FUTY Journal of the Environment

Sustainable development challenges in Abuja's construction industry: Balancing economic growth and environmental conservation

2025-04-08T09:09:47+00:00

The construction industry is pivotal for economic growth, yet its operations contribute significantly to environmental damage and the unsustainable exploitation of depleted natural resources. Recognizing environmental sustainability as imperative, the industry strives to balance ecological preservation with urbanization. This study explores the impact of environmental sustainability on Abuja's construction sector, focusing on green building techniques, legal frameworks, technological advancements, economic implications, and societal benefits. Emphasizing the integration of environmental considerations into urban development strategies, the study aims to ensure Abuja's resilience and prosperity through sustainable construction practices.

Implementation levels of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 on mineral land compensation in Kebbi State, Nigeria

2025-04-08T09:13:22+00:00

The assessment of payable compensation is typically guided by Acts, decrees, and relevant statutory regulations that specify the methods of assessment, procedures, and rights of affected individuals. This study aims to evaluate the extent of implementation of compensation provisions in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMM Act) 2007 in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from a sample of eighty-nine (89) heads of Estate Surveying and Valuation firms in North-Western Nigeria, with seventy-two (72) responses (80.9%) returned. Of these, thirty-eight (38) firms with experience in mineral land compensation valuation were selected for analysis. Descriptive statistical tools, including Weighted Mean and Grand Mean based on a Likert scale of 1–5 points, were used for data analysis. The results revealed that only two provisions, Section 70 (1) (j) and Section 71 (1) (d), with weighted mean scores of 2.61 and 2.47, respectively, were above the Grand mean of 2.16, indicating that only these provisions were effectively implemented. The study concluded that the implementation level was as low as 25%, primarily due to selective implementation. The study recommends the establishment of enforcement policies to ensure the proper and comprehensive implementation of the Act's provisions, thereby protecting the rights of host communities.

Celebrity activism and climate change: Amplifying environmental advocacy in Nigeria

2025-04-08T09:18:14+00:00

Celebrities have a unique ability to transform complex issues into relatable and accessible narratives, and their influence extends into the realm of environmental activism. This paper explores how Nigerian celebrities are using their platforms to advocate for climate change awareness, mobilize support, and drive environmental action. By participating in climate conferences, promoting green initiatives, and fundraising for environmental causes, these public figures make climate change more tangible and relevant to everyday audiences. The analysis highlights how celebrities can inspire their followers to adopt sustainable behaviours and advocate for policies that prioritize environmental conservation. The paper concludes that through social media, public appearances, and collaborations with environmental organizations, celebrities play a critical role in amplifying the urgency of climate action, encouraging communities to take meaningful steps toward mitigating climate change.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Nigeria's construction sector: Lessons from the COVID-19 experience

2025-04-08T09:25:21+00:00

The outbreak of COVID-19 brought all sectors, including the construction industry, to a halt, resulting in the closure of construction sites worldwide. Leveraging the advantages of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies and the digital era could have mitigated some of the challenges faced by the construction industry, yet a certain level of e-readiness is required for its adoption and implementation. This study aims to ascertain the e-readiness of the Nigerian construction industry in adopting 4IR. The study's population consisted of construction professionals in Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna states of Nigeria, using a simple random sampling (SRS) method. The hybrid of VERDICT and CID e-readiness tools (Readiness for the Networked World) was adopted. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the responses based on the respondents’ firms’ sizes. The results revealed significant differences in opinions among various groups (micro, small, medium, and large firms). The Tukey Post Hoc test showed that responses from small and medium-sized organizations did not differ significantly, with a computed significance (p) value of 0.0904. Similarly, respondents from medium and large firms had related views, with a calculated significance (p) value of 0.090. However, comparing responses from small to large firms revealed significant variations, with a calculated significance (p) value of 0.032. Additionally, ANOVA indicated no significant difference in opinions across the nine professional groups despite their different career backgrounds. The study recommends further research to develop a framework for adopting 4IR in the Nigerian construction industry.