CURRENT TRENDS IN SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Adenike A. Akinsemolu 1

Foluke V. Arijeniwa 2

INTRODUCTION

This article examines the current trends in sustainability education and the future of sustainability education in Nigeria. It contends that development and environment are intertwined and thus should be systematically embedded into educational activities to yield environmentally responsible and accountable policies and citizens in the quest for sustainable development. The significant roles of Environmental Education (EE) as a tool for propagating United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) have been identified within Nigeria's national guidelines and policy visions. While there is this recognition, implementing and delivering EE programs remains significantly affected by various practical implementation challenges. Despite various studies documenting the value of EE for the achievement of the SDGs, challenges related to governance and laws limiting the roll-out of these programs in Nigeria continue to pose implementation challenges. Thus, this article seeks to look at the various institutional and legal challenges arising with the implementation of these programs within Nigeria and how to practically address them. The main challenges identified in this study are inadequate funding, capacity gaps, insufficient facilities, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of EE in national strategies and plans. Recommendations for addressing these challenges are provided, along with conclusions on the future outlook.

Keywords: environmental education, Environment, Environmental Education, Sustainable Development, sustainability, current trends, future of sustainability

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v12i2.11

Adenike A. Akinsemolu, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti

Foluke V. Arijeniwa, Research Associate, The Green Institute, Nigeria

GENDER EQUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NIGERIAN LAWS AND PRACTICES TO GUARANTEE THE WOMAN’S HUMAN RIGHT

Oluwakemi Odeyinde

INTRODUCTION

In light of the prevalence of discriminatory practices and violence against women, gender equality has been internationally recognized as one of the sustainable development goals to be achieved by state parties before the year 2030. However, achieving equality between men and women has been the greatest human right issue in Nigeria. The main aim of this article is to show that women are important in promoting sustainable development. However there are provisions of the Nigerian law which discriminate against a woman. This article argues that sections 221, 353, 357 and 360 of the Criminal Code and sections 55, 282(2) of the Penal Code discriminate against a girl or woman. In addition, although Nigeria is a party to a number of international treaties such as CEDAW, gender discrimination remains a major threat to sustainable development. The limited number of women appointed in the senate shows the extent of marginalization of women in Nigeria. For example, the United Nations rating of Nigeria in human development is low due to the fact that the percentage of seats held by women in parliament is so minimal compared to the men. Therefore the findings of this article are to assist policymakers in enforcing sustainable practices that promote gender equality by among other things, amending the relevant provisions of the criminal code and the penal code which discriminates against a female in Nigeria. Finally, to reconsider bringing back the gender equality bill that was rejected for second reading in 2015 at the floor of the senate.

Keywords: Gender equality, discrimination, sustainable development, human rights

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v12i2.10

Oluwakemi Odeyinde, LLM (UNILAG) BL (UI) is a Law Lecturer II, Centre for Foundation Education, Bells University of Technology Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. E-MAIL: kemiodeyinde@gmail.com: 08178312706, 08056682060

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE NIGERIAN ENERGY SECTOR: REFLECTION ON ISSUES AND LEGAL REFORM

Abdulkadir Bolaji Abdulkadir

INTRODUCTION

The abatement of environmental degradation has been an issue which has received growing attention in recent times. Despite the increased attention however, environment pollution has remained unabated in Nigeria with its adverse impacts on the citizens. The question then is, do businesses owe society any social responsibility as it relates to the protection of environment? The Energy sector in Nigeria plays a very crucial role in Nigeria’s development, as the industrial development and innovation necessary for the economic development of any country is directly linked to the management of energy resources. Nigeria is endowed with abundant (fossil fuel) energy resources, such as oil, gas, coal, fuel wood, etc., which are dominantly the fuel sources for electrical energy production, yet, Nigeria is faced with environmental challenges capable of limiting and destroying access to these energy resources without taking cognizance of their environmental control. Therefore, this article attempts at navigating the imperative of Corporate Social Responsibility. Furthermore, the use of Corporate Social Responsibility as a tool for abatement and prevention of environmental damage to the energy sector is considered. Finally, possible recommendations were made as control measure through CSR in Nigeria in order to protect the energy resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Pollution; Sustainable Development.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v12i2.8

Abdulkadir Bolaji Abdulkadir (PhD), Associate Professor, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Nigeria

LEGAL REFORMS AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN FORMER MINING COMMUNITIES: A CASE STUDY OF KABWE LEAD-ZINC MINE, ZAMBIA

Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka 1

Jewette Masinja 2

Isabel B. Franco 3

INTRODUCTION

The mining legacy in Zambia has seen the rise and fall of towns and cities built around the mines which flourish when the mine is in its operational phase but perish once the mine closes. Sustainable Development initiatives at the regional and international level have been formulated and agreed upon for community development requirements in mining laws for resource rich countries to implement in their countries. A research study was established to, investigate the effects of the closure of Kabwe lead-zinc in Zambia, on the local community in the context of sustainable development, and examine the laws and policies that affect the mining sector in the country. This was to ascertain the impact that these have on communities adjacent to mining operations, across the mine life cycle and propose what legal reforms can be enacted to actualize the concept of sustainable development in the mining communities. A mixed research approach was adopted using both the quantitative and qualitative methods. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used to select respondents. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered as and the study received a response of 79%. Closed and open questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview guides were used to collect data from respondents. The study revealed that due to lack of laws on the sustainable development of the mining community at the time of the closure of the of the mine in Kabwe, economic activities dwindled and most former mine workers have ended up being engaged in other activities, mostly agriculture to earn a living. The study also revealed the need to have laws in place to regulate the mine closure in terms of benefits, but revealed a general lack of understanding on the concept of sustainable

Keywords: Legal Reforms, Sustainable Development, Advocacy, Ombudsman

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v12i2.4

1 Ruth Hachitapika Chibbabbuka, Judge in the High Court of Zambia, The Judiciary of Zambia, Plot No. 438, Independence Avenue, P.O. Box 50067, Lusaka, email: chibbabbukar@gmail.com

2 Jewette Masinja, PhD (Queensland), Lecturer, Department of Metallurgy and Material Processing, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia, email: jewette_masinja@yahoo.com

3 Isabel B. Franco, Institute for the Advance of Study of Sustainability, United Nations University, 5 Chome-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan, email: franco@unu.edu or Isabel@isabelfranco.com (I.B.F)

ENSURING UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO MODERN ENERGY SERVICES IN TIMES OF PANDEMIC RELATED DISRUPTIONS: LEGAL CHALLENGES AND POTENTIAL RESPONSES

Damilola Olawuyi 1

Victoria R. Nalule 2

INTRODUCTION

The significant disruptions to global energy markets across the world, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown that without robust law and governance frameworks to mitigate and manage pandemic-related disruptions to energy supply, global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals may be stifled. This article examines legal and governance aspects of designing and implementing disaster risk reduction and resilience (DRRR) frameworks to ensure the security of energy supply in times of pandemic related disruptions. Various legal and institutional challenges that arise with extant DRRR frameworks, such as weak conceptualization of pandemic related risks in extant legislation; preexisting patterns of uneven energy access; gaps in data collection and sharing with respect to pandemic risks; inadequate crosssectoral coordination amongst institutional actors, and resource limitations are examined in order to identify the ways in which an integrative legal framework on disaster management and resilience planning can help close these gaps. The study suggests that clear and comprehensive legislation that recalibrate the scope of energy disruptions and improves data collection and cross-sectoral knowledge sharing by relevant institutional actors are significant steps towards protecting the integrity and resilience of modern energy systems in times of disruptive events such as pandemics.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Disaster; Resilience; Sustainable Development; Multi-Level Governance; Energy Security.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v12i1.3

1 Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, Professor of Law at HBKU and Director of the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (OGEES Institute), Afe Babalola University, Nigeria. Email, dolawuyi@hbku.edu.qa

2 Victoria Nalule is a holder of a PhD in International Energy Law from the University of Dundee, UK. She is a Senior Fellow at OGEES; and visiting lecturer at East African University. She is also the Executive Director of the African Energy and Minerals Management Initiative (AEMI); and CEO of Nalule Energy and Minerals Consultants. Email, v.nalule@nemenergyco.com

SHOULD COUNTRIES FIRE SELL THEIR OIL & GAS ASSETS? ADDRESSING THE MIS-CONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING THE CONTINUED ROLE OF FOSSIL FUELS IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION ERA

Victoria R Nalule 1

Xiaoyi (Shawn) MU 2

INTRODUCTION

Access to modern energy such as electricity is key in the economic development of any country, and yet over 600 million people remain with no access to electricity in developing countries. It is true that both renewable energy and fossil fuels are key in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development (UN SDG) Goal 7 and Goal 1 on energy access and poverty eradication respectively. However, the current global efforts to transition to a low carbon economy, and tackle climate change as stipulated in the SDG 13 and the 2015 Paris Agreement, have created a lot of tension on fossil fuel developments in recent years. This commentary article is presented as a question and answer session aimed at addressing the misconceptions surrounding the achievement of SDG 7 and SDG 13 in this energy transition era. The paper is of interest to oil producing countries. The article follows the various questions raised by policymakers during an online seminar delivered by both the authors entitled, ‘Fossil Fuels in the Energy Transition Era’.

