Comprehensive Report: Oil Spill Impacts on Bodo, Niger Delta, Nigeria

This report investigates the profound socioeconomic and environmental impacts of oil spills in Bodo, Nigeria, a region within the Niger Delta. The study examines the historical context of oil spills, including the frequency and causes, such as pipeline leaks and poor maintenance. It details the devastating consequences, including soil and water pollution, which affects agriculture, marine life, and the health of the Bodo people. The report also explores the impact on mangrove forests and the loss of medicinal plants. The research employs both primary and secondary data to analyze these impacts, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the community. The report concludes with recommendations for mitigating the effects of oil spills and improving the environmental and socioeconomic conditions in the region. It also reviews the steps taken by the government to control oil spills and identifies areas where improvements are needed.

OIL SPILLS IN NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA:
SOCIOECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ON THE PEOPLE OF BODO OG

ABSTRACT
This report is prepared on oil spill and its impact on social, environment and economic condition
of the people. In the research study impact of oil spill on these dimension on people is critically
evaluated. Secondary and primary data is analyzed and on that basis conclusion and
recommendations are prepared. It is identified in the report on the basis of analysis that oil spill
make land and water poisonous which affects agriculture productivity. Plants and trees
eliminated gradually and all these greatly affects people. At end of the report, recommendations
are given which can bring situation on track in long term

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER1: INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview..........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Research aims and objectives...........................................................................................5
1.3 Rationale of research........................................................................................................5
1.4 Significance of research...................................................................................................5
1.5 Structure of report ............................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................7
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................16
3.1 Research introduction or overview.................................................................................16
3.2 Research type..................................................................................................................16
3.3 Research design..............................................................................................................16
3.4 Research approach..........................................................................................................17
3.5 Research philosophy.......................................................................................................17
3.6 Data collection methods.................................................................................................17
3.7 Data analysis...................................................................................................................18
3.8 Validity and reliability....................................................................................................18
3.9 Ethical considerations.....................................................................................................18
3.10 Limitations of study......................................................................................................19
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................20
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION.........................................................35
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................37
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................40

CHAPTER1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Background of research
Nigeria is one of the largest oil producing nation. In past years its economy grow at rapid
rate in Africa continent. There are number of challenges that mentioned nation is currently facing
in its business. Oil spill is one of the main problem that is affect southern part of Nigeria. In
mentioned nation in south Nigeria Bodo people lives in area which is known as Ogoni. In present
research study detail discussion will be carried out on oil spill and its impact socioeconomic and
environmental impact on people of Bodo in Ogoni (Vidal, 2016). In mentioned location of
Nigeria between 1993-2007 totally 35 incidents of oil spills occur. Apart from this many other
cases of oil spill occur but they remain unreported. There are many reasons due to which cases of
oil spill occur in Ogoni. Some of these reasons are leakage in pipelines, blowout from well, poor
maintenance of wells and spills from flow stations. Due to oil spills hydrocarbons are released in
surrounding environment which pollutes soil and water. It can be said that oil spill pollute crops
and marine life. This means that water that Bodo people drink is also polluted. Mangrove forests
badly affected by oil spills because mentioned forests capacity to absorb oxygen reduce and
gradually they died. This is entire background of negative things that are happening in Ogoni due
to oil spill. In the report on the basis of entire scenario environment and socioeconomic impact
oil spill on relevant people will be identified. In this regard detail review of literature will be
done and data will be analyzed to arrive at specific conclusion.
Background of geographic area
Ogoni located in south Nigeria and on its land there are five oil fields. Totally there are
110 oil wells in these fields. Apart from this, there are five flow stations at at Bomu, Korokoro,
Yorla, Bodo West and Ebubu. It is very important to understand structure of these oil fields. All
these five oil fields are interconnected to each other by a pipelines. These oil fields are located in
different areas of Ogoni (Oil spill delta, 2016). Due to inter-connectivity of pipelines Ogoni
villages are crises-crossed. Apart from this, gas flared in this area for 24 hours in day and this is
happening from around 40 years. From these years people are living in proximity area. In Ogoni
there are 19 oil locations in four hundred square mile geographic area. This reflects that situation
is very critical in Ogoni.

