INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL INSECURITY AND OIL EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES IN RIVERS STATE FROM 2017 TO 2023

1.1 Background to the Study The global economy is largely sustained by resource wealth and technological progress, with many nations leveraging these advantages to drive development. Nigeria, like several resource-rich countries, is particularly known for its substantial hydrocarbon deposits in the Niger Delta. In many parts of the world, the extractive sector—including hydrocarbons, solid minerals, and valuable cash crops such as cocoa and coffee—acts as the economic backbone. This sector is pivotal in 81 countries and contributes about 25% to the global Gross Domestic Product (enviroliteracy.org, 2018). Crude oil, a key extractive resource, has significantly boosted national economies and served as a primary energy source across the globe. Rivers State, located in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, is a vital area for the nation’s oil exploration and production, contributing immensely to its economic revenue. However, since the commercial discovery of oil in Oloibiri in 1956, exploration and extraction activities have caused severe environmental degradation in the region (Ogonny & Ade, 2023). Despite its economic importance, the state continues to experience various forms of environmental insecurity—including pollution, loss of biodiversity, and escalating conflicts over natural resources. Among the most pressing environmental concerns are recurrent oil spills. These spills, often caused by equipment failure, pipeline vandalism, or corporate negligence, have contaminated farmlands and water bodies, directly undermining the livelihoods of local communities who depend on fishing and agriculture (Eze & Akpan, 2023). The resulting outcomes include soil degradation, water pollution, food insecurity, and the collapse of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, gas flaring remains a major contributor to environmental degradation in the region. This practice not only contributes to global warming but also releases toxic gases and chemicals that expose communities to grave health risks, including respiratory disorders and cancer (Nnimmo & Emeseh, 2023). Although several regulatory frameworks have been put in place to reduce gas flaring, weak enforcement continues to prolong the practice and its associated hazards. Furthermore, the rise of illegal artisanal oil refining in Rivers State has become both a symptom and a driver of environmental insecurity. While such activities offer economic survival for impoverished residents, they significantly worsen pollution, deforestation, and air quality degradation (Partners for Peace, 2024). Often, law enforcement actions targeting these illegal operations fail to address the root socioeconomic conditions, thereby escalating tension and unrest in the affected communities. Beyond environmental harm, the health implications for residents living near oil exploration zones are profound. These populations commonly report pollution-induced ailments, such as gastrointestinal infections and skin diseases. Exposure to hydrocarbons and heavy metals in water sources poses long-term health risks, particularly to pregnant women and children (Uche et al., 2024). The social fabric of the region has also been impacted. Resource-related disputes, allegations of environmental injustice, and perceived inequities in oil revenue distribution have led to a breakdown in trust between local communities, oil companies, and the government. These tensions often result in violent clashes, undermining peace and hindering development initiatives (PIND, 2024). On the economic front, although Rivers State generates substantial revenue for the Nigerian state, much of the local population remains economically marginalized. Environmental damage disrupts traditional livelihoods and limits access to sustainable economic opportunities. The absence of adequate compensation or development programs fuels frustration and deepens poverty (Okon & Bassey, 2023). While various legal and institutional measures have been introduced to tackle these challenges, their impact has been limited due to poor enforcement, corruption, and minimal community participation. One prominent example is the UNEP report on Ogoniland, which proposed a comprehensive environmental remediation plan. However, the implementation has been slow, and many of its key recommendations remain unfulfilled (UNEP, 2024). Given this context, the researcher aims to explore and analyze the impact of environmental insecurity and oil exploration in Rivers State from 2017 to 2023. ________________________________________ 1.2 Statement of the Problem Across the globe, nations endowed with hydrocarbon resources such as crude oil and natural gas have generated considerable revenue from extraction activities. While such ventures can be a blessing for the producing nations, they are often accompanied by serious environmental challenges—especially in contexts where governance is weak and environmental oversight is minimal. In contrast to developed nations where environmental concerns are more effectively managed, oil-producing states in the Global South, including Nigeria, frequently experience environmental degradation on a much larger and more damaging scale. Rivers State, rich in oil resources, has been a focal point for environmental and socioeconomic challenges resulting from decades of oil exploration. Problems such as oil spills, rampant gas flaring, and unauthorized artisanal refining have devastated local ecosystems, endangered public health, and undermined the livelihoods of residents. Since 1958, approximately 13 million barrels of crude oil are estimated to have spilled across the Niger Delta, severely affecting water quality, agricultural output, and community health and well-being (Nnimmo & Emeseh, 2023). Government crackdowns on illegal refineries, though aimed at environmental preservation, often disrupt local communities without providing viable economic alternatives. This contributes to social unrest and exacerbates environmental and economic vulnerabilities (P4P, 2024). The persistence of environmental degradation has given rise to resource-related conflicts, health crises, and forced displacements of affected populations. Ineffective policy implementation and minimal community engagement have entrenched a vicious cycle of insecurity and economic stagnation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive research to examine the implications of environmental insecurity and oil exploration activities in Rivers State between 2017 and 2023. 