OHAZURUME - Unizik Journal of Culture and Civilization

This study interrogates oil mining in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria in the light of African Eco-Theology, to determine if due attention and affection is justly directed towards the environment in the face of incessant oil mining in the region. The study solicits intelligence from relevant officials associated with oil mining in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Germane literature on the subject matter where equally consulted. Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory was adopted in this study. The required prepositions and deductions were obtained strictly on the qualitative analysis and integration of the gathered data made through phenomenological and culture centered approaches. Findings posit that oil mining in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria catalyzes the severe environmental pollution of the area. The government along with the private companies involved in oil mining in the area have failed to direct adequate passion and care towards the environment in the region regardless of the fact that its inhabitants depend on agriculture, fishery and animal husbandry for livelihood. Consequently, the residents and citizens in the region experience economic hardship, poverty and variety of ailments. This study proposes, among others, that the Nigerian government cum the oil companies in the Niger Delta region must be re-oriented in their focus to plan adequately for the upkeep of the environment in the area apposite to the basic fundamentals of African Eco-Theology. The study equally undertakes to enlighten the Nigerian government, the private multinational oil corporations in Nigeria including the populace that environmental pollution negates core African values apposite to the environment; is a violation of the created order and thus implies disobedience to God’s injunction.

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