Net Environmental Benefit Analysis: A Strategic Framework for Effective Oil Spill Incidents Management in the Niger Delta

Abstract Nigeria depends on crude oil as major sources of energy and revenue, and this has contributed to her foreign reserve and gross domestic products due to the long value chain. Regrettably, the country which has a rich ecosystem has been described as one of the most polluted regions globally due to incessant oil spill incidents. Stakeholders have not been able to address how best to manage oil spill incidents to minimize the impacts on host communities and the country at large. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyze how the application of the Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA) framework will enhance oil spill incident emergency management so as to minimize the impact especially on the coastal region of the Niger Delta. A cross-sectional descriptive research design approach was adopted, and the instruments for primary data collection were online questionnaire, semi-structured interview and checklist. A purposeful sampling which applied the inclusive and exclusive criteria was adopted to determine the study population. The research revealed the low level of awareness and application of the NEBA framework by operators in the Niger Delta. The research also revealed the relevance and benefits of the NEBA process in managing oil spill incident emergency management. An improved and robust NEBA framework was developed to enhance the net environmental benefits, improved safety to oil spill responders, enhance strategic cost-benefit analysis and tradeoffs. The need to increase awareness and training on the application of the NEBA framework to enhance the effectiveness of oil spill emergency response, review and adoption of international best practices in managing oil spills and collaboration between stakeholders were some of the recommendations made in this study. It is obvious that if the recommendations made are adopted by operators of crude oil and gas facilities, it would enhance safe and sustainable exploration, production, transportation of crude oil in the Niger Delta.