Nigeria's Offshore Safety Regime under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021: Comparative Lessons from the UK and USA

This work is a Master’s dissertation and has not undergone peer review.In view of global strides towards achieving sustainable development, this study assesses the robustness of Nigeria’s offshore safety regime, especially considering Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act 2021. This assessment is substantiated by comparative case studies of the safety regimes in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (US). Beginning in chapter one, this study establishes the relationship between occupational safety and health and sustainable development. Following which the regulatory regimes of Nigeria, UK and US are explored individually. In chapter 2, the study expounds Nigeria’s regime revealing its legislative framework, regulatory bodies and regulatory orientation. Importantly, this chapter explores Nigeria’s newly enacted Petroleum Industry Act 2021. This Act replaces the longstanding Petroleum Act 1969, and has as one its objectives, the achievement of the sustainable development of its petroleum resources. The impact of this Act on Nigeria’s regime will therefore be assessed. This study goes on to elucidate the offshore safety regimes of UK and US in chapter 3. The theoretical overview of these jurisdictions serves as the basis for the comparative analysis carried out in chapter 4. In chapter 4, therefore, the similarities and differences of these three jurisdictions are highlighted with a view to exposing the strengths and weaknesses of Nigeria’s regime, particularly as established by the new Petroleum Industry Act. This will highlight areas in Nigeria’s regime that should be improved. The advantages of a safe offshore safety regime cannot be overemphasised. The recent disaster on Nigeria’s Continental Shelf in February 2022 serves as a justifiable reminder that offshore safety is a current matter of national interest which must be continuously enhanced to keep up with the unpredictable offshore environment and safeguard the lives of the people working there. Needless to say, an industry cannot achieve sustainable development if it threatens the lives, health and security of its workers. Ultimately, chapter 5 concludes this study by proposing recommendations in line with the disclosures unveiled in chapter 4.