Keywords: Energy Access; Climate Change; Energy Transitions; clean energy technology: Sustainable Development

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.7

1 Victoria R. Nalule holds a PhD in International Energy Law and Policy from the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP), University of Dundee. She is currently working on the DFID-funded Extractives Hub project in the UK as a Research Fellow. She is also the founder and Executive Director of the African Energy and Minerals Management Initiative (AEMI).

2 Dr. Xiaoyi (Shawn) Mu is a Reader in Energy Economics at the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP), the University of Dundee. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Oklahoma in 2006 and Bachelor’s degree in economics from Renmin University of China in 1994.

INTERROGATING THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM AND PARADIGMS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA

Laura Ani

INTRODUCTION

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) norms are a strategic business policy that now forms the cornerstone of how international trade is governed globally. Although initially a voluntary initiative, its relevance in promoting social, environmental, and ethical responsibilities among global investors has arguably been conceived as trade distorting and violating the tenets of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Nonetheless, CSR is now mainstream in all related global transactions. This article seeks to evaluate the impacts of global CSR on international trade and examine the extent of Nigeria’s participation in global CSR. The article argues that Nigeria should go beyond considerations of trade that focuses mainly on liberal market access and expand the practice to include environmental, social, and ethical practices. It concludes that adherence to international CSR will propel developing countries to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, World Trade Organization, Sustainable Development.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.4

LLB, LLM, M.Phil., Grad ICSAN. Research Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Abuja. Email: ashleyani29@gmail.com

“HUMANIZING” INVESTMENTS IN THE EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES IN AFRICA THROUGH THE IFC’S SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES

Chairman Okoloise

INTRODUCTION

International financial institutions face enormous challenges in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs). They finance infrastructure projects, manage vast investment portfolios, offer advisory services, and contribute to economic development in EMDEs. In the process, they are exposed to huge risks and face reputational damage if they act recklessly or have little or no regard for their projects’ adverse impacts on third parties. In the context of natural resource exploitation in Africa, the weak governance of environmental and social risks often results in devastating consequences for communities proximate to investment projects. Promises of infrastructure and social services, job opportunities and economic boom have only often delivered land grabs, forced displacement, cultural infringements, environmental pollution, conflicts, health disasters, misery and sometimes deaths. As calls for greater corporate scrutiny increase, investment project facilitators in the extractive industries like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) must respond appropriately. To preserve its reputation and long-term market access, the IFC needs to apply a higher degree of due diligence and sustainable business conduct that proactively treat risks and limit its exposure. With the rising number of complaints against IFC policy compliance, including projects tainted by scandals and the debarment of companies from accessing international finance, this article demonstrates that merely promoting sustainable investment policies on paper is inadequate. Using a human rights-centred approach to development project financing, the article critically assesses the extent to which the implementation of the IFC’s sustainability framework can practicably protect resource-rich communities, safeguard human rights and ensure sustainable development outcomes in Africa.

Keywords: Extractive Industries, Human rights, Project Financing, IFC, Compliance, Sustainable Development.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.6

DAAD (German Academic Exchange) Doctor of Laws Candidate, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa. LLB (Ambrose Alli), BL (Nigeria), LLM (Pretoria), Dip (Åbo Akademi); Dip (Copenhagen). Email: chairmanokoloise@yahoo.com

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS, EXTRACTIVES INDUSTRIES AND THE ENERGY NEXUS – INSIGHTS IN THE MENA REGION

John Kilani

INTRODUCTION

Sustainable development is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges the world continues to face today. We live in a world where more than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty; one out of nine people are starving; 2.5 billion lack access to clean water; and 1.3 billion people have no access to modern electricity. It is against this backdrop that the world leaders in September 2015 adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, enshrining the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a new, universal set of goals, targets and indicators that all UN Member States are expected to use for framing their sustainable development agendas and policies until 2030. This article seizes the opportunity to engage in the ongoing discourse on the contributions from major sectors to the realization of the SDGs, particularly in the face of growing world population. The purpose of the article is to explore the role of the energy sector in the implementation of sustainable development agendas, particularly in the MENA region. The article finds that the region’s diverse circumstances and substantial petroleum and natural gas reserves make it an ideal region for typifying the central role of energy in today’s world. The article explores, under five themes, some pertinent issues relating to the UNSDGs and their connectivity to energy, drawing illustrative examples from four countries – one small resourcerich country (Qatar), one relatively large resource-rich country (Saudi Arabia), the largest country from North Africa (Egypt), and a country grappling with the challenges of reconstruction after years of strive and instability (Iraq). The article highlights that some of the countries are successfully unlocking the benefits of economic growth, through the development of their natural resources. It concludes that, through concerted efforts to address some challenges, extractive sector operations can play significant roles in advancing the SDGs in the entire region.

Keywords: Sustainable Development; UNSDGs; Energy; MENA Region.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jsdlp.v11i2.9

Director of Sustainable Development, The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development, Doha, Qatar.