Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (The)

Adopting the Metaverse Technology in Enhancing the Nigerian Economy: Legal and Regulatory Issues

2026-07-18T09:58:39+00:00

The rapid growth of the metaverse which is a virtual space that integrates augmented
reality, virtual reality, and blockchain technologies brought immense economic
opportunities and challenges across the world. While developed nations increasingly
position to leverage these opportunities, developing countries like Nigeria may face
unique obstacles in utilising the metaverse technology. It is in this regard, that this
study examines the legal and regulatory issues as it concerns the economic challenges
posed by the metaverse in Nigeria's economy, indicating how regulatory gaps,
infrastructure limitations, and inadequate legal frameworks can serve to impact
economic participation in the growth of virtual spaces. Concerning this, the study will
employ the use of doctrinal methods of study, relying on primary and secondary
sources of research materials. The data obtained from these sources were analysed
using a descriptive and analytical method of study. The study found that the concept
of metaverse has gained global recognition, and it could aid in the development of the
Nigerian economy. The study further found that several legal and social issues may
arise in utilising the metaverse concept in the Nigerian economy. Given the review of
current legislation on virtual assets, decentralized finance, and immersive digital
interactions, these challenges include data privacy, digital property rights, taxation,
consumer protection, and cybersecurity. Hence, the study, therefore, concludes and
recommends that there is a need for Nigeria to implement a decent regulatory
approach, considering both rights and interests when operating its economy through
metaverse technology and economically maximizing the opportunities the metaverse
technology presents to Nigeria.

Intellectual Property Rights in Nigeria's Agricultural Sector: Promoting Sustainable Development and Food Security Through Innovation

2026-07-18T10:21:22+00:00

The agricultural sector plays a major role in enhancing the Nigerian economy and
contributes to its development. Despite this promising advantage, the sector is
faced with challenges ranging from food insecurity to environmental crises caused
by limitations in the advancement and efficiency of eco-friendly production
practices, poor technological innovations, and economic instability. Intellectual
property rights (IPR) seek to protect inventions and inventors, who encourage
innovative creation and foster a conducive environment for investments and
sustainable development. This paper examines the roles of IPRs in the agricultural
sector, specifically in promoting sustainable development and food security in
Nigeria. It explores the opportunities and economic challenges faced in ensuring
sustainable development in Nigeria through agricultural practices. This paper
explores regulatory hindrances that may arise in promoting food security and
sustainable development. To achieve the paper’s objectives, the doctrinal research
methodology was adopted. The paper’s findings highlight key challenges faced,
such as poor awareness of IPRs, limited resources, a lack of specialised courts in
the enforcement of IPRs, and poor technological capacity. It recommends
regulatory reforms that encourage agricultural practices that promote sustainable
development, increased rural public enlightenment schemes, and investment in
technological advancement. A shift in creating effective technologies and adopting
sustainable practices with IPRs will contribute to food security, industrial growth,
and sustainable development.

Critical Analysis of Value Added Tax System in Nigeria

2026-07-18T10:32:17+00:00

Value-added tax, commonly referred to as VAT, is an indirect consumption tax on
goods and services that has significant importance in Nigeria for revenue
collection. On the other hand, ambiguities such as legal jurisdiction, taxable
supplies, input VAT recovery, and enforcement inconsistencies within the Nigeria
legislation have thrown up many controversies in the operation of the tax between
the Federal and State Governments. The aim of this study was to analyze the legal,
administrative, and structure of VAT in Nigeria. Using the doctrinal research
methodology, this study reviewed primary sources such as statutory laws such as
the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act (VATA) of 2007, as amended by
subsequent Finance Acts, including the Finance Act of 2019, 2020 and 2023.court
decisions and secondary sources including government reports to assess the
efficacy and challenges of Nigeria's VAT system. The findings revealed that
Nigeria’s VAT system faces challenges, including insufficient taxpayer data, low
compliance rates, and corruption in tax administration. Also, ambiguities within
the 1999 Constitution have fueled jurisdictional conflicts. It was concluded that
these challenges limits VAT’s potential to drive economic and social sustainability.
Key recommendations include amending the 1999 Constitution to include VAT in
the Exclusive or Concurrent Legislative List because If VAT is to remain federal,
Item 59 (Exclusive List) should be expanded to clearly define VAT as a federal tax
also if states are to collect VAT, Item 7 (Concurrent List) should be amended to
specify VAT as a state-administered sales tax, improving data collection methods,
and strengthening punishments for tax corruption.

