EXPLORING WASTE MISMANAGEMENT AND ITS ATTENDANT EFFECTS ON HOST COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF OIL AND GAS INDUSTRIES OF DELTA STATE IN PERSPECTIVE

This research investigates the mismanagement of waste products by oil and gas industries in Delta State. It focuses on the factors responsible for poor waste management, the environmental impact of oil spillage, socio-economic development of host communities, and existing government policies. The study hinged on the conflict perspective with a survey research design and a sample size of 377 respondents from a population of 188,728 to gauge opinions from Jeddo Community of Uvwie Locality, Delta State. Qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews conducted with 3 interviewees who resided in the community as at the time of the study. Findings revealed that the factors influencing oil spillage include deliberate spillage, poor technological facilities, and cost-cutting attitudes. The study also revealed existing negative effects of oil spillage on the environment and thereby the socio-economic development of host communities, such as destroyed farmlands, tarnished livelihoods, and unusable water bodies. Another important finding was that of the failure of government to implemented existing policies geared towards addressing the mismanagement of oil and gas waste and the effecting of sanction on defaulting industries. It was therefore recommended that laws and policies to address these core issues be implemented to prevent future mismanagement. Additionally, host communities must be adequately compensated for the damages caused to their socio-economic development and environment. The findings underscore the need for effective policies and compensation for the mismanagement of waste products in the oil and gas industries.