1.2 Research aims and objectives
Following are the aims and objectives of present study.
Aim of research
The main aim of research is to carry out detail investigation of scenario of oil spill and its
socioeconomic and environmental impact on people of Bodo in Ogoni.
Objectives of research
Following are the objectives of research.
 Oil spill and its socioeconomic impact on people of Bodo in Ogoni.
 Environmental impact of Oil spill on people of Bodo in Ogoni. Steps taken by government to control cases of Oil spill
Research questions
What socioeconomic impact oil spill put on people of Bodo in Ogoni ?
What environmental impact Oil spill have on people of Bodo in Ogoni?
What steps government of Nigeria take to control oil spill?
1.3 Rationale of research
It was important to conduct this research study because pollution is emerging as one of
big problem for every nation of the world. Due to oil extraction pollution happened in the
surrounding geographic area. It was important to identify that why oil spills are coming in
existence in Nigeria and what socioeconomic and environmental impact it put on people of
Nigeria. It was also very important to identify that what steps are taken by relevant government
to control oil spill. If steps were taken they why they are not proving effective in Nigeria. Hence,
by getting answer of these things area where improvements needs to be done to make condition
better will be identified.

1.4 Significance of research
There is significance of this research because results of this research will revealed the
extent to which people of Nigeria get affected by oil spill. This research will also reveal the steps
that were taken by Nigeria government to control oil spills and improvements that still need to
be done to control oil spill. Thus, this research will help in bringing lots of things in front of
readers.
1.5 Structure of report Introduction- This is one of the most important section of the report and under this detail
introduction on research topic is given. This section is prepared in different sections
under which oil spill and why it is an issue is described in detail. Apart from this,
rational and significance of research is also mentioned in this section of report. Literature review- This is one of the important section of the report and in this various
literature's will be reviewed to understand conditions that prevailed in Nigeria due to oil
spill. In this regard, books, journals and websites will be visited to develop broad
understanding on research topic. Data analysis- In this section collected data is analyzed. Primary and secondary data can
be collected for research and by using suitable method same will be analyzed in
systematic way in the report. Conclusion- It is end part of the report and in this on the basis of data analysis and
literature review conclusion is prepared. This section of the report give an overview of
entire things that are covered in the report.
 Recommendation- On the basis of conclusion scenario of entire situation will be cleared
and on that basis recommendation will be given. It can be said that like other sections it is
also one of the important part of the report.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Environment is a system which encompass flora and fauna which play an important role
in supporting life of the human being in the planet. It is very important to protect natural
environment because from same one receive oxygen, water and food etc. If natural environment
will be in good condition then people will get fresh oxygen, food and water. With passage of
time pollution is increasing at fast pace all over the world. In some specific geographic areas
pollution due to exploration of oil is happening on large scale. Nigeria is one of the African
nation which is largest producer of crude oil. It is major source of income of Nigeria and one of
the most important growth driver of economy. Oil spill is one of major problem that the
mentioned nation is facing in current time period. In a year number of cases in respect to oil spill
happened in the mentioned geographic area. There are various reasons due to which oil spill
happened in the Nigeria. These reasons are terrorism and careless behavior of oil exploration
companies like Shell.
According to Kadafa, (2012) oil spill is affecting quality of soil and it is now become
more poisonous. Crude oil contains harmful hydrocarbon which is playing an important role in
degradation of soil quality. Due to to consistent decline in soil quality fertility of land is reduced.
As per facts all reserves that are five in number are integrated to each other from pipes. These
pipes cross each other under the land. Hence, if leakage happened in any pipe then automatically
oil spill occur inside the land which finally degrade soil quality. In this fertility of land is
declined in past years. It is very important to improve quality of soil because if focus will not be
given on relevant direction then this will put negative impact on the people.
As per views of Sojinu and et.al., (2010) it is liability of the oil producing companies to
ensure that there infrastructure is in better condition and is not responsible for oil spill. The main
problem in African nation is that firms are not understanding there corporate social
responsibility. Relevant firms are only focusing on discovery of new oil reserves but they are not
paying any attention on maintenance of its infrastructure specially which is above land. Lots of
time is required to control oil spill and fixing leakage part of pipe. Thus, the main problem is
that firms are not taking actions actively to reduce oil spill as much as possible. Top managers of
the firms already know that every year number of cases of oil spill comes in existence due to
there ignoring behavior. Due to this attitude many species of animals extinct from relevant

