Nigerian Constitution Provides Legal Foundation For Environmental Governance – Prof Ladan

By Sani Aliyu, Zaria

A renowned Professor of International Law, Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan has said that Nigeria’s Constitution provided the legal foundation for environmental governance, anti-corruption efforts, and accountable leadership.

Professor Ladan was speaking as the guest speaker at the Energy and Environmental Law Club (EELC), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-organized workshop titled “Beyond Borders: Is International Environmental Law Helping Africa or Holding It Back”?

He explained that the constitutional basis for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was found in Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandated the State to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.

According to him, this constitutional directive was implemented through the enactment of the ICPC Act, demonstrating how Chapter II of the Constitution could be given legal effect through legislation.

Professor Ladan also stressed that Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution placed the security and welfare of the people at the centre of governance.

He argued that security should not be interpreted narrowly but should include economic, environmental, health, educational, social, and developmental security.

According to him, every government, whether federal, state, or local — had to be judged by its ability to promote these constitutional objectives.

The distinguished scholar further maintained that governments had a constitutional responsibility to create employment opportunities, manage natural resources sustainably, protect the environment and safeguard the interests of local communities through effective laws, policies and regulations.

On democratic governance, Professor Ladan highlighted Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution, describing citizen participation in public affairs as a constitutional right.

He argued that communities affected by development projects, such as dams or other infrastructure, had to be meaningfully consulted because decisions affecting their livelihoods, environment, and future could not legitimately be taken without their participation.

Professor Ladan urged citizens, lawyers and students to continually hold governments accountable by reminding public office holders of the constitutional purposes of government and by insisting that governance must always serve the security and welfare of the people.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session, which brought together students, academics, legal practitioners, policy makers and environmental advocates to examine the role of international environmental law in Africa’s sustainable development.

Through this initiative, the Energy and Environmental Law Club (EELC), ABU Zaria, continued to provide a platform for intellectual engagement on contemporary environmental and energy law issues while promoting sustainability, innovation and responsible governance.