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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Ecocide criminalization in Nigeria: Addressing regulatory deficiencies for effective ecological justice enforcement
Authors
Mary Udofia, Ngozi Maureen Ihunna Idih, Onyedikachi Chiagoziem Moore
Abstract
The study examined ecocide and criminal
liability in Nigeria with focused on the transition from regulatory approaches to effective criminal justice responses for
ecological devastation. Oil spills, illegal refining, crude oil theft, pipeline
vandalism, gas flaring and regulatory failures have contributed to ecosystem
destruction, biodiversity loss, contamination of land and water resources. The
research adopted doctrinal methodology which involve the analysis of
legislation, judicial decisions, international legal instruments, comparative
legal developments and relevant academic literature. The study analysed the
development of ecocide as an emerging international crime, assessed Nigerian
environmental criminal liability framework and examined challenges affecting
accountability for petroleum-related environmental destruction in the Nigeria.
Findings of the study revealed that although Nigeria has environmental laws and
regulatory institutions addressing pollution, petroleum activities and resource
exploitation but these mechanisms have failed to prevent widespread ecological
damage. The study found that existing approaches rely mainly on administrative
sanctions, compensation and remediation, which are inadequate for addressing
severe, widespread, or long-term environmental destruction. The absence of
ecocide and liability offence limits criminal accountability for corporations,
state actors and other responsible entities. The study identified challenges
relating to corporate responsibility, evidence, enforcement capacity and
conflicts between economic development and environmental protection. The study
recommended the introduction of ecocide and criminal liability offence,
specialised environmental investigation and prosecution mechanisms and enhanced
community participation in environmental protection.
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Pages:47-56
How to cite this article:
Mary Udofia, Ngozi Maureen Ihunna Idih, Onyedikachi Chiagoziem Moore "Ecocide criminalization in Nigeria: Addressing regulatory deficiencies for effective ecological justice enforcement". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 47-56
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