Study on the Role of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in National Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Due to the need for environmental impact assessment (EIA) in national development, the role of EIA in national economic development in Nigeria is reviewed to see how it impact on national economic development. It is observed among many other professionals that the relevance of EIA provides quality information about a project that helps quality decision to be taken before execution. Therefore, this study concludes that with EIA, every developmental project will have positive impact on national economic development and future generational benefit of the nation. Hence, the study recommends that proper EIA should be carried out by professionals and that government should enforce and regulate the agency of environmental management to carry out EIA on projects before execution and penalties be meted on those that violate the law. It is possible to have development without destroying the environmental resources to such an extent that they are no longer capable of sustaining any other use. Regulatory policies and service activities have a big role in reducing poverty in a nation especially in the area of EIA.