caused the higher occurrence; the PH was low in Ala 3 and high in Ala 1 (Oke-Ijebu) with 6.9 and 7.4 respectively. The water is coloured, total alkalinity total hardness, iron and turbidity were found to be above the WHO standard, therefore not suitable for domestic use.

Nizel and Nazrul (2015) investigated water pollution and its impact on the human health. This study was conducted to find out the pollution situation of Turag River of urban Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh and the health problem of the surrounding residents. The results clearly determine that the water quality of Turag river may not be in a position to sustain the aquatic life and not suitable for using domestic purpose. This is indicated by the very low dissoloved oxygen (DO) levels and other measured parameters in the river. The maximum recorded values of pH, color, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride (Cl-), carbondi-oxide (CO2) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were 7.1 mg/L, 625 ptcu, 97.2, 4.65 mg/L, 1816 mg/L, 676mg/L, 5 mg/L, 15.5, and 78 mg/L, respectively. The maximum concentration of turbidity, BOD, hardness, TDS, and COD found in the Turag river is much higher than the standard permissible limit. The study also provides evidence that local communities are suffering from a variety of health problems including skin, diarrhea, dysentery, respiratory illnesses, anemia and complications in childbirth. Yellow fever, cholera, dengue, malaria and other epidemic diseases are also available in this area. Furthermore, the people are suffering by the odor pollution and respiratory problems.

Abul, Mazlin, Mohd, Muhd, Goh, Rahmah & Muhammad (2015) assessed the impact of polluted river water in the context of environmental risk as well as ecological risk. A rigorous survey has done on the existing literature of environmental risk and water pollution in respect of ecological, social and economic boundaries in the river basin area. The review findings concluded that polluted river water is seriously caused for hampering of the Sustainable Development (SD) especially in the context of sustainable development, ecosystems change, sustainable livelihoods, land cover, ecosystems, environmental sensitivity, biodiversity and geodiversity as well as social and economic arena in a river basin over the world. The study has drawn Necessary recommendations & policy considerations which would be raised and highlighted for implementation by policy and decision makers throughout the study.

Similarly, Isola (2014) explored the impact of oil production on human condition in Nigeria. The paper used environmental degradation, life expectancy, and infant mortality rate as proxies of human condition. The data were obtained from the statistical bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria and World Development Indicator. The study covered 1980 to 2012. Vector autoregressive (VAR) model and variance decomposition analysis were explored. Three striking results were reported: (i) oil production of the first period positively impacted environmental degradation, while it was negative in the second period; (ii) Its first period lag has positive relationship but second period lag has negative relationship with life expectancy; and (iii) The variance decomposition analysis showed that oil production worsened environmental degradation and adversely impacted on infant mortality rate, while it positively affected life expectancy. Two major recommendations emanated from the study: (i) since oil production has a negative impact on human condition in Nigeria, efforts should be made to control carbon emission from fuel by ending gas flaring, especially in the Niger Delta region; and (ii) Government should look for means to channel their efforts into sustainable policies that would aim at transforming some of the largess from the oil sector into the health sector, as well as into the provision of infrastructural and life enhancing facilities like good roads, portable water, and so on. These can help to enhance life expectancy beyond its current stagnant state. All these as suggested will make the oil sector to have huge positive impact on human condition.

Sajini (2013) reviewed socio-economic problems of oil exploration and exploitation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Since the 1970s, Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political fortune have been intricately linked with oil explorations, with petroleum oil providing about 95 percent of exports earnings and accounting for over 80 percent of government revenue as well as generating over 40 percent of the GDP. It is revealing to note that the oil that generate these numerous benefits to Nigeria come solely from the Niger Delta region. However, the paradox is that while oil from Niger Delta has generated massive economic and social transformations of many parts of the country on the one hand, it has resulted into unparalleled damage to the Niger Delta environment thus inducing multi-faceted problems in the region. This paper examines the social and economic problem of oil exploration and exploitations in the Niger Delta region. The paper identified abject poverty, deprivation, social conflict, occupational dislocation, ill health, etc. as some of the social and economic problems resulting from environmental pollution associated with oil extractions activities in the Niger Delta. The paper also made recommendations.

