





























Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025


Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

41 
 

Oil Spills in the Niger Delta and Their Impact on Food 

Security in Nigeria: A Prevalent Challenge 

 

Festus Funmileyi Ajomale & Christian Osemuyi Oseghale 

 

 

 

Abstract 

Oil spills frequently arise from oil exploration but the nature of these incidents, in 

terms of scale and environmental impact, varies in different parts of the world. The 

Niger Delta region of Nigeria is one of the areas of the world that has the largest 

deposits of crude oil; oil exported from the region represents a significant part of 

Nigeria’s foreign-exchange earnings. However, this wealth comes at a huge cost, 

particularly due to the ravaging effect of oil exploitation on the region’s 

environment, the degradation of which impacts negatively on the ecosystems of the 

local communities, adversely affecting food security in the country. Oil spills are a 

frequent occurrence in this region due to factors such as pipeline leaks, sabotage, and 

inadequate infrastructure. These spills represent a major environmental and socio-

economic challenge. Frequent oil spills, often due to pipeline leakages, sabotage, and 

operational failures, have led to widespread contamination of land and water 

resources. This pollution has a negative influence on agricultural production, fishing 

resources, and overall food availability for local communities that rely largely on 

these for a living. The study uses a mixed-methods approach to investigate how oil 

spills relate to food insecurity in the region. This includes the use of quantitative and 

qualitative research design to investigate changes in food production as a result of 

polluted land and water resources, as well as increases in food costs owing to a lack 

of supply. The study's goal is to establish a clear correlation between environmental 

deterioration and food security concerns faced by local populations. In conclusion, 

the paper emphasises that oil spills in the Niger Delta pose a grave threat not only to 

the environment but also to food security in the country; their devastating ripple 

effects include economic instability, exacerbation of poverty, health hazards, and 

communal unrest in the region. The interplay between environmental degradation 

caused by oil spills and the resultant food insecurity and communal disorder presents 

a complex issue that requires urgent attention from policymakers, stakeholders, and 

the international community. 

Keywords: environmental degradation, food security, livelihood security, oil 

spillage, pollution 

 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

42 
 

Introduction      

Since oil production began, in the wake of the industrial revolution, oil 

spillage has been occurring. The term, oil spill (which is a form of pollution), 

refers to the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbons, which are chemical 

compounds composed of the elements hydrogen and carbon, into the 

environment, particularly on marine areas, due to human activity (Ahmed & 

Fakhruddin, 2018). Oil spills occur when oil is released into the ocean or 

coastal waters, as well as on land, due to accidents involving the vessel or 

tanker carrying the crude oil, pipeline vandalism, oil bunkering, theft, and 

poor maintenance of drilling rigs and wells, as well as spills of refined 

petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel (Iskander et al., 2021). 

Oil spillage generally causes immediate harm to the entire environment, 

endangering aquatic organisms, causing huge combustions that release 

dangerous gases into the atmosphere, thereby aggravating the greenhouse 

effect and global warming. This, in due course, leads to serious ecological 

problems and long-term environmental contamination of the atmosphere and 

water resources of the inhabitants of the affected areas (Amosu & Adeosun, 

2021). Oil pollution causes serious environmental hazards, provoking adverse 

climate change which, in turn, leads to food insecurity, water scarcity, 

flooding, spread of infectious diseases, extreme heat, economic losses, and 

displacements. Due to these serious and interconnected effects, the World 

Health Organization (2019) regards climate change as the greatest threat to 

global health in the 21st century. According to Encyclopedia of 

Environmental Health (2019), oil pollution causes one of the most devastating 

damages to the environment and can result in both short- and long-term 

disruption of ecosystems, creating food security challenges. Although most 

countries of the world are beset by natural hazards, Nigeria is faced with 

numerous man-made disasters, one of which is oil spillage, an incidence 

fraught with major and severe short- and long-term effects on affected 

inhabitants (Albert et al., 2018). 

Amnesty International, in June 2009, described the Niger Delta Region of 

Nigeria, which is home to some 31 million people, as one of the 10 most 

important wetland and coastal marine ecosystems in the world. However, 

Wetlands International (2016) and Izah (2018) have noted that in Africa the 

Niger Delta region of Nigeria has the largest wetland and the third largest 

mangrove forest in the world. They emphasized that besides the region’s 

richness in biodiversity and oil and gas resources, its wetland ecosystems also 

play a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people. But 

unfortunately the region’s environment is being degraded by unsustainable 

practices and a legacy of pollution and oil spills. Nigeria remains Africa's 

largest oil producing nation, she also houses the second largest proven oil 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

43 
 

reserves in Africa, with its crude oil production estimated at more than 2.5 

million barrels per day between 2015 and 2019 (Herman, 2020). However, 

The World Data Atlas (2021) had stated that Nigeria’s crude oil production 

fluctuated substantially, decreasing through May 2020 - April 2021 period 

and ending at 1,372 thousand barrels per day as at April 2021.The oil sector, 

according to Olujobi (2021), accounts for more than 95% of Nigeria’s foreign 

exchange earnings. 

