Legal and institutional framework of environmental impact assessment in Nigeria: An initial assessment

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Environmental Impact Assessment Review

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-9255(97)00083-8· OSTI ID:290240

Olokesusi, F ^[1]

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1. Nigerian Inst. of Social and Economic Research, Ibadan, Oyo (Nigeria)

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has high rates of urbanization and industrialization. Until recently, decisions on most large-scale projects such as expressways, harbors, industries, dams, and irrigation were considered with an emphasis on traditional technical and cost-benefit analysis. Spurred by massive environmental degradation and persistent community agitation in oil producing areas, environmental impact assessment (EIA) legislation was passed in late 1992. The main purpose of this article is to review and assess the content of this legislation and the guidelines produced by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), the institution responsible for EIA administration. Some EIA reports have been prepared and reviewed by FEPA since 1994. There are some positive outcomes and expectations, but some problems have been identified as well, including: deliberate restriction of public involvement and participation by proponents and/or their consultants, interagency conflict leading to high cost and project delays especially in the oil industry, and restriction of public access to final EIA reports. These are discussed, and recommendations for improving the process are made.

• OSTI ID: 290240
• Journal Information: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Journal Name: Environmental Impact Assessment Review Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 18; ISSN 0195-9255; ISSN EIARDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
LEGAL ASPECTS
LEGISLATION
NIGERIA
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