Utilisation of Natural Resources in Nigeria: Human Right Considerations

Environmental justice continues to be a concept that seemingly eludes our human capability; yet, the economic benefits derivable from exploration and utilisation of the environment are unquantifiable. A brief attempt on environmental rights and its applicability in practice in Nigeria has been carried out in this article. The article analyses the nature of the socio-political impulses at work in ensuring that environmental justice is either hindered or realised. While examining the right to clean environment, this article discusses the culpability of transnational corporations for their acts in environmental degradation. It argues for the enforceability of environmental justice under the constitution and indeed under customary international law. It also examines the implications of several international human right treaties which Nigeria has assented to. The article calls for more punitive measures in environmental statues. Nigeria must adopt international principles aimed at safeguarding the rights and interest of peoples on earth. Not only must there be the means to implement these rights, but also there must be adequate and responsible enforcement mechanisms in place. Government must not only be serious but must also be manifestly seen to be so.