Contending Issues in the Niger Delta Crisis of Nigeria - Journal of ...

Dr. Afinotan L.A. and Dr. Victor Ojakorotu
The Niger Delta Crisis: The Issues
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND POVERTY ESCALATION
Before the advent of commercial oil production in the Niger Delta
nearly fifty years ago, the region was essentially a pristine
environment which supported substantial subsistence resources for
the mostly sedentary populations. These included among other
things, medicinal herbs and barks, fish and shrimp, crabs and clams,
wood for energy and shelter, as well as a stable soil for farming and
habitat for exotic wildlife. There was the Delta elephant, the white
crested monkey, the river hippopotamus, as well as a colorful array of
exotic birds, crocodiles, turtles and alligators. The region also
accounted for a large percentage of Nigeria’s commercial fisheries
industry. (Eyinla &Ukpo, 2006; 116)
Oil prospecting activities however are associated with the destruction
of vegetation, farmlands and human settlements to allow for seismic
cutting lines. Severe environmental hazards associated with this
activity include destruction of fish and some other forms of aquatic
life, both marine and freshwater around the prospecting sites. Noise
pollution and vibration from seismographic blasting also affects
buildings, fence walls, wooden bridges and access roads. When the
impact occurs, as has become routine in the Niger Delta, there is
usually no attempt to rectify the damages done to the environment,
health and social well-being of the people and ecosystem. No
compensation whatsoever is considered (Ibid).
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