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A REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL POLICY ON

THE ENVIRONMENT, 1999

Ǽ L E X L E G A L P R A C T I T I O N E R S & A R B I T R A T O R S

7 T H F L O O R , M A R B L E H O U S E

1 K I N G S W A Y R O A D , F A L O M O

I K O Y I , L A G O S

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

1.1 POLICY 1.2 POLICY GOALS 1.3 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 1.4 SECONDARY POLICIES 1.5 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 1.6 ACTION PLAN

2.0 IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL POLICY 3.0 LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 3.1 LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS

3.2 REGULATORY ARRANGEMENTS 3.2.1 Institutional and Inter-governmental Arrangements. 3.2.2 Use of Economic Instruments in Environmental

Management. 3.2.3 Monitoring and Evaluation of Compliance

3.3 INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

4.2 ECO-LABELLING

5.0 CROSS-SECTORAL MEDIA

5.1 WATER 5.2 AIR 5.3 SOIL

6.0 CROSS-SECTORAL ISSUES

6.1 BIODIVERSITYAND NATURAL RESOURCES 6.2 BIOSAFETY 6.3 LAND USE AND SOIL CONSERVATION 6.4 FLOOD AND EROSION MANAGEMENT 6.5 DROUGHT AND DESERTIFICATION 6.6 SANITATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 6.7 NOISE 6.8 TOXIC, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/CHEMICALS AND

RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES MANAGEMENT

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6.8 CLIMATE CHANGE

7.0 SECTORAL STRATEGIES

7.1 HUMAN POPULATION 7.2 CULTURE 7.3 HOUSING AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS 7.4 MINING, SOLID MINERALS AND OIL & GAS 7.5 ENERGY 7.6 INFRASTRUCTURE 7.7 HEALTH & SAFETY 7.8 EDUCATION 7.9 TRADE 7.10 INDUSTRY 7.11 TOURISM, HOSPITALITY and ECO-TOURISM 7.12 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 7.13 AGRICULTURE 7.14 FORESTRY, WILD LIFE AND PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT 7.15 MARINE AND COASTAL RESOURCES 7.16 TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

8.0 FINANCING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION 9.0 PARTNERSHIPS AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT 10.0 POLICY REVIEW

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1.0 PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

The purpose of the National Policy on the Environment is to define a framework for environmental governance in Nigeria. As a framework document, it articulates a management structure to achieve this objective. It also prescribes sectoral and subsidiary components needed to undertake or execute tasks necessary for the attainment of the ideals encapsulated in the doctrine of sustainable development.

The fundamental obligation for the protection of the environment is as stated in section 20 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 which provides that the “State shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air and land, forest and wild life of Nigeria”. In addition, Nigeria is party to several international treaties and conventions governing environmental issues. It is on the combined thrust of these instruments that the National Policy on the Environment rests.

1.1 Policy

Nigeria is committed to ensuring that the country’s natural and built environment is safeguarded for the use of present and future generations. This commitment demands that efficient resource management and the minimisation of environmental impacts must be the core requirements of all development activities. Accordingly, this Policy will seek to promote good environmental practice through environmental awareness and education.

1.2 Policy Goal

‘The goal of the National Policy on the Environment is to ensure environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources for sustainable development.’

1.3 Strategic Objectives

The strategic objective of the National Policy on the Environment is to coordinate environmental protection and natural resources conservation for sustainable development. This goal will be achieved by the following: i) securing a quality of environment adequate for good health

and well being;

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ii) promoting sustainable use of natural resources and the

restoration and maintenance of the biological diversity of ecosystems;

iii) promoting an understanding of the essential linkages between

the environment, social and economic development issues; iv) encouraging individual and community participation in

environmental improvement initiatives;

v) raising public awareness and engendering a national culture of environmental preservation; and

vi) building partnership among all stakeholders including

government at all levels, international institutions and governments, non-governmental agencies and communities on environmental matters.

1.4 Secondary Policies

The need for secondary environmental policies and guidelines required for carrying forward the detailed tasks of everyday environmental governance cannot be gainsaid. However, the National Policy on the Environment is an overarching environmental framework policy. Accordingly, all secondary policies, guidelines, action plans or other instruments relating to the environment will fall within the general intendment of this Policy.

1.5 Guiding Principles

The following principles are central to the attainment of the strategic objectives of this Policy:

1. The Public Trust Doctrine which recognizes that the State is a trustee of all natural resources, the enjoyment of which is subject to a measure of control necessary to protect the legitimate interest of all sections and stakeholders in the larger framework of strategic national interests;

2. Environmental Offsetting which requires that where for

exceptional reasons of overriding public interest, the general obligation to protect threatened or endangered species and natural systems that are of special importance to sustaining life, providing livelihoods, or general well-being cannot be

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provided, such cost-effective offsetting measures must be undertaken by the proponents of an activity to restore as nearly as may be feasible the lost environmental services to the community;

3. The Polluter Pays Principle which prescribes that the polluter

should bear the cost of preventing, and remediating pollution;

4. The User Pays Principle in which the cost of a resource to a user must include all the environmental costs associated with its extraction, transformation and use (including the costs of alternative or future uses forgone);

5. The Precautionary Principle which holds that where there are

threats of serious or irreversible damage, the lack of full scientific knowledge shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective means to prevent environmental degradation;

6. Pollution Prevention Pays Principle which encourages Industry to invest positively to prevent pollution;

7. The Principle of Inter-generational Equity which requires that

the needs of the present generation are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs;

8. The Principle of Intra-generational Equity which requires that

different groups of people within the country and within the present generation have the right to benefit equally from the exploitation of resources and that they have equal right to a clean and healthy environment; and

9. The Principle of Participation which requires that decisions should, as much as possible, be made by the people or on their behalf by representatives chosen by them.

1.6 Action Plan

The above supporting policies, strategic objectives and guidelines are the tools that shall ensure that:

(i) environmental aspects are considered in major economic decision making processes;

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(ii) an integrated environmental management approach is built into major development projects;

(iii) economic instruments and environmental reporting are

employed in the management of natural resources;

(iv) the best practicable environmental technology are applied in major economic activities;

(v) environmental impact assessment is mandatory before any

major development project is embarked upon;

(vi) environmental monitoring and auditing is routinely carried out in major economic activities and;

(vii) there is a periodic review of the state of the nation’s

environment and the suitability and effectiveness of the National Policy on the Environment and the strategic objectives.

2.0 IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL POLICY Environmental elements are the resource base for development. However, it is recognised that activities designed to increase productivity and ensure continued development, have the potential of depleting natural resources required for the sustenance of present and future generations. In implementing this Policy, cognisance must be taken of institutional settings, as well as the complex historical, social, cultural and legal considerations which are entailed in the search for solutions to environmental problems. Existing Policy initiatives in Science and Technology, Agriculture, Health, Industry, Oil and Gas, Population, Culture, and other sectors as well as globally accepted international practices inform the strategies prescribed for the implementation of this Policy. The aim of this Policy therefore is to provide a rational, practicable, coherent and comprehensive basis for the pursuit of economic and social development in a structured manner that minimises environmental impact, ecological footprint and conflict in approach among the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

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This will be achieved through the following process: a) identification of environmental problems, their causes and

impact; b) prevention of social, economic and political activities that will

cause environmental problems; c) development of environmental intervention instruments

directed at addressing specific environmental problems.

d) design and application of broad strategies for sustainable environmental management;

e) enactment of necessary legal instruments to strengthen and

implement the strategies adopted under this Policy and providing enforcement tools therefor;

f) where necessary establish organs, institutions and structures to

achieve the objectives of this Policy; g) encouragement of public-private partnership to achieve the

objective of the Policy. 3.0 LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 3.1 Legal Arrangements The legal framework as a component of the national environmental policy should recognise the need to strike a balance between the environment, development and socio-economic considerations. To ensure this role, action will be taken to:

a) streamline all legislation and regulations relating to the

environment into a holistic and integrated compact which recognizes the cross-sectoral linkages of the environment;

b) periodically evaluate existing legal instruments with a view to

assessing their adequacy in terms of coverage, adequacy of its provisions, standards and penalties;

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c) prescribe in conformity with the Constitution a law making hierarchy and jurisdictional boundaries to eliminate overlapping of responsibilities among tiers of government;

d) review the adequacy of the enforcement mechanism including

deadlines, penalties and incentives as instruments for encouraging compliance and designate appropriate institutions for the enforcement of legislation and regulations.

3.2 Regulatory Arrangements

3.2.1 Institutional and Intergovernmental Arrangements

A viable national mechanism for environmental management requires cooperation, coordination and regular consultation, as well as the harmonious management of the policy formulation and implementation processes through the establishment of effective institutions and linkages within and among the various tiers and levels of government. For this purpose, the National Policy on the Environment will:

a. strengthen the articulation and coordination of

environmental policy at all levels of governance;

b. investigate institutional options, including the establishment of new institutions where no appropriate structure exists, strengthen and adequately fund existing institutions, agencies and authorities;

c. strengthen the consultative and advisory roles of the

National Council on the Environment and the state environmental institutions, particularly those relating to:

i. advising the President/Governors and local

government chairmen on environmental issues;

ii. updating National/State and local government policies to improve the environment;

iii. encouraging the use of ecological information in the

planning and development of resource-oriented projects at all levels and;

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iv. emphasizing their complementary role in ensuring the achievement of the overall objectives of the National Policy on the Environment;

d. encourage the activities of non-governmental organisations

engaged in creating awareness and promoting the ideals of sustainable development;

e. encourage the establishment of environmental data bank

and ensure that the State of Environment Report is produced as required;

f. promote cooperation between, and emphasize the

complementary roles of the Federal, State and Local governments and their agencies in ensuring that the strategic objectives of the National Policy on the Environment are achieved;

g. promote and strengthen multidisciplinary and intersectoral

collaboration in research and development programmes in environmental technology;

h. ensure that adequate resources are allocated to all

Federal, State and Local government organs or agencies for the effective implementation of the National Policy on the Environment.

i. provide for systematic and periodic public briefing on

environmental issues and legislation by relevant officials at all levels of government;

j. establish appropriate mechanisms and structures for the resolution of intergovernmental disputes and;

k. ensure prompt payment of financial contributions to

relevant international organisations, and the country’s active participation in the activities of such organisations.

3.2.2 Use of economic instruments in environmental

management

Prices, markets and governmental economic policies play a complementary role in shaping attitudes and behaviour towards the environment.

