Environmental Law Enforcement and Corporate Accountability in Nigerian Context: An Action Research Study

Environmental law enforcement in Nigeria is critical for protecting natural resources and public health but faces significant challenges due to inadequate legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with a survey was employed to gather insights from stakeholders including government officials, NGOs, and corporations operating in environmentally sensitive sectors. The findings indicate that while there is a noticeable increase in environmental law violations (35% of respondents reported at least one violation in the past year), corporate awareness about their legal obligations remains low (40%). Current enforcement mechanisms are insufficient to deter corporations from violating environmental laws, necessitating enhanced regulatory oversight and public education campaigns. The government should strengthen its regulatory framework by imposing stricter penalties for non-compliance and increase transparency in enforcement actions. Public awareness programmes targeting corporate stakeholders are also recommended.