Potential Conflicts of Interest in the Dual Functions of the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources as both Economic and Environmental Regulator

摘要

In the writers' opinion, Nigeria can learn valuable lessons from the "UK experience" described above with a view to re-examining and resolving potential conflicts of interest. This can best be achieved by separating the economic and environmental functions of the DPR-environmental regulatory functions should be transferred to NESREA while leaving the DPR to continue with the economic functions of issuing licences and permits. This separation of "roles and responsibilities" would not only resolve any potential conflicts of interest but would also ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between the economic realisation of oil/gas extraction and the need to protect the environment. That "balance" is a much-needed step in the establishment of an effective ecological and environmental governance regime for the Nigerian oil/gas industry and a step towards ameliorating the environmental suffering of the people of the oil-producing area of the Niger-Delta region.