ABSTRACT

The greatest problem with local environments in Nigeria is not so much the absence of pleasant and life-supporting attributes, as the lack of awareness and inability to manage natural habitat. This chapter examines the nature of local environmental problems and considers proposals for improving not only environmental awareness, but also ability to manage and tame environment. Uncontrolled interference with the balance of the ecosystems of localities in the country has brought about appreciable increase in environmental problems. These include gully erosion; flooding; deforestation; desertification; air pollution; water pollution; noise pollution; and solid wastes. The gully erosion problem in Anambra, Ondo, Enugu, Plateau, Imo and Abia states need a multi-faceted approach. Most importantly, efforts should be made to conduct detailed site analysis of the areas with a view to identifying locations for constructing networks of concrete drainage channels. The problems of air pollution in Nigeria can be minimized by enforcing measures that will set certain minimum standards for air quality.