Abstract
The importance of Oil and Gas in Nigeria and globally cannot be over emphasized. In Nigeria, Oil and Gas is of great economic importance, as it’s the main stay of Nigerian economy. The multination oil co-operations in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta part of the country are actively involved in several prospecting exploration and exploitation activities on oil and gas, which have led to astronomical increase in environmental pollution, with dire or deleterious consequences to human health and ecosystem. Apart from oil thefts, there are acts of sabotage, pipeline ruptures and vandalism, etc., resulting in oil spillages and consequently environmental pollution and degradation. However, in order to tackle the myriads of issues or menace of environmental pollution, the Federal Government of Nigeria has enacted several laws, such as the NESREA Act of 2007, the Criminal code Act, etc. There are also multifaceted international laws on environmental pollution to which Nigeria is a party. Unfortunately, despite these laws on oil and gas pollution, environmental pollution by oil and gas seems to be endless in Nigeria. With the view to ascertaining the reasons behind the continues pollution of the environment through oil and gas activities, irrespective of the laws, and proffering solution thereto, this research was undertaken. It was found inter-alia that laws on environmental protection no matter the deficiencies in some of them do not constitute the major problem, but lack of will in enforcement and commitments by the Government. Upon conclusion, it was recommended inter alia that section 6 (6) (c) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 be expunged; that laws on Oil and Gas pollution in Nigeria should move enforced and certain provisions therein be amended; and that Nigeria should go beyond legal tools and resort to technological approach in addressing environmental pollution challenges in Nigeria.
Emejuru, Emenike, Dr. Maureen Baribefe-Koate, Enyindah Jeffers Francis
pp. 65 – 89
