Dr Augustine Onyi Ushie, Dr Enya Inok-Kuti Ebak, Dr Ime Edet Sam, Dr Effiom Etim Effiong, Dr S. Oham Oham & Dr Osedumme Igwebuike
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between emergency response mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement in environmental governance and residents’ perception of water quality in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 254,200 residents of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. Using Cochran’s sample size determination formula, a sample of 422 respondents was selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure involving purposive, stratified random, and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts in Environmental Education and Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was established before the main study. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that emergency response mechanisms and stakeholder engagement in environmental governance demonstrated significant positive relationships with residents’ perception of water quality. The study concluded that rapid spill containment and inclusive participatory governance are pivotal in improving community confidence in water safety within oil-producing areas. It was recommended, among others, that oil companies and regulatory agencies should optimize emergency response systems for prompt spill containment.