Imposing Liability for Oil Spill Clean-Ups in Nigeria: An Examination of the Role of the Polluter-Pays Principle

Oil spills lead to pollution of water and land in the surrounding environment. The health and the farmland of the people living around the area of the spills are also adversely affected. Numerous laws are usually in place to deal with the issue of oil spills but often times some of these laws are not totally enforced or the institutions set up to deal with the spills are inefficient. Oil spills cannot be left unabated. The problem of oil spills have to be dealt with in order to avoid the devastating effects of oil spills on the environment. In a place like the Niger-Delta in Nigeria where oil spills are rampant, an effective means of curbing the menace have to be thought out to deal with spills. Oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sabotage are the order of the day and thus, oil spills are a recurring decimal in the Niger-Delta. The question then is can the polluter-pays principle play a role in the prevention and control of oil spills especially in Nigeria? This article seeks to answer this question by examining whether the Polluter Pays Principle, an international environmental law principle, can act as a deterrent to oil spills especially deliberate oil spills. This paper examines the tenets of the polluter-pays principle, the deterrence theory, challenges militating against the prevention and control of oil spills in Nigeria and then relevant recommendations and conclusion as regards the role of the polluter-pays principle in preventing and controlling oil spills are put forward. Keywords: Polluter Pays-Principle, Oil Spills, Liability for Oil spills, Niger-Delta, Nigeri

The multi-agency response approach to the management of oil spill incidents: legal framework for effective implementation in Nigeria

The devastating effects of oil spill incidents on humans and the environment can be overwhelming. Effects such as loss of life, forced displacements, loss of property and serious health risks cannot be overlooked. Also, the long-term damage to the ecosystem, sea life and biodiversity are some of the long-term consequences of an oil spill incident. Thus, a swift response to oil spill incidents is always necessary in order to minimize these effects. The multi-agency response approach emphasizes a holistic and coordinated involvement of several related institutions and entities in order to ensure adequate response to any category of oil spill incident. Even though the multi-agency approach seems to be already embedded in relevant legislation on oil spill control and containment in Nigeria, its operationalization has been less impressive. This article discusses the practical relevance and implementation of multiagency response to oil spills in Nigeria. It appraises the efficacy of relevant Nigerian legislation providing for multi-agency response to oil spill control and containment in Nigeria, highlights the weaknesses of the current regulatory arrangement, and suggests legal reforms to make the multi-agency response approach more efficient and effective in Nigeria. This includes the need to harmonize several overlapping legislations and governance institutions on oil spill response and management to ensure coherence and systemic integration.Keywords: Multi Agency Response, oil spill, polluter-pays, human rights, Niger Delta

Legal and instututional framework for promoting oil pipeline security in Nigeria

Oil pipelines are no ordinary assets, and their security is of utmost importance especially in a country like Nigeria where oil pipelines are the major means of transporting crude oil. Nigeria relies on this means of transportation, which has been the victim of various physical attacks over the years by vandals and militant groups. This has affected the transportation of crude oil, which isthe most important resource sustaining the Nigerian economy, putting it in jeopardy. This article appraises the efficacy of relevant Nigerian legislation providing for oil pipelines security; highlights the weaknesses of the current regulatory arrangement, and suggests legal reforms to make oil transportation through pipelines efficient, effective and secure in Nigeria. These reforms include the need to have a comprehensive legislation on oil pipeline security; the need to review relevant legislation providing for the security of oil pipelines in Nigeria; proper funding of the security agencies saddled with the overall responsibility for managing as well as safeguarding the pipelines to ensure their productivity; and overhauling the entire security apparatus put in place to protect oil pipelines in Nigeria by having a sustainable and strategic approach to dealing with oil pipeline insecurity.Keywords: Pipelines, Oil, Vandalism, Sabotage, Security

The Role of Technology in the Advancement of Legal Education and Practice in Nigeria

