AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PREVENTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Legal frame work for the prevention of environmental degradation by oil and gas companies in Nigeria is partly Customary Law, partly Statutory Law, and partly Common Law. The Statutory legal regime for the prevention of environmental degradation in Nigeria is largely influenced by international legal norms for the prevention of environmental degradation by oil and gas companies. Arising from the legislative response, there are catalogue of laws which seek to protect the environment from degradation by oil companies but unfortunately the laws are ineffective, in addition to the ineffectiveness of the laws, the laws are also not adequately implemented and enforced by the appropriate authority. In addressing the short comings noted above, the study employs doctrinal method, in analyzing the existing laws. The study also observes that there are too many institutions that regulate the affairs of the oil companies in Nigeria and these make their functions to overlap. The study further observes that the nature of the laws are scattered in different legislation and other legal sources. Consequently, the study makes recommendations for the amendment of the policy and legal frame work, so as to have institution that enforces environmental law, employment of specialized, dedicated and courageous environmental law enforcement officers and establishment of environmental courts and more cooperation between host communities and oil operators.��� �������

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urn:uuid:625c3625-9b78-48c1-a36f-aa713448e594