Abstract
One of the causes of air pollution is the emission of sulphur dioxide by the combustion of fossil fuels such as gas, petroleum and coal into the air. Pollution has caused many diseases such as respiratory irritation, shortness of breath, impaired pulmonary functions, increased susceptibility to infection, illness to lower respiratory tracts and so on. This work examined air pollution occasioned by the activities of oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria and its implications on human rights. Air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, Nitrogen Oxide, sulphur oxide and Hydrocarbons are emitted from the activities of oil and gas companies in Niger Delta, causing untold environmental degradation and pollution, which eventually harm human lives in the region. The aim of this study was to investigate air pollution caused by the activities of oil and gas companies and consequential human rights infractions. Its objectives were to ascertain whether air pollution caused by oil and gas companies had grave human rights infractions. The doctrinal research methodology was adopted. It was discovered that air pollution caused by the activities of oil and gas companies in the Niger Delta was the result of dangerous diseases in the lives of the people in the regions and most times resulted in death. It was further discovered that the right to life, the right to live in a wholesome environment and the right to a standard of living adequate to health and wellbeing were severely violated. It was recommended that our laws permitting the Minister of Petroleum to issue permits to operators in the oil and gas industry to continue to flare gas be amended.
Oyepho Akeuseph
pp. 90 – 100
