Corporate Accountability for Climate Change and Natural Environment in Nigeria: Trends, Limitations and Future Directions

Abstract

One of the contemporary problems in the business and human
rights debate is the obligations of business enterprises to reduce
and redress the adverse effects of their operations on the
environment. In Nigeria, despite the existence of various
regulations and monitoring institutions, environmental
pollution caused by the activities of business enterprises
persists. The impact of climate change and environmental
damage on sustainable development in Nigeria can no longer
be ignored as our common future is becoming critically
dependent on making the condition of the environment and
human lives our top priorities. There is need for a stringent
legal framework on business and human rights in Nigeria,
accelerated implementation of the National Action plan on
business and human right, a committed implementation of
existing regulations on environmental protection, strict
enforcement of laws and proper awareness that will ensure
responsible business practices by business enterprises in all key sectors in Nigeria. This study examines the concept of
corporate accountability in Nigeria. It identifies the
inadequacies of existing national laws on corporate
accountability for environmental protection, and proffer
solutions to these gaps.