Abstract
The paper examined the role of National Environmental laws, highlighted their alignments, compliance, enforcements, and challenges. The paper adopted the doctrinal method of research with primary source of information derived from legislations and Conventions, while secondary sources of information were distilled from journal articles and internet sources. The paper revealed that National environmental laws play a critical role in the governance and management of natural resources, addressing pollution, and safeguarding ecosystems. Nigeria’s environmental laws, rooted in its legal system and bolstered by international treaties, serve as key instruments for environmental protection. However, enforcement challenges, institutional weaknesses, and political interference have often limited their effectiveness. The findings highlighted the need for legal reforms, stronger institutional frameworks, and public participation to ensure that environmental laws contribute to long-term environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Nigeria, as a developing nation, faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, oil spills, land degradation, and urban pollution. Over the years, the Nigerian government has developed a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection, starting with the establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency in 1988, which later transformed into the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency. While Nigeria has a robust legal framework, some laws remain outdated, and there are gaps in addressing emerging environmental challenges such as climate change and plastic pollution. NESREA, the body responsible for implementing environmental regulations, often lacks the resources, capacity, and political support to effectively enforce laws, particularly in the Niger Delta, where oil pollution is rampant. The paper concluded that Nigeria’s national environmental laws are vital for addressing the country’s environmental challenges, but their effectiveness has been undermined by weak enforcement, institutional inefficiencies, and limited public engagement. The paper recommended amongst others the need to update existing environmental laws and enact new legislation to address contemporary environmental issues like climate change, renewable energy, and waste management.
Keywords: Environmental, Issue, Impact and Prospect