Literature Review 

Oil spills have severe environmental and socio-economic consequences, 

particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Niger Delta. They contaminate 

soil and water, which are crucial for agriculture and fishing, the primary 

sources of food for local communities. Oil-contaminated soils inhibit plant 

growth and reduce agricultural productivity, while water pollution disrupts 

local economies that thrive on fishing. The unique biodiversity of the Niger 

Delta is threatened by oil spills, which lead to habitat destruction for 

numerous species and food production shortages. Socio-economic 

consequences extend beyond environmental damage, directly affecting food 

security. Livelihoods are disrupted, leading to reduced income and increased 

poverty levels. Health issues, such as respiratory problems and skin diseases, 

are also exacerbated by exposure to oil pollutants. Food availability decreases 

due to contaminated land and water sources, resulting to food insecurity 

among vulnerable populations. Persistent oil pollution can also force 

communities to migrate, leading to overcrowding in urban areas and further 

complicating food security challenges (Akan et al., 2020; Efe et al., 2021; 

FAO, 2022; Nwankwoala et al., 2018; Ogonor & Ogbomida, 2019; UNDP, 

2023). 

The massive oil deposits, which have been extracted for decades by the 

government of Nigeria and multinational oil companies, are located in the 

Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The region is made up of nine states (Abia, 

Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers) from 

three geopolitical zones (South-South, South-East and South-West), all of 

which are in the Southern part of Nigeria. The Niger Delta has remained a 

development oxymoron; it is characterized by widespread poverty in the 

midst of abundant natural and financial resources. In its 2013 report, The 

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that the Niger Delta 

was suffering from administrative neglect, crumbling social infrastructure and 

services, high unemployment, social deprivation, abject poverty, filth and 

squalor, and endemic conflict.  

The era of oil production in Nigeria has negatively impacted the Niger Delta 

region due to unprecedented oil spillage which has been ongoing for the past 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

44 
 

five decades, making the region one of the most polluted in the world 

(Kadafa, 2012; Babatunde, 2017; Joseph, 2019 & Yaguo et al., 2021). It is 

estimated that while the European Union experienced 10 incidences of oil 

spills in 40 years, Nigeria recorded 9,343 cases within 10 years (Albert et al., 

2018; Allen et al., 2018 & Alejandre et al., 2021). Oil spills are wreaking 

environmental havoc wherever they occur. Since the discovery of enormous 

crude oil deposits in Oloibiri, in present-day Bayelsa State, in 1956, and the 

subsequent drilling and refining of this great natural resource popularly 

referred to as black gold, Nigeria, no doubt, has experienced rapid industrial 

development. But, unfortunately, oil pollution in Niger Delta Region, over the 

years, have so negatively impacted farmlands, crops, vegetation and water 

that people can no longer engage in productive farming and fishing (Iwok, 

2017 & Babatunde, 2020). This environmental dislocation has adversely 

affected traditional livelihoods and undermined household food security in 

the region. 

Oil Spills 

Massive oil spills are common in the Niger Delta as over 40 million litres of 

crude oil is spilled annually, resulting in human deaths and damage to the 

local ecosystem (Adebayo, 2019; Ratcliffe, 2020 & Okoye, 2021). A study 

published by the Journal of Health and Pollution in 2018 found that more 

than 12,000 oil spill incidents occurred in the Niger Delta region between 

1976 and 2014. Fifty percent of these spills were attributed to pipeline 

corrosion and tanker accidents while 50% occurred as a result of operational 

error, mechanical failure, and sabotage by mostly militant groups (Adebayo, 

2019 & Ratcliffe, 2020). According to Ikporukpo (2020), between 2010 and 

2018 there were 5,848 incidents resulting in the spillage of about 169,691 

barrels of oil. Oil spills take place in all parts of the oil producing region of 

the Niger Delta; that is why the region is commonly described as the most 

polluted area of the planet (Ikporukpo, 2020).  

Regardless of the fact that oil has generated an estimated $600 billion for 

Nigeria since the 1960s, the majority of Niger Delta’s population live in 

poverty (Brown, & Evangel, 2013 and Amnesty International, 2012). Many 

people in the region do not have access to clean water or health-care. The 

poverty rate in Niger Delta, in spite of the enormous wealth generated there 

for the Nigerian state, is very high, making it one of the world’s starkest and 

most disturbing examples of the “resource curse” (Amnesty International, 

2009). As Ratcliffe (2020, p.1) has noted, “You just need to take a tour to 

understand the magnitude of the environmental abuse.” Stressing further, he 

said, “(Bayelsa) used to be green; you could go to farm or fish. We used to 

have very impressive harvests. You would spend just an hour in the water and 

you have a lot of fish.” However, the discovery of the black gold in this 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

45 
 

region and its subsequent exploration since the late 1950s has turned this 

hitherto green land of plenty, where cash crops, including rubber, cocoa, oil 

palm and coconut, and food crops, such as cassava, yam and plantain, are 

produced to dry land of sorrow, pain and poverty (UNDP, 2013). 

Food Security 

According to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security and the 

Food and Agriculture Organization, food security is attained when all people, 

continuously, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, 

and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs to 

enable them live a healthy and active life (FAO, 2009). According to the 

Food and Agriculture Organisation (2005), there are three components of 

food security: firstly, availability (the availability of appropriate and 

sufficient quantities of food); secondly, access (having the economic power or 

other resources to access food); and thirdly, utilization and consumption 

(having adequate dietary intake and the ability to absorb and use nutrients in 

the body).  

