THE CHALLENGES OF MOBILE COURTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

As the world approaches the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (also known as Stockholm Conference) 1972, attention is focused on developing new frameworks to inspire and guide the people of the world in the preservation and enhancement of the environment. An indispensable component of these frameworks is the mechanisms to ensure the consistent enforcement of environmental laws and policies at the grassroots level. In this context, one significant development in recent decades is the emergence of mobile courts that specialise in the adjudication of environmental disputes. These courts prosecute both environmental crimes and civil cases fairly, efficiently and effectively with powerful transformative effect on the society. In Nigeria today, these courts have become an indispensable aspect of the administration of justice. However, they are bewildered with a lot of challenges which include narrow jurisdiction and inadequate security. In this article, we explore the central role these courts play in enforcing environmental laws and in promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level. This article reviews the challenges inhibiting these courts from accomplishing these objectives and suggests ways in which they can actively participate in realising a sustainable future especially by creating more efficient access to justice for those living in remote areas in Nigeria.