Petroleum industry and its pollution potential in Nigeria

The increased prominence of the petroleum industry in Nigeria since the 1960s has given rise to a concomitant upsurge of real and imagined ecological disturbances, especially in the oil-producing areas of the country. An overview of the growth and development of the oil and petrochemical industry in Nigeria is presented. Notable cases of polluting disturbances during the 25 years of its existence are also cite dto highlight the causes and effects on the social, economic, agricultural and ecological characteristics of human and other biotic occupants of the oil regions.

The imminent expansion schemes could expose the environment to disturbances from exploration and drilling activities, gas flares, refinery effluents and refractory products and massive spillages due to handling operations.

The existing regulating governing the control of environmental pollution are viewed as inadequate and needing revision and overhauing. Recommendations are given as guides for the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in the prevention, control, and treatment of oil and petrochemical pollution.