OIL RESOURCE CRISIS AND SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION IN EMOHUA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The oil resource crisis in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, particularly in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, has created a paradox of wealth and deprivation. This study examines the oil resource crisis in Emohua, with a specific focus on the roles of social work interventions in addressing the challenges posed by oil exploitation. It explores how environmental degradation, unemployment, and poverty intersect with social work responses. Three research questions were raised as a roadmap to the study. Ecological Systems Theory was adopted. This study also adopted a descriptive qualitative research design, relying on secondary data for data collection, and was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that oil exploitation in Emohua has resulted in severe environmental degradation, including soil infertility, water pollution, and deforestation, which have disrupted agricultural and fishing livelihoods. Social work interventions such as health education, advocacy for environmental rights, and psychosocial support have become essential in mitigating the adverse impacts on community well-being; and also that weak governance frameworks, lack of accountability, and inadequate policy implementation have worsened the oil resource crisis in Emohua. This governance gap has expanded the roles of social workers beyond traditional practice, compelling them to engage in advocacy, conflict resolution, and community mobilization to demand justice and sustainable development. It was recommended that Social work practice should be mainstreamed into local governance structures, especially in oil-bearing communities. By formally recognizing social workers in environmental and developmental policymaking, their capacity to mediate conflicts, advocate for rights, and design community- driven interventions will be enhanced.