By Ezeugwu Esther O.
Oil has been an integral part of the Nigerian economy since vast reserves of
petroleum were found in the country in the I950s, but exploration and
development of that oii has had severe environmental impacts and human
consequences. Nigeria continues to suffer the detrimental effects on marine
life and human health from constant oil spills, as well as from air pollution
that I-esults fi-om the flaring of associated gas that occurs duling the
production of oil.
The Nigerian government has indicated a dcsire to change this situation, and
in recent years, it has taken actual measures to effect this change. While the
Nigerian government in the past has been reactive, attempting to clean up oil
spills and to deal with environmental damage after it occurs, it realizes the
importance of taking a proactive approach. In this regard, the government is
promoting the performance of environmental risk assessments, prior to
project initiation. Tighter regulation and better enforcement of existing
environmental laws should help stem the degradation of the environment
and prevent the same type of problems in the future.