Challenges of Environmental Governance and Sustainable Management of the Lower Niger Delta Ecosystem, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/jber.v3i1.1194Keywords:
Environmental Governance, Sustainable Management, Niger Delta, Ecosystem Degradation, Institutional FailureAbstract
nance and the sustainable management of the Lower Niger Delta ecosystem. The Lower Niger Delta is a vast and sensitive wetland region. It supports millions of people through fishing, farming, and trading. However, the ecosystem is facing serious degradation from oil pollution, gas flaring, and poor enforcement of environmental laws. The problem is that governance institutions have failed to protect the environment effectively. This has led to loss of livelihoods, health crises, and community conflicts. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 250 respondents was drawn from communities in Rivers and Bayelsa states. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using mean scores and chi-square tests. The study was anchored on the Institutional Analysis and Development framework. Findings revealed that weak enforcement of regulations is the major governance challenge. Corruption and overlapping agency mandates also hinder progress. The study found a significant relationship between poor governance and ecosystem decline. Community participation in decision-making remains very low. The study concludes that without urgent governance reforms, the Lower Niger Delta ecosystem will continue to degrade. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory agencies, prosecuting polluters, and involving local communities in co-management arrangements.
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