AN APPRAISAL OF THE IMPACT OF THE NATIONAL OIL SPILL DETECTION AND RESPONSE AGENCY ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) as a management tool in curbing environmental problems associated with oil exploration and spillage in Nigeria with a view to proffering solution(s) where necessary. There is no doubt that the discovery of oil in Nigeria has been of immense benefit to the country and the citizenry at large, however the implications of the pollution caused by oil spillages are far reaching and has constituted serious danger to, mankind and the environment. As a result of oil spillages, farmlands have been destroyed and rendered unproductive, aquatic lives and sources of water are not spared as the waters are contaminated and aquatic lives destroyed, living houses are overrun by the oil and the people living in those areas are exposed to serious health hazard as a result of the effect of the oil spillages on water, farmlands etc. The paper examined the concept of environment and environmental management vis a viz the legislations put in place for the protection of the environment. The paper discovered that prior to the enactment of the NOSDRA Act, most of the existing legislations on the protection of the environment did not make adequate protection against the environment as a result of oil spillages. The paper further reviewed the NOSDRA Act and the functioning, prospects, limitations and challenges of NOSDRA as an agency charged with the responsibility of detecting and promptly responding to the incidences of oil spillages in Nigeria. The paper adopted the doctrinal research method using statute books, text books; law reports, internet materials etc and recommendations as to the way forward are proffered.