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The action plan for achieving this change shall include: a) incorporation of environmental accounting and costs in

decision making; b) integrating the costs of adverse potential social and

environmental impacts in the total value of resources used in major economic activities;

c) wherever appropriate, the use of market principles in the

framing of economic instruments and policies to pursue sustainable development;

d) institutionalizing the Polluter Pays Principle; e) imposing penalty taxes, fines, and charges for non-

compliance with environmental standards and regulations;

f) encouraging participation of all stakeholders in the

management, harvesting and the utilisation of revenue from the use of natural resources;

g) promoting tax reliefs and subsidies that encourage

investment in pollution abatement.

h) promoting the use of market-based extraction charges and appropriate taxes on the extraction of resources to discourage their destructive exploitation and inefficient use;

i) allowing, where appropriate, the direct transfers of

financial assistance (subsidies):

i) to compensate specific groups which may suffer additional costs or hardship in complying with standards; ii) to encourage groups to improve their environment especially where conservation initiatives affect their immediate income;

j) developing a compensation framework for

environmental damage which ensures that:

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i) the polluted environment is adequately remediated and restored; ii) persons affected are equitably compensated; and iii) the offender or saboteur is made liable and adequately punished;

k) employing appropriate insurance and other risk

management schemes to fund remediation and restoration of polluted or degraded areas;

3.2.3 Monitoring and Evaluation of compliance Effective monitoring and evaluation of environmental compliance depends on the existence of competent enforcement institutions with adequate technical capacity, appropriate monitoring facilities and trained personnel. To supplement these Institutions, local communities will be integrated into the monitoring apparatus.

Monitoring

In keeping with the objectives of the National Policy on the Environment, there will be established: a) a National Environmental Data Bank and Geographic

Information System (GIS) coordinated by the relevant government department which will function as a clearing house for all stakeholders;

b) a national environmental management records system

which will be used to measure compliance with the local, State and national standards and the extent to which planned environmental targets have been met.

c) periodic national environmental management review to

ensure the continuing suitability and effectiveness of the strategic objectives of the National Policy on the Environment.

It will therefore be necessary to ensure: (i) the establishment of the necessary machinery for capacity building within State and local government

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institutions and agencies to enhance the monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards, including conducting environmental management reviews; (ii) application of national environmental assessment guidelines and procedures for all major development in Nigeria; (iii) that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is empowered and adequately funded to respond to environmental emergencies; (iv) the preparation of periodic public reports on the “State of the Environment”

Analysis and Evaluation

Major environmental programmes would be carefully monitored and periodically evaluated. National, Regional and Sectoral Environmental Performance and Sustainable Development (SDIs), Indicators (EPIs), standards and attainable targets shall be set in order to demonstrate the systematic management and reduction of environmental impacts. Indicators for monitoring and assessing progress will be prescribed.

3.3 International Treaties and Obligations a) Appropriate action will be taken to incorporate into national

legislation the international environmental obligations, which Nigeria has assumed under Conventions and Treaties.

b) Nigeria will continue to participate in the progressive

development of international laws and guidelines on environmental management.

c) Nigeria will ensure prompt payment of financial contributions

and meet its other obligations.

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4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 4.1 Environmental Management The development of self regulatory approach to environmental reporting has given credence to environmental management systems as a means of demonstrating environmental performance against specific targets at all levels. Consequently several management systems such as ISO 14001/BS7750 (EMS), have been developed. Environmental management systems provide a structured process for the achievement of continuing environmental improvement at the rate and extent determined by economic and other circumstances. It is a tool that enables organisations to systematically control and achieve levels of environmental performance set for itself by the organisation. The use of EMS will significantly ease the burden of monitoring and enforcement borne by government agencies. Organizations will be encouraged to establish and maintain management systems, and the following strategies will be adopted to achieve this purpose: a) designation of a government department, comprising experts in

all the relevant disciplines to establish and periodically review the required minimum standards relating to:

i) specific quality of environmental resources and media at different locations;

ii) the permissible levels of waste and emissions discharged by different types of activity;

a) encouraging organisations in Nigeria to establish and maintain

verifiable environmental management systems; b) establishment of environmental monitoring infrastructure for

maintaining environmental quality. c) Application of environmental impact assessment standards and

environmental audit

4.2 Eco-labelling

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Eco-labelling is a process whereby producers provide consumers with more information about the environmental impact of particular products and services. Eco-labels provide standardised information to enable consumers make more informed purchasing decisions. Widely recognised and supported eco-labels may influence producers in a manner similar to traditional regulatory standards in markets where green consumerism is very strong. The National Policy on the Environment will adopt the Eco-labelling system and, in addition to the National Guidelines on the Registration of Environment Friendly Products and Eco-labelling of 1999, the following strategies will be implemented: a) provision of technical and training support for the various sectors to ensure the attainment of set standards; b) provision of the necessary incentives to encourage industries to

adopt both internationally and locally prescribed environmental standards in their production processes; and

c) mandating prescribed standards when a sufficient number of domestic suppliers for a category of good or service have received certification under those standards. 5.0 CROSS – SECTORAL MEDIA 5.1 Water Water is a vital resource governing the viability of all ecosystems and providing the basis for socio-economic development. The proper management of this vital resource through the incorporation of environmental concerns is essential to minimize supply shortages, pollution, land degradation and associated health hazards. To ensure sustainability, comprehensive medium and long term national plans for water resources management and conservation should be put in place taking into consideration demand and availability. Water of adequate quality and quantity is central to the existence of every life form. The finite quantity of available fresh water is directly challenged by growing human population and its agricultural, industrial and other requirements. Water pollution is a phenomenon manifesting in various forms throughout the water cycle and it has the potential to limit

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development. It is imperative that the quality of water adequate for different purposes be in abundant supply, in order to sustain human, animal, plants and other organisms. The strategies for achieving good water quality include: (a) provision of water in adequate quantity and quality to meet

domestic, industrial, agricultural, recreational and other needs; (b) environmental impact studies of water resources development; (c) ensuring that the management of discharges is consistent with

the strategic direction of the standards adopted; (d) establishing stringent water quality standards for various

industrial effluents/discharges; (e) providing guidelines for the abatement of water pollution; (f) licensing and registering all major water polluters and

monitoring their compliance with pollution reduction parameters;

(g) increased support to promote efficient water use and

management; (h) specification of water quality criteria for different water uses; (i) continuous monitoring of the public health implications of

water resource development projects such as dams and irrigation schemes;

(j) control of point and non-point sources of water pollution; (k) establishment of adequate controls and enforcement

procedures to check contamination and depletion of water resources;

(l) adherence to the use of sustainable River Basin concept and

water management; (m) improved water management technology, including the safe

disposal of waste water reuse and recycling;

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(n) provision of guidelines for water resources inventory, collection, treatment, flood routing and control as well as techniques for predicting and minimizing the impact of natural disasters;

(o) improvement of water fronts for recreation; (p) implementation of water allocation decisions through demand

management, pricing, mechanisms and regulatory measures; (q) consideration of the impacts of climate change on water

resources. (r) periodically carrying out studies and research on water quality; (s) conducting education and outreach programmes on water

quality degradation in order to create awareness amongst industries and the general public;

(t) ensuring the application of appropriate resource management

techniques and practices in water catchment zones by co-ordinating the activities of both governmental and non-governmental institutions in charge of water bodies.

5.2 Air The atmosphere is very vital for the survival of man and other living animals. It provides air for respiration and photosynthetic processes. It also provides the safe environment surrounding humans and other living organisms by shielding them from dangerous particles and rays. It is also the habitat for varied flying organisms and the medium for air navigation. Strategies for achieving a clean air environment include: a) designating and mapping of National Air Control Zones and

declaring air quality objectives for each designated Air Control Zone;

b) establishing ambient air quality standards and monitoring

stations at each designated zone; c) licensing and registering of all major industrial air polluters and

monitoring their compliance with laid down standards; d) provision of guidelines for the abatement of air pollution;

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e) establishing standards for the control of fuel additives with respect to trace elements especially Lead and Zinc;

f) prescribing stringent standards for the level of emission from

automobile exhausts and energy generating plants and station; g) monitoring and minimizing the incidence of acid rains; h) promoting regional cooperation aimed at minimizing the

atmospheric transportation of pollutants across international boundaries.

5.3 Soil The importance of the soil as a medium does not only lie in the fact that it is an environmental factor that cuts across all sectors of the community, but also because it significantly impacts on the condition of other media such as Air and Water. Soil contamination can pose serious health risks and can also be quite expensive and time consuming to clean up, hence the need to put measures in place to ensure the proper management of the soil. The strategies for the objective of maintaining clean soil include: (a) developing a national database of dump sites for toxic and

hazardous waste substances and ensuring that they are discharged in accordance with set regulations;

(b) promoting the use of biodegradable materials in industrial and other processes and implementing strategies for the recycling or reuse of such materials;

(c) strengthening the development of private sector participation in the disposal and recycling of waste substances;

(d) promoting the development of emergency measures for handling emergencies that arise from the disposal of waste substances;

(e) developing mechanisms for the clean up of contaminated land with a view to reclaiming such land for sustainable use;

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6.0 SECTORAL ISSUES The cross sectoral nature of environmental management issues dictates that programmes, actions and methodologies be adjusted on a continuous basis to maintain efficacy. This will necessitate inter-sectoral accommodation in the execution of national and state environmental action plans and to the extent necessary, similar adjustments at other administrative levels at which such plans are being implemented. 6.1 Biodiversity and Natural Resources Biodiversity entails components of the ecosystem that make life possible and is critical to ecological sustainability. Healthy ecosystems contribute positively to air, water, agricultural and other productive activities. The nation is richly endowed with natural resources some of which have been over exploited. Consequently their productive potential for present and future generations is threatened. Improvement in the quality of life for the people will require long-term economic growth which is itself dependent upon improved management and conservation of the natural resource base. Sustainable management of biodiversity will receive special attention to minimize loss and reflect the full cost of biodiversity in economic accounting. The following strategies will be pursued:

a) work out ways of using the ecosystems sustainably thereby

improving their social, economic and cultural values; b) promote in-situ and ex-situ biodiversity conservation; c) maintain as large an area as possible of modified ecosystems to

support a diversity of sustainable uses and species; d) promote sustainable agro-ecosystems without compromising

natural ecosystems; e) increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity to society; f) conserve and facilitate access to genetic resources that are

important to agriculture, medicine and industry;

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g) support the sharing of the benefits and knowledge, expertise and technologies in the use of biodiversity in a fair and equitable manner;

h) support the integration of biodiversity conservation objectives in

sectoral policies, programmes, strategies, regulations and educational programmes at all levels;

i) take the full economic and social costs and benefits of

biodiversity into account when converting land to agriculture and urban systems;

j) restore and rehabilitate degraded ecosystems; k) ensure implementation of biodiversity strategy and action plan; l) ensure that resource users pay the full cost of the benefits from

natural resources; m) assess periodically the national biodiversity conservation status

through monitoring and identification; n) strengthen centres for the exchange of data and information of

relevance to the conservation of biological diversity; o) upgrade and enhance the environmental management of

natural resources; p) ensure that development takes cognisance of essential

ecological processes and life support systems; q) support the development of national income accounting

systems which compensate for the degradation and depletion of natural resource stocks;

r) ensure the development of shared natural resources such as

rivers or their basins to make them much more sustainable; s) promote resource mapping and the use of remote sensing

technologies for land use planning; t) promote cooperation to harmonize various sectoral policies;