geographic area. Moreover, some of animals species are in endanger animals list. Same thing is
observed in case of birds. There are many organizations that are taking initiatives to make people
aware about the decline that is happening in the soil quality. It is efforts of non government
organizations (NGO) due to which know some pressure is build on government aKadafa, A.A.,
2012nd its attention is bringing on the issues of infertility of land.
AKPOMUVIE, (2011) claims that oil spill is now a big issue for the people of Nigeria
because it is affecting aesthetic of entire village. The main point is that there multiple things due
to which beauty of such a beautiful geographic area get destroyed. It is mistake of Nigeria
government that it is not taking sufficient steps to protect aesthetic of such a beautiful land.
Large part of the village area is covered by mangrove forest and other type of trees. Due to oil
spill hydrocarbons reached to the trees. These harmful chemicals affects plants in two ways and
one of them is less production of photosynthesis. It is a process that develop number of things
that are necessary to keep plants alive. Due to absorption of chemicals trees capacity to prepare
photosynthesis get reduced with passage of time period and gradually plant died. In past years
due to excessive oil spill number of trees died which affects aesthetic of Ogoni. People are also
facing many problems due to oil spill because there are many plants that are used for medication
of people. These plants are also extinct with passage of time which to great extent people health
and there life is on threat.
As per views of Aroh and et.al., (2010) government must come forward for help of the
people and must prepare some ways that can be followed to prevent further harm to aesthetic of
Ogoni. This is because it is only force that can take strict action against the oil companies and
compel them to take some protective measures that minimize harm to aesthetic of surrounding
area. It is loose policies of the government that are encouraging firms to do exploration of oil at
there own discretion without considering results produced by social cost benefit analysis.
According to Bayode and Adewunmi, (2011) it is forest from which people are running there
livelihood. If there will be no forest then it will promote unrest in the geographic area. It is very
important to put strict pressure on the government. This is because its behavior is clearly
reflecting that it is not paying any attention on protection of aesthetic of Ogoni. It is only
focusing on foreign direct investment of foreign companies on its land. Entire Nigeria economy
is dependent on export of oil and it is its major limitation. Nation needs to focus on other sectors

also to earn revenue. Moreover, government needs to bring strict policies that force companies to
make some efforts to prevent further harm to aesthetic of Ogoni village.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants and animals that are across the globe. There is
great importance of biodiversity. This is because each plant and animal play its own role in
maintaining good environment in the earth. If some of these animals and plants species will
extinct from earth then it will affect natural environment. According to Ordinioha and Brisibe,
(2013) it is observed that due to reduction in plants, animals and forest areas many natural
disasters come. For example landslides, tsunami and earthquake etc. Thus, it is very important to
make sure that everything remain in balance in natural environment. If same will remain in
balance then there will be less problems for the people. This is evident from the case of Nigeria
where in Ogoni village due to oil spill lots of problems are faced by the people in there day to
day life. Due to oil spill number of species of plant and animals extinct. Moreover, marine life
also get destroyed. It can be said that oil spill put very negative impact on biodiversity of Ogoni
which today is creating problems for local people. This is evident from the fact that there were
days when tribal people do fishing from there rivers and other sources. Today, same people are
forced to eat imported fishes. This is revealing adverse impact that destruction of biodiversity
put on the people. People of Ogoni are not getting clean water for drinking, cooking of food and
number of plants that were used for medication are eliminated from land. This means that due to
destruction of biodiversity it become very difficult for the people to live on there own tribal area
there own resources get destroyed and are forced to import that things from other nations. It can
be said that village economy that was self-dependent now is not able to serve its needs and now
depend on other to meet its basic requirements. Hence, it can be said that oil spill destroy
biodiversity which make people economically weak.
As per views of Galadima and et.al., (2011) government must take steps to make sure that
pollution that is released in environment due to exploration of oil will come in control. If this
will be done then only welfare of people can be done. In short duration results of environment
protection measures will not be observed but in long run certainly there will be positive results.
If government will not take any action till now then unrest will comes in existence and problems
between mentioned entity and people will only increase. This will make worse situation which
will not be good for entire Nigeria.

In order to understand the economic impact of oil spill on the people it is very important
to identify there source of income. It can be observed that tribal people are earning money by
selling agriculture products that are produced on there lands. Apart from this fishing is another
source of income for tribal people in south part of Nigeria. According to Jernelöv, (2010)pipes
are inside the land and due to oil spill production capacity of same get reduced. This is because
due to oil soil quality of same get deteriorate which is affecting land fertility. As per facts in past
couple of years fertility of land destroyed to great extent. There were days when Ogoni was
known as agriculture basket. It produce agricultural products in large quantity which were not
only consumed by tribal people but were also eaten by other people of Nigeria. Today, situation
get worse and now productivity of the mentioned geographic area decline to great extent which
is affecting economic health of the village. Government ignorance and careless behavior of oil
producing firms are the two main factors that are responsible for decline in fertility rate of land.
Due to fall in production now people of village are earning low amount which is directly
affecting there economic condition. With passage of time period income level of people is
reducing.
As per views of Kadafa, (2012) there are number of cases of oil spill that occurs on land
and in water. Oil spill in water is very dangerous because release of hydrocarbon make water
more polluted. Same water is used to cook food and for irrigation purpose. Hence, food that is
produced on agriculture land is already poisonous. Entire situation is that production is reduced
on agricultural land and whatever things are produced on same are already poisonous. Hence,
people of Ogoni are facing double problems in there life. Fishing was another source of income
as mentioned earlier but due to poisonous water marine life also get destroyed. The entire story is
that people can eat agriculture products or can cook fishes in food. Now, both options are not
available to them because production of agriculture items get reduced and are poisonous.
Moreover, fishes are died in water and they are also toxic-ant. Hence source of food for people
of Ogoni completely get destroyed in there homeland.
According to Idemudia, (2010) tribal people does not have much sources of income.
They are entirely dependent on agriculture to meet then needs. Land infertility is the main issue
that people of Ogoni are facing on there land. Due to mentioned issue income level of people
declined sharply. There economy get destroyed and it is one of the main reason due to which
terrorists groups comes in existence in the tribal area. All these groups originate after 2000 and

