The Modalities of Climate Change in Nigeria: The Legal and Institutional Framework (Published)
Climate change poses severe and potentially irreversible risks to human populations and ecosystems globally, with developing nations bearing a disproportionate burden. Nigeria, given its geographical and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, ranks among the countries most exposed to its adverse effects yet remains critically underequipped in legal and institutional terms to confront it. This article examines the adequacy of Nigeria’s existing legal and institutional framework for climate change regulation, arguing that the absence of dedicated climate legislation, the ineffectiveness of general environmental law provisions, and the poor implementation of government policy have created a governance vacuum that undermines the country’s mitigation and adaptation capacity. Drawing on international climate law instruments including the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement and comparative domestic frameworks, it advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s climate governance architecture. It recommends the enactment of climate-specific legislation, the establishment of accountable institutional structures, dedicated climate financing, and the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement as essential steps toward a legally robust and climate-resilient Nigeria.
Keywords: Climate Change, Legal, Nigeria, institutional framework, modalities
The Legal Protection of Children Under Child’s Right Act 2003 and Human Rights in Nigeria (Published)
The Child Rights Act (CRA) was in 2003 adopted and domesticated in Nigeria. This piece of legislation ushered in a new legal framework, which stated that every child has the right to life, survival, education and social development. Hence, the importance of children’s education in any given society is very essential to the social and economic development of that society particularly for its future attainment, advancement and development. To deny the child rights to education is to deny the nation its critical development economically, socially, politically and otherwise. The needs of a child ranging from health care, feeding, clothing, accommodation rest on the shoulders of adults, parents, guardians and the government, because children are vulnerable and cannot cater for themselves, hence, they must be provided guidance, training and care for meaningful contribution in the society. This responsibility of educating the child for critical thinking and development lies on the society. It is in recognition of this, that the right to education has been entrenched in several international, regional and domestic legal instruments. Nonetheless, there is the problem of implementation and enforcement of these extant laws as there are still so many uneducated, unfed, and tattered children in the street engaged in hawking and child labours. Economic landscape of the future generation in Nigeria cannot be guaranteed. The aim of this study is to examine the legal protection of children under the Nigeria Child Right Act 2003. The study adopted the doctrinal research method to achieve the objective. The study observed that the various constitutive legal instruments though adequate however, lack proper mechanism or institutional framework for implementation and enforcement. The researcher recommends constitutional amendment to include child’s right to education as a fundamental right.
Keywords: Child Labour, Child Rights, Child Rights Act (CRA), Nigeria, child protection, fundamental rights, implementation and enforcement, right to education
The Effectiveness of Community-Based Security Initiatives Across Different Nigerian States (Published)
This article examines the effectiveness of community-based security initiatives (CBSIs) across multiple Nigerian states, analyzing their contributions to crime reduction, the challenges they face, and the factors that differentiate successful programs from ineffective ones. Drawing on empirical studies from Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kano, and Enugu states, the article synthesizes evidence on the performance of community policing collaborations, vigilante groups, regional security outfits (Amotekun), and forest guard units. Findings indicate that CBSIs have demonstrated measurable success in urban crime reduction (up to 20% in select states) and intelligence gathering in rural areas. However, their effectiveness is severely constrained by inadequate legal frameworks, insufficient funding, lack of standardized training, and accountability deficits. The article proposes a multi-dimensional framework for assessing CBSI effectiveness and recommends a structured legal and policy foundation to formalize community security arrangements while mitigating risks of abuse. This research contributes to the growing literature on hybrid security governance in fragile states and offers practical insights for policymakers seeking to optimize community-based approaches to insecurity in Nigeria.
Keywords: Amotekun, Community Policing, Nigeria, Vigilante Groups, crime reduction, hybrid security governance, non-state security actors
Social Justice Through Law and Labour: Redefining the Legal Architecture of Work and Wages in Nigeria’s Inclusive Development (Published)
Nigeria’s deepening income inequity and inequality, including persistent poverty amidst abundant human and material resources is not only a consequence of micro and macro-economic variables. It pertains more to legal, regulatory and institutional deficits in work, wage, and wealth governance in Nigeria. This article argues that to redefine the legal architecture of work, wage and wealth in Nigeria and ensure transition to inclusive development, regional and international frameworks domesticated and applicable in Nigeria provide the robust normative basis to approach work, wage and wealth governance as a human rights issue. Against this background, this the article demonstrates how working poverty is ultimately perpetuated in Nigeria through the actions or inactions of labour regulatory and oversight institutions, especially the failure in the redistributive functions of labour through the legal exclusion of informal workers.Anchored on articles 2, 3, 15 and 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’Rights (ACHPR), this article draws on foundational guarantees relating to non- discrimination in the enjoyment of Charter rights, equality before the law, the right to work under equitable and satisfactory conditions, and the right to development. It further relies on articles 2(2), 3, 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which prohibit discrimination in the exercise of Covenant rights, affirm the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of those rights, recognise the right to work, including access to employment and livelihood, and guarantee the right to just and favourable conditions of work, including fair wages, equal remuneration for work of equal value, a decent living standard for workers and their families, and safe and healthy working conditions.At the national level, the article situates these obligations within Nigeria’s domestic labour law framework, including the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Labour Act, the National Minimum Wage Act 2019, the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, and related labour regulations. While these instruments formally recognise rights to work, wages, and workplace protection, the article demonstrates that their limited scope, weak enforcement, and exclusion of informal and non-standard workers significantly undermine the redistributive and protective functions of labour law, thereby entrenching working poverty and inequality.
