AN EXAMINATION OF THE LEGAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE BURNING OF LADEN OIL VESSELS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The burning of laden oil vessels in Nigeria raises significant legal and environmental concerns. This practice violates international maritime laws and has devastating consequences for the marine ecosystem and coastal communities. This paper delves into the critical issue of the illegal burning of laden oil vessels in Nigeria, a practice that has severe environmental, economic, and legal implications. It adopts the doctrinal and analytical research method. It examines and analyses the regulatory framework governing the oil and gas industry, highlights the environmental consequences of vessel burning, and explores the legal implications of this illicit activity. This paper concludes that the practice of burning stolen laden oil vessels, either intentionally or due to accidents, releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, contributing to air pollution and exacerbating climate change and raises critical legal and environmental concerns that demand scrutiny under Nigerian maritime, environmental laws and regulations. It recommends amongst others that a robust legal and regulatory framework and a strong enforcement mechanism are pivotal in deterring and combating the burning of stolen oil-laden vessels in Nigeria and that effective enforcement requires a multifaceted approach that leverages advanced technology, builds capacity within law enforcement agencies, fosters interagency collaboration, and promotes international cooperation.