1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study The broad aim of the study is to investigate the Effects of Environmental Insecurity and Oil Exploration Activities in Rivers State from 2017 to 2023. The specific objectives is as follows i. To examine the factors that contribute to environmental insecurity in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023. ii. To determine the extent environmental insecurity affects the prospect of oil exploration in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023. iii. To evaluate the impact of environmental insecurity on oil exploration in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023. iv. To evaluate the implication of poor oil exploration as a result of environmental insecurity in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i. What are the factors that contribute to environmental insecurity in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023? ii. What is the extent at which environmental insecurity affects the prospect of oil exploration in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023? iii. What is the impact of environmental insecurity on oil exploration in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023? iv. What is the implication of poor oil exploration as a result of environmental insecurity in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023? 1.5 Research Hypotheses The stated hypotheses have been formulated to guide the study H0: Environmental insecurity does not have an impact on oil exploration in Rivers state since 2017 - 2023. Ha: Environmental insecurity does have an impact on oil exploration in Rivers state since 2017 - 2023. 1.6 Significance of the Study Practical Significance of the Study The findings will help policymakers design targeted strategies to mitigate environmental degradation, promote sustainable practices, and enhance regulatory enforcement. Communities in Rivers State can leverage the study to advocate for better compensation mechanisms, environmental justice, and improved health services. Additionally, oil companies can use the insights to adopt environmentally responsible exploration practices, reducing conflicts and fostering harmonious relationships with host communities. Theoretical Significance of the Study Theoretically, the study will contributes to the growing body of knowledge on environmental sustainability and resource management in developing regions. It will enrich the discourse on the nexus between natural resource exploitation and socio-environmental challenges. The research findings will provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of environmental insecurity, particularly in resource-rich but economically marginalized areas, serving as a reference for future studies on environmental governance and resource-related conflicts globally. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study focus on the impact of environmental insecurity and oil exploration in Rivers state, 2017 - 2023. Empirically, the study will examine the factors that contribute to environmental insecurity in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023, determine the extent environmental insecurity affects the prospect of oil exploration in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023, evaluate the impact of environmental insecurity on oil exploration in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023 and evaluate the implication of poor oil exploration as a result of environmental insecurity in Rivers state between 2017 - 2023. Geographically, the study will be delimited to Rivers state. 1.8 Limitations of the Study Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are: Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her. Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process. Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study 1.9 Operational Definition of Terms Environmental Insecurity: A condition where environmental degradation and resource exploitation lead to risks such as pollution, loss of biodiversity, and threats to human health and livelihoods. Oil Exploration: The process of searching for petroleum reserves, which includes geological surveys, drilling, and extraction activities, often associated with environmental and social impacts. Oil Spill: The accidental release of crude oil into the environment, particularly into water bodies or land, causing ecological harm and economic disruption. Gas Flaring: The burning of natural gas during oil extraction, which contributes to air pollution and climate change. Artisanal Refining: Small-scale, informal oil refining practices that often use rudimentary methods, leading to severe environmental pollution and health risks. Niger Delta: A region in southern Nigeria known for its vast oil reserves and significant environmental and socio-economic challenges linked to oil production. Biodiversity Loss: The reduction in the variety of plant and animal species due to environmental disturbances such as oil exploration and pollution.