ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON THE HOUSING SECTOR IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary to foster sustainable development by providing guidelines that will enable large scale development to protect vital resources and ecological functions or the wellbeing, lifestyle and livelihood of the communities who depend on them. This paper has considered environmental impact assessment in Nigeria through the lens of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992. The study found that the Act is a response to agitations and advocacy on the global landscape to ensure sustainable development. EIA strikes a balance between development and environmental protection. Although the process is still evolving in Nigeria, there are pros and cons of the full implementation of EIA on Nigeria’s housing sector.