By Sani Aliyu, Zaria A renowned Professor of Public International Law, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, has said that Nigeria...
A renowned Professor of Public International Law, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan, has said that Nigeria's Constitution provides the legal foundation for environmental governance, anti-corruption efforts, and accountable leadership.
Professor Ladan made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at a workshop organised by the Energy and Environmental Law Club (EELC), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, titled "Beyond Borders: Is International Environmental Law Helping Africa or Holding It Back?"
He explained that the constitutional basis for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is rooted in Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the State to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.
According to him, this constitutional directive was given legal effect through the enactment of the ICPC Act, demonstrating how the provisions of Chapter II of the Constitution can be implemented through legislation.
Professor Ladan also stressed that Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution places the security and welfare of the people at the heart of governance.
He argued that the concept of security should not be interpreted narrowly to mean only physical security but should also encompass economic, environmental, health, educational, social, and developmental security. He added that every level of government—federal, state, and local—should be assessed based on its ability to advance these constitutional objectives.
The distinguished legal scholar further maintained that governments have a constitutional obligation to create employment opportunities, manage natural resources sustainably, protect the environment, and safeguard the interests of local communities through effective laws, policies, and regulations.
Speaking on democratic governance, Professor Ladan highlighted Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution, describing citizens' participation in public affairs as a constitutional right.
He argued that communities affected by development projects, including dams and other major infrastructure, must be meaningfully consulted, noting that decisions affecting their livelihoods, environment, and future cannot legitimately be made without their participation.
Professor Ladan urged citizens, legal practitioners, and students to continue holding governments accountable by reminding public office holders of the constitutional purposes of government and insisting that governance must always prioritise the security and welfare of the people.
The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session that brought together students, academics, legal practitioners, policymakers, and environmental advocates to examine the role of international environmental law in advancing Africa's sustainable development.
The event further underscored the commitment of the Energy and Environmental Law Club (EELC), ABU Zaria, to fostering intellectual discourse on emerging issues in environmental and energy law while promoting sustainability, innovation, and good governance.
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