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Reframing Oil Pollution as a Human Rights Violation and Assessing the Adequacy of Available Legal Redress in Nigeria

OD.Michael, CG Offor, Okechukwu Divine Michael, Chibuikem Golden Offor

Abstract

The petroleum industry has long sustained Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to national revenue and energy supply. However, this growth has come with severe environmental and human rights costs, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The problem lies in the persistent degradation of land, water, and quality of air, which undermines fundamental rights such as the rights to life, health, dignity, livelihood, and a healthy environment, as protected under both international and regional human rights instruments. This research aims to assess the adequacy of Nigeria’s legal redress mechanisms in addressing the human rights violations resulting from oil pollution. As its objective, the paper specifically explores how environmental justice can be strengthened through state accountability and legal reforms. Adopting a doctrinal methodology, the research examines relevant statutes, international conventions, and case laws to evaluate the extent to which the rights of victims are protected and enforced. The findings reveal systematic failures, including weak enforcement, delayed justice, and lack of corporate accountability. These shortcomings reflect a broader state failure to meet its positive obligation to protect citizens from third-party corporate abuses. The research concludes that without serious structural reforms, environmental harm and its attendant human rights violations will persist. Accordingly, the establishment of environmental courts, more effective independent regulatory bodies, and greater community participation in environmental governance are recommended as essential steps toward accountability and sustainable development.

Keywords

Human RightsLegal RedressOil pollutionPetroleum ExplorationEnvironmental

References

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