Nigeria and the advancing desert

Summary A wide area of Nigeria is now being subjected to the adverse effects of the advancing Sahara Desert. Although public policy focus appears to have been directed at this problem, its implications for political stability are more serious than presently realised. The need arises therefore to adopt an approach that will consider the multivarious dimensions of the desertification problem.Dr Layi Egunjobi is Senior Lecturer and Acting Director of the Centre for Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ibadan.     

Water resource as a factor in the development of the Niger Delta Region

Summary The relatively under-developed condition of the Delta Area of Nigeria is mainly due to its difficult natural environment. This is with particular reference to the mass, and complex maze, of water which floods the region, causing erosion and pollution, all of which adversely affect agricultural practice, transportation and other human activities. Yet the region's future development rests primarily on water resources. It is important, therefore, to recognise that water is the most critical factor in the area's development and to embark on such measures that will control the water hazards and at the same time accomplish the promotion and utilisation of the deltaic water resources. These should be integrated in a regional development plan in order to minimise duplication of effort and achieve coordination among the various development agencies.Dr Layi Egunjobi is currently Senior Lecturer and Acting Director of the Centre for Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.     

Issues in environmental management for sustainable development in nigeria

Summary In Nigeria, an increased level of consciousness is observable with regard to the complex relationship that exists between development and the quality of the environment. However, there remains much to be done by way of actually developing the mechanism and legislative backing for reconciling environmental imperatives with developmental goals. Nigeria, like many other developing countries, is beset with such environmental problems as desertification, deterioration of urban physical quality, land degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, and flooding. It has been established that these problems emanate mainly from human activities created in the quest to achieve a higher level of development. The implication is that sufficient precautions have not been taken to balance development objectives against the need to maintain desirable environmental quality.The policy responses that have so far resulted from these problems include: the establishment of a Federal Ministry which is charged solely with the responsibility for environment related issues, the institution of a War Against Indiscipline (WAI) campaign with environmental sanitation as one of its key components, the initiation and sponsorship of national conferences on issues related to the environment, the establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, and the launching of a National Policy on the Environment.While it can be conceded that a start has been made towards the attainment of sustainable development, Nigeria presently needs the necessary technical, administrative and legislative back-up for more effective integration of environmental concems with national and local development policies.Dr Layi Egunjobi is a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.