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u) monitor, regulate and minimize processes and categories of activities that have or are likely to have significant adverse impact on the conservation of biodiversity;

v) monitor the impact of trade in wildlife and wild plants on

biodiversity; w) integrate biodiversity considerations into environmental impact

assessment studies; x) identify valuable areas of biodiversity, particularly outside of

protected areas, and in consultation with local communities, explore means of protecting such areas;

y) conduct a periodic country-wide total economic valuation of

biodiversity, with an emphasis on goods and services that draws linkages between biodiversity, the economy and poverty alleviation;

z) integrate biodiversity considerations with policy development,

budgeting and planning processes; aa) encourage the banking and financial sectors of the economy to

identify incentives and opportunities favourable to biodiversity in investment and lending policies;

bb) establish and maintain accessible data and information systems

to inform strategy, action and reporting on biodiversity; cc) establish a monitoring and evaluation framework (including

indicators and thresholds) for threatened ecosystems and species;

dd) design and implement focused awareness campaigns on

threatening processes, including invasive alien species and climate change;

ee) design and implement biodiversity education programmes; ff) develop, implement and strengthen programmes for

international scientific collaboration, sharing of information and technology transfer;

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gg) proactively engage and cooperate with the international community to enhance conservation and sustainable use of shared biodiversity resources;

hh) assess the potential for appropriate sustainable resource use in

protected areas and include this in park management policy; ii) establish ex situ management programmes, including nurseries,

to relieve pressure on harvesting of wild medicinal plants; jj) establish community based natural resource management

programmes for subsistence and artisinal use of wild resources, such as medicinal plants and fuel wood, by communities;

kk) develop enforceable restrictions on unsustainable use and trade

in species of national and international importance, where necessary;

ll) manage protected areas effectively and efficiently, including

development of protected area management plans and engage with host communities;

mm) develop, publish and implement biodiversity management plans

for species of special concern, including threatened, endemic and high-value species;

nn) monitor management effectiveness in protected areas, with an

emphasis on biodiversity objectives; oo) ensure that programmes undertaken by government

departments responsible for forestry, fisheries, national parks and wildlife to protect biodiversity involve and provide benefits to local communities;

pp) foster public support through appropriate incentives and

encourage private initiatives in biodiversity conservation. 6.2 Biosafety A healthy and secure environment is central to all public health considerations. However, public health and security are challenged by naturally occurring endemic, emerging and re-emerging disease threats, as well as the accidental or intentional release of etiological agents of diseases.

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In order to fulfil Nigeria’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act, and to achieve the overall national goal of sustainable development, the Policy Guidelines on Biosafety was adopted. The Policy Guidelines on Biosafety seeks to facilitate the establishment and development of national capacities for assessing and managing potential risks, associated with biotechnology. These will be achieved by: (a) making regulations, setting standards, prescribing codes of practice, and monitoring capacity for research and development (R&D), and taking any necessary measures for addressing the risks associated with release of LMOs and GMOs into environment. (b) regular monitoring of all applications of biotechnology and

biotechnological products containing or consisting of organisms with novel traits, including but not limited to LMOs/GMOs with regard to their safety, quality and efficacy.

(c) establishing and strengthening the national and institutional Biosafety Mechanism. (d) developing and establishing of a comprehensive and up-to-

date scientific database and infrastructure for information exchange and risk assessment and evaluation of products.

(e) providing through regulations safety procedures for research,

manufacture, transportation and handling, accident prevention, release, containment, waste disposal and end-use of biotechnology products.

(e) identification of priorities in human resources development and the implementation of national capacity building programmes for biosafety. (f) Establishment of adequate measures for developing and accelerating innovation for sustainable biotechnology processes. (g) regular monitoring to verify the assumptions made in risk assessment and to evaluate whether the recommended risk management procedures are appropriate and effective.

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(h) promoting public awareness on biosafety through initiatives involving the community, policy makers, legislators, administrators and the private sector. 6.3 Land Use and Soil Conservation Most development activities take place on or in relation to land. It is important to integrate into land based development activities, the interactions and consumption of other environmental resources for optimal utilization and management. This process requires coordinated and harmonized land use practices at all levels of government, social and economic activity. Additionally routine assessment of the drawdown on other resources such as water, air and biota should be carried out. Accordingly, suitable strategies will be adopted to encourage the:

a) compilation of detailed land capability inventories and

comprehensive land classifications; b) assessments of the current land use practices and the causes

and extent of soil degradation; c) establishment and the strengthening of guidelines on the

regulatory frame work for sustainable land use; d) adoption of soil conservation principles in all construction

activities; e) sound management of soil through monitoring and control of

changes in land use; f) implementation of guidelines for traditional grazing system; g) expansion of protected area system to meet IUCN requirements

as reserves and parks for conservation purposes; h) promotion of afforestation and reforestation programmes

including community based agro forestry for soil improvement; i) improved management of soil and water resources; j) co-ordination of the activities of the various agencies dealing

with land management;

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k) intensification of public awareness of the causes, consequences and remedies of land degradation;

l) development of land use techniques which ensure sustainable

land utilization; m) provide up–to-date information on land resource use,

occupation and ownership for planning purposes; n) empower local communities to manage landed assets in an

environmentally sustainable manner; o) review existing land laws on land tenure systems and introduce

taxation instruments which encourage appropriate use of land resources;

p) develop and implement a national programme to rehabilitate

degraded land; 6.4 Flood and Erosion Management Soil erosion and flood hazards are widespread and persistent across Nigeria. Valuable resources have been lost as a result of the sheer magnitude of the problems and the nation’s inability to tackle these problems. Consequently, the National Policy on Soil Erosion and Flood control was adopted in 2005 to co-ordinate erosion and flood control programmes in the country. Specifically, the objectives of the Policy are to: (i) develop integrated programmes for addressing the impacts

arising from hydrological hazards of soil erosion and flood

(ii) evolve mechanisms for forecasting, monitoring and control of soil erosion and flood.

(iii) promote inter and intra-agency linkages.

(iv) promote and strengthen training at all levels in erosion and flood prevention, and control.

(v) conduct national inventory/survey of all areas devastated by soil erosion and flood and develop a national data bank.

(vi) formulate and review land use laws and regulations, and

ensuring the enactment of these laws and regulations relating to soil and water conservation.

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(vii) raise public awareness and promote understanding of the linkages between soil erosion and flood and environmental degradation as well as encouraging grassroot participation in soil erosion and flood management.

For the management of flood, soil and coastal erosion, this Policy will, in line with the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy, and the National Erosion and Flood Control Action Plan, adopt the following implementation strategies: a) enforce regulations for soil and water conservation especially in

erosion-prone areas; b) collect and collate existing data and carry out studies in different

geo-ecological zones of the country to identify the causal factors of erosion and flooding and recommend appropriate intervention measures

c) carry out national watershed delineation and characterization for

use as a basis for the development of an aggressive management and enforcement programme to protect and maintain the quality of the nation’s lands, water and coastal resources and implement the programme;

d) prepare periodic master-plan on the management of soil and

coastline erosion and flood and advise the Federal Government on the financial requirements for the implementation of such plans;

e) carry out feasibility and scientific studies on soil erosion and

related flood problems for the design of appropriate integrated remedial control measures;

f) carry out public enlightenment campaigns on environmental

degradation arising from poor land and water management practices;

g) provide and promote training on environmental issues as they

relate to flood, erosion, land degradation and water conservation; h) promote integrated ecosystem management with other agencies

connected with agriculture, land use, soil and water conservation, rural development and coastal resources management including environmentally sound recreational use;

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i) strengthen national capacity through personnel development, provision of training facilities and research on combating climate related ecological problems;

j) strengthen capacity of the Environmental Management Support

Systems (EMSS), for Remote Sensing data gathering GIS facilities and development of disaster/environmental data bank;

k) strengthen agro-forestry and Integrated Coastal Zone

Management; l) encourage planting on fallow and abandoned farmland using soil

enriching species; m) promote conservation farming and use of organic fertilizers and

soil conditioners; n) establish viable contingency plans for tackling socio-economic

and other problems resulting from coastal erosion and other forms of disasters; and

o) inventorise gully sites and update periodically as well as

implement preventive measures. 6.5 Drought and Desertification Management The geographical location of the country as well as its shape and large size allow it to experience nearly all the different types of climatic conditions found in the West African sub-region. The vegetation varies regionally in consonance with the climatic pattern. Thus, ecologically, the Nigerian landscape encompasses the mangrove and freshwater swamps, forest and savanna communities (including their montane and submontane varieties), and scrublands characteristic of the semi-arid sahel zones. The entire semi-arid zone of Nigeria lies approximately between Latitude 110N and 140N and is affected by desertification. This zone has consistently and adversely been affected by all recorded droughts in the country’s recent history. The situation is aggravated by the activities of an increasing human population – over-grazing, over-cultivation, and deforestation, which severely stress the natural support system. In many areas, sustainable-yield threshold of the vegetation and soils have been breached.

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Current estimates indicate that Nigeria may have lost about 351,000 square kilometres of landmass to desertification, and that upwards of 50 percent of the northern tiers of the States in the North-western and North-eastern geo-political zones are affected by desertification.. Governments at different levels have made efforts to combat desertification, and to mitigate the effects of drought through afforestation, reforestation and promotion of the use of non-fuel wood energy sources. Despite these efforts, desertification has continued its southward advance. The degeneration of the productive capacity of affected land areas has continued to diminish economic activity. Under this Policy, urgent and continuous action will be taken to check desert encroachment, rehabilitate affected areas and institutionalise drought ameliorating measures. The strategies needed to achieve these include: a) supporting the effective implementation of the National Policy on

Desertification and Mitigation of Drought, the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (2000) and the National Plan on Drought and Desertification Emergency Preparedness;

b) integrating public awareness and education on causes and

dangers associated with drought and desertification, as well as the constraints of the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD);

c) strengthening of national and state institutions involved in drought

and desertification control programmes; d) promoting sustainable agricultural practices and management of

water resources including water harvesting and inter-basin transfers;

e) encouraging individual and community participation in viable

afforestation and reforestation programmes using tested pest-and-drought-resistant and/or economic tree species;

f) encouraging the development and adoption of efficient wood

stoves and alternative sources of energy; g) establishing drought early warning systems;

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h) involving the local people in the design, implementation and management of natural resources conservation programmes for combating desertification and ameliorating the effects of the drought;

i) understanding international cooperation and partnership

arrangements in the areas of collaborative research development and transfer of affordable and acceptable environmentally sound technology and provision of new and additional technical and financial resources;

j) inventorising degraded lands and implement preventive measures

for lands that are not yet degraded or which are slightly degraded;

k) adopting an integrated approach to address physical, biological

and socioeconomic aspects of desertification and drought; l) intensifying cooperation with relevant inter and non-governmental

organisations in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought;

m) strengthening of the nation’s food security system; n) establishing, reviewing and enforcing cattle routes and grazing

reserves. o) supporting the Great Green Wall for Sahara Development

Initiative to enhance ecological recovery of areas threatened by drought and desertification in parts of the northern States of the country.

