Oil production and the problematic of water pollution in the Niger Delta: A study of selected communities in Bayelsa State

Abstract

This study examines the problematic of oil production and water pollution in selected oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State. The design of the study was descriptive survey. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The data were analyzed using chi-square. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between the role of the Nigerian State, multinational oil companies as well as the community leadership and the negative effects of water pollution on the health, occupation/economic and the livelihood standard/poverty level of the people of the oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State. The study recommended among others that the multi-layered levels of government should formulate and genuinely implement policies that will mitigate the effects of water pollution on the health, economic and livelihood status of the people and the multinational oil conglomerates should be truly committed to integrated policies and strategies that will close the developmental gaps in the Niger Delta Region.