The implications of oil pollution for the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive rights of women in Niger Delta area of Nigeria

Abstract

Oil is a major source of income for Nigeria and it is the mainstay of the country's economy. Nigeria's intensive oil sector accounts for nearly 40% of its gross domestic product, but declined steadily to an average of 14.71% of the country's total export between 2006 and 2011 1 ; and contributed about 80% of budgetary revenues that all tiers of government heavily depend on. 2 Oil spills and gas flaring are some of the effects of the unregulated exploratory activities of the oil multinational companies that have contributed immensely to the physical and mental illness of the local inhabitants of the Niger Delta region and violated most of their rights as guaranteed under international and regional human rights instruments and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) 1999. In view of the growing threats to human health and the environment (posed by human activities), the international community has agreed to a number of treaties to respond to the health and human rights challenges posed by environmental degradation. Although Nigeria is a party to most of these instruments, 3 it has done little or nothing to regulate the conduct of the oil companies that negatively impact on the health of the Niger Delta people. While the impact of oil extraction affects both men and women, the article focuses on its implications for women's reproductive well-being. This is because women are a disadvantaged and marginalised group and have continued to experience discriminatory practices in many parts of the country, including the Niger Delta area. The article discusses the health challenges associated with oil exploitation in the Niger Delta, paying attention to the position of women. It then proffers suggestions on measures and steps that could be taken by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders in ensuring the adequate protection of the health rights of local inhabitants.

The role of gender in the extractives industries

“…Men may receive compensation and jobs when an extractives project moves into their area, but women generally do not so there is no replacement for their lost incomes. Articles by Omeire et al (2014) and Oluduro and Durojaye (2013) assert that in the Niger Delta women are also more affected by pollution and gas flaring because their livelihoods are dependent upon the land and the water, so they are more exposed. They also say that the loss of land-based livelihoods drives more women to sex-work in the absence of alternatives.…”

The Oil Extractive Industry in The Niger Delta: Impacts on the Livelihoods of Women

“…Some scholars have drawn attention to the conflation of the two terms, citing the draw back to the advancements made in achieving gender diversity and gender equality (Laplonge 2014(Laplonge , 2016Macdonald 2018;Mayes & Pini 2014). Discussions on the impacts of the extractive industries on women in resource rich areas attract significant attention locally and internationally (Macdonald 2018;Mukherjee 2014;Oluduro & Durojaye 2013;Omeire et al 2014). Resource extractive processes in the Niger Delta create complex and repeatedly contradictory socioeconomic varying consequences that result in agitations and conflicts across diverging issues that include the land, destruction of the environment, violence, health and other development issues.…”

Public Health Impact of Environmental Pollution in Areas with Gas Flares

“…Gas flares emit a range of toxic chemicals such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon, sulphur, and volatile organic compounds including benzene, toluene, xylene and hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, black carbon in addition to carcinogens inclusive of benzapyrene and dioxin [4], which may lead to serious health issues including asthma, chronic bronchitis and cancer. Reports highlight that communities with gas flaring are exposed to high risk of premature death [5].…”