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ARTICLE · 20 NOVEMBER 2007

Environment Law In Nigeria

Aluko & Oyebode
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The basis of environmental policy in Nigeria is contained in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NigeriaEnergy and Natural Resources
Oghogho Makinde
Oghogho Makinde
Temitayo Adeyoke
Temitayo Adeyoke

This article appeared in the 4th edition of The International Comparative Guide to PFI / PPP Projects 2007 published by Global Legal Group Ltd, London.

Nigeria

1 Environmental Policy and its Enforcement

1.1 What is the basis of environmental policy in Nigeria and which agencies/bodies administer and enforce environmental law?

The basis of environmental policy in Nigeria is contained in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Pursuant to section 20 of the Constitution, the State is empowered to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air and land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria. In addition to this, section 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act of 1992 (EIA Act) provides that the public or private sector of the economy shall not undertake or embark on or authorise projects or activities without prior consideration of the effect on the environment.

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