Appraisal of the Legal Framework on Environmental Pollution from Mining of Solid Minerals in Nigeria
Authors
Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. (Abuja FCT Nigeria)
Faculty of Law, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. (Abuja FCT Nigeria)
Assoc. Prof. Shamsuddeen Magaji
Department of Private and Islamic Law, Faculty of Law, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. (Abuja FCT Nigeria)
Department of Private and Islamic Law, Faculty of Law, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. (Abuja FCT Nigeria)
Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja. (Abuja FCT Nigeria)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100801121
Subject Category: Environmental Law
Volume/Issue: 10/8 | Page No: 16382-16406
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-09-06
Accepted: 2026-09-11
Published: 2026-09-24
Abstract
Nigeria is endowed with numerous mineral resources like tin, iron ore, limestone, gold, and columbite, along with fertile land for agricultural products such as cocoa, palm oil, and rubber, spread all over the country where mining activities are carried out daily. Despite Nigeria’s abundant mineral wealth and the strategic potential of the mining industry to drive national development, the environmental consequences of mining activities have raised serious concerns. Thus, the need to strike a balance is not only desirable but compelling. Hence, laws, regulations and policies have been made to ensure the protection of the environment. The article employed the doctrinal research methodology to examine the legal and institutional framework for the regulation of environmental pollution from mining solid minerals in Nigeria. It argued that much as mining of mineral resources is important for economic growth and development, it is also harmful to human health, livelihood, biodiversity, climate change and sustainable development. It also argued that there are challenges associated with the effective enforcement of mining and environmental laws and regulations in Nigeria. The article found that some of the reasons for the occurrence of environmental pollution from mining of solid minerals in Nigeria are inadequate enforcement and non-compliance with the relevant laws and regulations. It was also found that there is lack of proper coordination between the relevant government agencies responsible for enforcement of environmental laws in the country. The article concluded that by addressing existing challenges such as security concerns, and illegal mining, Nigeria can harness the potential of its abundant mineral reserves to achieve sustainable economic growth. Similarly, improving legislation and regulations, proper environmental management systems, proper mines closure and site reclamation processes should be adopted as strategies to combat the negative effects of environmental pollution from mining solid minerals in the country.
Keywords
Appraisal, Legal Framework, Environmental Pollution, Mining, Solid Minerals, Nigeria
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