Evaluation of the Impacts of Oil Spill Disaster on Communities and Its Influence on Restiveness in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract Nigeria is the sixth-largest exporter of oil and correspondingly the sixth largest nation among the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The petroleum product account for more than 90% foreign exchange for the Federation of Nigeria while the immediate environment suffers more than 90% environment and socio-economic degeneration. The incidences of oil spills however, negatively impacted the Niger Delta communities and the environment described as one among the worst impacted zones globally. Whilst the affected communities struggle for attention and justice for the environmental damages through protest, agitations and violence, the Nigerian state and the oil and gas industries continue with their operations. The paper investigates impact of the oil spills on community’s livelihood structures and its influence on restiveness in selected Niger delta affected communities. The paper adopts a qualitative research through interviews and group discussions with social activist, chiefs, experts in the field, youths and community leaders to identify oil spill impacts on community socio-economic conditions. Data collected were analysed using thematic templet analytic techniques. The study shows a high impact on the entire communities with different factors that have contributed to the increase on social aspects of the affected. The paper makes a recommendation to all stakeholders within oil related and the multinationals to improve their strategies and or contingency planning in tackling oil spill-related issues and adhere to community’s plight when appropriate.