The Adverse Effects of Oil and Gas Exploration in Ogoniland: A Case of Bomu, Gokana L.G.A., Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Oil and gas exploration in the Niger Delta have devastated the region especially Ogoniland with emphasis on Bomu community. Oil consists of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons that exist as natural resources for exploration. This can be deliberately or accidently spilled in our environment by frustrated youth or by the activities of the oil multinational companies operating in the area. Results showed that the environmental impacts of oil spillage and gas flaring in Bomu affected plant growth, depletion of aquatic lives, and the destruction of mangrove swamps. The health implications of the inhabitants include heat radiation from gas flares, high noise levels of the burning flare stack, constant lighting from the flames and breathing in of toxic gases. This paper discusses the various impacts that gas and oil exploration have had so far on the biodiversity of Bomu community in Ogoniland and is calling on the appropriate federal government to strengthen laws relating to oil exploration to ensure that oil companies operating in the Niger Delta especially in Ogoniland to comply with proper environmental standards and international best practice.