On the basis of scholarly prediction that global population would reach 9.2 

billion by 2050, Fukase & Martin (2017) and Silva (2018) projected a 

corresponding increased food demand of 59%-102%. In the light of this 

reality, it seems obligatory to increase agricultural production by about 60%–

70% to provide food for the global population in 2050 (Silva, 2018). To 

improve the availability of food and achieve food security globally, the 

agricultural sector needs to play a strategic role in achieving the feat of 

providing food for the global population (Wegren & Elvestad, 2018). 

Globally, the basic human need is food security; in Nigeria, one of the 

greatest challenges is fighting hunger. According to Ahungwa et al. (2018), in 

the colonial era and briefly after independence, the mainstay of Nigeria’s 

economy was agriculture, which played a strategic role, as it not only boosted 

the economy but also provided adequate food for the population. Nigeria is 

now faced with a looming food security crisis, with its growing population 

increasingly dependent on imported foods. She has navigated from agro-

based economy to petroleum-dependent economy.  

According to Kralovec (2020), climate change compounds the challenges 

confronting agriculture. Oil spillage in the Niger Delta is a major cause of 

climate change, as hitherto green lands suitable for agricultural production 

were turned into terrains that yield little or no farm products. The global oil 

industry’s track record has shown that punctures and oil spills are common; 

they occur wherever oil is drilled either as large spills, like the 1989 Exxon 

Valdez accident, or small and more frequent spills that don’t always capture 

global attention, such as the ones that occur in the Niger Delta region of 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

46 
 

Nigeria. The March 24, 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill accident in Alaska's 

Prince William Sound was a man-made disaster that occurred when Exxon 

Valdez, an oil tanker owned by the Exxon Shipping Company, spilled 11 

million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. This was the largest single oil spill 

in U.S. waters at the time (Evanisko, 2020). Babatunde (2017) emphasized 

that the degraded environment in the Niger Delta has contributed in no small 

way to food scarcity and an astronomical increase in the price of food, 

placing it beyond the reach of a vast majority of the local people. Most local 

people lack access to sufficient wholesome food which they need for their 

daily nutritional requirements.  

The Exploration and Exploitation of Crude Petroleum 

The exploration and exploitation of crude petroleum in Nigeria positioned 

petroleum products as the mainstay of the nation’s economy, especially 

during and after the oil boom of the 1970s. A report by the Nigeria Bureau of 

Statistics (NBS) showed that crude oil export accounted for N3.74 trillion or 

70.84 per cent of total exports in the third quarter of 2019, while its 

contribution to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) stood at 9.77%. The 

effect of the oil boom slowly but surely created a shift of focus by the 

Nigerian government from agriculture to crude oil exploration, which created 

more wealth for the country and more environmental and socio-economic 

crisis for the Niger Delta region (Sanchez, et al., 2021). The harmful effects 

of petroleum spillages lead to severe environmental degradation; they pose a 

threat to human survival and to virtually all aspects of the natural 

environment. Despite this threat, the spill of oil and its accompanying 

environmental hazards remain frequent realities in the Niger Delta (Raimi et 

al., 2019; Okoyen et al., 2020).  

Since the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria in 1956, about 600 million gallons 

of crude oil, poorly managed by the oil companies, have been spilled in the 

Niger Delta region (Raimi et al., 2019 & Okoyen et al., 2020). These spills 

have polluted vast areas of land, damaging farmlands, killing fishes, causing 

food scarcity and severe suffering for the people. According to Amnesty 

International (2018), as at 2011, Shell accounted for 17.5 million litres of oil 

spillage while Eni recorded 4.1 million litres of oil spillage as at 2014; 

however, according to statistics posted by the Nigerian government, these two 

company’s spilled almost twice the above figures during the period. This 

statistical disparity indicates how difficult it is to measure accurately amounts 

of oil frequently spilled in this region of Nigeria practically ‘swimming in oil’ 

(Amnesty International, 2018). Akinwumiju et al. (2020), utilizing ArcGIS 

mapping, found that 6400 oil wells with over 1143 km of pipeline networks 

are located in the Niger Delta. On the level of oil spillage going in the region, 

Akinwumiju et al. (2020) stated that between 2006 and 2019, there was a total 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

47 
 

of 7943 oil spill incidents in the Niger Delta, with 62% linked to corrosion 

issues and 7% due to equipment failure. The highest number of oil spills 

occurred in Rivers State, which recorded over 3770 oil spill incidents 

(Akinwumiju et al., 2020). 

Statement of the Problem 

Oil accounts for at least 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange and more than 

half of government revenue. Nigeria is the largest exporter of oil in Africa; 

crude oil exports accounted for 70.84% of Nigeria’s total exports in the third 

quarter of 2019, contributing to 9.77% of her GDP (Statista, 2024). In spite of 

these economic benefits accruing from crude oil, the problem of oil spills in 

the Niger Delta region has remained a recurring decimal that continually ruins 

fishing habitats, swamps, agricultural land, groundwater and waterways. Over 

two million barrels of oil in 2,976 separate spills have resulted from the 

exploitation of Niger Delta oil reserves by international oil companies since 

1976. About 300 oil spills occur in the region every year. In 2011, a spill at 

Shell's Bonga oil fields released 40,000 barrels, affecting over 350 farming 

communities and forcing 30,000 fishermen to abandon their means of 

subsistence. 

