Дата публикации: 18-07-2026 00:00:00

Environmental degradation poses a significant challenge to sustainable
development in Nigeria. Key issues include institutional weakness, an inadequate
legal framework, and the judiciary's often unprogressive stance on environmental
protection. This paper critically examines judicial attitudes toward pollution
control and analyses the constitutional provision on locus standi under the 1999
Constitution (as amended), which impedes public interest environmental
litigation. These obstacles hinder sustainable development and negatively affect
communities that rely on environmental resources for their livelihoods. The study
adopts a doctrinal research approach, relying on statutes, regulations, case law, and
scholarly commentary to evaluate Nigeria’s environmental legal and institutional
framework. It also incorporates a comparative analysis with jurisdictions known
for progressive environmental governance. Key concerns include poor
coordination among regulatory bodies, weak enforcement, and judicial reluctance
to hold polluters accountable—particularly in industrial pollution cases. The paper
recommends reforming environmental laws, enhancing institutional capacity,
public sensitization, and adopting a liberal interpretation of locus standi. These
measures are crucial for advancing environmental justice and sustainability in
Nigeria.

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