Nigerian Environmental Regulations and Environmental Degradation in Niger Delta

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue I, January 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Nigerian Environmental Regulations and Environmental Degradation in Niger Delta

Aduku Abdul Ainoko
 LLM International Human Rights Law, University of Liverpool (as a commonwealth shared scholar), LLB Kogi State University, BL Nigeria Law School, Nigeria, currently works as an Attorney at O G Aleji and Partners (a private law firm in Lokoja, Kogi state Nigeria)

Abstract: – This article analyses Nigerian environmental laws and how effective they are in regulating the activities of oil multinational companies (MNC’s) in the NDR, and protecting the environment and the people of the region. Right to environment is gaining increasing prominence globally. In some jurisdiction’s this right is guaranteed and enforceable constitutionally. The article presents an argument in favour of making the right to environment enforceable. The article examines the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the environment, Nigeria laws on oil and gas as well as the environment, common law and the problems militating the effective enforcement of environmental laws in Nigeria.

Key Words: – Environmental Degradation, human rights, oil, Gas, law.

I. INTRODUCTION

The exploration of oil and gas by multinational corporations (MNC’s) have culminated in series of human right violations and environmental degradation across the globe. MNC’s in concert with host governments are often involved in the human rights violations and environmental injustice, the situation is most times much more deplorable and prevalent in developing States, where economic interest is given priority over human rights, peace and sustainable development. Most times ‘[t]he worst victims of environmental harm tend to be those with the least political clout, such as members of racial and ethnic minorities, the poor, or those who are geographically isolated from locus of political power within their country.’ In Nigeria, the indigenous people of Niger Delta are the victims of the exploration activities of the oil MNC’s, their sustainable lifestyle has been considered improbable to sustain as their ancestral land and natural resources have been severely devastated.

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