In the same vein, Olujimi, Adebayo, and Sogbon (2011) investigated environmental implications of oil exploration and exploitation in the coastal region of Ondo State, Nigeria: A regional planning appraisal. In the light of this, the paper appraises the implications of oil exploration and exploitation in the coastal region of Ondo State. Data used in the paper were obtained through physical verification, regular observations, constant monitoring, documentation and records of oral history and administration of questionnaire in some selected settlements in the region. The paper highlighted several direct environmental and associated problems that emanated from oil exploration and exploitation in the region. The problems identified among others include large-scale environmental pollution and degradation of agricultural land which serves as source of income for the people coupled with social unrest arising from unpaid claims of compensation and lack of concern for the people in the exploration area. The paper advocates for oil spill management plan, control and clearance of spills; giving concessions to indigenous oil companies during bidding process by granting licenses to operate in the Niger-Delta region; adoption of long-term monitoring and surveillance mechanism; continuous provision of infrastructure for the host communities by prospecting oil companies; and development of national oil spill contingency plan among others with a view to guarantee sustainable development of the environment in the region.

Olusiyi (2009) examined the effects of oil spillage on the socio-economic activities of the people and the environment in some communities in the Niger Delta. The objectives are to determine the quantity of oil spilled from pipelines, the area of coverage and to assess the effects of oil spillage on the people, soil and water. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data relied on the administration of structured questionnaires; 319 questionnaires were randomly distributed to a sample population (household heads), with 302 retrieved. Secondary data were sourced from published materials. Also, soil samples from four locations and water samples from five locations were collected to determine the pH value of the water, the presence and concentration of heavy metals in the soil and the total hydrocarbon content (THC) of water. Soil and water samples were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer and gravimetric methods for soil and water, respectively. There was a strong relationship between the volume of oil spilled and the area coverage. Laboratory soil analysis from sampled communities showed a higher concentration of heavy metals (chromium, lead, arsenic, etc.) above the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible levels as well as the figure for controlled site. The study therefore recommended that environmental laws should be strictly adhered to and compensation should be adequately and promptly paid to the communities, and remedial action should be speedily undertaken whenever there are spills.

Asia, Jegede, Jegede, Ize-Iyamu and Akpasubi (2007) examined the effects of petroleum exploration and production operations on the heavy metal contents of soil and groundwater in the Niger Delta. Soil and water samples obtained from four sampling points; around an oil well head, flare site, waste pit and effluent discharge point in an exploration area in the Niger Delta were analyzed for their heavy metal contents. The results showed that the amount of lead present in the soil ranges from 3.40 – 99.40 mg/kg, copper values were in the range of 5.10 – 49.30 mg/kg, Nickel concentration vary from 1.60 – 13.80 mg/kg, values for cadmium, iron, zinc, and chromium were 0.04 – 0.95 mg/kg, 536.00 – 12,872.00 mg/kg, 11.1 – 274.00 mg/kg and 1.30 – 165.00 mg/kg respectively. Apart from zinc and nickel, all other heavy metals were higher than the toxicity limits for heavy metals in natural soil; this implies pollution of the soil by heavy metals. Also, the waters were found to be polluted by lead, the pH of the water samples was found to deviate significantly from Department of Petroleum Resources and World Health Organization DPR limits and W.H.O. standard for potable water. This also implies pollution. Remediation measures were suggested so as to render the soil and ground water fit for use.

There is no significant relationship between the role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the health of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

In table 1 above, with alpha level of 0.05, the degree of freedom (DF) of 1, the critical value is 3.84 while calculated value is 8.19. Since the calculated value is greater than the critical value, the null hypothesis is therefore rejected. This shows that there is a significant relationship between the role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the health of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

Hypothesis 2 (Ho₂)

There is no significant relationship between the role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the occupation/economic status of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

In table 2 above, with alpha level of 0.05, the degree of freedom (DF) of 1, the critical value is 3.84 while calculated value is 8.67. Since the calculated value is greater than the critical value, the null hypothesis is therefore rejected. This shows that there is a significant relationship between role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the occupation/economic status of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

Hypothesis 3 (Ho₃)

There is no significant relationship between the role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the livelihood standard/poverty level of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

In table 3 above, with alpha level of 0.05, the degree of freedom (DF) of 1, the critical value is 3.84 while calculated value is 35.81. Since the calculated value is greater than the critical value, the null hypothesis is therefore rejected. This shows that there is a significant relationship between the role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the livelihood standard/poverty level of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State.

