Oil spillage and gas flaring in the Niger Delta region

Abstract

This systematic literature review determines the causes, and environmental and social impacts of oil refineries in terms of oil spillage and gas flaring in the Niger Delta region. A meta-analysis is conducted in order to determine the amount of oil spilled in the Niger Delta region annually. Furthermore, it provides the basis for establishing the environmental damage and social damage caused by oil spills and gas flaring. A mix of a quantitative and qualitative research approach is used to conduct this review. The multinational oil corporations in combination with the weak Nigerian government are the main drivers of the unsustainable process of oil extraction, and are the most to blame for the environmental degradation and the pressure on the local population in the Niger Delta region. Currently, the natural environment of the Niger Delta region suffers, among others, environmental degradation, water pollution, and soil contamination. The local communities cope with health issues, domestic and economic losses due to pollution, and polluted drinking water. The Niger Delta region is and continues to rapidly deteriorate and degrade.