Causes And Effects Of Illegal Oil Bunkering And Refining On Environmental Degradation In The Niger Delta Region Of Nigeria

Abstract

Crude oil illegal bunkering has become a lucrative business in Nigeria. It involves stealing of crude oil through pipeline vandalism, processing and finally selling the refined products in the ever available illegal markets. Blasts at the illegal processing or refining sides and spillages are common occurrences in Niger Delta region. This have led to significant environmental degradation and economic loses to region. Despite consistent government and multinational oil companies’ efforts to bring an end to this illegal and lucrative business, the activities of oil bunkering seem to be on the increase. The paper examines the causes and effects of illegal crude oil bunkering and refining in Niger Delta region, which becomes a major source of environmental degradation over the years. The paper adopted a qualitative/content research approach using secondary sources such as government publications, journals, newspapers, and the internet. The findings from the study revealed that; militancy in the region is a major sources of oil bunkering in the Niger delta region; illegal refining and destruction of illegal refining sites are major sources of environmental degradation. The paper suggests the need to improve security of oil pipeline in the region and in the long run replace the old cold pipelines with modern ones.