EXAMINING THE ISSUE OF COMPENSATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND POLLUTION IN NIGERIA

Within the past three decades, environmental degradation and pollution of different dimensions have caused a lot of havocs to human lives and properties in Nigeria. The complexity of the problems at present, has made the people, not only to suffer from nursing the various wounds inflicted on them: but to mount persistent pressure on perpetrators of environmental pollution to give such things tangible enough to make up for losses incurred or suffered through their acts. What constitute the concepts of environment, environmental degradation and pollution? In what ways have the people suffered or still suffering from environmental pollution in Nigeria and to what extent are the appropriate authorities tackling the problems of compensations particularly in the Niger Delta areas? According to the World Health Organisation 1974: