ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the implementation of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in Nigeria. That implementation is examined under the background of largely the EIA Decree No. 86 of 1992, and partly the Environmental Guidelines and Standards for Petroleum industry of 1991, as well as the Urban and Regional Planning Decree No. 88 of 1992. The following issues are addressed, namely: some basic EIA concepts, EIA procedure and the adequacy of the EIA implementation machinery in achieving good quality environment and ensuring sustainable development in Nigeria. The application of EIA procedures to projects in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry started gaining grounds in the 1980s. Environmental impact statement (EIS) is an outcome of the EIA. Environmental evaluation is concerned with an already impacted environment in relation to an existing project or activity. Under the 1992 EIA Decree, the onus of implementing EIA in the entire country lies with federal environmental protection agency.