ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, IMPORTANCE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Introduction

Environmental monitoring has become an essential component of sustainable development and environmental management in Nigeria. As the country continues to experience rapid urbanization, industrialization, population growth, and agricultural expansion, the need for systematic observation, assessment, and control of environmental changes has never been more urgent. Environmental monitoring refers to the continuous process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on environmental parameters such as air quality, water quality, soil condition, and biodiversity, in order to identify trends, assess impacts, and guide informed decision-making. In the Nigerian context, environmental monitoring serves as a critical tool for ensuring that development activities are balanced with the need to protect natural ecosystems and public health.

Nigeria’s diverse environment—ranging from the arid savannas of the north to the humd rainforests and mangrove swamps of the south—is increasingly under pressure from human activities and natural processes. Oil exploration in the Niger Delta, deforestation in the rainforest belt, desertification in the Sahel region, urban pollution, and indiscriminate waste disposal are among the key challenges undermining environmental quality. Consequently, environmental monitoring provides the scientific foundation for identifying pollution sources, evaluating the extent of environmental degradation, and formulating effective mitigation strategies. Through environmental monitoring, agencies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment can design policies that promote environmental sustainability, enforce compliance, and safeguard natural resources for future generations.

The importance of environmental monitoring in Nigeria cannot be overstated. It supports early warning systems for natural disasters such as floods and droughts, enhances public health by identifying environmental hazards, and contributes to sustainable resource management. Monitoring data also aid in evaluating the effectiveness of environmental laws, international agreements, and climate adaptation strategies. Moreover, it promotes transparency, accountability, and community participation in environmental governance—ensuring that citizens are informed about the state of their environment and the actions needed to protect it.

Despite its significance, Nigeria faces numerous challenges in implementing effective environmental monitoring systems. These include inadequate funding, weak institutional capacity, lack of modern technology, insufficient data management infrastructure, and poor inter-agency coordination. Corruption, political interference, and limited public awareness further hinder enforcement efforts. Many local governments lack the technical expertise to conduct regular environmental assessments, leading to inconsistent data collection and delayed policy responses. Furthermore, limited research collaboration between universities, government agencies, and the private sector restricts innovation and knowledge-sharing in environmental science and monitoring technologies.

This chapter explore into the importance of environmental monitoring in Nigeria. Thus, the chapter discuss the following; concept of environmental monitoring, importance of environmental monitoring, problems hindering effective of environmental monitoring in Nigeria and possible solutions to ensure effective environmental monitoring programme in Nigeria. Thus, this chapter is discussed under the following subheadings.

1. Concept of environmental monitoring
2. Importance of environmental monitoring
3. Problems Hindering Effective Environmental Monitoring in Nigeria
4. Possible Solutions to sustainable Environmental Monitoring in Nigeria