A CRITICAL DISCURSIVE APPRAISAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS IN NIGERIA AND THE REALITY OF OIL SPILLAGE IN OGONILAND

The Nige Delta issue has been examined from diverse dimensions ranging from ecolinguistics, stylistics, discourse analysis, semantics and economic implications of vandalism and environmental despoliation in the region. As a result of the outcry emanating from government abandonment of the region, several environmental laws have been enacted to safeguard not just the Niger Delta region of Nigeria but also the entire Nigerian landscape. Since the discovery of oil in Oloibiri, the present Bayelsa state in 1956; oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta began in the late 1950s, operations were suspended in Ogoniland in the early 1990s due to disruptions from local public unrest. The oilfields and installations have since largely remained dormant. However, major oil pipelines still cross through Ogoniland and oil spills continue to affect the region, due to a lack of maintenance and vandalism to oil infrastructure and facilities. The policies guiding the Nigerian environment, and oil and gas production is enormous. Nigeria is a signatory to innumerable international agreements and conventions related to environmental sustainability, climate change, the health and safety of its citizens, and the protection of marine waters, fish, and livelihood structures. The regulations aim to reduce the dangers emanating from industrial activities and safeguard the surroundings and well-being. This article sets out to review , appraise and critically examine the existing laws guiding environmental despoliation in the Niger Delta region viz-a-viz the literature that exists on the reality of environmental degradation in Nigeria.