The environment of man plays a significant role in the development of man and in determining his health status, no animal or plant has changed the environment as much as man (Mohtadi, 2015).
The earth, air, land and water have witnessed man’s devastating activities (Martonas, 2017).
In some instances the environment has been altered in a manner that its originality cannot be regained. Today the threat of oil spillage, air pollution, global warming, earthquake, landslides and other natural disaster are associated with man’s alteration of his own environment (Awake, 2017).
Man and the environment has a symbiotic relationship as civilization advances, so also man increased exploration and exploitation activities.
Oil spillage occurs when crude oil escapes, seeps or leaks either through pipelines or any other source from the point of extraction to the point of its final destination (Environmental Pollution Centres).
According to the Office of Response and Restoration online source reviews February 09, 2018, oil spills into rivers, bays and the oceans most often are cause by accident involving tankers, barges, pipelines, drilling rigs, refineries and storage facilities and they are caused by people making mistakes, equipment failure, or breaking down, natural disasters (hurricanes) deliberate acts by terrorists, vandals or illegal dumpers.
The consequences of oil spillage on the total environment cannot be overemphasized. Its effects on land vegetation and the emphasized. Its effects on land vegetation and the aquatic environment are calamitous.
Mittee, (2016) pointed out that despite the overwhelming gain, oil exploration and production has equally brought with it many adverse and quantifiable hazard. Apart from the notable pollution due to oil spill, agricultural activities especially fishing has been adversely affected and seismographic activities. The cultural and social life of riverine communities are also eroded. The alteration and total neglects of the environment have also added to the grave consequences for the people.
It is therefore in the light of the above, that this study seeks to examine the associated challenges of oil spillage among fishermen in Okarki Community.