some of them are Niger Delta people's Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV)
and Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) as well as The Niger Delta
Liberation Front (NDLF). These terrorists groups aimed at stooping oil production in Ogoni
village area. These are also one of the main reason due to which oil spill comes in existence. In
order to increase terror level among the foreign companies terrorist groups leak pipes which lead
to oil spill. It is very important to understand these groups because they are one of the major
contributor of oil spill problem. Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF) is one of the
largest terrorist group of Nigeria.
The main demand of this group is that bigger share of oil wealth must be given to the
people in the nation. This is because due to oil exploration operations of firms pollutants released
in environment which lead to land or soil and water pollution. This ultimately lead to
unemployment and starvation among tribal people. On this ground this group demand big share
in oil wealth. Niger Delta Vigilante (NDV) is another group that demand that resources belongs
to Nigeria and due to this reason local people must have maximum control on them. They think
that if local people will have more control than resources will be used in best way and it is only
way by using which pollution can be controlled. Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger
Delta (MEND) is another group which demand for the greater control on local resources by the
people. Along with this, it also demand for compensation that private companies must paid to the
people for harm to natural environment that happen due to there mistakes. Alone in Movement
for the survival of the Ogoni people (MOSOP) have 5,00,000 members in mentioned location.
All these things clearly reflects that demand of people are raised by the terrorist groups but same
are not benefiting people instead creating complexity.
Anifowose and et.al., (2012) claims that forest areas is reducing in village constantly year
by year due to oil spill. This is seriously affecting ecosystem and affects natural environment.
The harmful pollutants that are released from oil exploration areas are making air poisonous
which is not good for trees. On other hand, oil spill directly happened in the water which reach
to plants and trees and affects them. Due to consistent emanation of pollutants trees are died.
Moreover, when in any areas reserves of oil are identified oil companies carried out extensive
research work. In this regard these companies remove number of trees from land. This is the
main reason due to which forest area is contracting consistently. Government is the supreme
body and it needs to ensure that companies if cutting trees then equal number of same are grown

again. This will maintain balance in natural environment and biodiversity will not affect
adversely. Government needs to understand the negative effects that can be seen on the land if
forest will be removed substantially. If forest area will be reduced from current rate then plant
and animal species species will extinct which will bring imbalance in natural environment.
Moreover, food chain will also get disturbed in ecosystems which will adversely affect people
and surrounding conditions. This is the time when government must take a step. If by this time
also it will not adopt any measure then situation will be out of control.
According to John and Okpokwasili, (2012) government of Nigeria must prepare some
rules and regulations that lay down some restrictions for the oil exploration companies in the
nation. For example rules can be bring under which it will be legal and ethical liability of the
firms to grow plants equivalent to the number of same that they are planned to remove from land
to explore crude oil. By doing this balance can be maintained in natural environment and
biodiversity can be kept safe. Moreover, rule can be bring under which it would be necessary for
the firms to do checking of there infrastructure specially pipes in every three month time period.
If there will be time to time checking of same then chances of oil spill will substantially reduced
from firms side.
As per views of Nganje and et.al., (2012)fishing along with agriculture was one of the
major source of income for the people. In the surrounding area of Ogoni there were number of
varieties of fishes. People by selling these fishes earn good amount of revenue. Higher
agriculture production and availability of variety of fishes were two main factors due to which
unemployment rate was very low in the Ogoni. With passage of years many new oil and gas
reserves were identified and oil extracted from them which create pollution. This affects
biodiversity which directly affect people economic condition. This condition bring change in
socioeconomic condition of the people that belongs to Ogoni. Due to higher unemployment rate
local people are now migrating to new areas for earning money. Economically people of Ogoni
become more weaker. Wealthy section of society in some years become poor due to negligence
of government. Due to migration to new place Ogoni people socially also get changed and they
adopt new area culture. This means migrated Ogoni people leave there culture and adopt same of
the other area of Nigeria in which they work after migrating from there village. Hence, it can be
said that oil spill change socioeconomic background of the people.