Destruction of Biodiversity and Ecosystem by Oil Spill Pollution and The Livelihood of Wetland in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Oil spill pollution remains a critical environmental and socio-economic challenge in the wetland ecosystem of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The persistence of oil spills has raised concerns over declining biodiversity, disrupted livelihoods, and the inefficacy of existing policy interventions. This study examined the impact of oil spill pollution on biodiversity, socio-economic livelihoods, and the effectiveness of current mitigation strategies in six purposively selected wetland villages. The purpose was to statistically assess whether oil spills significantly affect species diversity, economic activities such as fishing and farming, and the functionality of remediation and policy measures. A descriptive survey design was adopted using a self-designed questionnaire titled Impact of Oil Spill Pollution on Biodiversity and Livelihoods in Wetland Ecosystem (IOSPBAL-WE). Data were collected from 300 participants selected across six villages using stratified random sampling. The instrument's reliability was confirmed through a pilot study with a Cronbach Alpha of 0.86. One-Way ANOVA, Independent t-test, and Chi-Square statistical tools were used for hypothesis testing. Findings revealed significant negative impacts of oil spills on biodiversity and livelihoods, and inadequate effectiveness of mitigation policies (p < 0.05 for all tests). It was concluded that urgent reforms are required. The study recommends that there is need for Community-led restoration projects should be prioritized. Also the researchers recommends that Government must strengthen environmental policy enforcement in oil-producing regions.