A MANAGEMENT EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARD IN THE OIL PRODUCING AREAS OF BAYELSA STATE

ABSTRACT: In the year 1956, significant quantities of oil were initially discovered in Oloibiri, which is currently situated in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The discovery of oil has had both positive economic implications for the nation and negative environmental consequences for the individuals residing in close proximity to international oil firms engaged in oil exploration activities. According to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), an estimated annual volume of 2,300 cubic metres of crude oil is discharged into the environment, resulting in oil spills inside Nigeria. In order to provide direction for this study, four research inquiries were formulated and four hypotheses were developed and subsequently examined. The research employed a survey design, specifically utilising the simple random sampling approach to pick a sample size of four hundred (400) individuals who are indigenous to Bayelsa for the study. The instruments utilised for data collection in this study were questionnaires and observations. The data obtained was analysed using a basic percentage calculation method. The findings of the data analysis indicate a significant impact of oil leakage on human health. The annual decrease in agricultural output among the population can be attributed to the adverse effects of oil spillage on the environment, leading to the degradation of soil fertility. The presence of water scarcity in Bayelsa State, despite its geographical status as an island, might be attributed to the issue of water contamination. In conclusion, it becomes evident that insufficient efforts have been made to alleviate the plight of the populace residing in Bayelsa State. In the event of an occurrence of an oil leak outbreak within the community. In situations where the primary source of drinking water becomes contaminated, individuals are left without access to potable water and lack other sources for meeting their drinking water needs.