Geo-spatial analysis of oil spill distribution and susceptibility in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Oil spill occurrence during exploration, production and distribution can cause deleterious impact on the environment. Contamination of local streams/rivers, farmlands, forest resources and biodiversity in oil producing areas presents strong significant possibility of significant harm to human health. Geo-information technologies present new opportunities for assessing stress environment and ways of determining exposure susceptibility in such areas. The study assesses thegeographical distribution of oil-spills cluster and pattern using three geospatial techniques with ground data at 443 oil-spill incident sites from 1985-2008. The places with high (high-volume/large impact/close proximity to communities) and low incident (low-volume/less impact/fardistance) are related to the quantity of oil-spills identified within those communities considered susceptible to spill impact and possible exposure. While the average nearest neighborhood analysis showed a probability that oil-spill distribution in the area is clustered (ratio < 1 with index value 0.19), the Getis-Ord General G test indicated that the oil-spill with high quantities (volume) discharge are significantly clustered within every 400 m. The Moran’s I index indicted that there i

Environmental justice, planning and oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

PhD ThesisThis thesis analyses the impact of oil and gas pipelines on the environment and settlements from the perspective of environmental justice, using a case study of the oilproducing communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Within Nigeria, this region is most affected by oil and gas pipeline activities, in terms of both socio-economic and environmental impacts. This state of affairs raises issues of environmental justice among the stakeholders. The research for this thesis took place in three case study areas, and included a total of 6 group discussions, 30 in-depth interviews and 2 workshops. Analysis of this data showed that the oil and gas pipeline network has not improved the environmental and economic conditions of the people in the communities it traverses. The empirical evidence equally suggests that the lack of community involvement and appropriate recognition given to some groups of stakeholders in the management of the oil and gas pipeline project is strongly related to the incidence of pipeline network sabotage. The research advocates a new approach, based on the core principles of environmental justice that promotes inclusion of the necessary stakeholders, including the physical planners, and would incorporate local knowledge and experience into the environmental management of the region. Such a framework will not only protect the environment and people from the impacts of the pipelines, but will also protect the pipelines from vandalism and save Nigeria many billions of dollars, lives and livelihoods over the coming years.Petroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas Scholarshi

Environmental justice, planning and oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

This thesis analyses the impact of oil and gas pipelines on the environment and settlements from the perspective of environmental justice, using a case study of the oilproducing communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Within Nigeria, this region is most affected by oil and gas pipeline activities, in terms of both socio-economic and environmental impacts. This state of affairs raises issues of environmental justice among the stakeholders. The research for this thesis took place in three case study areas, and included a total of 6 group discussions, 30 in-depth interviews and 2 workshops. Analysis of this data showed that the oil and gas pipeline network has not improved the environmental and economic conditions of the people in the communities it traverses. The empirical evidence equally suggests that the lack of community involvement and appropriate recognition given to some groups of stakeholders in the management of the oil and gas pipeline project is strongly related to the incidence of pipeline network sabotage. The research advocates a new approach, based on the core principles of environmental justice that promotes inclusion of the necessary stakeholders, including the physical planners, and would incorporate local knowledge and experience into the environmental management of the region. Such a framework will not only protect the environment and people from the impacts of the pipelines, but will also protect the pipelines from vandalism and save Nigeria many billions of dollars, lives and livelihoods over the coming years.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServicePetroleum Technology Development Fund Overseas ScholarshipGBUnited Kingdo

Assessment of policies and legislation that affect management of Wetlands in Nigeria

The beneficial ecosystem services provided by wetlands in Nigeria are continuously subjected to considerable stress that has consequences for human wellbeing. An understanding of the policies and legislation governing wetland can help enhance their management. Therefore, this paper reviews existing policies and legislation that affect management of wetlands in Nigeria. It draws upon the contents of the laws and policy documents acquired from government and non-governmental organizations. The paper assesses the level of attention given to wetlands and identifies some informal measures, together with 35 federal legislative acts, six international conventions, and voluntary measures relevant to wetlands management. Results indicate that the existing legislation gives little attention to wetland management. This led the authors to conclude that the reason for wetland degradation is not the lack of laws or policy documents, but weak enforcement of existing ones. In this light, the paper calls for an integration of wetland management strategies and a strict enforcement of existing laws whilst stressing that effort should target a comprehensive national wetland policy of a holistic approach. © Society of Wetland Scientists 2012