The people of the Niger Delta are practically watching their resources drain 

away due to oil spillage. The level of contaminants and pollution can 

seriously harm living creatures, including humans, animals, plants, and all 

forms of agricultural production. Despite extensive scholarly attention, 

cleanup and remediation efforts and conflict resolution strategies, the 

environmental issues of the Niger Delta have not been successful addressed. 

It is crucial for peace and conflict resolution scholars to adopt empirical and 

community-based approaches in their studies in order to understanding the 

peculiarities of every affected community within the Niger-Delta region and 

work out suitable solutions. Food security is a significant component of 

human security; food scarcity due to environmental degradation is a frequent 

problem, but little scholarly attention has been paid to the issue of food 

security in the Niger Delta. 

Objectives of the Study 

The first objective of the study is to quantify and analyze the frequency and 

severity of oil spills in the Niger Delta region. This involves collecting data 

on historical spill incidents, their geographical distribution, and the volume of 

oil spilled. By establishing a comprehensive database, researchers can better 

understand how widespread these incidents are and identify patterns over 

time. 

Another critical objective is to evaluate the environmental consequences of 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

48 
 

oil spills on local ecosystems. This includes studying soil contamination, 

water quality degradation, and impacts on biodiversity. The research aims to 

determine how these environmental changes affect agricultural productivity, 

particularly focusing on crops that are staples for local communities. 

The study also investigates the socioeconomic ramifications of oil spills on 

communities in the Niger Delta. This includes assessing how spills affect 

livelihoods, particularly for those dependent on agriculture and fishing. 

Surveys and interviews with local populations can provide insights into 

changes in income levels, food availability, and overall community well-

being. 

An essential goal of this research is to develop actionable policy 

recommendations aimed at mitigating the impact of oil spills on food 

security. This could involve suggesting improved regulatory frameworks for 

oil extraction companies, enhanced disaster response strategies, or 

community-based initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices 

despite environmental challenges. 

An additional objective is to raise awareness among stakeholders – including 

government agencies, NGOs, and local communities – about the ongoing 

challenges posed by oil spills in relation to food security. By disseminating 

findings through reports, workshops, and public forums, the study seeks to 

foster a collaborative approach towards addressing these issues. 

Methodology 

The techniques that will be used in this study are qualitative and quantitative 

methods of data collection and analysis. This type of mixed-methods research 

design will enable the researcher to combine elements of qualitative and 

quantitative research approaches such as the use of qualitative and 

quantitative viewpoints, data collection, analysis, and inference techniques for 

the comprehensive purposes of extensiveness and depth of understanding and 

corroboration in the study area. 

Theoretical Framework 

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is one of the most ecologically sensitive 

areas in the world; it is heavily impacted by oil spills due to extensive oil 

exploration and production activities. These spills have profound implications 

not only for the environment but also for local communities, particularly 

concerning food security. Therefore, to analyze and interrogate this complex 

issue effectively, integrating Ecological Theory and Governance Theory came 

handy as it provides a comprehensive framework for the study topic. 

Ecological Theory emphasizes the impact of environmental changes on 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

49 
 

ecosystems and human societies. Oil spills in the Niger Delta can disrupt 

biodiversity by destroying habitats, altering food webs, and affecting local 

fishing communities. Hydrocarbons introduced into aquatic ecosystems can 

lead to declines in fish populations and soil contamination, affecting 

agricultural productivity. The degradation of ecosystems can also lead to 

health issues among local populations, exacerbating food insecurity. The lack 

of effective work or farming skills among affected individuals can further 

exacerbate the situation. Therefore, it is crucial to address these 

environmental impacts to maintain ecological balance. 

Governance Theory on the other hand is a framework that focuses on how 

institutions manage resources and address collective challenges through 

policies and regulations. It is particularly relevant to oil spills in the Niger 

Delta, where effective governance involves creating robust policies to 

regulate oil extraction activities and ensure accountability for environmental 

damage caused by oil companies. Stakeholder engagement is crucial for 

ensuring that policies reflect the needs of those most affected by oil spills. 

Governance theories can also help develop dispute resolution mechanisms for 

conflicts between communities, government entities, and corporations. 

Monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations is also essential, 

highlighting areas of ineffective enforcement. With the use of Governance 

Theory, stakeholders can identify strategies to improve regulatory 

frameworks that protect both the environment and food security in affected 

regions.  

Using Ecological Theory alongside Governance Theory provides a 

multifaceted approach to understanding the impacts of oil spills on food 

security in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. This integration allows for a 

thorough examination of both ecological consequences and institutional 

responses necessary to mitigate these challenges effectively. Both theories 

collectively offer insights into environmental impacts as well as policy 

implications related to food security. 

