Abstract
In Nigeria, air pollution is a serious issue with the country ranking among the most polluted countries in the world. In recent times, the emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) in Nigeria particularly in the Niger Delta region has become an issue of grave concern for all environmental stakeholders. The problem of air pollution in Nigeria has often been attributed to industrial activities, agricultural practices, vehicular emissions, poor waste management, poor sanitation exercises and many other factors. This paper therefore examined the issue of air pollution control under Nigerian law with a focus on the challenges and barriers to effective implementation. It argued that despite the existing laws, air pollution has continued to threaten the economic, social, health and environmental well-being of the society. The authors thus identified several critical challenges such as overdependence on fossil fuels, inadequate infrastructure for gas capture and storage, weak enforcement of environmental protection laws and limited compliance with international obligations. It also highlighted socio- economic factors such as illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the ineffective control of air pollution. The paper also made comparative analyses of air pollution control using South Africa and India and concluded that these issues and challenges facing the Nigerian legal framework on air pollution control must be adequately addressed before air pollution can be curbed in the country. It recommended among other things for the independence of the environmental regulatory agencies.
Onu Nengimote & Ikoedem Freeman Ikoedem
pp. 52 – 64