Technology has revolutionized the way, ease, speed and time with which we conduct our activities. Business transactions are conducted faster, learning and teaching are richer, and generally the legal profession is better positioned. The legal profession is known for its conservatism and traditionalism which many believe must be preserved in order to maintain the prestige of the profession. However, technological advancement may have put a strain on this ideology. The wave of technological advancement and globalization which has swept through various aspects of the society has not left the profession in its path. Technology including Information and Communication Technology (ICT) now plays a quintessential role in legal practice and education. It is becoming increasingly clear in Nigeria as well as a reality that technology is a prerequisite for effective and efficient legal education and practice. This paper examines the important role technology plays in legal education and practice in the 21st century. Focus is placed on how much technology has impacted legal education and practice in Nigeria. The challenges faced in the application of technology in these areas are quite colossal. Despite this, it is important for the legal profession to forge ahead in overcoming these challenges as the application of technology is not only the global trend but also the way forward

Clinical and haematological determinants of outcome among children with cerebral malaria in a tertiary centre in Nigeria

Background: Many cl inicaland haematological changes occur as a result of severe malaria, of which cerebral malaria (CM) is a common entity. These changes affect virtually all organs and systems of the body. We identify various clinical and haematological determinants of outcome in CM so as to institute proactive management of such children.                      Methods: All children who met World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria for CM over 8 month-period were prospectively studied. The presenting symptoms and its duration, detailed physical examination and laboratory parameters were obtained. Logistic regression was employed to determine the prognostic significance of various clinical and laboratory parameters. Outcome indicators were full recovery, alive with neurological sequelae or death of the children.Results: Of the 892 children admitted into the Children Emergency Unit (CEU) over the study period, 50 (5.6%) had CM with M: F ratio of 1:1 and age range of 6 months to 12 years. Sixty percent were aged less than 5 years. The defining symptoms were fever (100%), coma (100%) and convulsion (98%). Forty-one (82%) patients survived, while nine (18%) died. Of the 41 survivors, 30 (73.2%) recovered fully, while 11 (26.8%) had neurological deficits at discharge.Identified clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality and neurological sequelae in CM included Blantyre coma score of 0-2(p = 0.018) prolonged coma recovery time > 26 hours (p =0.026), abnormal breathing pattern (p = 0.0124), absent corneal reflex (p = 0.012), absent pupillary reflex (p = 0.012), depressed tendon reflex (p = 0.028), hyperreflexia (p =0.014), retinal haemorrhage (p =0.001), duration of admission (p=0.000), hyper parasitaemia (p=0.001), hypoglycemia (p= 0.014) and leucocytosis (p = 0.008). Independent determinants of immediate post-recovery neurological deficits and death were hyper-parasitaemia (OR = 8.657, p = 0.017.) and leucocytosis (OR = 1.090; p = 0.035Conclusion: CM is a potentially reversible encephalopathy associated with high mortality and sequelae. Affected children with the above listed clinical / haematological parameters especially hyperparasitemia and leucocytosis should be given proactive management to improve the outcome

Design and Implementation of An Improved Digital Video Surveillance System

Video surveillance systems also known as Close Circuit Television (CCTV) is the systematic investigation or monitoring of the actions or communications of one or more persons in a place. Video surveillance has been a key component in ensuring security at various institutions due to the increase in crime rate ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping and recently bomb blasts around the globe which has necessitated its installation in most establishments.This study therefore described the steps involved in designing an improved video surveillance system. The study discussed the theory of improved video surveillance types, components involved, selection of the best equipment and the details of its virtual design. The system was designed to monitor the footages of a particular surrounding with acamera resolution of 1680 by 1050 and the monitor displayed the desired output from a simulated implementation of the system with the router which served as an internet connection that transmitted the signal over the internet to any device with internet access.An improved video surveillance system has therefore become a foremost global strategic tool for fighting the war against terrorism, preventing crime, protecting cooperate assets and enhancing public safety which has made forensic investigations very easier for the police force. Keywords: Improved Video surveillance system, Communications, Security, Footages, Virtual Design, Close Circuit Television, Internet Access. DOI: 10.7176/CEIS/11-2-07 Publication date: April 30th 202

