European Journal of Scientific Research - EuroJournals

European Journal of Scientific Research
ISSN 1450-216X Vol.14 No.3 (2006), pp. 439-446
© EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2006
http://www.eurojournals.com/ejsr.htm
Health Impact Assessement of Multinational Corporations Oil
Exploration in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria
Ewhrudjakpor, Christian
Senior lecturer, Department of Sociology & Psychology
Delta State University, P.M.B. 1 Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
Email: acadchris@yahoo.com
Tel: 08035784715
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the multinational oil corporations exploration
activities impacting on health conditions of the peoples of the Niger Delta region in
Nigeria. 435 respondents and 65 interviewees selected using the accidental sampling
technique participated in this study. The structured questionnaire and an interview schedule
was used to gather data which were analysed using simple percentages and the chi-square
(X 2 ) statistic. Results (X 2 = (1) 3.87, P < .05; X 2 (7) 361.46, P < .05) obtained shows that
oil exploration activities impacted negatively on the health conditions of the inhabitants of
these multinational oil companies host communities. Suggestions to reverse this corporate
social irresponsibility were proffered.
Introduction
The Niger-Delta region is the richest part of Nigeria, yet it is the poorest Okpowo (2002). This is
paradoxical. This is because, the multinational oil corporations exploit the natural resources-oil, but
have little or no dividends for the local governments or the host communities. In collaboration with the
federal government of Nigeria, the oil corporations (Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited,
Chevron Nigeria Limited, Exxonmobile Nigeria Limited and Texaco Nigeria Unlimited) easily exploit
and expropriate these Niger-Deltans.
The totality of these exploitation, expropriation and deprivation is on the health of the people of
this region. Health is a multi-dimensional variable, it cannot be separated from the human
environment-whether physical, social, cultural or economic components of the human functioning.
These components are major determinants of mortality rate globally. These components whether taken
separately or in combination prolong or eliminates illness or disease.
Good health is man’s most precious asset. ‘Health is wealth’. The wealth of a nation depends
on the health of its people. The truth of this phrase is self evident; for the citizens who produce this
wealth have to be healthy, in body and mind for them to be able to perform their duties effectively.
Ironically, the citizens who have these oil wealth do not partake in either the production of the refined
oil or in the sharing of the benefits that comes out of it. This is preposterous. From whence comes the
wealth. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health wholistically as: a state of complete
physical, mental and social well being, and not necessarily, the absence of infirmity or disease. Health
is the quality of life resulting from the total functioning of the individual in his environment that
empowers him to achieve a personally satisfying and socially useful life.
Nigeria’s 1979 constitution not only emphasizes health care as an essential part of socioeconomic
development, but also places it on the concurrent list. The document specifies that the health