Protecting the one earth: An examination of the legal and institutional frameworks on environmental protection in Nigeria

Abstract

The protection of the environment is one of the most fundamental factors that guarantee the quality of human health. It thus means that the safety of  the environment impacts the life span of the people and determines the safety of humanity generally. One of the most fundamental challenges facing  Nigeria, especially since the 1950s when oil was discovered is environmental protection. The interactions among the people within their environment  have been blamed for these environmental challenges. Human activities such as gas flaring, deforestation, oil spillage, and desertification, amongst  other things, have been identified as agents of destruction of the environment. This article seeks to examine the legal and institutional frameworks on  environmental protection in Nigeria to ascertain the adequacy of these legislations and institutions to tackle environmental challenges. The research  adopts a qualitative research methodology using a doctrinal method of legal research. The research finds the laws on environmental protection in  Nigeria, the laws are docile and inoperative due to the failure of the institutions set up for environmental management to wake up to its responsibility.  The research, therefore, recommends proper overhauling of the institutions and amendment of some of the laws to meet the increasing danger of  environmental pollution.