Vitamin E modulates androgen receptor gene expression to attenuate ovarian dysfunctions in a rat model of dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of vitamin E in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced polycystic ovary in rats. Methods: Premature female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups, with 7 rats in each group. Group I received corn oil (vehicle) and served as the control group; group II received 0.2 mL of 0.06 mg/g DHEA in corn oil; group III received 200 mg/kg vitamin E; group IV received DHEA plus vitamin E. All treatments lasted for 15 days, with DHEA administered subcutaneously, while vitamin E and corn oil were administered orally. After the experiment, serum samples and ovaries were harvested for biochemical, immunohistochemical, hormonal, and histological analysis. The ovarian mRNA expression of androgen receptor was analyzed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results: The antioxidant and metabolic enzyme activity significantly decreased in the DHEA-treated rats compared to the control rats (P<0.05). Administration of vitamin E to DHEA-treated rats significantly decreased cytokines and malondialdehyde compared to the DHEA-treated rats. The histological analysis showed reduced atretic and cystic ovaries, increased E-cadherin and Bcl-2 expression, and reduced expression of Bax in the DHEA-treated rats co-treated with vitamin E. The mRNA expression of androgen receptor was upregulated in the DHEA-treated rats compared to the control rats. Conclusions: Vitamin E ameliorates the hyperandrogenic effect of DHEA-induced polycystic ovaries via metabolic, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic pathways

Dominant modifiable risk factors for stroke in Ghana and Nigeria (SIREN): a case-control study

Summary: Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest incidence, prevalence, and fatality from stroke globally. Yet, only little information about context-specific risk factors for prioritising interventions to reduce the stroke burden in sub-Saharan Africa is available. We aimed to identify and characterise the effect of the top modifiable risk factors for stroke in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) study is a multicentre, case-control study done at 15 sites in Nigeria and Ghana. Cases were adults (aged ≥18 years) with stroke confirmed by CT or MRI. Controls were age-matched and gender-matched stroke-free adults (aged ≥18 years) recruited from the communities in catchment areas of cases. Comprehensive assessment for vascular, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors was done using standard instruments. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and population-attributable risks (PARs) with 95% CIs. Findings: Between Aug 28, 2014, and June 15, 2017, we enrolled 2118 case-control pairs (1192 [56%] men) with mean ages of 59·0 years (SD 13·8) for cases and 57·8 years (13·7) for controls. 1430 (68%) had ischaemic stoke, 682 (32%) had haemorrhagic stroke, and six (<1%) had discrete ischaemic and haemorrhagic lesions. 98·2% (95% CI 97·2–99·0) of adjusted PAR of stroke was associated with 11 potentially modifiable risk factors with ORs and PARs in descending order of PAR of 19·36 (95% CI 12·11–30·93) and 90·8% (95% CI 87·9–93·7) for hypertension, 1·85 (1·44–2·38) and 35·8% (25·3–46·2) for dyslipidaemia, 1·59 (1·19–2·13) and 31·1% (13·3–48·9) for regular meat consumption, 1·48 (1·13–1·94) and 26·5% (12·9–40·2) for elevated waist-to-hip ratio, 2·58 (1·98–3·37) and 22·1% (17·8–26·4) for diabetes, 2·43 (1·81–3·26) and 18·2% (14·1–22·3) for low green leafy vegetable consumption, 1·89 (1·40–2·54) and 11·6% (6·6–16·7) for stress, 2·14 (1·34–3·43) and 5·3% (3·3–7·3) for added salt at the table, 1·65 (1·09–2·49) and 4·3% (0·6–7·9) for cardiac disease, 2·13 (1·12–4·05) and 2·4% (0·7–4·1) for physical inactivity, and 4·42 (1·75–11·16) and 2·3% (1·5–3·1) for current cigarette smoking. Ten of these factors were associated with ischaemic stroke and six with haemorrhagic stroke occurrence. Interpretation: Implementation of interventions targeting these leading risk factors at the population level should substantially curtail the burden of stroke among Africans. Funding: National Institutes of Health