
Redressing harmful environmental practices in the Nigerian petroleum industry through the criminal justice approach
Author(s) -
Cleverline Brown,
Nlerum S. Okogbule
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal for sustainable development law and policy/journal of sustainable law and policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2467-8392
pISSN - 2467-8406
DOI - 10.4314/jsdlp.v11i1.3
Subject(s) - harm , environmental crime , enforcement , environmental degradation , multinational corporation , sustainable development , environmental pollution , environmental law , environmental justice , law , business , petroleum industry , law enforcement , oil spill , environmental planning , environmental protection , political science , engineering , ecology , environmental engineering , environmental science , biology
The discovery and continued exploitation of crude oil in Nigeria with its many advantages, has exposed the Nigerian environment to several forms of pollution and degradation. Consequently, extensive harm has been done to the human and natural environment some of which may prove irreversible. This is largely attributable to wrongful environmental practices, sabotage, ineffective regulation and enforcement mechanisms. Sadly, environmental laws in Nigeria do not specifically criminalize such inimical activities, while some grave environmental crimes are downplayed and treated as civil wrongs. This article argues in favour of a compelling need for a reassessment of environmentally harmful acts with a view tocodifying and criminalizing certain acts to promote the observance of basic environmental laws, especially by multinational corporations, and support the realization of a sustainable environment in the country. This has become imperative as Nigeria is a subscriber to the United NationsSustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An effective and efficient regulatory regime is a vital for achieving these goals by the year 2030.
Keywords: Environment, Environmental Pollution, Environmental crime, Ecocide, SDGs.