LEGAL THRESHOLD IN THE BRAKING OF THE CARBON CURVE TO EFFECTIVE VEHICLE EMISSION REGULATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Nigerian transport sector accounts for a significant share of carbon emissions. Studies show that this is a worldwide trend as transport accounts for approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emission. The major sources of this disturbing phenomenon are emissions emanating from motor vehicle exhaust. These emissions pose health and environmental challenges on a daily basis. Given this effect, carbon reduction strategies have become increasingly imperative. Nigeria has made little but adequate provisions to curb this problem. Research shows that despite the adequacy of these provisions, the problem persists. The authors therefore examined relevant legal provisions on the control of automobile emission and argued for the need to harvest legislative and regulatory framework aimed at containing the shortcomings in vehicle emission regulations. The paper revealed significant gaps like weak enforcement and institutional overlaps. The authors therefore maintained that the problem of vehicular emissions required an effective and comprehensive reform strategy, capable of embracing the establishment of a centralized body to oversee vehicular emission regulations in Nigeria. The paper recommended that by addressing identified barriers Nigerian can significantly reduce her carbon footprint, thereby halting the brakes in the Nigerian carbon curve.