THE HISTORICAL EMERGENCE AND EVOLUTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53704/xcs1jm38Keywords:
Environmental law, Nigeria, Sustainable development, Legal framework, and Enforcement.Abstract
Abstract:
The development of environmental law in Nigeria has evolved from pre-colonial and colonial eras of conservationist policies to more comprehensive pieces of legislation (post-independence era) aimed at addressing environmental degradation that guarantee sustainable development. This paper traces the history, X-raying the emergence of environmental law in Nigeria through examining key milestones, statutory enactments, judicial interventions, and perspectives of legal luminaries/scholars in the field of environmental law. In addition, it underscores the challenges that hinder the enforcement of available legislation and policies, as well as the influence of international treaties on Nigeria's environmental legislation and policy structure. The study underscores robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms as pivotal in protecting Nigeria's environment for future generations. It also evaluates the constitutional foundation of environmental governance in Nigeria, particularly the relevance of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution and its justiciability debates. The paper critically assesses the role of regulatory bodies, compliance monitoring mechanisms, and community participation in environmental decision-making processes. Furthermore, it reflects on the persistent problems of weak institutional capacity, political interference, corruption, inadequate funding, and limited public awareness, which collectively undermine effective enforcement. The study situates Nigeria’s environmental legal regime within broader global sustainability discourse and highlights the need for legislative reforms, strengthened judicial oversight, and improved synergy between domestic laws and international environmental obligations.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ganiyu Yahaya, Ph.D, HALIMAT TOPE AKAJE, Ph.D, ZAINAB YAHAYA, MARVELLOUS OLUWANIFEMI ADEBAYO
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