The study showed that there is a significant relationship between the role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the health of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State. This is evident to the fact that local communities are suffering from a variety of health problems including skin, diarrhea, dysentery, respiratory illnesses, anemia, complications in childbirth, Yellow fever, cholera, dengue, malaria and other epidemic diseases and respiratory problems caused by oil exploration in the region (Nizel and Nazrul 2015).

This finding is in congruence with Afonughe and Mukoro (2017) who reported that expectedly, oil production supposed to translate into economic prosperity for these “fortunate” states and communities but sadly, the reverse is the case. There have been cries of marginalization, environmental pollution, climate change, unemployment, prevalence of sicknesses and diseases due to the activities of crude oil exploitation in these oil producing communities. They added that the activities of crude oil exploration companies are impacting negatively on the development of the communities; farmlands have been rendered infertile, thereby hampering agricultural output and productivity, rivers and streams have been polluted leading to the reduction in the availability of fishes and other aquatic products, resulting in untold hardships being experienced by the indigent of theses oil-bearing communities in Niger Delta Region.

The study showed that there is a significant relationship between role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effects of water pollution on the occupation/economic status of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State. One plausible explanation to this finding is that oil exploitation, through environmental degradation has depleted the fishing and farming output, resulting in the subsequent loss of income base, thereby accentuating poverty, which in turn created divisive tendencies leading to endemic social conflict in the region (Abosede 2017).

This finding concord with Afonughe and Mukoro (2017) who asserted that expectedly, oil production supposed to translate into economic prosperity for these “fortunate” states and communities but sadly, the reverse is the case. There have been cries of marginalization, environmental pollution, climate change, unemployment, prevalence of sicknesses and diseases due to the activities of crude oil exploitation in these oil producing communities. They added that the activities of crude oil exploration companies are impacting negatively on the development of the communities; farmlands have been rendered infertile, thereby hampering agricultural output and productivity, rivers and streams have been polluted leading to the reduction in the availability of fishes and other aquatic products, resulting in untold hardships being experienced by the indigent of theses oil-bearing communities in Niger Delta Region.

The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the role of the Nigeria State, multinational oil companies and the community leadership and the negative effect of water pollution on the livelihood standard/poverty level of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State. This finding may be attributed to the fact that crude oil pollution has adverse and severe socio-economic impacts on fish farming that is the main occupation of the people leading to increased fish mortality rates, reduced yield and general poor quality of cultured fishes (Akankali and Nwafili 2017).

This finding concord with Afonughe and Mukoro (2017) who asserted that expectedly, oil production supposed to translate into economic prosperity for these “fortunate” states and communities but sadly, the reverse is the case. There have been cries of marginalization, environmental pollution, climate change, unemployment, prevalence of sicknesses and diseases due to the activities of crude oil exploitation in these oil producing communities. They added that the activities of crude oil exploration companies are impacting negatively on the development of the communities; farmlands have been rendered infertile, thereby hampering agricultural output and productivity, rivers and streams have been polluted leading to the reduction in the availability of fishes and other aquatic products, resulting in untold hardships being experienced by the indigent of theses oil-bearing communities in Niger Delta Region.

The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The use of descriptive survey design is predicated on the fact that the researcher used a questionnaire to obtain information on the variables under study from the sample that was drawn from the population. This design enables the researcher to collects detailed information that describe existing phenomena in their natural setting, make comparism and evaluation, as well as identify problems or justify current conditions and practices as well as determine what others are doing with similar problems to solutions and benefits from experience making future plans and decisions.

The population of the study comprised of all the 36 oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State, while the sample of the study consists of four hundred (400) adult. The four hundred adults were selected from eight oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State using Stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument that was used for data collection is the oil production and water pollution Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection which is made up two sections and it contains nineteen (15) items which enabled the researcher to spread the questions/items across the independent and intervening variables The data were collected by the researcher and eight (8) research assistants and all the research hypotheses were tested for significant difference at 0.05 level of significance using Chi-Square.