Review of Environmental Legislations in Nigeria: Case study of EIA Act, NOSDRA ACT, NESREA ACT, EGASPIN Regulation and HYPREP Gazette

Laws have played both negative and positive roles in the management of the Nigerian environment as it relates to the activities of individuals and industries. In some cases, it looks as if the proponents of some legislations just want to fulfil all righteousness by enacting some legislations because oftentimes the content turns out to be empty, ineffective or does not reflect the reality of what they are meant to achieve. In some other cases the enforcers are not well informed on the extent of their powers and responsibility or not willing to act it. The major challenges most times is the proliferation of several regulatory agencies/departments/commissions etc with overlapping duties with each fighting for control rather than seeking synergy. The inadequacy of the penal or correctional provisions in a number of the laws also often renders the laws useless and incapable of achieving any positive change.