Law and the Reconstruction of The Environment in Nigeria for Socio-Economic Development

The environment in its natural order is strategic for socio-economic development, hence the global concern for the protection of the environment. In Nigeria, the case of the environment is no longer for protection but rather, it is a demand for the reconstruction of the environment already degraded by anthropogenic forces. To say that the environment is bleeding is an understatement, the earth environment in Nigeria is due for intensive care because of the chronic degradation by anthropogenic forces. Ecological balance of biosphere is disturbed frequently by inter-alia, environmental pollution, indiscriminate disposal of waste, flooding, erosion, deforestation, global warming and climate change. The focus of this study is how law can be deployed for the reconstruction of the environment for socio-economic development. The study is doctrinal and the data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data are treaties, statutes, regulations and judicial decisions while the secondary sources of data include text books, articles, newspapers and internet materials. The study found that the scars of environmental degradation which are visible are the barriers against socio-economic development. Reversing the trend, the study concluded the strict enforcement of laws and the mobilization of the people to participate in the task of reconstruction to eliminate the unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. It is recommended that the preventive and precautionary approach should be adopted for post-reconstruction management of the environment