Towards a Conceptual Framework for Environmental Pollution and Management Policy in Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a global problem facing Nigeria and other countries of the world. It has huge negative impacts on the basic components of the environment namely; lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Nigeria as a developing country needs to exploit its natural resources to tackle the socio-economic needs of the people. However, increasing environmental pollution has been witnessed as a result of rapid urbanization, massive industrialization, proliferation of agro based chemical wastes, leading to resources depletion and uncontrolled destruction of the flora and fauna. This exploitation is done without adequate environmental management policies to curtail the impact on human health and on the environment. The emission of harmful substances of gaseous, solid and liquid wastes requires effective environmental management policy to prevent health hazards. Using a qualitative research approach and employing the technique of literature review, this study aims to examine and develop a conceptual framework for an effective environmental management policy for Nigeria, targeted towards reducing environmental pollution to the barest minimum. Its research results note inadequate and weak implementation of existing environmental and planning laws. It concludes and recommends that policies, which embrace enabling laws and focus on reduction, recycling and re-use of waste products, enforce industrial standards of production, waste taxation such as “pay as you pollute” and environmental impact assessment (EIA) of complex projects should be implemented to safeguard the environment and human health.