Environmental risks associated with developing oil sands in southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is in the advanced development stages of extracting its oil sands resources to boost national revenue and economic prosperity, like other countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa including the Republic of Congo and Madagascar. Compared to resource‐rich developed countries like Canada and America, the consequences of oil sands extraction is likely to be disastrous in countries like Nigeria that have a poor reputation for managing resources (as is the case with the petroleum sector). Using a mixed‐method approach—focus group discussions, interviews and observations—this paper addresses environmental concerns about oil sands extraction in Nigeria. Overall, the communities perceived oil sands development negatively, because of fears of loss of communal lands, biodiversity, water availability and quality, and pollution. They were angry with the previous administrations over the lack of communication, and were deprived of socio‐economic opportunities and pollution from prolonged delays in oil sands extraction. The way forward is to form sustainable partnerships between the government, communities, industry and other stakeholders to achieve responsible oil sands development—environmentally friendly development that meets climate obligations, addresses cumulative impacts, and acts in the best interest of host communities and Nigerians.

Community perceptions of Nigerian oil companies commitment to social and environmental concerns

“…The Niger Delta conflict has become the greatest challenge to the manner of exploitation of resources, the rights and access of indigenous people to resources generated in their territory (Akwen and Gever, 2012;Bassey and Akpan, 2012;Gboyega et al, 2011;Ojakorotu, 2009). Chindo (2015) argued that studying communities' perceptions are not an end in themselves; rather, they are a means to developing resources and the communities' potential contributions to decision-making. Unfortunately, host communities have negative perceptions of oil companies which have emerged over time largely due to the tendency of being treated as obstacles to oil production (Idemudia, 2007).…”

Sustainable Development and the Exploitation of Bitumen in Nigeria: Assessing the Environmental Laws Faultlines

“…In order to ensure sustainable development in the exploitation of this resource, strict monitoring of the impact of bitumen must be conducted prior to development and during the active period of exploitation to avoid envisaged environmental problems (Milos, 2015). The likely environmental impact of bitumen will also affect the socio-cultural activities of the community members living in that bitumen area, thereby instigating social unrest (Chindo, 2015). Dissatisfaction with extraneously induced poor environment will translate to a loss of social license to operate for the extractive industries (Nwapi, 2016).…”

Risk perception and awareness of oil and natural gas safety among local populations in the eastern province of Jubail, Saudi Arabia

“…Washer (2006) analyzed representations related to mad cow disease and methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus. Joffe and Bettega (2004) associated with developing oil sands can be seen in western Nigeria, where "communities' perceptions of environmental impacts were patently negative, particularly in areas where damage to the ecosystem and economic activities is evident even before the start of production (Chindo, 2015…”

“…The process of harvesting oil and gas resources, or hydraulic fracturing, plays a major role in the rapid development of many local economies. However, there exists controversy about resource extraction activities because of perceived impacts on the environment and public health (Harrison 2007;Chindo 2015), as well as the reverse economic growth scenario also called the "resource curse. "…”