6.6 Sanitation and Waste Management The National Environmental Sanitation Policy of 2005 represents Nigeria’s commitment and determination to provide an acceptable level of environmental sanitation necessary for good public health and economic productivity in the country. The National Policy on the Environment will ensure the purposeful implementation of the National Environmental Sanitation Policy, policy guidelines and other relevant instruments relating to environmental sanitation and waste management, including the following: (i) Waste

Waste management remains one of the most daunting environmental sanitation challenges facing the country despite

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huge investments in the sector. The ultimate aim of the Policy Guidelines on Solid Waste Management of 2005, is to ensure that solid waste management is private sector driven and that its potentials for employment and wealth creation are fully harnessed. .

Also, within the framework of the National Sanitation Policy, the Excreta and Sewage Management Policy Guidelines of 2005 has been developed with appropriate strategies to “roll back” the poor sanitation problems and preventable diseases attributable to poor excreta and sewage management. The purpose of the Guidelines is to ensure countrywide access to efficient and sustainable sanitary excreta and sewage management methods and obviate associated public health hazards. In this regard, the Guidelines have taken cognisance of excreta and sewage management options, collection equipment, private sector participation as well as enforcement mechanisms sanctions.

(ii) Sanitary Inspection of Premises

The Policy Guidelines on Sanitary Inspection of Premises of 2005 was formulated amongst others, to improve the quality of life of Nigerians through sound sanitation practices in homes and communities. The Guidelines identified the appropriate strategies to be adopted in improving environmental sanitation standards. The institutional roles and responsibilities of all tiers of Government have been clearly defined to avoid duplication and conflict in the process of service delivery. All stakeholders are expected to make adequate annual budgetary allocation for the successful implementation of the programme. Procedures for the different aspects of the sanitary inspections of premises have been specified and samples of relevant forms to be used have also been included.

(iii) Market and Abattoir Sanitation

The National Environmental Sanitation Policy aptly identified Market and Abattoir Sanitation as one of the key policy issues to address the enormous problems of environmental sanitation in Nigeria. Such issues identified are improper planning of markets and abattoirs; the springing up of illegal markets and abattoirs (including private slaughter houses); lack of provision of adequate facilities such as potable water; inadequate road networks, lack of appropriate institutional regulations, enforcement and monitoring and corrupt and sharp practices by the supervisors of market and abattoirs. In this light, the

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Policy Guidelines on Market and Abattoir Sanitation (2005) was developed taking into account concerns ranging from institutional roles, through strategies to be adopted and the sources of funding to address these issues. The policy guideline also recognizes the significant roles of the market / abattoir men and women in identifying and finding solution to the various problems arising in the markets and abattoirs. Also, the guidelines seeks to promote and protect the health of all Nigerians by ensuring the highest standards of sanitation within and in the surrounding of all markets and abattoirs throughout the country, through the establishment and enforcement of adequate standards of sound sanitation in markets and abattoirs.

(iv) Pest and Vector Control

Pest and disease vectors constitute serious hazards to public health, food, security and general welfare of the citizenry in Nigeria. Hence the Policy Guidelines on Pest and Vector was issued to provide key strategies necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of reducing the threats posed by pests and vectors to public health and the environment. It also assigns roles to all stakeholders and proffered various environment friendly measures for pest, invasive species and vector control.

(v) School Sanitation A Policy Guideline on School Sanitation was issued in 2005 with the aim of providing for the school community an optimal sanitary environment that is healthy, safe and conducive for learning. 6.7 Noise The reduction of noise levels and the control of noise pollution are requisites for the creation and maintenance of a comfortable and healthy living environment. In furtherance of these objectives, programmes will be established to:

a) set up noise standards including acoustic guarantees; b) prescribe guidelines for the control of neighbourhood noise

especially with respect to construction sites, markets, meeting places and places of worship;

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c) prescribe permissible noise levels in noise-prone industries and construction sites, and ensure the installation of noise dampers on noisy equipment;

d) set up quiet zones especially within game parks, reserves,

residential areas and recreational centres; e) provide guidelines for the control of aircraft noise by prescribing

acceptable or permissible noise levels within the vicinity of airports;

f) ensure compliance with stipulated standards by conducting

periodic auditory and audiometric checks; 6.8 Toxic, Hazardous and Radioactive Substances Management With increasing industrial activity the dangers posed by the use and disposal of industrial input and output becomes critical in the environmental management framework. It is therefore important to put in place a machinery equipped to monitor the introduction, manufacturing, importation, sale and transportation as well as use and disposal of toxic hazardous and radioactive substances.

The relevant government department and other appropriate governmental agencies working in collaboration will:

a) maintain an up-to-date register of toxic, hazardous and

radioactive substances; b) determine the categories of toxic, hazardous and radioactive

chemicals, pesticides and CFCs to be allowed into or banned from Nigeria in line with internationally binding instruments to which Nigeria is party;

c) control the generation/production of toxic, hazardous and

radioactive chemicals and wastes and ensure that banned chemicals shall be stringently controlled;

d) establish an inventory of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)and

assess and strengthening the national infrastructure and capacity to control the emission of POPs;

e) determine, monitor, control and update the list of green wastes

(recyclable wastes) for economic purposes;

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f) establish a permitting and sanction system for the importation of toxic and hazardous chemicals and green wastes;

g) monitor the effects of and control all phases of the life-cycle of

all substances likely to have an adverse impact on human health and environment;

h) set up appropriate handling, transportation and storage codes for toxic, hazardous chemicals and green wastes;

i) minimize the generation of toxic hazardous wastes through the

adoption of clean technologies; j) determine and use environmentally safe and technologically

sound techniques for disposal of toxic, hazardous and radioactive chemicals and wastes;

k) develop and implement guidelines for the sound management

of toxic, hazardous and radioactive substances; l) set up national framework and standards for ‘DUMP WATCH’

against trans-boundary movement of toxic, hazardous and radioactive wastes and for the achievement of the environmentally sound management of hazardous substances;

m) adopt appropriate mix of the above permitting, monitoring and

control strategies of toxic, hazardous and radioactive substances for the enforcement of industrial compliance with pollution control standards;

n) establish legal and other mechanisms for the environmentally

sound management of accidental releases of toxic, hazardous and radioactive substances.

o) encourage the development and use of bio-pesticides. 6.9 Climate change Global climate change is possibly the greatest environmental challenge facing the world. Although referred to as “global warming”, global climate change is more about the serious disruptions of the entire world’s weather and climate patterns, including impacts on rainfall, extreme weather events and sea level rise, rather than just moderate temperature increase.

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The change in climatic conditions especially the rise in average surface temperature, known as Global Warming is attributed to the release of Greenhouse Gases due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. The impact of climate change on biodiversity is known to be responsible for changes in the life cycles of plants and animals and in extreme cases the extinction of species and the disruption of livelihoods and economic activities. This is a major threat to sustainable development and should be tackled by employing the following strategies: (a) partnering with other countries, in order to take a multilateral

approach to solving the problems of climate change;

(b) strengthening the interaction between the appropriate government departments, to aggregate the benefits of research;

(c) promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources

of energy e.g. non-carbon fuels such as wind, solar and nuclear power;

(d) encouraging industries by deploying appropriate incentives for

the use of renewable energy in their production processes; (e) designing appropriate incentives which ensure the integration

of scientific knowledge into behavioural patterns and selection of goods and services.

7.0 SECTORAL STRATEGIES It is very important to place the health of the ecosystems and their carrying capacity at the centre. To achieve environmentally sustainable development, it is necessary that the biosphere is able to provide society with sufficient natural goods and services of adequate quality in the long run. The quality and quantity of natural goods and services should be maintained, and policies should be driven by a concern to address the critical elements that determine the environmental sustainability of ecosystems. Consequently, a coherent, strategic and long-term programme of action has been prepared to ensure the sustainability of the Nigerian environment. Thus, the approach to problem solving adopted in the

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National Policy is predicated on an integrated, holistic and systemic view of environmental issues.

The actions envisaged will establish and/or strengthen legal, institutional, regulatory, research, monitoring, evaluation, public information and other relevant mechanisms for ensuring the attainment of the specific goals and targets of the policy. It is also expected that these strategies will lead to: a) improvement in the quality of life of the people; b) the establishment of adequate environmental standards as

well as the monitoring and evaluation of changes in the environment and the adoption of appropriate restorative measures;

c) the acquisition and publication of up-to-date environmental

data and the dissemination of relevant environmental information;

d) prior environmental assessment of proposed activities which

may impact the environment or the use of a natural resource.

The proposed implementation strategies for the various sectors are as detailed below. 7.1 Human Population The most valuable national resource is the human resource base. Consequently, the protection and enhancement of the health and well being of the people constitute a major responsibility of government. By their individual and collective behaviour human beings make significant positive or negative impact on the natural resources and non-human environment of the country. Environmental sustainability will be difficult to achieve unless human numbers and resource demands match the carrying capacity. This Policy will, therefore, be implemented along with the National Population Policy. The strategies to be adopted include the following: a) addressing the issues of population growth and resources

consumption in an integrated way;

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b) setting goals for the stabilization of national population at a sustainable level;

c) integrating resource consumption and demographic goals with

the other sectors and economic objectives; d) monitoring trends in population and resource consumption and

assessing their implementations for sustainability; e) encouraging and involving the private sector, NGOs and the

public in the implementation of strategies and actions aimed at achieving stated goals;

f) the prevention and management of natural disasters such as

flood, drought and desertification that more directly impact the lives of the populace;

g) integration of population and environmental factors in national

development planning; h) solving public health problems associated with rapid

urbanisation and squalid urban environments; i) prevention of the depletion of forests through judicious search

for and adoption of alternative energy sources; j) control of the demands and patterns of land resources usage. 7.2 Culture The various communities living in the different ecological zones of the country have developed, over many generations, their individual and unique traditional strategies for understanding and exploiting their environment and the available natural resources. This is embodied in the culture of the people and consists of their social, economic, legal and political institutions, their beliefs and values, their creative abilities; and their habits and materials as manifested in their housing, food, clothing, medical practices, tools, etc. Consequently, at every stage of a sustainable development plan, the inter-relationships between culture, the natural environment and the rational utilization of available resources should be clearly comprehended. To achieve and reinforce these objectives, appropriate machinery including participatory approach will be put in place to:

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a) enhance the understanding of the development of indigenous knowledge systems and technology and link these to established sciences in order to promote the sustainable management of natural resources;

b) encourage communities to incorporate their values and

traditional knowledge into community development programmes;

c) promote and protect traditional intellectual and cultural

properly rights and customary practices with emphasis on traditional medicine and crafts;

d) inculcate environmental awareness into cultural habits and entrench individual and collective responsibilities to protect the environment for the benefit of the present and future generations;

e) identify and ensure the preservation of artefacts and areas of

historical importance as part of the national heritage; f) encourage the traditional modes of leisure that can promote

environmentally sound tourism activities; g) promote sustainable urban culture; h) promote proven traditional architecture that is compatible with

sustainable development; 7.3 Housing and Human Settlements A human settlement is more than a grouping of people, shelter and work places. Diversity in the characteristics of human settlements reflecting cultural and aesthetic values must be respected and encouraged. Areas of historical, religious or archaeological importance and nature areas of special interest must also be preserved for posterity.

