Trend in Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in Nigeria

Nigeria, the most populous nation in black Africa, rich in oil and gas reserves but Underdeveloped has her own share of environmental problems which justify local and international attention. In terms of Nigeria’s environmental problems, the four broad issues being accorded highest priority are the following:-1. Ensuring sustainable industrial production: - With the exception of the petroleum industry, most industries do not have waste treatment systems. The few treatment plants that do exist either are not functioning as a result of over use or lack of proper servicing or are unable to cope with the vast amounts and types of industrial effluents passing through them. The real challenges of industrial pollution can be identified thus:- (a) air pollution (gas or particle emissions), especially from the cement, steel and asbestos industries; (b) land and water pollution - effluent discharged onto land and into water has become a great concern, particularly in view of the epidemic tendencies of such pollution. The pharmaceutical, chemical, textile, food processing and oil industries are the major polluters; and (c) noise pollution.It is against this background that this paper seeks to realize the following objectives: - 1. To examine the nature and scope of access to environmental Justice; 2. To analyse the liability regime in oil pollution, gas flaring and mining sector development;3. To conclude with some recommendations.