A Legal Analysis of the Role of Host Communities in Environmental and Natural Resources Management in Nigeria

Abstract

It is beyond doubt that the local communities play pivotal role in environmental and natural resources management. The role of local communities in environmental and natural resources management, national economy and in ecology was emphasized in the 1988 National Forest Policy, which focused on ensuring environmental stability, sustainable development, restoring the ecological balance, and preserving the remaining. The doctrinal methodology was adopted in course of writing this paper. The paper aimed at examining the role of local communities in environmental and natural resources management in Nigeria. The paper found that the provisions on the environment in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) have been given effect by the courts. This should further strengthen the enforcement of the right to a healthy environment in Nigeria. The paper also found that there is lack of enforcement of environmental laws in Nigeria. This has resulted in environment degradation and destruction of the environment and natural resources. The paper concluded that it is sad to note that the environment and natural resources in Nigeria are not preserved as there is no deliberate policy to preserve or manage the environment and natural resources for sustainable development. Thus, there is a need for conservation of the ecosystem, protection of wetlands and prevention of environmental pollution to ensure sustainable development. The enactment of specific legislation for environmental protection was also recommended in addition to a more pivotal role for the judiciary and local communities in the protection of the environment. The paper further suggests the domestication of UN Conventions like Ramsar Convention on Protection of Wetlands, and UN Convention on Biodiversity. The paper among others recommended that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) should be amended to incorporate the right to a healthy environment in chapter four of the Constitution to make same enforceable. There is a need for the enforcement of environmental laws in Nigeria to address environment degradation and destruction of the environment. Finally, there is a need to establish special environmental courts to expeditiously handle cases bordering on environmental degradation.

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