Food Security, Climate Change, And Sustainable Development: Legal and Policy Perspectives in Nigeria

2026-07-18T10:43:55+00:00

Food security is a crucial aspect of sustainable development, directly influencing
economic stability, health, and social well-being. In Nigeria, climate change poses
a significant threat to food security through extreme weather conditions,
unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and flooding, which negatively impact
agricultural productivity. This paper examines the intersection of food security,
climate change, and sustainable development in Nigeria, analyzing existing legal
and policy frameworks such as the Climate Change Act 2021,1
the National
Environmental (Agricultural Sector) Regulations 2009,1
and the National
Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022–2027,1
alongside
their limitations and potential reforms.. The study highlights major gaps in
Nigeria’s legal framework, including weak enforcement of environmental
regulations, lack of climate-smart agricultural policies, insufficient land and water
management laws, and inadequate legal provisions for smallholder farmers. It also
examined international and regional legal frameworks, such as the Paris
Agreement2015)1
and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development
Programme (CAADP) (adopted in 2003),1 which provide guiding principles for
addressing climate-related food security challenges. To enhance food security, the
paper recommends strengthening environmental laws, implementing climatesmart agriculture policies, supporting smallholder farmers, and integrating disaster
risk reduction strategies. Aligning Nigeria’s legal and policy frameworks with
international best practices will foster sustainable agricultural development,
mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, and ensure long-term food security
in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Advancing Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria

2026-07-18T10:52:06+00:00

Nigeria has constantly struggled to achieve sustainable economic development,
especially with major infrastructural shortage in areas of energy, healthcare,
education and other major sectors. These shortages hinder the nation’s progress;
reduce the quality of life; and limit opportunities for job employment, poverty
alleviation and economic diversification. Both the public and private sectors have
made efforts to address these issues independently, but their efforts have often fallen
short of achieving sustainable economic development. The public sector enterprises
often encounter constraints such as lack of funding, bureaucratic delays, and
governance related issues; while the private sector initiatives face regulatory
challenges, market risks and limited access to public support systems. Due to these
constrains, Nigeria’s economic growth remains inferior, and social inequities persist,
preventing broad-based development and rebounding. Considering these issues,
this study aims to examine how public-private partnerships can be used to advance
sustainable economic development in Nigeria. It also examines the legal and
regulatory framework, and the current state of public-private partnerships in
Nigeria. Using a doctrinal research methodology, the study finds that while PPPs
have been successfully applied to certain projects in the country, there are still gaps
in the legal and regulatory frameworks, weak institutional capacity which can create
significant challenges to private investors and political instability which can hinder
the execution of long-term projects. To enjoy the full benefits of PPPs, the study
recommends that the government should strengthen legal, regulatory and
institutional frameworks, create a transparent environment for local and foreign
investors, and promote financial sustainability through sourcing for alternative
funding mechanisms.

Consumer Credit In Nigeria: Appraisal Of The Emerging Legal Reforms For Economic Sustainability

2026-07-18T11:02:32+00:00

Consumer credit transactions facilitate access to financial resources for individuals
and enterprises, serving as a catalyst for economic expansion, financial inclusion,
and enhanced purchasing capacity. However, despite its importance in Nigeria
there are ancillary provisions or various statutes that are applicable to consumer
credit transactions such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act
2018, Banks and Financial Institutions Act 2020, Credit Reporting Act 2017,
Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act 2017, CBN Act 2007, the Consumer
Protection Agency Law 2012 of Lagos alongside guidelines like the FCCPC Fair
Lending and Debt Collection Guidelines (2024) and CBN Guidelines on
Responsible Digital Lending (2024). Without a comprehensive regulatory
framework, the path for sustainable economic development is plagued by
enormous challenges in regards to consumer protection, capital stability and
equitable access to credit. This paper critically examines the relationship between
Consumer Credit Transactions and Economic Sustainability in Nigeria, analyzing
the legal and regulatory framework to facilitate sustainable development. It
examined the existing regime of consumer credit in Nigeria by critically
scrutinizing several legislative instruments. Additionally, the paper tackles the
regulation of money lending activities. Comparative perspectives from developed
economies, such as the United States with its strong consumer credit laws are
drawn to enrich the analysis. The paper discusses the need for Nigeria to adopt
tailor made consumer credit regulations in line with international best practices, in
order to achieve sustainable development. The study concluded by proposing
actionable legal and regulatory recommendations such as strengthening oversight
of digital lenders through proactive monitoring and sanctions and Promoting
financial literacy to empower consumers.

