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

The oil resource crisis in Nigeria's Niger Delta, particularly in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, reflects a paradox of wealth and deprivation. This study examines the impact of oil exploitation in Emohua and the role of social work interventions in addressing resulting challenges such as environmental degradation, unemployment, and poverty. Guided by Ecological Systems Theory, the study employed a descriptive qualitative design, utilizing secondary data analyzed through thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that oil activities have caused severe environmental damage including soil infertility, water pollution, and deforestation which have disrupted traditional farming and fishing livelihoods. Social work interventions such as health education, environmental rights advocacy, and psychosocial support were found to be vital in mitigating the adverse effects on community well-being. However, weak governance, lack of accountability, and poor policy implementation have intensified the crisis, forcing social workers to move beyond traditional roles into advocacy, community mobilization, and conflict resolution. These expanded roles highlight the importance of integrating social work practice into local governance and environmental policymaking in oil-producing regions. Recognizing and institutionalizing social workers within development frameworks will strengthen their capacity to promote justice, sustainable development, and community resilience in the Niger Delta.