Prior to the 1960s, there was no international policy for the protection of the environment. The reason this was so was the low level of industrialization and urbanisation. However, the 60s came with an increased craving for industrialization. Hence, there was international recognition for the need for an institutional framework that would guide the process of protecting the environment. This gave birth to the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment of 1972.
The conference popularly known as the Stockholm Conference led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The conference however didn’t get to influence the developing countries as they saw it as other tactics of developed countries to subjugate them. The developing countries that were still going through the trauma of colonization were very mindful of jumping into agreements with the developed countries which was well within their rights. Fear that the industrialized world was only trying to protect the environment to diverting economic and technical resources from developmental needs to pollution abatement which would cause adverse effects on the development of the third world.
Nigeria being a strong force among developing countries took a diplomatic decision by being part of the Stockholm Declaration. Nevertheless, the declaration and its action plans weren’t enforced in the country. Though, environmental sanitation laws were enforced in the country to see to good sanitation.
The Koko Incident of 1988 can be described as the rude awakening from the slumber Nigeria had found itself in terms of environmental protection. After the discovery of harmful waste dumped at Koko, old Bendel State, the Nigerian government relying on Section 20 of the 1999 constitution moved swiftly to enact the Federal Environmental Protection Act. This has birthed many policies and laws targeted at protecting the environment.
It’s one thing to enact a law, it’s another thing to enforce the law. Looking at the enforcement of environmental laws in Nigeria, one will agree that the “Nigerian factor” has actually affected it. Lack of political will by the government is one thing, corruption that enables environmental polluters to get away from their crimes is another thing.
A few weeks ago, Ilashe Beach, Badagry caught fire. Many were left wondering whether it was another moment of “God being angry at Nigeria because of our sins”. However, further research has shown that there was an oil spillage on the beach that led to the fire. Instead of further panics, it’s time to make an urgent cry for strict enforcement of environmental rules which are more than enough.
Quite recently, there was a report made by Adefemi Akinsanya of Arise TV which also shows how marine plastic litter is contributing largely to environmental pollution in Lagos. Sachet water waste, bottled water waste is one of the top polluters of marine and aquatic life in Lagos. Instead of looking at ways in curbing these pollutions, we’re rather working on recycling the waste. Prevention is better than cure, in this case, we’re not even curing what we’ve failed to prevent.
While we should focus on campaigns that would make government have political wills to fight this menace, there’s a personal capacity that can make private individuals, NGOs, and government institutions enforce the environmental laws. A polluter can be sued for the tort of nuisance. In the case of HELIOS TOWER LTD v. BELLO & ANOR (2015) LPELR-CA/EK 71/2014, the court held that a case of nuisance subsists even if the injury is to the public. Hence, a suit of nuisance against a polluter is sustainable. The polluter can also be sued under the provisions of Section 20 of the Constitution. Section 20 provides for environmental rights. However, on the basis of Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution which says that provisions of Chapter 2 cannot be enforced in court, the suit might not be sustainable.
Polluting persons or companies can be sued under Article 24 of the African Charter on Human Rights People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act which guarantees the right to a good environment. Provisions of the African Charter are binding on Nigerian courts because it has been domesticated by our National Assembly in line with provisions of Section 12 of the Constitution. Furthermore, Paragraph 3(e) of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules provides that no human rights case can be struck out for lack of locus standi. Hence, the polluting person/company cannot argue that the person suing him has no locus standi. Fortunately enough, Jonah Gbemre v. Shell Petroleum Development Company is a very strong case to hold onto.
In conclusion, there’s a need for the government to make a full commitment to the enforcement of these laws by ensuring a thorough environmental impact assessment in all developmental plans. There’s also a need for our laws to be amended to make way for heavy punishment and pollution tax. While there must be levy and tax for companies contributing to environmental pollution, there’s also a need to review Section 251 (1) (n) of the Nigerian constitution which gives the high court the exclusive jurisdiction to entertain suits on the prosecution of environmental pollution cases and allow other courts to try it.
Abass Oyeyemi can be contacted via [email protected]
