Abstract

The paper evaluates the environmental performance of SPDC and the Nigerian State in ensuring improved environmental quality. It x-rays the company’s efforts and the role of the state in safeguarding the environment. Using descriptive method of data gathering, the paper reveals the negative consequences of oil exploration – agricultural land degradation, air and water pollution. The environmental policies of SPDC and the state are below expectations given the huge earnings from oil. The activities of SPDC in the Niger Delta had left a balance sheet of ecological disaster. The state has been collaborating with the oil firms to unleash violence on the oil bearing communities. Among others, it is recommended that the state should enact effective and strict anti – pollution laws that would force the oil firms to ensure sound and healthy environmental practices.

Key words: Environmental degradation, oil multinationals, sustainable development, environmental remediation.