Environmental Crime and Corporate Accountability in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/21762Keywords:
environmental crime , pollution, multinational oil corporations (MOCs) , Niger DeltaAbstract
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria has suffered immeasurable environmental injustices since the discovery of oil in commercial quantities in the 1950s. Environmental pollution, with its associated ecological, social, and health consequences, remains an existential issue in the region since oil multinationals began operating there, despite the plethora of environmental protection laws. Environmental negligence and violations that result in oil spills, gas flaring, and gas blowouts are hardly treated as a breach of existing laws requiring criminal prosecution. Deploying a documentary research approach, I examine several environmental laws enacted by the Nigerian state to promote environmental health and safety, and contextualise their violations as criminal offences for which the erring organisations and individuals should be held liable. I conclude by proposing a suite of actions, individualisation of liability, legislation harmonisation, and enforcement decentralisation, for addressing environmental issues in the Niger Delta.
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Cases
SNEPCo v NOSDRA Federal High Court Suit No FHC/L/CS/1623/2016.
Legislation
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
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International Instruments
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. July 17, 1998, 2187 UNTS 3.
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Accepted 2026-07-02
Published 2026-09-11