Keywords: Human Rights, Informal Sector, International Covenant on Economic, Nigeria, Social Justice, Social and Cultural Rights, african charter on human and peoples rights, labour rights, right to development, wages, work
Developing Legal Framework for Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria (Published)
In Nigeria, the right to a clean and satisfactory environment will be sustainable when the issue of inadequacy of waste management laws and policy measures are addressed and there are effective waste management laws in the country. The advent of the problem of industrialization and urbanization has resulted in plastic waste in Nigeria which has posed a challenge and is still posing challenge to human health, animals as well as environmental damage. Plastic waste pollution has become a pressing environmental concern globally, particularly for countries like Nigeria without a proper mechanism for managing its impacts. Though, Nigeria has established a wide range of legal and institutional framework to combat environmental issues including the Plastic Bag Bill, National Policy on plastic Waste Management 2020, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act and the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions, etc.) Act. However, despite the existence of these laws and the legislative efforts, the problem of plastic waste pollution in Nigeria still persists as result of the absence of national law that addresses plastic waste pollution. The problem of enforcement management mechanisms, limited resources, inadequate monitoring and indiscriminate waste disposal are also factors addressed in this study. In the light of the above, this study proffers solution to the problem of plastic waste management in Nigeria. This study also addressing measuring aimed at mitigating plastic waste pollution, highlighting the challenges impeding the effectiveness of the relevant existing legal framework on the subject. This study adopted the doctrinal method of Legal research. Relying on textbooks, journals, case and statutory laws, online articles and other sources of law. The study reveals the inadequacies prevalent in the waste management laws and how lack of proper management of plastic waste in Nigeria is a challenge to the right to clean and satisfactory environment. This study advocates for a regime that projects strengthening the enforcement mechanism through enhanced monitoring and stricter penalties to bolster compliance and deter violations as well as promoting sustainable plastic waste management practices in line with global best practices. The study further advocates that the legislature be more proactive and recognize plastic waste as a significant cause of environmental pollution and as such enact more laws that specifically address plastic waste indiscriminate disposal.
Keywords: Environment, Factors, Legal Framework, Nigeria, plastic waste pollution
Protection of Civilians during Non-International Armed Conflicts: A Review of the Boko Haram Conflicts in North-Eastern Nigeria (Published)
The protection of civilians is of importance in any armed conflict. In ancient times, this protection was not provided for, as both civilians and military personnel were liable to be attacked, taken prisoners or killed by the adverse party. Under the modern international humanitarian law, safeguards have been put in place to guarantee the protection of the civilian population during armed conflict. The objectives of this research is to examine the origin of Boko Haram activities in Nigeria; status of Boko Haram under international humanitarian law; effects of Boko Haram activities in Nigeria, and the protection of civilians in North-Eastern Nigeria. Doctrinal and non-doctrinal methods of research were adopted through the use of primary and secondary sources of law. The primary source includes statutory provisions, judicial reports and treaties. Secondary sources are opinions of legal writers, essays, newspaper reports and materials from internet. Boko Haram activities in North-eastern Nigeria fall under non-international armed conflicts. The Boko Haram insurgency has taken its toll on Nigeria as a nation. There is high number of victims mostly civilians. Some were killed, others displaced while women and children are raped and forced against their will. There has been also wanton destruction of property and pillage. There is no doubt that with all these atrocities committed by the Boko Haram members and the extra judicial killing by the military, the Boko Haram insurgency qualified as non-international armed conflict. However, this is not enough, the study has contributed to knowledge by showing that there is need for proper measures to be taken to prevent the reoccurrence of the inhuman acts that happened in the wake of Boko Haram. Though, the violations of International Humanitarian Laws are not due to the inadequacy of its rules, but the lack of willingness to respect them, or and also due to ignorance of the rules. Hence there is need for the government, Non-Governmental Organizations and humanitarian organizations such as Red Gross to intensify efforts of disseminating rules of IHL in peace time. This can be achieved through radio programs and incorporating the principles into civic education and general studies.
