Effect of Oil Exploration on Socio-Cultural Issues in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Oil Exploration, Socio-Cultural Issues, Oil Companies, Oguta and Likert ScaleAbstract
This study examined the effects of oil exploration on socio-cultural issues in Oguta local government area of Imo State, Nigeria. Cluster sampling technique was used to select 316 respondents for this study. Information on the objectives of this study was elicited from the sampled respondents through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as the mean, frequency distribution, percentage and Likert scale. Multiple responses were recorded in terms of environmental challenges posed by oil exploration in the area. Problems such as loss of source of livelihood, community clashes and intra and inter-community violence, loss of community norms, destruction of historical sites of importance, sexual pervasiveness, decrease in longevity and infant mortality and inequality/inferiority complex were regarded as serious socio-cultural problems in the area. Strengthening of Social Impact Assessment within the EIA process in Nigeria, as well as an upgrade to Strategic Environmental Assessment to address socio-cultural issues in policies and plans is recommended for the Government, while the management of oil companies should liase with members of the host communities on ways to restore and preserve the traditions of their host community.
References
Agboola, T. and Olurin, T. (2003). Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Niger Delta. Excerpt from a Research Paper presented to the Centre for Democracy And Development.
Alabi, O. F. and Ntukekpo, S. S. (2012). Oil companies and Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria: An empirical Assessment of Chevrons Community Development Projects in the Niger Delta. In British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 4, 2.
Birdsall, N. and Subramanin, A. (2004). Saving Iraq from its Oil. Foreign Affairs, 83, 77-89
Emmanuel ,O. (2004). Gauging progress on oil in Nigeria: Community Relations Development Impact and Revenue Transparency. (Online) Available at www.emalinsight.com/ 10.1108
Eregha, P. B. and Irughe, I. R. (2009). Oil induced Environmental Degradation in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta; The Multiplier Effect. In Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa,11, 4
George, Y. (2006). Pumping oil and pumping money: Impact on local cultures In Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Available online at www.emalinsight.com/10.1108
ISGR (2012). Imo State Government Reports. Available at http://en.www.imostate.gov.ng
Obasi, M. N. (2007). Environmental Education and Issues in Oil Exploration: A Case Study of Oguta LGA of Imo State. The Social Science, 2 (4), 381-384.
Okonkwo, U. U. (2011). The Aro, Host Communities and Continuities in Intergroup Suspicion in the Oguta Area since Pre-colonial times. Afro Asian Journal of Social Sciences, 2 (2), 4.
Orubu C. O., Odusola A. and Ewharieme W. (2004). The Nigerian Oil Industry, Environmental Diseconomies, Management Strategies and need for Community Involvement. Journal of Human Ecology, 16 (3), 203-214
Uyigue, E. andAgho, M. (2007). Coping with Climate Change and Environmental Degradation in the Niger Delta of South Nigeria, Benin. Benin City: Community Research and Development Centre (CREDC).