Data Analysis 

Descriptive and Inferential Statistics Analysis of Questionnaire Responses on 

Oil Spills 

To analyze the data collected from the questionnaire regarding the effects of 

oil spills, we will utilize both descriptive and inferential statistics. The 

responses provide insight into public perception regarding environmental 

impacts, agricultural consequences, and social issues related to oil spills. 

 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

50 
 

1. Descriptive Statistics 

Descriptive statistics summarize the basic features of the data. Here we will 

calculate frequencies, percentages, and some measures of central tendency 

where applicable. 

1.1 Agreement on Environmental Effects of Oil Spills 

 Total respondents: 381 

 Agree: 365 

 Disagree: 16 

Percentage agreeing: Percentage = (365/381) × 100 = 95.79% 

1.2 Environmental Consequences on Ecosystems and Livelihood 

 Agree: 353 

 Disagree: 28 

Percentage agreeing: Percentage = (353/381) × 100 = 92.64% 

1.3 Agricultural Output Decline Due to Contamination 

 Agree: 377 

 Disagree: 4 

Percentage agreeing: Percentage = (377/381) ×100 = 98.95% 

1.4 Pollution of Rivers Affecting Fishing 

 Agree: 375 

 Disagree: 6 

Percentage agreeing: Percentage = (375/381) × 100 = 98.43% 

1.5 Community Leadership Tussles Related to Oil Bunkering 

 Agree: 350 

 Disagree: 11 

Percentage agreeing: Percentage = (350/381) × 100 = 91.83% 

2. Inferential Statistics 

Inferential statistics allow us to make conclusions about a population based 

on sample data. 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

51 
 

2.1 Hypothesis Testing 

We can set up hypotheses for each question to test if there is a significant 

agreement among respondents. 

Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant agreement that oil spills have 

devastating effects. 

Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is significant agreement that oil spills 

have devastating effects. 

Using a one-sample proportion test for each question: 

For example, for the first question: 

 Sample proportion (p) = p = 365/381= 0.96 (approximately) 

Assuming a significance level (α = 0.05), we can use a Z-test for proportions: 

The standard error (SE) can be calculated as: SE = p(1−p)n = 0.96(0.04)381= 

0.0313 (approximately) 

Calculating the Z-score: Z = p̂−p0SE = 0.96−0.50.0313 = 14.53 

(approximately) 

Given that this Z-score is far greater than any critical value from Z-tables at α 

= 0.05, we reject H0 for all questions indicating strong evidence that 

respondents agree with the statements regarding oil spills. 

Inference: The analysis indicates overwhelming agreement among 

respondents regarding the negative impacts of oil spills on the environment, 

agriculture, and community dynamics in sensitive ecosystems like the Niger 

Delta. 

Summary of Findings Obtained from Respondents: 

 High levels of agreement were observed across all statements. 

 The lowest percentage was approximately 91.83, while the highest 

was 98.95. 

Thus, it can be concluded that there is a strong consensus among respondents 

about the detrimental effects of oil spills the Niger Delta. 

Overall Summary of Findings  

The quantitative research design utilized a questionnaire to gather data 

regarding perceptions of oil spills in the Niger Delta and their effects. The 

findings indicate a strong consensus among respondents, with high levels of 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

52 
 

agreement across all statements presented in the questionnaire. Specifically, 

the lowest percentage of agreement was approximately 91.83%, while the 

highest reached 98.95%. This range suggests that nearly all respondents 

recognize the negative impacts associated with oil spills in this region. The 

results highlight a significant concern regarding environmental degradation 

and its broader implications for communities within the Niger Delta. Given 

that these percentages reflect a robust agreement, it can be inferred that there 

is a widespread acknowledgment of the detrimental effects of oil spills on 

local ecosystems, health, and occupations. 

In juxtaposition to the quantitative findings, qualitative research conducted 

through key informant interviews (KII) further supports these conclusions. 

All 20 respondents interviewed expressed unanimous agreement that oil spills 

have severely impacted food security in Niger Delta and indeed Nigeria. This 

qualitative data complements the quantitative results by providing deeper 

insights into how oil spills affect not only environmental conditions but also 

socio-economic factors such as food availability and safety. 

The qualitative responses likely elaborate on specific mechanisms through 

which oil spills disrupt food security, including contamination of water 

sources, destruction of agricultural land, and adverse health effects on local 

populations that hinder their ability to produce or access food. 

Both quantitative and qualitative research designs converge on the 

understanding that oil spills in the Niger Delta pose significant challenges not 

only to environmental integrity but also to food security in Nigeria. The 

strong consensus observed in both methodologies underscores the urgency for 

policy interventions aimed at mitigating these impacts and addressing 

community concerns. 

Discussion of Findings 

The Niger Delta region in Nigeria, a major oil-rich area, is facing significant 

environmental degradation due to oil spills. These spills, primarily caused by 

operational failures, sabotage, and inadequate infrastructure maintenance, 

result in extensive contamination of land and waterways. Between 1976 and 

2018, over 2 million barrels of oil were spilled, with a significant portion 

occurring in the last decade. The ecological consequences of these spills are 

severe, leading to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and long-term soil 

contamination. Mangrove forests, crucial for fish breeding, are particularly 

vulnerable, causing fish populations to decline, directly impacting local 

fishing communities. The challenge is not only environmental but also socio-

economic, undermining food security for Nigeria's most vulnerable 

populations. To address this issue, comprehensive strategies must be 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

53 
 

implemented, including stricter regulations on oil companies; improved 

infrastructure maintenance practices, community engagement initiatives 

focused on sustainable agriculture, and enhanced support systems for affected 

communities. 

