ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE RELATED TO GAS FLARING IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGER DELTA REGION

ABSTRACT

Sustaining a healthy environment is indispensable for helping people live comfortably and heathy within the carrying capacity of the earth hence, promoting Quality of Life (QoL). Investigating the environment and Quality of Life (QoL) in relation to gas flaring in Akwa Ibom State, Niger Delta region, was the aim of this study. The researcher raised and formulated nine research questions and five null hypotheses. Pertinent literature were reviewed to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts. The study used a mixed-methods research design. The study's population in Ibeno LGA was 75,380 residents and 400 respondents were selected as a sample from the population. Additionally, fifteen (15) individuals participated in an in-depth interviews. A questionnaire adapted from the WHO and an interview guide were used as instruments for gathering data. The researchers' supervisors validated the tool and three other expert both in the department of HSE and EECP. PPMCC was used to establish the instrument reliability with a Pearson r of 0.74. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis, and at a significance level of 0.05, PPMCC, t-tests, and Fisher’s Z were utilized to test the hypotheses. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that a significantly higher proportion of Mkpanak residents (50.0%) reported that the environmental quality related to gas flaring was low; Okposo enjoys a superior environmental quality. Additionally, the environmental disparities between Mkpanak and Okposo are evident in the following themes: Mkpanak residents engage in minimal to no farming activities, whereas Okposo residents actively pursue agriculture. Mkpanak residents endure the adverse effects of carbon soot, while Okposo residents remain unaffected. In light of the study's findings, the researcher strongly advocates for the implementation of mandatory measures to halt gas flaring by crude oil companies, thereby mitigating the detrimental impacts on the QoL and QoE of this region's inhabitants.