Abstract
The petroleum industry has long sustained Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to
national revenue and energy supply. However, this growth has come with severe environmental
and human rights costs, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The problem lies in the persistent
degradation of land, water, and quality of air, which undermines fundamental rights such as the
rights to life, health, dignity, livelihood, and a healthy environment, as protected under both
international and regional human rights instruments. This research aims to assess the adequacy
of Nigeria’s legal redress mechanisms in addressing the human rights violations resulting from
oil pollution. As its objective, the paper specifically explores how environmental justice can be
strengthened through state accountability and legal reforms. Adopting a doctrinal methodology,
the research examines relevant statutes, international conventions, and case laws to evaluate the
extent to which the rights of victims are protected and enforced. The findings reveal systematic
failures, including weak enforcement, delayed justice, and lack of corporate accountability. These
shortcomings reflect a broader state failure to meet its positive obligation to protect citizens from
third-party corporate abuses. The research concludes that without serious structural reforms,
environmental harm and its attendant human rights violations will persist. Accordingly, the
establishment of environmental courts, more effective independent regulatory bodies, and greater
community participation in environmental governance are recommended as essential steps toward
accountability and sustainable development.