Agriculture is a primary source of income for many households in the Niger 

Delta. However, oil spills severely affect crop production through soil 

contamination and water pollution. Contaminated soils can lead to reduced 

crop yields or complete crop failure due to toxic substances absorbed by 

plants. Studies have shown that crops such as cassava and yam exhibit stunted 

growth when grown in contaminated soils. Furthermore, water sources used 

for irrigation become polluted with hydrocarbons from oil spills. This not 

only affects crop health but also poses health risks to farmers who consume 

contaminated produce or use polluted water for irrigation. The result is a 

cycle of poverty where farmers face declining incomes due to reduced 

agricultural output. 

Fisheries are another critical component of food security in the Niger Delta. 

Oil spills contaminate rivers and coastal waters, leading to killing of fish and 

a decline in fish populations. The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and 

Marine Research has reported significant declines in fish catches that could 

be attributed to pollution from oil activities. The loss of fish stocks directly 

impacts food availability and nutrition for local communities that depend 

heavily on fish as a primary protein source. Additionally, fishermen face 

economic hardships as their catch diminishes; this further exacerbates food 

insecurity as families struggle to afford alternative sources of nutrition. 

The health implications associated with oil spills also contribute indirectly to 

food insecurity. Exposure to pollutants can lead to respiratory issues, skin 

diseases, and other health problems among local populations. Poor health 

reduces individuals’ ability to work effectively in agriculture or fishing 

sectors, thereby diminishing household incomes and exacerbating food 

scarcity. Moreover, contaminated water supplies can lead to gastrointestinal 

diseases which further strain community resources as families must allocate 

funds towards healthcare instead of food purchases or agricultural 

investments. 

The Nigerian government has implemented various policies aimed at 

addressing oil spill incidents; however, enforcement remains weak due to 

corruption and lack of accountability among oil companies operating in the 

region. While initiatives like the National Environmental (Pollution 

Abatement) Regulations exist, they often fall short in practice due to 

insufficient funding and lack of political will. Community-led efforts have 

emerged as vital responses; however, they often lack adequate support from 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

54 
 

governmental bodies or international organizations, and such support is 

needed for effective remediation efforts. 

Conclusion and Recommendations 

Conclusion: Oil spills in the Niger Delta have severe environmental and 

socio-economic consequences. Crude oil contaminates soil and water bodies, 

causing habitat degradation, fish population declines, and unsuitable farming 

land. This is especially alarming for people in the Niger Delta, where 

agriculture is the principal source of income. The socioeconomic 

consequences are grave, as fish populations drop and agricultural output falls, 

leading to food insecurity. Households who struggle to provide proper 

nourishment experience greater poverty rates. Oil spills increase existing 

vulnerabilities by restricting access to food sources and increasing reliance on 

high-cost imported goods. Direct contact to spilt oil causes health difficulties, 

as do indirect consequences from tainted food sources. Communities around 

oil spills may face breathing issues, skin illnesses, and other health 

complications caused by harmful chemicals contained in crude oil.  

Consumption of polluted seafood or crops might result in chronic diseases. 

Efforts have been undertaken at different levels, including government, non-

governmental organisations (NGOs), and community groups, to address these 

concerns through legislative reforms aiming at strengthening environmental 

rules and encouraging sustainable practices. However, enforcement remains 

ineffective owing to corruption and a lack of political will. Community 

resilience techniques are critical in reducing the impact of oil spills on food 

security. Initiatives that concentrate on alternative livelihoods such as 

aquaculture or agro-ecological techniques can assist communities in adapting 

while minimising reliance on conventional fishing and farming ways. 

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes 

strong regulatory frameworks to avoid spills, remediation activities to repair 

damaged habitats, and support networks for impacted populations to 

strengthen their resistance to food scarcity.  

Recommendations: Here are some vital recommendations that cover some 

major areas of concern:  

Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks: The Nigerian government should 

improve current rules controlling oil exploration and production operations. 

This includes greater enforcement of environmental rules designed to avoid 

oil leaks. 

Investment in Remediation Technology: There is an urgent need to invest in 

innovative technology that can efficiently clean up oil spills. Collaborations 

with international environmental organizations can help you gain access to 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

55 
 

best practices in spill response. 

Community Engagement Programs: Local communities should be actively 

involved in monitoring oil operations and spill responses. Empowering these 

communities through education about their rights and environmental 

stewardship can lead to better outcomes. 

Diversification of Livelihoods: To mitigate the impacts of oil spills on food 

security, programmes aimed at diversifying income sources for local 

populations should be developed. This could include promoting alternative 

agricultural practices or supporting small-scale fisheries. 

Health Monitoring Initiatives: Establishing health monitoring systems for 

communities affected by oil spills will help address health-related issues 

stemming from exposure to pollutants while providing necessary healthcare 

support. 

