TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN RURAL NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITIES

Augustine Edobor Arimoro*

Habibah Musa**

INTRODUCTION

Access to water is crucial for healthy living and survival. In developing countries such as Nigeria, rural communities often suffer from a severe shortage of the supply of fresh, potable water. The need to change the tide has led to the inclusion of the adequate availability of water for all as one of the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Evidence shows that the lack or poor supply of freshwater could lead to a prevalence of waterborne diseases and might negatively affect economically important activities. While water sustainability deals with ensuring adequate supply of water for the present and future generations, water resource management is the strategy for achieving water sustainability. Considering the above, this article examines the literature on water resource management vis-à-vis the legal framework for water management in Nigeria. The article notes that rural communities in the country have a critical role to play in water resource management in the country and in the quest to attain the goals for water. It is recommended that policies should be implemented to provide for sustainable management of water as well as a strategy for educating rural communities on what they must do to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for water management in Nigeria at the rural community level. For example, there is a need to provide for private sector led water development projects in rural areas backed by government subsidy as well as programmes to enlighten community leaders on their role in ensuring water sustainability.

Keywords: Water, access to water, legal framework for water management, rural area, SDGs, Nigeria.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.2

* St Mary’s Law School, St Mary’s University Twickenhan, London – augustine.arimoro@stmarys.ac.uk, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8698- 9328.

** Faculty of Law, Nassarawa State University, Keffi – habibahmusa09@gmail.com

REDRESSING HARMFUL ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES IN THE NIGERIAN PETROLEUM INDUSTRY THROUGH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE APPROACH

Cleverline T. Brown*

Nlerum S. Okogbule**

INTRODUCTION

The discovery and continued exploitation of crude oil in Nigeria with its many advantages, has exposed the Nigerian environment to several forms of pollution and degradation. Consequently, extensive harm has been done to the human and natural environment some of which may prove irreversible. This is largely attributable to wrongful environmental practices, sabotage, ineffective regulation and enforcement mechanisms. Sadly, environmental laws in Nigeria do not specifically criminalize such inimical activities, while some grave environmental crimes are downplayed and treated as civil wrongs. This article argues in favour of a compelling need for a reassessment of environmentally harmful acts with a view to codifying and criminalizing certain acts to promote the observance of basic environmental laws, especially by multinational corporations, and support the realization of a sustainable environment in the country. This has become imperative as Nigeria is a subscriber to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An effective and efficient regulatory regime is a vital for achieving these goals by the year 2030.

Keywords: Environment, Environmental Pollution, Environmental crime, Ecocide, SDGs.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.3

* LL.B (RSU), B.L (Lagos), LL.M (RSU), Lecturer in Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt Nigeria and PhD Law Researcher, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom (UWE). E-mail: cleverline2.brown@live.uwe.ac.uk

** LL.B (Ife), B.L (Lagos), LL.M (Ife), PhD (Glasgow), Professor of International Law and Vice-Chancellor, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Email: nlerumokogbule@ust.edu.ng

INTERROGATING THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM AND PARADIGMS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA

Laura Ani

INTRODUCTION

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) norms are a strategic business policy that now forms the cornerstone of how international trade is governed globally. Although initially a voluntary initiative, its relevance in promoting social, environmental, and ethical responsibilities among global investors has arguably been conceived as trade distorting and violating the tenets of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Nonetheless, CSR is now mainstream in all related global transactions. This article seeks to evaluate the impacts of global CSR on international trade and examine the extent of Nigeria’s participation in global CSR. The article argues that Nigeria should go beyond considerations of trade that focuses mainly on liberal market access and expand the practice to include environmental, social, and ethical practices. It concludes that adherence to international CSR will propel developing countries to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, World Trade Organization, Sustainable Development.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.4

LLB, LLM, M.Phil., Grad ICSAN. Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Abuja. Email: ashleyani29@gmail.com

ATTAINING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN AFRICA: THE NEW CSR FOR MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS

Nojeem Amodu

INTRODUCTION

The fact that Africa is one of the worst performing regions in global audits about long-term development trends is longer news. The continent has repeatedly missed targets set by the United Nations and there are concerns it might just be left behind in the attainment of the latest 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development set by world leaders in 2015. With a view to complementing states’ responsibilities towards the provision of public goods and social services useful to actualize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, this article interrogates the nature of multinational corporations (MNCs) and juxtaposing the non-state actor responsibilities within wider societal contexts with state duties in advancing the SDGs. The article not only sets the tone for a “new corporate social responsibility” in terms of improved pursuit of sustainability within business communities in corporate Africa, it also recommends workable measures, integrating progressive roles for both the state and MNCs towards the realization of the SDGs on the continent.

