LEGAL REGULATIONS ON AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AND INDUSTRIALISATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Industrialization holds the prospects of a better economy for Nigeria. It provides employment and goods to the teaming population of the country and so combats poverty. These prospects are greatly threatened if air pollution associated with industrialization is not checked. Air pollution is the emission into the atmosphere of particulate matter and gases which have deleterious effects on human health, the ecosystem and the environment on which humankind depends. Air pollution causes among other things nasal, eye and airway irritation, and even lung and heart problems. Studies show that air pollution is currently responsible for more deaths in Africa than malnutrition or dirty water. A way out of the air pollution occasioned by industrialisation is to pursue industrialisation along the paths of air quality and pollution control regulations; or else industrialisation would be counterproductive. Thus, this paper appraises the legal regime for the control of air pollution in Nigeria. This covers the international legal instruments ratified by Nigeria as well as the municipal legislations and regulations on the subject. The finding is that though Nigeria has legislations and regulations on air pollution control, they are out of date and not in tune with developments in international environmental law. It recommends a review of these legislations and regulations. The methodology of the paper is doctrinal.