Engobo Emeseh

The oil industry has carried on exploitation in the delicate and rich ecosystem of the Niger Delta Wetlands of Nigeria for almost 50 years. What are the impacts of this industry on water? How effective has the law and its enforcement been to minimize the negative impacts of this industry on water? These are the questions that this paper seeks to answer. Our findings show seriously degraded waters following a general lack of enforcement due to shortcomings both in the laws and the regulatory institutions as well as other extra legal. Factors there is an urgent need for comprehensive legislation on water quality management, which will set precise standards, taking into consideration the peculiar circumstances of Nigeria and the Niger Delta environment. Harmonization of functions and strengthening of regulatory institutions together with positive exercise of political will to regulate this industry are however essential for effective enforcement.