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Natural Resource Valuation and Damage Assessment in Nigeria
A Comparative Analysis
August 2003
Natural Resource Valuation and Damage Assessment in Nigeria A Comparative Analysis Environmental Law Institute August, 2003
1
Acknowledgments
This report was authored by Danielle Schopp and John Pendergrass, with additional research by Roman Czebiniak, of the Environmental Law Institute (ELI). The authors also thank Bruce Myers of ELI and Anthony Onugu of Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme for their contributions to the report. In addition, the authors also thank the following individuals for contributing their knowledge about the law and practice of natural resource valuation in Nigeria: Austin C. Otegbulu, C.J. (Chima) Nwogu, Dr. Bola Fajemirokun, Professor Anthony M. A. Imeubore, Professor Emmanuel Asuquo Obot, and His Majesty The Amayanabor of Kalabari Professor T.J.T. Princewill. Errors and omissions are solely the responsibility of the authors. Support for this report was provided by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2
Oil fields are abundant in the Niger Delta and provide the Nigerian government with much of its revenue. Environmental damage caused by oil production activities including exploration, drilling, production, transportation, and refining threatens biodiversity of the Niger Delta and the livelihoods of its inhabitants. Many of the people in the Niger Delta depend on the abundant natural resources of the delta for fishing, herbal medicines, food, fiber, and other uses. This report examines the methods used to place a value on environmental damage and the legal frameworks that United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and international law provide to compensate for injuries to natural resources caused by oil pollution. Placing an appropriate value on the environmental damage is important to ensure that oil companies take necessary precautions to avoid and abate damage caused by
A Comparative Analysis
August 2003
Natural Resource Valuation and Damage Assessment in Nigeria A Comparative Analysis Environmental Law Institute August, 2003
1
Acknowledgments
This report was authored by Danielle Schopp and John Pendergrass, with additional research by Roman Czebiniak, of the Environmental Law Institute (ELI). The authors also thank Bruce Myers of ELI and Anthony Onugu of Bioresources Development and Conservation Programme for their contributions to the report. In addition, the authors also thank the following individuals for contributing their knowledge about the law and practice of natural resource valuation in Nigeria: Austin C. Otegbulu, C.J. (Chima) Nwogu, Dr. Bola Fajemirokun, Professor Anthony M. A. Imeubore, Professor Emmanuel Asuquo Obot, and His Majesty The Amayanabor of Kalabari Professor T.J.T. Princewill. Errors and omissions are solely the responsibility of the authors. Support for this report was provided by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2
Oil fields are abundant in the Niger Delta and provide the Nigerian government with much of its revenue. Environmental damage caused by oil production activities including exploration, drilling, production, transportation, and refining threatens biodiversity of the Niger Delta and the livelihoods of its inhabitants. Many of the people in the Niger Delta depend on the abundant natural resources of the delta for fishing, herbal medicines, food, fiber, and other uses. This report examines the methods used to place a value on environmental damage and the legal frameworks that United States, Nigeria, Kenya, and international law provide to compensate for injuries to natural resources caused by oil pollution. Placing an appropriate value on the environmental damage is important to ensure that oil companies take necessary precautions to avoid and abate damage caused by