AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This research examines the enforcement of environmental laws in Nigeria, focusing on the effectiveness of the country's legal and institutional frameworks for environmental protection. Despite a robust legal structure, the enforcement of environmental regulations in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including institutional weaknesses, inadequate resources, political interference, and overlapping mandates among regulatory agencies. The study analyzes the role of key regulatory bodies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the
National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), as well as state-specific agencies like the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).
The research employs a qualitative methodology based on secondary data, including legal texts, government reports, and scholarly articles. By reviewing these sources, the study identifies the major obstacles hindering the effective enforcement of environmental laws, such as corruption, lack of reliable environmental data, insufficient public awareness, and jurisdictional conflicts between federal and state agencies. The research also finds that Nigeria's over-reliance on the oil and gas sector has contributed to persistent environmental degradation, especially in the Niger Delta region, where oil spills and gas flaring are widespread.
The study proposes several reforms aimed at improving environmental law enforcement in Nigeria, including enhanced inter-agency coordination, the creation of a national environmental database, increased public awareness, and stronger penalties for environmental violations. The research underscores the importance of institutional capacity building and recommends greater public participation in environmental governance to foster a more sustainable and effective environmental management system.
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