WHEN OIL BECOMES POISON: THE HIDDEN HEALTH CRISIS IN NIGERIA’S OIL-PRODUCING REGIONS

Abstract

Reports show that individuals in oil-producing regions in Nigeria consistently face significant risks of sickness, compounded by challenges in accessing sufficient food and medical care. This study implemented a quantitative research method using descriptive statistics to analyze trends and patterns to evaluate health hazards associated with oil spills. Pearson correlation was utilized to determine the strength of the relationship between the variables. Non probability (purposive) sampling was utilized to choose the study locations, specifically three oil-producing areas in Nigeria: Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta states. Simple random sampling was utilized to obtain data from participants through closed-ended questionnaires, employing convenience sampling to allow participants to respond at their own pace and voluntarily. We evaluated all survey data using SPSS software. Upon data analysis, the results from the descriptive analysis combined with Pearson correlation show that oil spills create major health problems through respiratory illnesses and water contamination and create shortages of food. The result also showed that during these disasters, medical response measures were limited. It implies that rising events of oil spills lead to more severe environmental disasters of water contamination, which proves to be a significant factor that increases the occurrence of cholera and typhoid while destroying agricultural lands, resulting in food scarcity. Therefore, the study recommended that the Nigerian government enact strict environmental laws with strong accountability systems for corporations in the oil business and individuals within these regions