Bracing Up Institutional and Legal Frameworks For Environmental Protection in Nigeria Towards Sustainable Development

2026-07-18T17:45:30+00:00

Environmental degradation poses a significant challenge to sustainable
development in Nigeria. Key issues include institutional weakness, an inadequate
legal framework, and the judiciary's often unprogressive stance on environmental
protection. This paper critically examines judicial attitudes toward pollution
control and analyses the constitutional provision on locus standi under the 1999
Constitution (as amended), which impedes public interest environmental
litigation. These obstacles hinder sustainable development and negatively affect
communities that rely on environmental resources for their livelihoods. The study
adopts a doctrinal research approach, relying on statutes, regulations, case law, and
scholarly commentary to evaluate Nigeria’s environmental legal and institutional
framework. It also incorporates a comparative analysis with jurisdictions known
for progressive environmental governance. Key concerns include poor
coordination among regulatory bodies, weak enforcement, and judicial reluctance
to hold polluters accountable—particularly in industrial pollution cases. The paper
recommends reforming environmental laws, enhancing institutional capacity,
public sensitization, and adopting a liberal interpretation of locus standi. These
measures are crucial for advancing environmental justice and sustainability in
Nigeria.

Dual Citizenship and Nationality Laws in Nigeria and the United Kingdom: A Legal Comparative Study

2026-07-18T17:52:24+00:00

As globalization increases, dual citizenship has become more common,
raising legal and policy concerns about national identity, security, and
governance. This article compares how Nigeria and the United Kingdom
(UK) approach nationality and dual citizenship. It also examines the history
and legal frameworks of both countries, highlighting inconsistencies and
policy challenges. At the same time, it explores how dual citizenship relates
to economic growth, social inclusion, and legal certainty. By drawing on
international best practices and human rights principles, the study suggests
reforms that could make nationality laws fairer and more effective. A wellregulated approach to dual citizenship can strengthen institutions, improve
governance, and contribute to social and economic development in both
Nigeria and the UK.

Legal Mechanisms for Combating Transnational Corruption and Enhancing Economic Resilience in Selected West African Countries

2026-07-18T18:04:10+00:00

The persistence of high-profile corruption scandals and broad complicity by
public, and private actors highlight the imperativeness of an effective legal
response. The lack of implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption laws
pervade throughout West Africa, in spite of regional and international frameworks
that are supposed to tackle corruption. This study is borne out by the broader
ambition to critically analyse the applicable/legal set-ups in some West African
countries and how beefing these frameworks can increase accountability, economic
resilience and reduction in the level of corruption. It is in view of this that this
study focused on West Africa and dissected existing legal frameworks that have
been put in place to fight corruption, such as the United Nations Convention
Against Corruption UNCAC, the African Union Convention on Preventing and
Combating Corruption, and ECOWAS-specific protocols. In this regard, a
doctrinal method of study was adopted, the data obtained through the observation
of case studies of successful anti-corruption efforts and challenges in Ghana,
Nigeria, and Senegal, was analyzed through descriptive and analytical approach.
The study therefore found that there is the need for harmonized anti-corruption
laws, build institutional capacity, and sound economic policies to foster resilience.
It was recommended that there is need for strategic reforms that reinforce legal
mechanisms, regional economic stability, and adherence to global best practices
toward an improved, transparent, and resilient economy in West Africa.

Examining The Rights of Children Born Through Assisted Reproductive Technology in Nigeria: SDG3 in Perspective

2026-07-18T18:13:30+00:00

The rapid increase in the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology, which includes
techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and
surrogacy, raises significant legal, ethical, and social questions concerning the rights
of children born through these techniques and by extension has proliferating and
underexplored implications for children. Children born through ART are
colloquially called “test-tube babies” and are not considered as “normal” children.
In the absence of comprehensive regulation in Nigeria, children face uncertainties
regarding their legal status, parental rights, and societal acceptance, which can
impact their well-being and identity. There is a need for clearly defined rights
tailored for children born through ART and these rights must be recognized,
enforceable and sustainable as fundamental rights. Sustainable Development Goal
3 (SDG3) ‘ensure good healthy lives and promote well-beings for all at all ages’.
This means that preventable deaths of new-born babies may be ended and access
to reproductive health-care services would be made available by year 2030. One
important way of achieving this is the use of assisted reproductive technology
because it ensures birthing children who are free from genetic diseases. This study
examines the discourse on rights of children born through ART against the
backdrop of Sustainable Development in Nigerian society. Relying on the
doctrinal method of research, the study finds that absence of specific policies and
guidelines regulating the practice of ART in Nigeria has indirectly rendered
unspoken the rights of children produced through these methods. The study
concludes that, although children constitute a minority in the country’s
population, their rights should be held sacrosanct regardless of the nature of their
birth.