Human settlements are characterized by significant disparities in living standards and opportunities. Harmonious development of human settlements requires the reduction of disparities between rural and urban areas, between regions and within regions themselves. The National Housing Policy was developed to ensure that all Nigerians own or have access to decent housing accommodation at affordable cost.

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The Policy places human comfort and survival at the centre of concerns for sustainable development ensuring that man lives in harmony with nature. Urbanization leading to unbalanced development of human settlements should be tackled in a planned and sustainable manner.

For the achievement of the goals of the National Housing Policy, strategies would be put in place to:

a) strengthen appropriate institutional framework to facilitate

effective planning in housing development; b) ensure the development of housing that is functional and

conducive for family development; c) encourage the restructuring of all existing public institutions

involved in housing delivery at the Federal, State and local government levels with a view to making them more effective and responsive to the needs of Nigerians;

d) strengthen the executive capacity of local governments to

enable them contribute more effectively to housing delivery at the grassroots level;

e) produce and update regional development sites and services

to facilitate ownership and orderly urban and rural development;

f) improve the quality of rural housing, rural infrastructure and

environment; g) strengthen the operational effectiveness of the National

Housing Fund (NHF) through the inclusion of environmental and safety concerns in the loan assessment process;

h) encourage research into and promote the use of locally

produced building materials as a means of reducing building costs without compromising environmental concerns;

i) increase the supply of and improve the quality of manpower

needed in the housing sector; j) discourage overcrowding both with respect to the number of

houses per unit area and dwellers per unit of housing;

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k) incorporate environmental concerns into human settlement design and establish appropriate disaster response mechanisms.

The strategies to achieve the objectives of sustainable human settlement will include:

a) provision of guidelines for appropriate planning, design,

construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of shelters, infrastructure and other facilities;

b) removal of barriers in the provision of shelters for all Nigerians; c) adoption of an acceptable land use policy for agriculture and

other competing land uses to encourage productive investments in job creation and social infrastructural development in urban and rural areas;

d) encouragement of research and studies to promote and

develop indigenous planning and design techniques that are compatible with the actual needs of local communities;

e) stimulating public participation in assessing real user needs,

especially gender needs, as an integral part of the planning and design processes;

f) promotion and support for the development of locally

produced, environmentally sound, affordable and durable basic building materials in co-operation with all other interested parties;

g) provision of advice and technical assistance to museums and

other cultural institutions to establish parks, game reserves and other recreational facilities;

h) identification and protection of holy places and places of

cultural and historical importance; i) provision of guidelines for environmentally sound master plans

(including sanitation) for urban development, industrial and rural settlements;

j) design and development of geographically balanced model

cities and villages;

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k) application of modern urban planning and management techniques to housing, transport, employment opportunities, environmental conditions and community facilities;

l) focusing attention on priority human settlement programmes

and policies aimed at reducing urban pollution resulting especially from inadequate water supply sanitation and drainage, poor industrial and domestic waste management and air pollution;

m) improve sanitation and solid waste disposal systems by using

appropriate design and technology and prescribe appropriate regulations for licensing disposal sites and routes;

n) encourage the use of optimum designs for the implementation of sanitation projects;

o) development and implementation of a phased and systematic

programme of urban renewal through enhancement of the aesthetic appeal and living conditions in Nigerian cities and villages through tree-planting and related anti-erosion landscape management measures;

p) mandate Environmental Impact Assessment for human

settlement projects; q) prevention of the use of contaminated and derelict lands as

well as abandoned hazardous dumpsites and land fields for housing and other settlement purposes;

r) strengthen institutional capacity and mechanisms for the

enforcement of existing laws and regulations. 7.4 Mining, Solid Minerals and Oil and Gas Resources

The growing profile of natural resources extraction within the economy dictates that, attention be focused on its intrinsic tendency to cause environmental degradation; mineral exploration and production activities should, therefore, be carried out in an environmentally sound manner. In order to achieve this objective, the approval to initiate mineral exploration and production should mandatorily be preceded by an environmental impact assessment. Accordingly, sustainable exploitation strategies to be implemented nationally will seek to:

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a) evolve a realistic national conservation policy that ensures optimum economic returns from minerals and oil and gas exploitation, while ensuring adequate strategic reserves and taking into consideration the welfare of the inhabitants of mineral bearing communities;

b) facilitate orderly development of minerals for real economic growth, improvement of the living standards of the people and the creation of favourable investment climate through prudent use of the nation’s mineral resources and the adoption of rational conservation measures;

c) ensure minimal disturbance of the soil, topography, vegetation,

sensitive ecological zones, including critical wildlife habitat, wetlands, avian migratory routes, etc. during the process of exploration, production, refining, transportation and marketing of mineral resources;

d) prescribe all forms of Oil and Gas exploration and production in

Estuaries, Coastal Waters, Beaches and Resorts, and take such measures as will minimize disturbance to and contamination of benthic and aquatic habitats;

e) prescribe operational standards aimed at minimizing dust and

noise pollution from mineral exploitation activities and to reduce the impact of dust on vegetation, surface and groundwater and humans;

f) prescribe stringent regulations for the efficient collection,

treatment and disposal of exploration wastes (drilling mud and additives, formation waters, mines tailings, etc.);

g) monitor water quality in open drains, streams and other water

bodies around mineral exploitation operations, as well as groundwater quality in all areas prone to pollution;

h) periodically inspect pipelines, ships, barges, tanks and other

mineral exploitation facilities for early detection of corrosion, fatigue leakages, damages, etc. and ensure prompt maintenance;

i) prescribe minimum safety standards in the development of

mines and the use of Personal Protective Equipment;

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j) ensure the existence and workability of mine safety contingency plans and provision of first-aid facilities at the mines;

k) monitor the health of workers involved in mineral exploitation

activities and protect workers from excessive exposure to dust particulate matter, radioactive and toxic materials in and out of the mine and make provisions for adequate treatment of mining related diseases;

l) prescribe stringent regulations for the stacking and ultimate

disposal of mine and beneficiation tailings and dumps in a way that ensures their long term stability;

m) stipulate and monitor compliance with approved procedures

for the reclamation and the restoration of land, top soil and vegetation of mined out areas and monitor the recovery of such areas;

n) maintain regular environmental audit to stimulate the adoption of environmentally sound practices and technologies in all exploitation operations;

o) promote and support small-scale miners in order to discourage

illegal mining activities; p) encourage all mineral exploitation operators to keep accurate

records of crude oil and product spills as well as other accidents that impact environmental quality and report them promptly to the appropriate authorities;

q) maintain an inventory of certified/approved oil spill control

chemicals and document their toxicity levels and biodegradability;

r) monitor air emissions and gaseous wastes (CO, CO2, NOx, H2S,

CH4, SO2, etc.) discharged at production platforms, refineries, petrochemical and gas processing facilities through continual air quality sampling as well as through daily visual checks for leakages around tanks, pumps, pipelines and transfer points;

s) promote conservation and restoration of natural formation

pressure through elimination of gas flaring and the re-injection of produced associated gas and formation waters;

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t) promote the complete utilization of produced associated gas, reduce gas flaring and the production of greenhouse gases;

u) carry out inventory of spill sites and conduct prompt clean-up. v) regularly monitor the functioning of well head and drilling

platform devices to prevent blowouts, and install early warning electronic devices for detection and prevention;

w) install pressure monitoring gauges and automatic shut-off

devices on pumps, pipelines, depots, tank farms, chemical haulage vehicles and ensure their integrity through periodic inspection and testing;

x) prescribe minimum standards of environmental safety in all

upstream and downstream oil sector facilities and maintain regular environmental audits of all existing oil and gas production facilities to ensure the adoption of environmentally safe practices as well as compliance with set standards;

y) prescribe minimum environmental and safety regulations for the protection of the health of workers, the general public and the environment and ensure compliance through teams of competent inspectors;

z) prescribe a realistic quality control assurance scheme for

adoption by all operators and monitor compliance; aa) ensure the implementation of the National Oil Spill

Contingency Plan;

bb) prepare a National Plan of Action for Awareness Preparedness for Emergencies at the local Level;

cc) conduct spill modelling for all offshore developmental projects

to enable proactive response to emergencies; dd) promote research aimed at accumulating baseline ecologic

data on oil and gas production areas as well as other industrial manufacturing areas;

ee) encourage the establishment of waste/crankcase oil recovery

and reuse systems;

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ff) review and periodically harmonise existing laws to reflect new realities in environmental management in the sector.

7.5 Energy There are multiple energy sources, and the technical processes for harnessing and usage and impact on the environment vary from one energy type to another. Thus, the Policy Guidelines on Energy of 2007 was produced with the aim of developing and maintaining regular inventory of energy resources in Nigeria as well as ensuring the continuity and self-sufficiency in energy supply in the short, medium and long-term at economically favourable costs. The Guidelines takes cognisance of the need to protect the quality of the environment and the population from hazards of energy exploitation and utilisation. It further aims at improving the nation’s technical capabilities in the energy sector for the State security, self reliance and economic competitiveness. In energy production and use, therefore, attention should be focused on the following: (i) energy source; (ii) the fuel for generation; (iii) mode of generation; (iv) storage, transmission and use; and (v) conservation

Nigeria is blessed with a variety of the principal energy sources available to mankind, of both a renewable and non-renewable type.

As energy consumption increases with industrialisation, it is essential to ensure a more balanced mix of the various energy types used as prescribed by the National Energy Policy. It will also be important to promote energy efficiency and pay proper attention to renewable energy derivable from hydro, solar, wind, and biomass.

