A Review of Environmental Management and Reporting Regulations in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the extent of environmental management and reporting regulations in Nigeria, highlighting areas of inadequacies in regulatory enforcement and companies’ compliance. We approach the review within the context of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA).

Methodology

This chapter is based on a systematic review of extant environmental regulations and academic literature.

Findings

The results show several inadequacies with respect to Nigeria’s environmental management and reporting regulations. We specifically note the changing environmental management and reporting landscape in Nigeria birthing several emerging mandatory reporting codes. We find that fragmented reporting regulations and inappropriate sanctions are responsible for the unsatisfactory compliance and disclosure level noted among firms in the country. Additionally, weak enforcement, funding limitations, unrealistic financial penalties, and general implementation deficits remain factors impeding effective environmental management practice in Nigeria.

Originality

This research provides insight into environmental management and reporting inadequacies in Nigeria, and the actions regulators and firm managers need to take on board to help the country actualize the UN 2030 SDA.

Citation

Moses, O., Michael, E.E. and Dabel-Moses, J.N. (2019), "A Review of Environmental Management and Reporting Regulations in Nigeria", Environmental Reporting and Management in Africa (Advances in Environmental Accounting & Management, Vol. 8), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 159-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-359820190000008007