ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF GAS FLARING IN PARTS OF RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The dishonesty of the Federal Government and the ecstatic approach of the multinational oil and gas companies towards addressing environmental issues on gas flaring has been a major concern in the Niger Delta. This work evaluates the environmental impacts and the government efforts towards addressing gas issues in Okrika and Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. Data was collected using well-structured questionnaires and analyzed using simple percentage. It was observed over 70% of the respondents agreed that gas flaring has adversely deterioted the environment and has also affected the socio-economic life, health, vegetation, and income in Niger Delta populace in the negative. Corruption was also observed as the major problem towards the implementation of the good policies of Government in addressing gas flaring environmental issues. The essentials of this research can be employed by government and non-governmental agencies while evaluating environment impacts caused by gas flaring.