Environmental pollution arising from oil prospecting and exploration in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria
has impacted negatively on the biodiversity of the affected areas. The main stresses arise from leakages
of crude oil, gas flaring and the escape of other chemicals used in production processes. Effects on the
flora and fauna of freshwater ecosystems in this part of Nigeria have been noticed. The government has
established laws for protection of the environment from oil exploration, but these must be made
effective in terms of implementation, enforcement and monitoring by responsible agencies. The oil
companies operating in this region have also contributed to reducing the impacts of their activities on
the host environment. This paper discusses the various impacts that oil production has had so far on the
biodiversity of this unique part of Nigeria, and reports on efforts made by the government, oil
companies and non-governmental organizations to remedy the situation.