Environmental Problems Associated with the Operations of Oil and Gas Companies in Niger Delta: Implications and the Way Forward

This study examined environmental problems associated with the operations of oil and gas companies in Niger Delta: Implications and the way forward. The objectives of the study were to determine oil spill incidence in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta, the volume of gas flared in the area as well as the drilling waste discharge volume in the region.  Data related to the study were retrieved from the Department of Petroleum Resource Oil and Gas Annual Report. Findings revealed that oil spills are common events in Niger Delta; natural gas flaring is another major issue of concern associated with the operations of oil and gas companies in Nigeria’s Niger Delta; though there is a reduction in drilling waste discharge volumes, incidents of the discharge of petroleum-derived chemicals abound. The study concludes that although, a good number of the oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta area are beginning to institute measures to ensure quality oil exploration and production practices, environmental problems emanating from oil and gas operations are widespread in oil-producing communities. The need for petroleum companies to adequately implement environmental maintenance practices in line with global best practices in the oil and gas industry is recommended.