BY PROF. E. A. TAIWO

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on oil and gas related pollution, prevention and control. It examines the peculiar and technologically changing nature of the petroleum industry wherein the petroleum industry has become the major violator of the natural balance of the environment. Following this the paper finds that the unbridled dependence and quest for increased revenue from oil and gas exploitation by the various host governments is responsible for the acceleration and intensity of oil and gas related pollution. Also, it finds that the environmental frameworks to protect and control oil and gas related pollution have only produced scant positive effects. As a result, the right of the citizens to safe and healthy environment is sacrificed by the government in preference for increased revenue collection from the petroleum exploitation by the International Oil Companies (IOCs). This paper therefore recommends a balance between the quest for increased revenue-taking from petroleum exploitation and the safety and health of the citizens of the host government. It also advocates for a complete adherence to environmental frameworks and policies. It further advocates the need for the host governments to replicate the United States and China’s “Public interest litigation and Public Participation System” through legislative action (amendment) which should be taken to incorporate conventions and treaties to which Nigeria is a party into the relevant laws and constitution of Nigeria, in particular, to enable oil and gas related pollution litigations to be handled by the governments on behalf of their victim-citizens.