INTERROGATING THE LEGAL REGIMES ON TRANSBOUNDARY HAZARDOUS WASTE DUMPING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This article examines the efficacy of regulatory mechanisms of trans-boundary hazardous waste dumping in Nigeria, trans-boundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste is a global phenomenon which poses serious threat to both man and the environment including all the competing elements in the ecosystem. Hazardous waste is toxic in nature with the capacity to alter ecological balance to the detriment of man. The article critically interrogates the assessment of regulatory mechanisms in Nigeria, legislation on hazardous waste, common law as a regulatory mechanism, case law as a regulatory mechanism, the role of non-governmental organisation as a regulatory mechanism, and posits that environmental damage occasioned by hazardous waste could be permanent and irreversible. Nigeria was confronted with the problem of such extra territorial disposal of hazardous waste material when in 1988; toxic was dumped in Koko, a coastal town in Delta State. This article seeks to attempt an assessment of regulatory mechanism in Nigeria. This is with a view to proffering suggestions for reform and recommendations for appropriate interpretation of relevant statutes and strict enforcement in tackling the menace of hazardous waste in Nigeria.