Environmental Law and Climate Governance as Catalysts for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Bridging Global Norms and Local Realities

Nigeria is experiencing significant environmental and climate related issues that are threatening to derail its development path toward sustainable development in particular given its reliance on fossil fuels and climate change vulnerabilities. This article interrogates the vital role of environmental law and climate governance as drivers of sustainable development in Nigeria by connecting global environmental norms to local realities. Specifically, it will examine the constitutional and statutory frameworks in Nigeria, the institutional arrangements, and Nigeria’s commitments to environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and Convention on Biological Diversity as well as the persistent challenges to effective implementation of environmental law. While there are many steps that Nigeria must take to mitigate the implementation challenges, this article also proposes a number of specific actions that can occur in Nigeria and whether that success can create and/or expand opportunities for legal, policy and institutional reform in Nigeria. Such steps relate to legal and/or policy reform; institutional capacity development; public participation; funding mechanisms that are sustainable; full domestication of treaties; harmonization of laws at the federal and subnational governments; and capacity-building for environmental authorities and in the judiciary; and devolution to local governments; recognition and respect for indigeonous knowledge (IK);and introducing green bonds and environmental taxes. Through promoting these integrated approaches, Nigeria can further align its environmental governance with international obligations while taking into account local socio-economic and cultural specifics. The article concludes that building robust links between environmental law and climate governance is vital for enhancing resilience, environmental protection, and equitable economic development in Nigeria. The study adds to ongoing discussions about sustainable development by offering practical insights into the changes and coordination efforts required to reshape the context of climate governance in Nigeria for long-term sustainability.