AN APPRAISALOF THE SCOPE OF REDRESS FOR POLLUTION DAMAGE UNDER COMMON LAW IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This  paper  examines  the  scopeand  efficacyoftheapplication  of  common  law  remedies  in  oil pollution cases in Nigeria by thecourts. As a result of the dearthand insufficiency of availablestatutory  remedies,  most  victims  of  oil  and  gas  pollutionin  Nigeria, fall  back  on  common  law remedies.  The  paper  finds  that  most  of  the  common  law  remedies  are  highly  limited  in  their application  as  a  result  of  the  avalanche  of  defences  availablein  them  and  which  are  always exploited by defendants to escape liability. The paper finds that there is a need for the courtsin Nigeriatobecome  more  proactive  in  their  interpretation  of  the  scope  of the  application  of  thetraditional  common  law remedies  so  as  to  side  track  and  relegate  the  limiting  influences  ofthe traditional defences in appropriate cases. Thisapproach has already been adopted by the apex court of another commonwealth country, to wit, India. The end result has been an enhancement of justice delivery in environmentalpollutioncases in India.