Keywords: Boko Haram conflicts, Nigeria, North-Eastern, non-international armed conflicts, protection of civilians
Legal and Administrative Efficiency of Value Added Tax and Revenue Generation in Bayelsa State, Nigeria (Published)
Value added tax (VAT) remains a vital instrument for revenue mobilization in Nigeria, yet its effectiveness depends on the strength of legal frameworks and administrative efficiency. In Bayelsa State, where fiscal reliance on oil revenue is unsustainable, improving VAT efficiency is critical for economic stability. This study employed quantitative research design using survey data from tax administrators, business operators, and legal practitioners in Bayelsa State. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to examine the relationship between legal and administrative efficiency of VAT and revenue generation. Results revealed a positive and significant relationship between legal and administrative efficiency and VAT revenue performance. Specifically, clear and enforceable VAT laws, coupled with robust administrative processes such as digital platforms, taxpayer monitoring and staff capacity development, significantly enhanced compliance and revenue collection. However, the study also highlights constraints including Nigeria’s federal revenue-sharing system, weak compliance culture, and administrative bottlenecks, which may limit the full realization of efficiency gains at the state level. The findings underscore the need for policymakers to strengthen VAT registration, invest in administrative infrastructure, and promote taxpayer education to optimize VAT revenue. By doing so, Bayelsa State can diversify its fiscal base, reduce overdependence on oil revenues, and enhance long-term fiscal sustainability.
Keywords: Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Revenue Generation, administrative efficiency, legal efficiency, value added tax
Extra-Judicial Killing in Nigeria and Public Interest Litigation: The Way Forward (Published)
The study is an overview of the subject of extrajudicial killing in Nigeria and Public Interest Litigation. The aim was to assess the effect of extrajudicial killing on legal protection, and the challenges on the Nigeria criminal justice system and efficient legal machinery that will bring culprit to justice. Previous literature on extrajudicial killing was reviewed in Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, El Salvador and Nigeria and the result of the analysis confirms that extrajudicial killing is prevalent in Nigeria and other countries with reasons differing from one country to the other. The study confirmed that extrajudicial killing is never a solution to fighting criminality. Based on the result of the analysis, it was basically recommended that the use of private armies, vigilante and militia forces should be abolished in the country. The police should be made to pay compensation in any case of police extrajudicial killing. The section that appears to encourage extra judicial killing be reviewed or expunged from the 1999 Nigeria constitution and the criminal code. This study has contributed to knowledge as the work has shown the need to review and redraft section 33(2) (b) of the 1999 constitution and section 271 of the criminal code as they tend to encourage extrajudicial killing. Also, the study has also shown the necessity for psychiatric and psychological test to ascertain the soundness of applicants to the various armed forces and the paramilitaries, especially the police force.
Keywords: Litigation, Nigeria, extra-judicial killing, public interest
Blockchain in the Security and Integrity of Legal Evidence: A Futuristic Proposal for Nigeria (Published)
This work is a modest attempt aimed at proposing the imperatives of blockchain technology in Nigeria’s legal system as part of the realities of the 4th and 5th generation industrial revolution to guarantee the security and integrity of legal evidence in the civil and criminal justice administration. This is pursuant to the pervasive challenges of tampering, loss and wilful manipulation of evidence and miscarriage of justice in the country. This novel technology therefore provides immutable guarantees in the management of evidence. Consequently, the work strongly advocates the adoption of blockchain technology to effectively provide the necessary safeguards and security of evidence and shield same from manipulations, distortions, thefts and destruction of evidence. That way, judicial pronouncements/judgements will be based on secured evidence and will ultimately guarantee fairness and equity in justice administration. While the technology is not flawless, its strengths are by far impregnable and if adopted will revolutionise the justice system in Nigeria. The work relied essentially on secondary sources for the orderly collection of data and presentations to ensure objectivity and validity of a sustainable
Keywords: Blockchain, Integrity, Nigeria, Security, legal evidence
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Child Rights Protection Laws in Nigeria (Published)
In 1984, the campaign against child abuse in Africa was commenced vigorously by Africa Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN). The organization held conferences, considered the dimensions of child abuse and came up with Protocols and Treaties, protecting African children from all forms of abuse Thirty-Four years after, child abuse is still prevalent in our society. The aim of this work is to examine the effectiveness of child protection legislation in Nigeria. The dimensions of child abuse in Nigeria and the provisions of some International Child protection instruments such as African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification & Enforcement) Act, International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, International Labour Organization Convention No 138 On The Minimum Age For Employment, Optional Protocol to the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of children in Armed Conflict (OPAC) 2000, Optional Protocol on the Sales of Children. Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. The Convention on the Consent to Marriage, and Minimum Age for Marriage and registration of Marriage, were also examined. To achieve this, the researcher adopted the doctrinal research method. The researcher used primary source materials such as the Constitution, Statutes and Treaties. Secondary source materials such as textbooks, journals, dictionaries and indexes to law reports were also used. This work is canvassing the fact that enactment of new laws is not needed to curb child abuse in Nigeria but few amendments to refine the already existing laws. This work is also canvassing for a spirited enforcement mechanism and practical implementation of existing laws especially the Child’s Right Act. This work recommended the amendment of the Abortion Law (section 230 criminal Code), section 5, section 31(2), and section 17 of the Child’s Right Act. It also recommended the enforcement of Chapter Two of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, and the adoption of the Violence Against Person (Prohibition) Act 2015 in other Nigerian States other than the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in order to provide solace for male victims of rape while eradicating the ancient belief that a male cannot be raped.
Keywords: Child Rights, Effectiveness, Evaluation, Nigeria, Protection, laws