Critical Review of Oil Spill Data and Spill Management in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Readily available and reliable oil spill data is at the forefront of any meaningful attempt to manage the attendant negative effects of oil spills on the environment and livelihoods. The management of oil spills in the Niger Delta region (NDR) of Nigeria is an activity that brings together different stakeholders with the sole aim of mitigating and ameliorating the negative impacts of oil spills on the environment. However, it is evident that despite these concerted efforts in the attempts to manage the oil spill problem in the NDR, the problem persists. New cases of oil spill incidents are reported almost on a weekly basis with the attendant negative consequences accompanied by these spill incidents. Moreover, the vera city of these spill data is viewed with suspicion and apathy. This review is an attempt to appraise the state of oil spill data reporting in the Niger Delta and management efforts geared towards the reduction of oil spill incidents in the region. Data on reported oil spill incidents were reviewed and analysed. Evidence from the review suggests that effective management of the oil spill problem is hampered by excessive red tapism that exists in the management framework of spills in the region. The review concludes that significant investment in oil infrastructure will provide lasting solutions to the problem and recommends the adoption of powerful modelling software to monitor oil spills as well as the use of geospatial techniques, community engagement and proper environmental surveys of the region.