Keywords: Corporate Responsibility; MNCs; SDGs in Africa; New CSR Roles; Regional Integration.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.5

Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Email: nojeem.amodu@uct.ac.za

“HUMANIZING” INVESTMENTS IN THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES IN AFRICA THROUGH THE IFC’S SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES

Chairman Okoloise

INTRODUCTION

International financial institutions face enormous challenges in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs). They finance infrastructure projects, manage vast investment portfolios, offer advisory services, and contribute to economic development in EMDEs. In the process, they are exposed to huge risks and face reputational damage if they act recklessly or have little or no regard for their projects’ adverse impacts on third parties. In the context of natural resource exploitation in Africa, the weak governance of environmental and social risks often results in devastating consequences for communities proximate to investment projects. Promises of infrastructure and social services, job opportunities and economic boom have only often delivered land grabs, forced displacement, cultural infringements, environmental pollution, conflicts, health disasters, misery and sometimes deaths. As calls for greater corporate scrutiny increase, investment project facilitators in the extractive industries like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) must respond appropriately. To preserve its reputation and long-term market access, the IFC needs to apply a higher degree of due diligence and sustainable business conduct that proactively treat risks and limit its exposure. With the rising number of complaints against IFC policy compliance, including projects tainted by scandals and the debarment of companies from accessing international finance, this article demonstrates that merely promoting sustainable investment policies on paper is inadequate. Using a human rights-centred approach to development project financing, the article critically assesses the extent to which the implementation of the IFC’s sustainability framework can practicably protect resource-rich communities, safeguard human rights and ensure sustainable development outcomes in Africa.

Keywords: Extractive Industries, Human rights, Project Financing, IFC, Compliance, Sustainable Development.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.6

DAAD (German Academic Exchange) Doctor of Laws Candidate, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa. LLB (Ambrose Alli), BL (Nigeria), LLM (Pretoria), Dip (Åbo Akademi); Dip (Copenhagen). Email: chairmanokoloise@yahoo.com

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS

Olubunmi Ayodele Afinowi

INTRODUCTION

Climate change adaptation is the second arm of climate change action and seeks to ensure that all countries tackle the impacts of climate change by addressing both social and geographical vulnerabilities. The article discusses adaptation and its application at national and international levels. It also examines adaptation to climate change as a developmental challenge and how the principles of sustainable development can aid climate change action. The article analyses relevant aspects of national and international instruments relating to climate change adaptation and spotlights the commitment of Nigeria and South Africa to climate change adaptation. The article finds that integrating sustainable development into governance helps adaptation and increases resilience against the impacts of climate change. The article also emphasizes the necessity of good governance, particularly protection of human rights, climate finance and effective land use governance, to ensure climate change adaptation. The article argues that climate change adaptation should be viewed more as a developmental, rather than an environmental, challenge. It further asserts that coordinated action, especially in relation to land use governance and sustainable development is required to ensure sustainable climate action. This is particularly so given that citizens of many developing countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, depend on land and its resources for social and economic development.

Keywords: Adaptation; Climate Finance; Good Governance; Nigeria; South Africa.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.7

PhD (University of Cape Town, South Africa), Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GREEN BOND REGIMES IN NIGERIA AND CHINA

Alex Oche

INTRODUCTION

Climate change has taken the centre stage in the debate of most governments around the world. At regional and international levels, efforts are being made to manage the problems emanating as a result of climate change. Response to the climate change can be summarized under two headings, namely, adaptation and mitigation measures. These measures do not come by cheaply, however. They are capital intensive; hence private sector funds will be needed to fund these adaptation and mitigation projects as public sector funding has remained insufficient. One way to mobilize private sector funds to tackle climate change is by using green bonds. But for green bonds to achieve its potentials as a sustainable investment tool, there must be a solid regulatory framework for the green bond market. Towards that end, this article analyses soft law instruments as well as national green bond regulations of Nigeria and China. It has been discovered that the Climate Bonds Standard and the Green Bond Principles form the basis of most jurisdictions of green bond regulations. nevertheless, due to regulatory arbitrage, there is no consensus green standard, and this poses a governance challenge to the green bond market. The article concludes that much of the responsibilities in setting green standards and enforcement of green standards rest on the domestic green bond regulations, and this can only be achieved with water-tight regulations for green bonds at domestic levels.