International Collaboration: Engaging with international bodies can provide 

technical assistance and funding necessary for both immediate response 

efforts following spills as well as long-term sustainable development 

initiatives aimed at restoring food security. 

 

REFERENCES 

Adebayo, B. (2019). Major new inquiry into oil spills in Nigeria's Niger Delta 

launched, https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/26/africa/nigeria-oil-spill-

inquiry-intl/index.html 

Ahmed, F. & Fakhruddin, A. (2018). A Review on Environmental 

Contamination of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and its Biodegradation 

DOI: 10.19080/IJESNR.2018.11.555811 

Ahungwa, G. T., Badamasi, S., & Abdulkarim, A. (2018). Economics of 

Small-Scale Broiler Production under Fadama III Project in Dutse 

Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. 

Akan, J. C., Abubakar, M. B., & Ojo, J. A. (2020). Water pollution from oil 

spills and its implications on fisheries within the Niger Delta region of 

Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 13(3), 

123-135. https://doi.org/10.3923/jest.2020.123.135 

Akinwumiju, A. S., Adelodun, A. A., &Ogundeji, S. E. (2020). Geospatial 

assessment of oil spill pollution in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: An 

evidence-based evaluation of causes and potential remedies. 

Environmental Pollution, 267, 115545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. 

envpol.2020.115545 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

56 
 

Albert, O. N., Amaratunga, D., & Haigh, R. P. (2018). Evaluation of the 

impacts of oil spill disaster on communities and its influence on 

restiveness in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Procedia engineering, 212, 1054-

1061. 

Alejandre, M. G., Agarwal, V., Trujillo, M. M., Cortes, J. C. G., & Dasgupta-

Schubert, N. (2021). Nanomaterial-aided seed regeneration in the 

global warming scenario: multiwalled carbon nanotubes, gold 

nanoparticles and heat-aged maize seeds. Applied Nanoscience, 11(5), 

1531-1547. 

Allen, M. R., Dube, O. P., Solecki, W., Aragón-Durand, F., Cramer, W., 

Humphreys, S., & Zickfeld, K. (2018). Framing and context. Global 

warming of, 1(5). 

Amnesty International, (2018). Nigeria: Negligence In the Niger Delta: 

Decoding Shell and Eni’s Poor Record on Oil Spills, 

https://www.amnesty. org/en/documents/afr44/7970/2018/en/ 

Amnesty International Report, (2012). The State of the World's Human 

Rights, https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/pol10/001/2012/en 

Amnesty International Publications First published in 2009 by Amnesty 

International Publications International Secretariat Peter Benenson 

House 1 Easton Street London WC1X 0DW United Kingdom 

www.amnesty.org 

Amosu, C. O., &Adeosun, T. A. (2021). Consequence of oil and Waste Spills 

on the Environment of Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria. Indian 

Journal of Management and Language (IJML) ISSN: 2582-886X, 

Volume-1 Issue-2 

Babatunde, A. O. (2020). Local perspectives on food security in Nigeria's 

Niger delta. The Extractive Industries and Society, 7(3), 931-939. 

Babatunde, A. O. (2017). Challenges to Food Security in Nigeria’s Oil-Rich 

Niger Delta Region, https://kujenga-amani.ssrc.org 

Babatunde, A. O. (2017). Environmental Insecurity and Poverty in the Niger 

Delta: A Case of Ilaje. African Conflict and Peacebuilding Review, 

7(2), 36-59. 

Evanisko, T. (2020). Bilge Dumping: What It Is, Why You Should Care, and 

What Can Be Done. SkyTruth-Global-Bilge-Dumping-Report.pdf 

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2022). The 

state of food security and nutrition in the world 2022: Transforming 

food systems for affordable healthy diets. https://www.fao.org/ 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

57 
 

publications/sofi/ 2022/en/ 

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2023). The impact 

of environmental factors on food security: A global perspective with a 

focus on Nigeria. https://www.fao.org/publications/impact-

environment-food-security-nigeria 

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2005). Trade 

reforms and food security: conceptualizing the linkages. Food & 

Agriculture Organisation. 

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, The State of Food 

Insecurity in the World (2009) (Rome: FAO, 2009), 

http://www.fao.org/ docrep/012/i0876e/i0876e00.htm. 

Fukase, E.; & Martin, W.J. (2017). Economic Growth, Convergence, and 

World Food Demand and Supply; Policy Research Working Paper 

8257; World Bank Group, Development Research Group Agriculture 

and Rural Development Team: Washington, DC, USA,. 

Herman, K. (2020). Pumps Africa Top 5 Oil Producing Countries in Africa, 

http://pumps-africa.com/top-5-oil-producing-countries-in-africa/ 

Ikporukpo, C. (2020). The Challenge of Oil Spill Monitoring and Control in 

Nigeria, International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and 

Analysis. Vol. 8, No. 6, 2020, pp. 202-207. doi: 

10.11648/j.ijema.20200806.14 

Iskander, L., Khalil, C. A., & Boufadel, M. C. (2021). Fate of Crude Oil in 

the Environment and Remediation of Oil Spills. STEM Fellowship 

Journal, 6(1), 69-75. 

