Nigeria's threatened environment : a national profile

The Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST) has prepared this book on the present state of the environment in Nigeria as a basis for further, sustainable development. The topics covered include land, water, vegetation, culture, wildlife, human habitat, atmosphere and governmental policy. Increasing water needs, uneven water distribution and increasing pollution are threatening Nigeria's water resources. Until the present, dams and irrigation schemes, especially in the drier Northern States, have not had proper environmental impact studies performed before construction, resulting in negative environmental and social effects. Water pollution problems are serious in the larger cities, especially Lagos. Scarce and polluted water is resulting in a decrease in personal hygiene and sanitation, thereby increasing water-borne diseases. NEST is calling for a serious look at better research and documentation, more effective legislation, better public education, increased enforcement of environmental laws and better administrative coordination.