An Appraisal of the Legal Framework on Environmental Protection: Kwara State As A Case Study

Abstract

The starting Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency Law is the starting point of the state plan of actions on environmental protection. Although preceded by some earlier environmental statutes prohibiting specific activities, these were far cry from what substantive environmental protection law should be. The KWEPA law, with ab far more pervasive and sweeping effect presents the legal sign post for essential considerations of the state policy on the environment. It is against this background that this paper is dedicated to highlighting and examining the provisions of the law and to critically appraise its efficacy and utility The paper highlight the provisions of KWEPA Law and to critically appraise its adequacy, efficacy and utility or otherwise with a view to suggesting possible amendments thereto in order to ensure an effective pollution control in the state and to meet the challenges of globalization. In appraising the law, emphasis is placed on the issues of Environmental Impact Assessment/Statement under the statutory powers of the Agency, enforcement methodologies and penalties with a view to determining their effects at preventing environmental abuse.