Nigeria plagued by oil unrest

..”The place can’t be described by any word other than beautiful,” said Mr. Von Kemedi, describing Bayelsa, his home state. “It has islands, mango forest, rain forest, natural beaches. But, unfortunately, it has been negatively affected by the oil industry.”

The nine oil-containing states of southern Nigeria have been plagued for years by oil spills and air pollution. After a half-century of drilling, many pipes are leaky. Explosions occur now and then, and the frequent sabotage adds to the spills. Acid rain and toxic water damage fishing and farming, and pose great threats to the health of residents.

.. In Nigeria, which exports oil worth $30 million to $40 million per day, average personal income per year is $390. Poverty is on display alongside lavish spending.

World Peace Herald