Overview

The Environmental Impact Assessment Decree No. 86 of 1992, issued by the Federal Military Government of Nigeria on December 10, 1992, establishes the legal framework for environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in Nigeria. It mandates that any public or private sector project or activity likely to significantly affect the environment must undergo an EIA before authorization or undertaking. The decree outlines general principles, including objectives to consider environmental effects in decision-making, promote consistent policy across all Nigerian territories, and develop procedures for information exchange and consultation for trans-boundary impacts. It requires that EIAs be conducted at an early stage for projects likely to have significant environmental effects, with criteria and procedures to determine applicability. All agencies and institutions must apply in writing to the Agency before embarking on projects. The decree specifies minimum content for an EIA: description of proposed activities, affected environment, practical alternatives, assessment of impacts (direct, indirect, cumulative, short-term, long-term), mitigation measures, gaps in knowledge, trans-boundary effects, and a non-technical summary.

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