Exploration, Mining and Energy Generation in Nigeria: Exposure to Organo-Chlorinated Compound and OtherChemicals — Environmental and Public Health Implications

Michael P. Okoh1, and Chux U. Daniels2

1. Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria

2. Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), Falmer-Brighton, University of Sussex, United Kingdom and Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract: As an oil producing Nation with large mineral deposits, coal is one source of energy generation in Nigeria. However, bye-products of these minerals as alternative energy sources include heavy soot, high emissions of greenhouse gases and resultant organo-contaminates, which are bye-products (i.e., wastes) of heavy machineries. These wastes constitute hazards to the environment and public health. Consequently, Nigeria faces the challenge of organic waste with reverberations and negative impacts on the social, political and economic development of the nation. In this paper we examine the exploration, mining and generation of energy in Nigeria and how the practices involved results in hazards that include exposure to Organo-Chlorinated Compound, Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyl (PCB), classified amongst a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Drawing from empirical data captured, we analyze the environmental and public health implications of PCB and other chemicals such as mercury. Our findings reveal that environmental pollution from POPs and indeed chemical sources have increased in Nigeria, due mainly, to the expansion of urban, agricultural and industrial activities. We conclude by providing recommendations for the management and governance of POPs and address the policy implementations of the findings.

Key words: PCBs, POPs, hazards, exploration, mining and energy generation, Nigeria