Strategies to achieve this objective include:

a) implementation of detailed environmental impact assessment

of all planned energy projects backed by detailed baseline

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ecological data against which subsequent environmental changes and/ or impacts can be measured;

b) developing a rational National Energy Utilization Master Plan that balances the need for conservation with the utilisation of premium energy resources for premium socio-economic needs;

c) encouraging the use of energy forms that are environmentally

safe and sustainable, particularly solar energy; d) establishment of stringent safety standards in all national

energy production processes while promoting safe and pollution-free operations in energy production and use;

e) prescribing and enforcing stringent standards for the disposal

of radioactive and toxic wastes from energy production processes and controlling the level of human exposure to nuclear radiation at mines, power plants and reactors through periodic audit checks of ambient radiation levels at such environments;

f) monitoring and controlling the levels of particulates, toxic

chemicals and noxious gaseous effluents of energy production and use such as CO, CO2, NOx, SO, and non-methane hydrocarbons;

g) monitoring the ambient temperatures and other physical and

chemical properties of cooling effluents of energy plants to prevent or reduce their severe impacts on human health and the aquatic plants and animals;

h) ensuring that the site selection for energy construction projects

emphasizes the right of way (R.O.W.) of transmission lines in such a way as to ensure minimal loss or disturbance of habitats, vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, and human habitation;

i) adoption of a multi-sectoral approach to the monitoring and

control of environmental problems associated with energy production and use;

j) licensing and periodic inspection and monitoring of all energy waste disposal sites;

k) encouraging research and development programmes that

promote environmentally sound utilization of the abundant

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coal resources as a domestic energy source through the reduction of the ash and noxious chemicals content;

l) establishment of standards for the control of fuel additives

especially with respect to trace metals such as Pb and Zn compounds;

m) promotion and encouragement of research for the

development and use of various locally available energy sources especially non-conventional resources such as geothermal, solar, wind, biomass, and bitumen or tar sands;

n) preparation of guidelines for energy production and use in

consonance with the environmental implications of the National Energy Policy;

o) ensuring a mandatory environmental audit of all major existing

energy projects;

p) ensuring capacity building to enhance sustainable use and monitoring of energy resources;

q) improve public awareness of energy efficiency measures. 7.6 Infrastructure In its widest definition, infrastructure represents the totality of interconnected man-made physical structures which conduce to the enjoyment of both natural and artificial environment, but which is more popularly understood to include networks of utilities such as transportation, communication, sewerage and water systems necessary to support economic and human activities.

The environmental impact of infrastructural development can be both positive and negative especially as regards the activities necessary to create them.

The scale of such activities will vary from project to project, with some minimal and others of a magnitude which requires intervention by way of control of the implications thereof.

Attention should therefore be focused on the following:

(i) the sustainable procurement of the construction materials;

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(ii) the adoption of processes/stages of construction that are environment friendly; and

(iii) the effect of the completed structure(s)

The strategies for ensuring sustainable development of infrastructure include:

a) the mandatory implementation of a detailed Environment

Impact Assessment of major infrastructure projects;

b) ensuring that remedial measures to mitigate the negative impact of major projects on the environment are built into the project;

c) initiating post-construction environmental audits that ensure

that the in-built mitigating measures satisfactorily address the anticipated environmental concerns;

d) the introduction, in collaboration with the Standard

Organisation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Society of Engineers, of stringent quality standards for various construction materials in order to guarantee the structural stability and durability of facilities;

e) minimizing negative environmental impact by prescribing

processes and materials to be utilized for infrastructure projects, ensuring that they meet minimum standards for:

– noise abatement, – reduction of vibrations, – reduction of dust pollution, – careful handling and disposal of spent oils, fuels, etc., – minimisation of noxious gas emissions (CO, SO, NOx, etc.), – provocation of erosion, flooding, landslides, etc;, and

habitat destruction, and – conservation of local ecological resources;

f) ensuring the safety of workers engaged in infrastructure

projects by the provision and insistence on the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and the adoption of other safe practices;

g) establishment of contingency plans for rescue operations in

case of site and operational accidents;

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h) ensuring that construction design and implementation are

carried out in such a way as to minimize undesirable micro-climatic, geologic/geomorphologic and other man-induced impacts such as fires, landslides, earth flows, gullying, debris avalanches, accelerated erosion, flood, etc.;

i) prescribing a minimum quality level of aesthetics around

infrastructure and ensuring good drainage, landscaping, sound insulation, ventilation, easy accessibility for purposes of fire fighting, rescue operations, waste collection and emergency evacuation, etc.;

j) prescribing quality standards which ensure that projects do not

compromise or alter existing land use, for example, through undue encroachment on valuable agricultural lands and does not detract from the beauty of the natural built-up environment;

7.7 Health and Safety Reduced life expectancy as a consequence of low environmental standards is a primary factor to be considered in the prescription and pursuit of environmental health and safety for human settlements as well as for other organisms whose well being draws from the pool of environmental goods and services. As there can be no sustainable development without health and regard for the maintenance of a safe environment, it is essential to ensure that health and safety measures conform to generally accepted standards. The strategies to be pursued will include:

a) co-operation with the health sector to improve environmental

health within the framework and as a component of primary health care;

b) improvement of environmental health services and conditions

relating to water supply, sewage, solid wastes, pollution control and green areas housing;

c) improving the health and quality of life of both urban and rural

population by focusing on development and the creation of

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physical, social institutions and economic conditions that support health and well being;

d) enabling rural populations and their leadership to maintain a

sustained dialogue concerning health and safety issues; e) strengthening local capacity of village, township, district and

other local level authorities and institutions to promote health care services.;

f) encouraging and promoting the use of appropriate

technology and local expertise to raise community awareness and standards of health and safety education;

g) developing information exchange on health and safety issues; h) creating closer ties and contacts between activities and

programmes relating to environmental health, primary health care, nutrition, health of women and children and environmental hazards;

i) provision of support for the preparation of legislation to

regulate production and disposal of toxic waste and for organisation and mechanisms that work to implement such legislation;

j) compiling and disseminating information on health and safety

risks from various sources; k) supporting education and public awareness programmes on

sanitation and safety issues; l) supporting community participation in the preparation and

implementation of health and environmental activities and projects;

m) specify safety and health codes and guidelines for use in the

various sectors of the society; n) ensuring that adherence to stipulated health and safety

standards constitute a major component of Environmental Impact Assessment of development projects;

o) support for research in the use of local plants and animals for

medicinal purposes;

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p) specify and ensure the provision of contingency plans for dealing with emergencies and establish an effective system of reporting them.

7.8 Education Education is a dynamic instrument of change. Appreciation of the need to protect the environment should be inculcated at all levels of both formal and non-formal education. Education promotes public awareness of attitudes, values and other actions that are germane to sustainable development, as a tool for encouraging popular participation in decision making. It is necessary to develop and support the education sector to ensure its responsiveness to changes and the demands of all other sectors. The result will be a direct as well as an indirect assimilation of environmental ethics into the value system, to evolve a community of people that collectively and individually accept responsibility for protecting the environment and ensuring rational utilisation of natural resources.

The following strategies will be adopted:

a) promote comprehensive curriculum reviews that integrate

environment and development concepts in the educational systems;

b) support the development of courses and programmes leading

to the award of degrees and diplomas in environmental education, environmental sciences, and environmental management and technology;

c) encourage gender-sensitive education at all levels including

continuing education opportunities and literacy programmes; d) encourage practical training programmes for graduates of

tertiary institutions to prepare them for labour market requirements and creation of sustainable livelihoods;

e) strengthen vocational training that facilitates the development

and assimilation of environmentally sound, socially acceptable appropriate technology and know-how;

f) establish and support centres of excellence in interdisciplinary

research and education in the areas of environment and sustainable development;

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g) emphasise training and retraining of teachers, administrators and educational planners in environmental education and development issues;

h) assist schools to design and sustain environment related activities

including establishment of environmental awareness clubs and associations;

i) support educational institutions, NGOs and the private sector to

develop and provide appropriate training programmes on environment and development issues;

j) promote research on and development of indigenous

knowledge to facilitate sustainable adaptation of relevant technologies;

k) adopt community based approaches to public education and

enlightenment through culturally relevant social groups, voluntary associations and occupational organisations;

l) collaborate with media, entertainment and advertising agencies

in enhancing environmental awareness; m) encourage the United Nations and other donor agencies to

emphasize capacity building in all development programmes through adoption of the multidisciplinary approach to skill transfer;

n) encourage research linkages and staff/student exchanges

between Nigerian educational institutions and institutions abroad in the areas of environmental studies and sustainable development;

o) encourage public relations activities which provide forum for

debate on sustainable development and the articulation of the collective vision on sustainable development;

p) promote public awareness activities through traditional, mass

media and NGO participation structures and keep such institutions informed about all aspects of the policy;

q) support Environmental Information Systems at national, regional

and global levels;

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r) develop an accessible national strategy which provides relevant support services for environmental education;

s) adequately fund environmental education. 7.9 Trade

Industrialization remains a key goal of the Nigeria economy. Reconciling the operation of a liberal trade regime with policies to conserve and protect environmental resources has emerged as a high priority issue on the international agenda. The overall objective is to seek ways in which the benefits of a liberal trade system can be reconciled with greater environmental protection. Nigeria, like many less-developed countries, is still heavily engaged in natural resources production and trade, and hence has a direct interest in natural resource-related trade questions. The main thrust of Nigeria’s external trade policy objective is to achieve economic development through the attainment of healthy balance of payments, market expansion, net inflow of foreign exchange and the protection of infant industries. To attain these goals in the face of new and tougher environmental criteria confronting it in international markets, Nigeria will have to continually adapt to the environmental requirements of its major markets to remain competitive. The attainment of the policy objectives of Nigeria’s external trade would, therefore, require the adoption of the following strategies: a) encouraging the use of recyclable, re-usable and returnable

materials in packaging; b) establishing the machinery for ‘eco-label’ awards for products

meeting prescribed environmental standards; c) providing relevant environmental information and advice to

importers and exporters with respect to the requirement of the International Organisation of Standardization (ISO);

d) organizing in-house awareness seminars involving all the

stakeholders on the effects of environmental standards abroad on Nigerian imports and exports;

e) requiring industries to use chemicals with minimal toxic or

polluting components in their production processes (e.g. tanneries to use butane instead of PCP);

f) ensuring that all export projects conform with EIA procedures;

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g) adherence of agro-chemical industries to environmental standards with respect to storage, handling, packaging and disposal of its products;

h) imputing the costs of negative environmental externalities in the

prices of goods; i) advising judicious use of trade measures as a way of uplifting

environmental standards; j) supporting the harmonisation of product standards, including

environmental product standards among ECOWAS member countries not only for the purpose of increasing trade among themselves but also with the rest of the world;

k) ensuring that environment and trade policies are mutually

supportive with a view to achieving sustainable development; l) encouraging exporters to adopt new practices that generate

less pollution in line with international environmental standards; m) providing assistance to exporters on environmentally friendly

product development and financing; 7.10 Industry The thrust of the nation’s Industrial Policy is to accelerate the pace of industrialisation by the radical increase of value-addition at every stage of the value chain. To achieve sustainable industrial development of the country, in line with the Vision 20.20.20 the National Policy on the Environment will support the Industrial Policy goals through initiatives that seek, among others to ensure:

(i) availability of indigenous technological materials;

(ii) availability of industrial raw materials;

(iii) possession of a viable research and development base that is

capable of selecting, adapting and developing technology; and

(iv)creating awareness to promote and sustain technological and industrial growth;

As a result, all major industrial development projects should mandatorily be preceded by Environmental Impact Assessment.

