ABSTRACT
Nigeria, often referred to as the giant of Africa owing to its large population and the economy is abundantly endowed with a variety of natural and mineral resources which ranges from crude oil to minerals, arable soils, fossil fuels, and a host of many others. These resources serve the nation as sources of energy, generate internal and external revenues, create employment opportunities and a host of others. Nigeria is one of the basic exporters of crude oil resources, and they have gain international recognition. However, a keen observation reveals that these natural resources are a source of blessing to the company and a curse to the Niger Delta people. This is because of the environmental threat it posses to the people and the country as a whole that impact on the environment. Precisely, the exploration and exploitation of crude oil in the Niger Delta region which has been accompanied by environmental, health, and socio-economic challenges and traumas. These traumas arise as a result of the pollution arising from resultant oil spillage across various parts of the region and gas flaring which often pose critical health concerns, environmental hazards, social, cultural and occupational displacements, destruction of the ecosystem which serve as means of livelihood and violation of the human rights of the inhabitants of host communities which adversely affect the peace and security of the region. The prolonged neglect and perceived marginalization of oil producing States In the Niger Delta region which manifests in the non provision of basic developmental infrastructures, such as safe water supply, consistent electricity supply, portable roads, standard healthcare facilities, employment opportunities and the lackadaisical attitude of the government and its institutions in protecting host communities and according timely compensations for oil spills and gas flaring effects and sometimes outright refusal to remediate such polluted sites have generated confrontations between oil companies and host communities. The recurring environmental degradation and pollution arising from these spillages have resulted in increasing frustrations and consequent rebellion by indigenous youths of these oil rich yet impoverished states of the Niger Delta. The discovery of crude oil In Nigeria and the commencing of the resource herald an increase of hope and prospects of Nigeria becoming an economic and political stable country by global standards in the long run. However, a major challenge posed by the exploration of crude oil in the Niger Delta is oil spillage and gas flaring constituting the foremost cause of environmental pollution and degradation. The legislative structure of governments in times past have found it daunting to develop and enforce effective laws which encourage the sustainable development of the nation which has led to a decrease in the overall standard of living in these affected communities of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Consequently, this paper seeks to specifically, examine the adverse effects of oil exploration and hence pollution in the Niger Delta with particular reference to oil spillage, pollution and its impact on the Niger Delta. And also examine the available laws that can curtail the situation.
