An Appraisal of the Polluter-Pays Principle and Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria.

Abstract

The environment is faced with the problem of pollution. The activities of man in a quest to be technologically advanced and industrialised has led to an unsustainable exploitation of the resources of the environment. Efforts have been made to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity. Various environmental principles have been adopted to protect and maintain a clean environment and to conserve the animal and plant species threatened with extinction. This research work seeks to examine the concept of the polluter-pays principle in environmental enforcement. It considers the different lines of arguments in this area and provides a basis for how effective the implementation and regulation of the polluter-pays principle is in Nigeria. This work further provides a justification for the regulation of environmental pollution by the government. It also focuses on the concept and value of biodiversity. It examines the existing regulatory regime for environmental pollution, focusing on select laws and agencies handling environmental pollution and their enforcement mechanism in Nigeria. The research work concludes with recommendations to correct the problems identified and proffers solutions to ensure that the polluter directly bears the cost for remediating the harm caused to the environment. Thus, fostering the protection of the environment in conserving biodiversity and achieving environmental sustainability as a pillar of sustainable development in the Nigerian environment.