Assessment of the Impact of Oil and Gas Pollution on Public Health in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The commercial exploration and exportation of oil and gas is the primary source of revenue to the Nigerian government. However, the Niger Delta region, which is abundant in oil and gas reserves in the country, remains in poor socioeconomic outlook. This study extends the literature of oil pollution by investigating the impact of oil spillage and gas flaring on public health in the Niger Delta. A descriptive-explorative design was selected to discuss the subject matter. Cross-sectional primary data were collected from 200 participants who were selected from four oil-producing communities in the region (in Delta and Ondo states). The data were collected with the aid of self-designed semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with a mix of frequency counts, percentages and t-test. Findings showed that there is incessant outbreak of diseases within the sampled communities with a number of elderly residents being present with long-term illnesses. It was ascertained that the continuous, unchecked release of oil-related pollutants has deteriorated public health in the Niger Delta. Policymakers are therefore nudged to reconsider compensation and phasing-out schemes to restore healthy living to the people of oil-abundant communities.