Corruption as Anathema to Economic Growth, Sustainability and Development in Nigeria

2026-07-18T18:20:18+00:00

Corruption, an ancient practice which is as old as mankind, can be traced back to
pre-biblical times and made itself known in the ancient civilization of developed
and developing countries. It hampers development and thus raises the level of
poverty in any economy that finds itself entrenched in corrupt practices contrary
to the sustainable development goals particularly goals 2, 9 and 16 . Corruption
creates uncertainty and risk in the growth and economic development and
sustainability in Nigeria. The aim of this is to investigate the impact of corruption
on economic development and sustainability in Nigeria. It elucidates the nature
and effects of corruption and highlights the linkages between corruption and
economic development in Nigeria. This research adopted a doctrinal methodology
focusing on the location and analysis of primary and secondary instruments to
establish the endemic nature of corruption and how it has retarded the speedy
growth and development that would have been witnessed in Nigeria since her
independence from her former colonial master. The research finds that corruption
permeates all sectors and institutions both public and private in Nigeria and has
significantly hindered and serves as anathema to her economic development and
growth. This research concludes that corruption contributes immensely to many
challenges being faced by the country ranging from weak and ineffective legal and
regulatory institutional mechanisms, de-industrialization, compounded poverty,
unemployment, human and food insecurity leading to various protests such as
ENDBADGOVERNANCE and ENDSARS protests respectively. This research
recommended very strong preventive, punitive and inter-agency cooperative
measures to combat corruption in Nigeria.

The Impact of Digital Healthcare Technology on Patient Safety and Rights in Nigeria: Legal and Economic Implications

2026-07-18T18:26:00+00:00

The development and increasing use of technology in modern healthcare
raises a number of socio-economic and legal concerns. A breach of patient
safety can be traditionally classified under medical negligence as a tort.
However, the scope of patient rights and safety transcends beyond the duty
of care owed by medical personnel to their patients; the patient, by law, has a
role in determining the extent of liability. A cursory examination of the
Nigeria Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR) reveals that, in order to secure the
rights of patients, the following actors are involved: the government, the
medical institution, the medical personnel, the patient, and the patient’s family.
Thus, patient safety and rights create different legal possibilities beyond the
parochial conception of the patient-doctor relationship within the traditional
tort of negligence. Despite the undeniable global shift towards the use of
healthcare technology to enhance patient safety, one of the major impediments
to adopting healthcare technology in Nigeria is the lack of adequate funding.
If the purpose of healthcare technology is to enhance patients’ rights and
safety, it follows that provisions ought to be made for it by the government to
medical institutions. Since the adoption of healthcare technology is costly,
what are the economic implications for the patient who, by PBoR, has a duty
to pay bills? The research postulates that the law on patient safety indicates
scenarios of contract, human rights, and tort as the case may be, while the
challenge of funding may require institutional reforms towards ensuring
sustainable development goal on good health and well being.

Legal Approaches to Promote Sustainable Development Through Green Fiscal Policies and Economic Stimulus in Nigeria

2026-07-18T18:34:31+00:00

Sustainable development has become pertinent to policymakers and, in recent
years, has formed the bedrock of new developmental objectives of African
countries. Nigeria has faced several challenges ranging from, legal,
governance, socio-economic, and environmental issues in achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There is a need to take a cursory look
at the legal approaches to promote the transition from the current pace of
economic progress in Nigeria to a sustainable, green economy and high
income through green fiscal policies, together with some economic stimulus
mechanisms and existing financing strategies. This paper adopts a doctrinal
legal research methodology in its analysis of how international and domestic
law may be utilized to promote sustainable development. The findings reveal
law and policy goals that ensure human well-being and social equity foster
long-run economic development and transition from a traditional economy
structure by ensuring job creation, and poverty alleviation to a green
economy. The research and its results advance the need for Nigeria to
undertake some legal strategies for integrating economic, social, and
environmental aims in making decisions or solutions on how money is
collected and spent to further the country's transition to and sustenance of a
green economy in its national budget concerning financial emergency due to
shortfalls in oil, and as a wider policy directive.