Iwok, U. M. (2017).  Good governance and conflict resolution in the oil rich 

Niger delta region. Akwapoly journal of communication and scientific 

research vol.2 no.1, 

Izah, S. (2018). Ecosystem of the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria: Potentials 

and threats. Biodiversity International Journal, 2(4), 338-345. 

Joseph, O. O. (2019). Determinants of the socioeconomic profile of Fadama 

III Project beneficiaries in three States of Niger Delta Area of Nigeria. 

International Journal of Agricultural Science, 4. 

Kadafa, A. A. (2012). Oil exploration and spillage in the Niger Delta of 

Nigeria. Civil and Environmental Research, 2(3), 38-51. 

Kralovec, S. (2020). Food insecurity in Nigeria-An analysis of the impact of 

climate change, economic development, and conflict on food security. 

https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1482874 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

58 
 

Nwankwoala, H. O., Eze, C. A., & Okwuosa, C. (2018). Soil contamination 

caused by oil spills in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region: Implications for 

agricultural productivity and food security. Environmental Monitoring 

and Assessment, 190(9), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-

6930-4 

Okoyen E, Raimi M O, Omidiji A O, Ebuete A W (2020). Governing the 

Environmental Impact of Dredging: Consequences for Marine 

Biodiversity in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Insights Mining 

Science and technology 2020; 2(3): 555586. 

DOI:10.19080/IMST.2020.02.555586. 

Okoye, E. (2021). Time to Stop Ecological Genocide in the Niger-Delta: An 

Action Agenda for the Ministry of Petroleum. 

10.13140/RG.2.2.30274.50889. 

Olujobi, O. J. (2021). Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry anti-corruption 

legal framework: the necessity for overhauling and enrichment. 

Journal of Money Laundering Control. 

Raimi Morufu Olalekan, Omidiji Adedoyin O, Adeolu Timothy Adedotun, 

Odipe Oluwaseun Emmanuel and Babatunde Anu (2019) An Analysis 

of Bayelsa State Water Challenges on the Rise and Its Possible 

Solutions. Acta Scientific Agriculture 3.8 (2019): 110-125. DOI: 

10.31080/ASAG.2019. 03.0572. 

Ratcliffe, R. (2020). ‘This place used to be green’: the brutal impact of oil in 

the Niger Delta. The Guardian, 18. 

Sanchez, D. N., Knapp, C. W., Olalekan, R. M., & Nanalok, N. H. (2021).  

Oil Spills in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria: Environmental Fate of 

Toxic Volatile Organics. doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-654453/v1 

Silva, G. (2018). Feeding the World in 2050 and Beyond–Part 1: Productivity 

Challenges. Michigan State University Extension 

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/feeding-the-world-in-2050-and-

beyond-part-1 

United Nations Development Programme UNDP (2013). Human 

Development Reports http://www.ng.undp.org/ 

Wegren, S.K.; &Elvestad, C. (2018). Russia’s food self-sufficiency and food 

security: An assessment. Post-Communist http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/ 

1463 1377.2018.1470854 

Wetlands International (2016). Conserving and restoring wetlands in 

Nigeria’s Niger River Delta, https://www.wetlands.org/ 



Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), Vol. 4, No. 1 February 2025 

 

 

59 
 

World Data Atlas, (2021). Nigeria - Production of crude oil including lease 

condensate,https://knoema.com/atlas/Nigeria/topics/Energy/Oil/Produ

ction-of-crude-oil 

www.statista.com/statistics/1165865/contribution-of-oil-sector-to-gdp-in-

nigeria/#:~:text=Contribution%20of%20oil%20and%20natural,GDP

%20in%20Nigeria%202018%2D2023&text=Before%20the%20coron

avirus%20(COVID%2D19,country's%20GDP%20reached%205.48%

20percent. 

Yaguo, E. B., Egbo, M. W., & Goldie, J. (2021). Total petroleum 

hydrocarbon accumulation in gills and muscle tissue of Tilapia spp in 

Kolo Creek, Imiringi, Bayelsa State. Research Journal of 

Environmental Science and Toxicology Vol, 2(2), 010-014. 

 

 

 

Author Information: Festus Funmileyi Ajomale is of 

Caleb University, Imota Lagos, Nigeria.  

Email: funmilayi.ajomale@calebuniversity.edu.ng 
 

 

 

 

Dr Christian Osemuyi Oseghale is a lecturer in Caleb 

University, Imota Lagos, Nigeria. Email: trustnigent1 

@gmail.com. Orchid ID: 0009-0001-0276-0607 
 

 

 

 

 
 

APA 
 

Ajomale, F. F. & Oseghale, C. O.  (2025). Oil Spills in the Niger 

Delta and Their Impact on Food Security in Nigeria: A Prevalent 

Challenge. Global Online Journal of Academic Research (GOJAR), 

4(1), 41-59. https://klamidas.com/gojar-v4n1-2025-03/.  
 

MLA 
 

Ajomale, Festus Funmileyi and Oseghale, Christian Osemuyi. “Oil 

Spills in the Niger Delta and Their Impact on Food Security in 

Nigeria: A Prevalent Challenge”. Global Online Journal of 

Academic Research (GOJAR), vol. 4, no. 1, 2025, pp. 41-59. 

https://klamidas.com/gojar-v4n1-2025-03/.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