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Strategies to achieve these objectives include: (a) preparation of national classification /categorization of industries

that will ensure optimal utilization of common services by industries that produce similar effluents;

(b) ensuring strict adherence to land use zoning and demarcation

of industrial areas to encourage the optimal utilization of shared facilities;

(c) ensuring that major industry locations are selected on the basis

of environmental considerations; (d) preventing industries from being sited close to ecologically

sensitive areas, historic and archaeological monuments, national parks, scenic areas, beaches and resorts, coastal areas and estuaries, bird and animal sanctuaries, natural lakes, swamps, floodplains, wetlands, etc.;

(e) discouraging the trend to appropriate forest reserves and prime

agricultural lands for industrial use; (f) prohibiting the siting of industries close to residential areas; (g) ensuring the rational and sustainable exploitation and use of

industrial raw materials taking into consideration the best conservation practice and prevention of resource depletion;

(h) encouraging the use of state-of-the-art equipment and

environmentally sound technologies in process operations to enhance in-plant safety and healthy out-plant environments;

(i) encouraging existing industries to produce Comprehensive

Industrial Master Plans that will show novel and more effective methods for phased pollution abatement and waste management, and compliance with set environmental standards;

(j) ensuring that production processes incorporate realistic

programmes for cleaner production and waste minimization through material recovery, reuse and recycling;

(k) ensuring that sufficient space is provided on site for solid waste

storage and primary effluent treatment;

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(l) ensuring the establishment of specialized facilities for the handling and disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes from industries;

(m) considering the assimilative capacity of the environment before

approving/adopting any waste disposal system; (n) enforcement of in-plant safety regulations and emergency

procedures by compelling management to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and making it mandatory for workers to use them through their labour unions;

(o) ensuring workers good health through periodic monitoring of

their state of health and provision of emergency and first aid services;

(p) rewarding all existing industries that articulate viable

programmes of environmental pollution, remediation, facility sharing, and those with facilities for waste management through economic incentives such as tax holidays, soft loans, outright grants, etc.;

(q) prescribing strict adherence to the polluter-pay principle; (r) ensuring that financial institutions insist on the execution of a

mandatory EIA of projects prior to granting of loans; (s) ensuring sustainable development through the maintenance of

industrial infrastructural facilities, particularly water, roads, electricity, telecommunications, etc.;

(t) initiating periodic detailed environmental audits of major industries and compiling comprehensive inventory of pollutants;

(u) monitoring of effluents from factories and other non-point

sources as well as leachates from approved industrial waste disposal sites to reduce/prevent contamination of air and groundwater;

(v) monitor on a continuous basis, the Quality Assurance

Standards/Requirements (such as Eco-labelling) of potential foreign market blocks (e.g. the EU) and ensure that local products meet the set standards.

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7.11 Tourism, Hospitality and Eco-tourism The tourism, hospitality and eco-tourism industries take centre stage in the scheme of economic development as an enabling tool. They also have a potential significant contribution to GDP as can be seen in the experience of many other countries.

The National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) seeks to make Nigeria the preferred tourism destination in the sub-region, and to pursue an aggressive environmental policy that supports and encourages the tourism industry. In line with the NEEDS objective, this Policy will promote sustainable and responsible tourism, without compromising the integrity of local people, balanced development and employment and income generation from tourism based enterprises and activities. Consequently, to ensure that tourism is sustainable and not damaging to the environment, the following strategies will be put in place:

a) reconstruct, rehabilitate and modernize the country’s

infrastructural facilities, especially roads, bridges, air transport, water, electricity supply and communication systems with due concern for the environment;

b) regulate large scale and consumption-oriented types of tourism

with the objective of controlling the flow of tourists to environmentally sensitive;

c) promote eco-tourism both as a means of conserving natural

resources and biodiversity, and as a source of income; d) guarantee security of life and property; e) strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Tourism Development

Corporation (NTDC) to effectively manage and develop eco-tourism;

f) identify, designate and develop environmentally friendly centres

of attraction for tourism development; g) establish effective organs for the planning, development,

promotion and marketing of tourism within and outside Nigeria, including well-defined roles for the three tiers of government;

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h) ensure that the nation as a whole and the local populations on the fringe areas in particular truly benefit from eco-tourism development projects;

i) evaluate the environmental effects and cultural impacts of

major tourism development projects on local populations; j) ensure mandatory EIA of major tourism projects. 7.12 Science and Technology In implementing this policy, it is important that everybody from policy makers to the general public understands the roles that science and technology have to play in achieving environmental sustainability and human development. There is need, therefore, to work closely with the Science and Technology Policy implementation programmes through the adoption of the following strategies:

a) identifying how scientific and technological programmes could impact development to become really sustainable; b) providing and supporting full and open sharing of information among scientists and decision makers; c) supporting national advisory groups to help society develop common values on environmental and development ethics; d) supporting environmental technology research programmes including ways to enhance the soundness of new technologies; e) developing scientific quality of life indicators covering health, education, social welfare and the state of the environment and economy; f) supporting research to improve the understanding of the links between the state of ecosystems and human health and the benefits and costs of different development policies; g) supporting scientific studies to map out national and regional pathways to sustainable development as well as the attitudes and behaviours that lead to environmental impacts and how environmental degradation affects global and local economies;

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h) encouraging indigenous scientific knowledge and technical capability, benefit sharing and intellectual property rights; i) fund research into existing and emerging environmental issues

adequately; and j) promoting research and development in value addition and

sustainable utilization of the natural bio-resources. 7.13 Agriculture The viability or otherwise of the agricultural sector is crucial to the growth and development of a nation. The agriculture sector strongly impacts food security, industrialization efforts, quality of life, economic growth, and political stability and to a certain extent, a nation’s position in international relations and trade. The sustainability of this important sector should, therefore, be of paramount importance. Consequently, it is essential to establish a balance between efficient agricultural enterprise and environmental protection. The emphasis should be on the promotion of ecologically sound and profitable farming systems and suitable rural development programmes principally aimed at small-scale farmers. To increase agricultural productivity, comprehensive programmes which ensure proper use of natural resources and judicious application of agricultural inputs must be pursued.

In order to ensure the attainment of these objectives, strategies will be put in place to:

a) ensure that mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments is

carried out for all major agricultural development projects; b) support research aimed at developing farming systems that

combine optimum production with land resource protection and which are compatible with the socio-economic conditions of all peoples;

c) promote farming systems based on natural adaptations across

ecological zones and ensure maintenance of soil quality and capability through sound management;

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d) develop through research, sustainable agro-forestry techniques for the prevention and remediation of erosion and checking desertification;

e) discourage the cultivation of marginal lands and encourage off-

farm contributions; f) prescribe and regulate appropriate land preparation and

agriculture mechanization; g) encourage and support ecologically appropriate livestock and

poultry production; h) promote efficient use of crop and livestock waste products; i) develop and support efficient fish production, processing,

storage and marketing through promotion of improved technologies and management practices;

j) encourage conservation of grazing reserves and enforce strict

range resource management programmes; k) minimize agricultural product loss by promoting efficient

processing techniques, improved transportation infrastructure, appropriate storage facilities and efficient marketing strategies;

l) regulate the production, use, storage, transportation, marketing,

sale and disposal of agricultural chemicals; m) maintain an up-to-date register of approved agro-chemicals

and provide “safe use of pesticides” guides; n) encourage the production of high yield, early maturing crop

varieties requiring minimum agro-chemicals input; o) monitor pesticide and agro chemical residue levels in air, soil,

water, sediments, flora, fauna and human and document the environmental fate of such chemicals;

p) promote farming, using manures and other soil nutrients; q) promote integrated pest management; r) promote and encourage sustainable low input farming systems;

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s) regulate the use of toxic and hazardous chemicals in agriculture to protect human health and the soil.

t) promote the inventory development and the use of eco-friendly

bio-pesticides or natural pesticides. 7.14 Forestry, Wildlife and Protected Environment It is true that there have in recent years been increasing deforestation, soil degradation, deterioration and desertification in Nigeria. All these have been due to the spread of agriculture, commercial timber felling and local cutting of wood for fuel. This is further aggravated by accidental forest fires as well as farming and game related bush burning. The need is, therefore to secure development while at the same time sustaining the productivity of the natural vegetation, protecting wildlife, maintaining genetic diversity and avoiding forest and soil destruction. The strategies for achieving these objectives include:

a) promoting the rational exploitation of forest resources to meet

domestic consumption needs and to achieve a significant export activity on a long term basis;

b) regulating forestry activities to enhance conservation and

environmentally sound management practices; c) monitoring the quantitative and qualitative changes of forest

cover and their effects using conventional means and modern technology such as multi-spectral imagery geographical information systems etc;

d) providing data on the balance between the nation’s forest

biomass and the prevailing environment and changes in the forest biomass considered to have a significant impact on the environment;

e) strengthening forest protection programmes to ensure adequate

vegetation cover in critical areas and to discourage developments likely to cause harmful changes;

f) assessing the state of natural vegetation resources and

identifying endangered sites and species for priority action;

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g) protecting flora and fauna in danger of extinction as well as forest reserves for scientific recreational and other cultural purposes;

h) encouraging reforestation and afforestation programmes and

activities with a view to rectifying the forest losses and the adverse effects of deforestation;

i) combining desirable features of traditional approach with

modern scientific methods of conservation; j) increasing support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

and communities in tree planting programmes; k) increasing the current area of forest estate from 10-25% of the

total national land area and ensuring that the size does not diminish;

l) reviewing State forestry laws and evolving a national forest and

Wildlife law; m) facilitating institutional development and manpower capacity

building; n) undertaking continuous forest inventory for the acquisition of up-

to-date data and information for strategic planning and forest management purposes;

o) including the full cost of forest goods and services in their pricing

in order to attract private sector participation and entrepreneurship in forestry development and management;

p) promoting the development of alternative sources of energy

while supporting programmes for the development of more efficient methods of wood energy use;

q) protecting forest from bush and forest fires and taking measures

to discourage wanton destruction of forest resources; r) strengthening programmes for the identification and study of the

natural heritage in fauna and flora and for establishing a national inventory of forest resources;

s) establishing germplasm conservation programmes;

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t) establishing programmes for the efficient utilization of vegetation resources including reduction of wastes and improved technologies for product consumption;

u) encouraging appropriate agro-forestry practices and the search

for multipurpose plant species for achieving increased productivity for a unit area of land;

v) developing and disseminating scientific and technological

information conducive to more efficient use of forest resources and wildlife;

w) supporting the goals of National Conservation Strategy for

Nigeria; x) enforcing mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment for all

major forestry and protected area management projects as well as projects involving large scale exploitation of forest resources.

