Oil Exploration and Spillage in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract

Colonel Drake drilled a 70 feet well in Titusville, Pennsylvania and discovered oil. In 1956, Shell British Petroleum discovered crude oil in the Niger Delta within Nigeria and since then oil exploration and exploitation have been ongoing for several decades. The Niger Delta consists of highly diverse ecosystems supportive of numerous species of terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora and is the largest wetland in Africa. The oil spillages ongoing for several decades have characterized the area by contaminated rivers, stream and forest, which constitutes the major income source for the majority of the local population inhabiting the region, which are mainly dependent on ecosystem services. Approximately 1.5 million tons of oil has been spilled within the Niger Delta region over the span of several decades, most of which was partially cleaned or not cleaned totally, making some areas wastelands. Statistical analysis carried out for oil spillage quantities and incidence between 1976-2000, showed decrease in oil spillage quantity and increase in oil spillage incidence. These results were based on figures the oil companies submit to the government and one would not expect them to represent the actual figures. Reliable data could not be obtained for the most recent spills, more extensive evaluation is required.

Keywords: Oil, Spillage, Niger Delta, Nigeria