Soot Pollution in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A Grand Societal Challenge

Abstract: Soot pollution is a form of air pollution that can severely damage public health and the environment. The Residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and its environs have been suffering from the negative environmental effects of particle (soot) pollution since the fourth quarter of 2016. The emergence of this pollution has been drawing the interest of academics, international and local civil society organizations, and the government. The study analyzes soot pollution as a grand societal challenge in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and critically understand the role of environmental governance (different stakeholders) and leadership concerning soot pollution in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Given the interest of this research, the author decided to view the research problem from a social constructive perspective. Qualitative method (interview) was adopted in collecting data from eight (8) different stakeholders; two representatives from government, oil companies, civil society, and the community members respectively. The content and thematic analysis technique was used to analyze key informant interviews. Empirical findings shows that soot pollution in Port Harcourt Nigeria is a complex problem and poses several threats to the public health, politically, economically and the social environment. Further results also indicated governance as one of the most important factors in ensuring a sustainable environment.