Redressing harmful environmental practices in the Nigerian petroleum industry through the criminal justice approach

Abstract

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 to
codifying 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 Nations
Sustainable 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.