Restoring Groundwater Quality in the Niger Delta: Evaluating Pollution Sources and Exploring Global Best Practices
Ola Kalu, MLWS 2025
Groundwater is an essential resource for human health, agriculture, and sustainable development, yet it is increasingly threatened by contamination particularly in regions affected by industrial activities and weak environmental regulation. In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, prolonged oil exploitation and inadequate oversight have severely degraded water quality. The community of Umuakpara illustrates this crisis, where residents rely on groundwater that is often unsafe for human use. This study assessed the extent and causes of groundwater contamination in Umuakpara, evaluated its environmental and public health impacts, identified institutional and regulatory gaps, and explored international strategies for effective groundwater management. A qualitative, desk-based approach was used to synthesize findings from scientific literature, government reports, and global case studies. Results reveal the presence of hazardous pollutants in groundwater, including petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals, at levels far above acceptable limits. These contaminants pose significant health risks such as cancer, organ damage, and reproductive issues. The situation is further intensified by socio-economic vulnerabilities that limit community capacity to respond.
