Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria (AELN) is one of the largest conservation organisation in Nigeria working to protect the environment on which all life depends.

I welcome you to this unique -Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria- The first of its kind in Nigeria. This group aims at developing and encouraging anew environmental order anchoredon a clean, healthy,safe and resilient environment. Our Environment is our future, our pride and joy. When properly managed and protected, would promote sustainable development; but if careless with it, would lead to myriadof health hazards to both humans and his entire ecosystem. There have been growing global trends toward environmental consciousness and protection. Nigeria needs to strongly send the message that it is not taking the back seat in this matter as with other matters of global and national concerns.

You will recall that all region of this nation today,no part or state is free from environmental degradation. In the Northern region, desertification with the consequence of migration is common. In the Eastern region,erosion with the consequence of poor agricultural yields  isprevalent. In the core South and Niger delta region, pollution of the air, land and water arising from age- long oil exploration is causing serious health and economic hazards to the people there. The Government of Nigeria has shown some efforts at environmental protection, but these efforts have never translated into concrete safe and healthy environment which most of us enjoy outside the shores of Nigeria. The economy of Nigeria is presently carbon intensive- dependson petroleum which is the main precursor of carbon and other green house gases. The petroleum and mineral law sectors are mainly implicated in the orgy of pollution and environmental degradation in the southern Nigeria and in particulate in Niger Delta region today. The recent soot  ( black carbon) which is ravaging all parts of Port Harcourt is also not unconnected with the activities of these industries and other illegitimates undertakings tangential to oil and gas productions within theshores and creeks of Rivers state.  It is therefore not difficult to see how that the Federal and state governments would not pursue strongly actions against the industries and facilities in these sectors that contribute to environmental damage. The ball thereforefalls on the organised private sectors and professional groups to take this fight up against the sectors that perpetuate environmental despoliations in Nigeria. This where this  AELN comes in. This is a call for all to join this group  which is  timely because any delay would be costly and may lead to irreversible gains.   Note that the death of our loved one’sin some of the heavily polluted cities in Nigeria is not only irreversible but cannot be quantified. This call for a sober reflection on the need to be part of this group. We promise not to be confrontational but to adopt practicable civilised means to achieve a clean, safe and healthy environment- the pride of our forefathers and founders as a nation,  and the joy of the present  and  future generations of Nigerians.