Culled from WorldStage Newsonline-- The Federal Government of Nigeria Thursday said most developmental projects embarked in the country lack consideration of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act.
The Supervising Minister of Environment, Arc. Darius Ishaku who spoke during the inauguration of a Ministerial Committee on review of the EIA Act, stated that it will also consider regulation of nuclear related development projects.
Ishaku said: "Prior to the enactment of the EIA Act in Nigeria, project appraisals were limited predominantly to feasibility studies and economic cost benefit analysis.
"Most of these appraisals did not take environmental costs, public opinion, social and environmental impacts of development projects into consideration."
The EIA Act, N0. 86 of 1992 was enacted following recommendations from the Preparatory Committee PrepCom meetings of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCED) aimed to ensure sustainable development.
According to the Minister, the EIA Division of FEPA in collaboration with the Legal Drafting Department, Federal Ministry of Justice, signed into law the Act on 10th December, 1992 by former Miliatry President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
Describing importance of the Act, Ishaku said it makes the EIA mandatory, where proposed projects are likely to cause significant environmental challenges.
"Unlike other environmental laws, EIA is proactive in nature. It is meant to prevent, reduce or mitigate the negative effects of projects or activities on the environment before such projects are commended," he added.
He observed that the review will facilitate prescription of better sanctions for violation of the Act.
The Minister further disclosed that EIA sectoral guidelines had been developed for the Oil and Gas, infrastructures, industries, agriculture and the mining sector.
He said the new development will discourage those who may violate the Act.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Oluwole Ameyan admitted that the amendment of the EIA Act was long overdue.
He said there were problems implementing the existing Act adding that defaulters had taken advantage of it.
"Many of the penalties are obsolete to the extent that many now preffered to be penalised. That is why it must be reviewed," he said.
The Committee which includes; Mr. Abu-Bakr Sulayman, Mrs. Olufunke Babade, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo among others were given up to 31st March, 2014 to submit their reports.
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