An Evaluation of the Impact of Oil Exploration on Sustainable Development Objectives for the Communities Within the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Oil exploration has been on-going in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria for six decades. The oil production in the region, which accounts for about ninety percent of Nigeria’s crude oil turnover, foreign export earnings and revenues, has resulted in massive degradation of the environment, negatively impacted the biodiversity, and caused irreversible damage to the built environment and sustainable development of the communities. Similarly, the communities close to the oil fields and installations have experienced high corrosion rates for building roofs caused by gas flare-induced acid rain, soot deposition on buildings and farmlands, and contamination of soil and water bodies. This has impacted negatively on the sustainable development of these communities. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the impact of the oil exploration activities on the promotion of sustainable development objectives for the communities. The study adopted a quantitative approach and obtained primary data using questionnaires which were administered to government ministries, departments, agencies, key leaders of the affected communities and representatives of oil producing companies in the Niger Delta region to explore the government’s sustainability policy programmes and the oil exploration practices in the Niger Delta. Secondary data from existing literature was also reviewed to compliment the primary data. Findings from the study revealed that substandard practices by the oil companies, the quest to maximise profits, poor governance, and lack of political will on the part of the government are responsible for the lack of attention given to the promotion of sustainable development objectives for the communities in the Niger Delta. These findings hold a salient implication for the country’s efforts towards the attainment of sustainable development goals for the oil producing communities and brought to bear the key issues underlying oil exploration and its associated sustainability problems for the built environment in the region.