MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: DELTA STATE OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES IN FOCUS

Abstract

This paper is a research-based evaluation of media, communication, and environmental justice in Nigeria`s Niger Delta, with focus on oil producing communities in Delta State. The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has been plagued with environmental problems due to oil exploration and exploitation activities in the area. The residents of the Delta State oil-producing communities are facing various environmental problems, which has led to environmental degradation in the area. This paper examined the types of environmental problems faced by the residents of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, the impact of environmental degradation on the region, and the expected role of the media in communicating the environmental injustices in the area. The study also evaluated how the media have performed their environmental justice role. The paper used the agenda-setting theory and framing theory, and, a survey method was employed.  Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Results revealed the severe environmental problems facing the oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Further, the study found that the media in Nigeria have not adequately reported on the environmental injustices and human rights violations taking place in the Niger Delta region. Finally, it was concluded that, in order to ensure environmental justice, stakeholders need to be equipped with the right media and communication strategies to facilitate public engagement and participation.