7.15 Marine and Coastal Resources In order to maintain and improve the quality of the unique environmental resource endowments and the physical characteristics of the coastal areas, Ecological Master Plan (EMP) will be prepared based on detailed baseline ecological data to guide the use of coastal areas for the diverse and often conflicting industrial and social needs of the nation so that continued viability of all aspects of the ecosystems will be secured. These will be achieved through the following strategies:

a) Strict adherence to the principle governing environmental

impact assessment to be implemented for all applications for project development in the coastal and near shore areas;

b) study and highlight the vulnerable components of the marine

and coastal ecosystems bearing in mind their limited stocks of living and non-living exploitable resources;

c) ensure the quantity, quality and reliability of water required to

maintain ecological functions, so that the human use of water does not individually or cumulatively compromise the long term sustainability of aquatic and associated ecosystems;

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d) identify and map critical and sensitive habitats (Environmental Sensitivity Index maps) to enable project planners and developers to incorporate appropriate measures to minimize damage and disturbance to breeding, nesting and feeding areas of estuarine and coastal water species;

e) provide timely data and operational standards for project

planning and implementation, especially for fishing, drilling, construction of offshore oil production platforms and loading terminals, dredging, pipe laying and seabed mining;

f) study the prevalent coastal and near shore geomorphologic

processes and identify the land forms that are indicative of coastline changes over time especially with regard to coastal submergence/emergence, subsidence, sediment balance, coastal sand transport with depositional or erosive tendencies, sediment compaction and current erosion;

g) monitor the rate of coastline degradation or recession and

establish coastal protection measures with a view to timely intervention to arrest irreversible negative changes;

h) establish measures to discourage and prevent or at best

minimize point and non-point pollution of the entire coastline and near shore marine waters;

i) prepare Ecological Master Plans for the management and

control of coastal and near-shore marine industrial and social development activities to minimize pollution and protect the resources;

j) encourage the recreational use of coastal and near shore

marine water-fronts areas for the enhancement of tourism; k) discourage upstream water use that can negatively impact

estuarine and coastal habitats, water quality and quantity and thus endanger marine life which live and/or reproduce in such habitats;

l) establish measures against the trans-boundary movement of

toxic and hazardous substances within Nigerian marine and coastal waters;

m) create public awareness of the dangers of dumping toxic and

hazardous wastes, sewage and other domestic and industrial wastes in coastal and marine waters;

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n) establish national and regional contingency plans for maritime tanker accidents, oil well blowouts and accidental oil spills in coastal and near-shore waters;

o) establish stringent standards for effluent discharge from mines,

thermal nuclear plants and oil exploitation and production operations in coastal and continental shelf waters;

p) effect regular environmental audits of all development projects

located in or bordering the coastal zone in order to promptly correct the undesirable negative environmental impact of such projects;

q) highlight vulnerable species and ecosystems bearing in mind the

limited stocks of living and non-living exploitable resources; r) sustain ecological diversity and productivity; s) prepare controls for land-based sources, coastal and marine-

based activities to minimize pollution and protect coastal and marine environments and associated resources;

t) establish restoration, rehabilitation and mitigation and or

compensation programmes for loss of marine and coastal resources;

u) promote Integrated Coastal Area Management (ICAM). 7.16 Transport and Communications Transport and communication systems are the key to the movement of goods, peoples, information and ideas as well as access to markets, employment, schools and other facilities and land use both within and between cities and in rural and other remote areas. The transportation sector is a major consumer of non-renewable energy and land and is a major contributor to pollution, congestion and accidents. Integration of the transport, communication systems and land use policies and planning can minimize the negative impacts of current transport system on the environment while yielding accessible, affordable, safe and efficient public transport modes. Strategies for achieving this objective include; a) supporting an integrated transport policy that explores the full

array of technical and management options and pays due

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attention to the needs of all population groups (e.g. the physically challenged, poor and the aged);

b) coordinating land use, communication systems and transport

planning in order to encourage spatial settlement patterns that facilitate access to such basic necessities as workplace, school, health care, places of worship, goods and services and leisure thereby reducing the need to travel;

c) encouraging the use of an optimal combination of modes of

transport, including walking, cycling and public means of transportation, through appropriate pricing, spatial settlement policies and regulatory measures;

d) introducing disincentives that discourage the increasing growth

of private motorized traffic and thus reduce congestion; e) providing and or promoting an effective, affordable, physically

accessible and environmentally sound public transport and communication system, giving priority to collective means of transport with adequate carrying capacity and frequency that support basic needs and the main traffic flows;

f) promoting, regulating and enforcing quiet, user-efficient and

low-polluting technologies, including fuel-efficient engine and emission controls and environment friendly fuels;

g) Encouraging and promoting public access to electronic

information services; h) Bringing the private sector into the process of managing

environmental pollution in the transport sector as one aspect of partnership in progress;

i) Establishing and enforcing emission standards; j) Requiring new transport and communication projects to

undergo environmental impact assessment; k) Developing, where appropriate, criteria for maximum permitted

and safe levels of noise exposure and promoting noise assessment control as part of environmental health programme;

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8.0 FINANCING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION

Huge financial investments are needed to implement the various programmes and activities for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Conservation. With the increasing pressure on the environment and natural resources, the cost of inaction would rise exponentially and manifest in the expansion of desertified areas, loss of our agricultural and natural resources, declining agricultural productivity, impaired health of the citizens, polluted surface and underground waters, expansion of coastlines into prime property and agricultural areas, etc. The financial requirements for environmental protection and natural resources conservation calls for the need to harness the current funding mechanisms to make it more efficient and responsive. There is also the need to improve current funding levels and to provide new and additional financial resources that are both adequate and predictable to halt and reverse the current menace of environment and natural resources degradation. Current efforts towards achieving efficient financing of environmental projects include joining the Global Environment Facility (GEF), an independent financial organization which provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. Other strategies/activities will be initiated to:

a) ensure adequate annual budgetary allocation and timely

release of funds for implementation of the provisions of the National Policy on the Environment and, in particular, the amelioration of key environmental problems;

b) apply the Ecological Fund set aside from the Federation

Account for the amelioration of ecological problems for environmental protection, natural resources conservation and environmental remediation of degraded and abandoned mining sites and other identified derelict sites;

c) ensure that a substantial portion of the Federation Account

allocation designed for the development of the Niger Delta is used for environmental protection, restoration, remediation and rehabilitation and natural resources conservation within the areas covered by the Commission’s mandate;

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d) take full advantage of bilateral and multilateral technical and financial assistance in environmental protection and resource conservation measures at Federal, State and Local Government levels as well as for the implementation of the Conventions and Protocols ratified by Nigeria;

e) Establish an Environment Endowment Fund derived from

voluntary contributions by governments, individuals and corporate bodies. This fund shall be revolving and be managed by the relevant government department, agency or authority established by law for emergency environmental clean-up of oil spills, industrial pollution accidents and restoration of abandoned mining sites and desertified areas;

f) mobilize additional finance through the imposition of approved

taxes, fine and charges, where appropriate, on activities that deplete natural resources or degrade the environment;

g) ensure government support for NGO activities in environmental

awareness, sensitization, education and conservation; h) urge State and Local governments to set aside a substantial

percentage of their annual budgets to tackle environmental problems and for natural resources conservation within their areas of jurisdiction.

i) mobilise financial contribution from the private sector to support

environmental programmes. 9.0 PARTNERSHIPS AND PARTICIPATORY INVOLVEMENT In order to secure the involvement of the citizenry and assure its commitment to the principle of sustainable development, action will be undertaken to enlighten various levels of society on the essential linkages between environment and development. Action will be taken to: b) ensure public and community participation in the definition of

environmental policy objectives and decision-making; c) establish environmental information centres in local communities

for the purpose of public enlightenment.

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d) engage mass and folk media at all levels in the task of public enlightenment;

e) secure public confidence in the administration of the

environment by demonstrating the resolve of government to enforce the environmental stewardship of government agencies and organs, corporate citizens and organizations;

f) grant access to environmental information and data by public

officers and private operators engaged in environmental management, thereby promoting the quality of environmental management and compliance monitoring;

g) support the role of NGOs, professional associations and other

civic groups in activities designed to propagate environmental protection information, techniques and concepts;

h) ensure adequate collaboration with relevant regional and

international stakeholders for the purpose of environmental protection and management

Government will also establish national, state and local advisory structures, mechanisms and processes to foster public participation in defining environmental problems and seeking solutions. These structures will: a) ensure that there are platforms for interested and affected

parties to contribute to the development of policy, legislation, standards and decision making process;

b) advise and inform government on how to achieve co-ownership

of policy. The mechanisms and processes must ensure: a) timely communication of data and information;

b) effective and efficient participation;

c) fair notice and practices;

d) balanced representation of interested and affected parties; and e) transparency.

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10.0 POLICY REVIEW The dynamic nature of our environment makes it necessary to have a National Policy that constantly takes into cognizance the developments in scientific understanding, changes in economic structure, resource availability, changes in societal norms and the evolution of global environmental regimes. The following guidelines should be adopted for the review and updating of the National Policy on the Environment: a) in the year preceding the four year period prescribed below,

provide the necessary opportunities for the expression of public opinion on the review of the Policy. This is with a view to obtaining ideas on the strategic reforms needed to ensure that civil society fully enjoy the benefits of improved environmental management;

b) undertake consultations, every four years, with stakeholders including NGOs, gathering input from consultants and experts with a view to updating the Policy and removing its obsolete provisions;

c) every eight years, carry out a more comprehensive evaluation

of the scientific understanding of environmental issues, redefine the principles and goals and update the strategies for implementation, this should produce a more effective National Policy; and

d) an annual review of the implementation of the Policy, for the

purpose of ensuring the accountability of regulatory institutions as well as reassuring the public and stakeholders of the government’s commitment to the implementation of the Policy.