Benue State University, Makurdi

Water Pollution Regulation in Nigeria: Law and Practice

U. D. Ikoni

Abstract

Law on water pollution in Nigeria consists of both the common law and statutory provisions. In this research, efforts were made to examine the Law and practice relating to water pollution. The research adopted the doctrinal method wherein both primary and secondary sources were examined. In particular, the research examined the NESREA Act, 2007 as amended in 2018 and the National Environmental (Surface and Ground Water Quality Control) Regulations, 2011. It was found that in spite of the robust Legal Provisions, water pollution still persists in Nigeria. Among the challenges identified are lack of political will by the government to tackle the problems of water pollution, the weak institutional framework for the enforcement of water pollution legislations, non-challant attitude of the citizens towards environmental protection and absence of pragmatic public interest ligation to carter for the interest of the weak and poor but venerable population who cannot afford to initiate litigation to enforce water pollution legislations. To arrest the ugly situation, recommendations were made including recycling of water after treatment should be practiced to the maximum extent possible, the quantity of waste water discharge into the environment should be minimized, enactment of water pollution control Act to provide stiffer penalties for water pollution offenders, and making the enforcement Agency more effective and efficient in carrying out its responsibilities, etc.

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