Keywords: Climate Change; Green Bonds; Nigeria; China.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.8

Lecturer, College of Law, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Associate Research Fellow, Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development. Email ocheaj@abuad.edu.ng

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, EXTRACTIVES INDUSTRIES AND THE ENERGY NEXUS – INSIGHTS IN THE MENA REGION

John Kilani

INTRODUCTION

Sustainable development is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges the world continues to face today. We live in a world where more than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty; one out of nine people are starving; 2.5 billion lack access to clean water; and 1.3 billion people have no access to modern electricity. It is against this backdrop that the world leaders in September 2015 adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, enshrining the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a new, universal set of goals, targets and indicators that all UN Member States are expected to use for framing their sustainable development agendas and policies until 2030. This article seizes the opportunity to engage in the ongoing discourse on the contributions from major sectors to the realization of the SDGs, particularly in the face of growing world population. The purpose of the article is to explore the role of the energy sector in the implementation of sustainable development agendas, particularly in the MENA region. The article finds that the region’s diverse circumstances and substantial petroleum and natural gas reserves make it an ideal region for typifying the central role of energy in today’s world. The article explores, under five themes, some pertinent issues relating to the UNSDGs and their connectivity to energy, drawing illustrative examples from four countries – one small resourcerich country (Qatar), one relatively large resource-rich country (Saudi Arabia), the largest country from North Africa (Egypt), and a country grappling with the challenges of reconstruction after years of strive and instability (Iraq). The article highlights that some of the countries are successfully unlocking the benefits of economic growth, through the development of their natural resources. It concludes that, through concerted efforts to address some challenges, extractive sector operations can play significant roles in advancing the SDGs in the entire region.

Keywords: Sustainable Development; UNSDGs; Energy; MENA Region.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.9

Director of Sustainable Development, The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, Doha, Qatar.

CONTRIBUTION OF THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY TO SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) REGION

Adenike A. Akinsemolu

INTRODUCTION

The extractive industry has great potential for mobilizing financial support as well as physical, technological, and human resources to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article traces developments in the industry with a view to identifying existing gaps in knowledge and the proactive measures needed to ensure that the extractive industry makes a crucial contribution to the society. More specifically, this article explores the historical and current contributions that extractive industries have on social development, political stability, and economic prosperity in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Practical and specific examples are used to show the progress made in the attainment or support of the SDGs. The first finding is that the extractive industry in the region has the potential and opportunity to contribute to the attainment of all the 17 SDGs. The second finding is that despite the extractive industry being diverse, the nature and scope of typical activities highlight that various common opportunities can be leveraged on to achieve progress on the SDGs. Thirdly, an unprecedented level of stakeholder cooperation is needed to attain the SDGs. Finally, extractive industries in the MENA region are lagging in furthering SDGs because their activities contribute to environmental degradation.

Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; Mining; Middle East; North Africa; Environmental Sustainability.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.10

Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.

TOWARDS INNOVATIVE TEACHING PEDAGOGIES IN GENDER RESEARCH: A REVIEW OF A GENDER RESEARCH METHODS CLASS

Oludayo Olorunfemi

INTRODUCTION

This commentary examines the teaching of research methods in Women and Gender Studies in the Gender Studies Unit of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. It interrogates how the course has increased the awareness of students in the methods of conducting research and how the research they conduct has implications on marginalized populations. The course also highlights the need for a growing body of knowledge that engages the experience of black women in Africa and the African diaspora. The course draws the attention of students to the agency of women through the reading and teaching of various research methods in Gender Studies. An ethnographic approach is adopted using participant observation in the course covering a period of one semester. Also, a critical perspective is applied in discussing the particular epistemological standpoint deployed by the course instructor. In other words, the black feminist epistemology serves as an important strategy for increasing global-minded consciousness of how a course in gender research methods engages the agency of black women using Hip Hop pedagogy.

Keywords: Gender Research Methods, Black Feminist Epistemology, Global-Minded, Black Consciousness, African Feminism.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.11

Gender Studies Unit, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Email: oludeester@gmail.com Phone No: 08061397690.