Abstract
This paper appraised the interface between environmental assessment (EA) law and practice in Nigeria and the various aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper noted that while Nigeria has a robust EA legal framework, the nation is still far from achieving the SDGs by the year 2030 due to challenges in applying the law. The paper discussed the relevant provisions of the Nigerian EA law. It further illustrated its application with some case law and examined its interface with the SDGs. The work found that while Nigeria has adopted several laws and policies to promote environmental protection and sustainable development, their implementation and enforcement remain a challenge. The paper further found that environmental assessment frameworks in the country provide an essential tool for integrating environmental considerations into development planning and decision-making. However, their effectiveness is often hindered by weak institutional capacity, corruption, and a lack of political will. The paper recommended among others, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting public participation, and enhancing collaboration among relevant stakeholders to improve the application of EA law and practice in Nigeria towards achieving the SDGs in the country.
Keywords
Environmental assessment, Law, Practice, Nigeria, Sustainable Development Goals, Challenges, Solutions
Full Text
This paper appraised the interface between environmental assessment (EA) law and practice in Nigeria and the various aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper noted that while Nigeria has a robust EA legal framework, the nation is still far from achieving the SDGs by the year 2030 due to challenges in applying the law. The paper discussed the relevant provisions of the Nigerian EA law. It further illustrated its application with some case law and examined its interface with the SDGs. The work found that while Nigeria has adopted several laws and policies to promote environmental protection and sustainable development, their implementation and enforcement remain a challenge. The paper further found that environmental assessment frameworks in the country provide an essential tool for integrating environmental considerations into development planning and decision-making. However, their effectiveness is often hindered by weak institutional capacity, corruption, and a lack of political will. The paper recommended among others, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting public participation, and enhancing collaboration among relevant stakeholders to improve the application of EA law and practice in Nigeria towards achieving the SDGs in the country.