Promoting Energy Literacy For Decarbonization and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Current Challenges and Future Directions

2026-07-18T18:42:19+00:00

The important role of sustainable education and energy literacy as a tool for advancing
decarbonisation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been
transcribed in multiple national policy visions and guidelines in Nigeria. Despite this
increasing recognition, however, the implementation and delivery of sustainable education
(SE) and energy literacy programs remain stunted by a wide range of legal, policy and
implementation challenges. While several studies have compiled the importance of energy
literacy and SE , a comprehensive examination of the practical challenges that hinder
implementation of clean energy education including SE and energy literacy in developing
country contexts such as Nigeria remains sparse in the literature. This article aims to fill a gap
in this regard. This article contributes to the literature on strategies to address citizens' low
capabilities and skills to advance eco-entrepreneurial ventures that promote decarbonization,
sustainable development which contribute to the advancement of climate action and low
carbon transition plans. Policy, legal, institutional and governance challenges that arise with
the design and implementation of clean energy education including SE and energy literacy in
Nigeria are examined in order to identify the ways in which a comprehenisive governance
framework on SE and energy literacy can help close these gaps. Drawing comparative lessons
from high performing countries with superior Environmental Performance Index (EPI) such
as the United Kingdom with an EPI score of 77.70 while Nigeria has a low score of 28.30,
this article suggests that the elaboration of coherent national strategy on clean energy
education; a dedicated budgetary allocation for integrating sustainable education into the
educational curriculum and research; reform of the existing laws to ensure coherent
implementation of clean energy education; and the designation of focal clean energy literacy
units at higher education institution are significant steps towards improving the development
and implementation of energy literacy programs in Nigeria.

Strengthening Workers Voices: Legal Framework For Advancing Restorative Justice For The E-Hailing Workforce In Nigeria

2026-07-18T18:48:53+00:00

This article examines the social and human rights challenges facing e-hailing
platform drivers in Nigeria and the innovative legal and contractual framework
required to address such challenges. The research seeks to answer a significant
question on what should be the goals of a regulatory framework that can provide
redress to platform drivers. The author examined the findings from the digital
labor worker initiative project in Nigeria which adopted a collaborative and
relational framework based upon a restorative approach. The examination was
done by reviewing the results from 5 initial deliberative forums which brought
together 100 platform drivers each in 5 states, and the findings from 5 restorative
circles conducted at the Lagos restorative conference where the national collective
agreement was adopted and signed by social actors. Five particular themes emerged
from the initial deliberative forums; Compensation, Safety, Accountability,
Empowerment, and community. 300 Participants at the Lagos restorative
conference including workers and their family members, platforms, regulators
formed 5 restorative circles, each circle discussed one underlying theme from the
findings of the initial deliberative forum. The responses on the opinions of
participants from the restorative circles were collated and embedded into the
national collective agreement. The research explored corporate harm through the
lens of restorative justice for the victims of corporate violence in digital platform
work in Nigeria. It further emphasizes that the prevention of the repeat
victimization of platform workers should be a global concern that the adaptation
of restorative justice in digital platform work should seek to address. Finally, the
research work argues that restorative justice principles and practices can and
should be used to facilitate better redress for platform drivers; promote social
dialogue and collective bargaining, provide a proper channel of communication to
prevent unjust deactivation and dismissal, and especially ensure adequate social
protection for drivers and their families regardless of the nature or scope of the
employment relationship.

Addressing The Impacts of Regional Conflicts on Energy Security: Toward A Legal Framework For Credible And Transparent Mediation

2026-07-18T18:54:08+00:00

This study examines how the continued reliance of Western powers on Gulf oil
and LNG shapes global energy security and creates a structural need for
sustained conflict mediation during Middle Eastern crises. Using a qualitative
legal-analytical methodology, the article evaluates historical energy disruptions,
market transformations, and the evolving geopolitical role of Gulf states as both
energy superpowers and mediators. The findings show that despite
diversification efforts, Western economies remain vulnerable to Gulf-based
supply shocks - especially amid Qatar’s rising dominance in LNG markets and
ongoing regional chokepoint risks. The results also reveal a growing paradox:
Gulf mediators possess both the leverage to stabilize conflicts and economic
interests that complicate perceptions of neutrality. The study concludes that
effective global energy security now depends on hybrid mediation frameworks
in which Western states partner with regional actors to prevent marketdisturbing escalations and secure long-term stability.

International Investment Promotion And Facilitation In The Context Of The Sustainable Development Goals 2030

2026-07-18T19:00:56+00:00

Being the text of the distinguished keynote lecture delivered on December 07,
2025 at the international conference organized by the UNESCO Chair on
Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa
University (HBKU), in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry, Qatar, Invest Qatar, and the GCC Branch of the International Law
Association, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha, Qatar.

Editorial Comments

2026-07-15T11:36:30+00:00

No Abstract.