ENVIRONMENT- BASED HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LAWS IN NIGERIA

Author(s): BOMA IGWE | Volume 19 Issue.1 (2023)


This article discussed environment-based human rights in Nigeria. Environmental human rights, no doubt is hinged on a protected environment. This article commenced with an introduction elucidating why it is essential to protect the environment. In the course of the analysis of the subject matter and for better understanding, conceptual clarifications of key concepts where considered, inter alia, environment, human rights and environmental protection. The article analyzed some environment- based human rights. The latter, are observed to be rights that accrue to humans whose entire existence and activities revolve around the environment. Also, the article considered some substantive rights of mankind, to include; right to life, right to health, right to private and family life, right to own property, right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, right to freely dispose of wealth and natural resources and the right to a heathy environment respectively. In the course of justifying the subject under consideration, the article explored some provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The article terminated the discussion with a conclusion and drew up some recommendations therefrom.


Keywords: Environment, Human Rights, Environmental Protection