Oil Spill Trajectory Simulations for the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The consequences of oil spills due to exploration and exploitation activities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have continued to pose detrimental effects to human health and the environment. This study examines the advection effects of oil spills using the Gnome oil spill trajectory tool to forecast oil slick movement and to assess the harmful environmental consequences associated with shoreline impacts. Oil spill data were obtained from the Department of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria, and used to simulate the spread of the spills over 12 consecutive months. The results for June, July, and December revealed the worst-case scenarios due to the high volatility of Nigerian crude, with the oil reaching the shoreline after 48 and 72 hours of simulation, respectively. The results predicted rapid spreading due to the higher API (American Petroleum Institute) grade of Nigerian crude oil. Response measures are therefore needed to address the spill at an earlier stage to avert escalation.