Kwara State University Journals
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BALANCING TRADE, JUSTICE, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOVEREIGNTY: WTO AND AFCFTA CONSTRAINTS ON NIGERIA’S PURSUIT OF COMPLIANCE
Get PDFNigeria’s engagement with global trade and environmental governance reveals a persistent tension between international economic integration and the pursuit of environmental justice. The World Trade Organization’s framework, particularly Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, provides environmental exceptions designed to preserve national policy space. However, these provisions often privilege states with stronger legal capacity, scientific infrastructure, and institutional coherence, leaving developing countries such as Nigeria struggling to meet evolving sustainability standards. This paper examines how the structural design and jurisprudence of WTO environmental rules constrain Nigeria’s environmental trade sovereignty and explores how regional mechanisms under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could mitigate these constraints. Using a doctrinal and comparative legal methodology supported by institutional analysis, the study identifies limited participation in WTO environmental litigation, weak inter-ministerial coordination, and inadequate digital trade infrastructure as key barriers to Nigeria’s effective engagement. It argues that the AfCFTA provides a more inclusive platform for collaborative standard-setting, capacity building, and equitable rule-making. The paper concludes that Nigeria must transition from reactive compliance to proactive participation by enacting a comprehensive Trade–Environment Act, strengthening coordination among ministries, investing in data and digital systems, and asserting leadership within the AfCFTA to advance a fairer and more sustainable model of environmental trade governance
INTERROGATING THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS IN NIGERIA
Get PDFThe threat of global environmental harm is real and imminent. The world continues to exert unrelenting efforts in the quest to provide viable and sustainable solution to the ever-depleting global environment resulting in climate change and global warming. Treaties, conventions and protocols have been entered into by the international community in a bid to save and sustain the environment for the present and future generations. There are presently numerous international environmental agreements in existence; but the effectiveness of these international agreements is worrisome and questionable. Using doctrinal approach, this paper interrogates the efficacy of the overwhelming litany of global environmental agreements in existence. It examines the challenges facing the legal and institutional frameworks in Nigeria responsible for the implementation of international environmental agreements. It finally made some recommendations on how the law and relevant authorities can be retooled to attract effective compliance and implementation of international environmental agreements in Nigeria
ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS OF MONEY LAUNDERING ACTIVITIES ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
Get PDFThe impact of money laundering globally is overwhelming. It encourages illicit financial flow. Governments across the universe has responded to the waves by putting in place legal and regulatory frameworks to curb the menace. Notwithstanding the existence of legal and regulatory frameworks which are domestic and international in nature, the activities of money launderers are increasing on the daily basis. This paper therefore adopts doctrinal method of legal research attempts to examining money laundering in Nigeria vis-à-vis legal & regulatory impacts on the Nigerian economy. The paper asserts that non-existence of the relevant legal frameworks is not the bane of the fight against money laundering in Nigeria, but the problem of enforcement of the existing legal frameworks. The paper finds that the impacts of money laundering in Nigeria is multifaceted in nature. The paper recommends for full enforcement and implementation of the extant laws on the prevention and detection of the money laundering activities in Nigeri
RETHINKING THE PUBLICATION OF NAMES AND PHOTOGRAPH OF CYBERCRIME SUSPECTS IN CYBERSPACE IN NIGERIA: LESSONS FROM THE USA AND SOUTH AFRICA.
Get PDFThe increase in the commission of cybercrimes, especially internet fraud, at the domestic and international levels, has put Nigerian cybercrime investigators in the global searchlight. This is arguably due to questions of competency and efficiency in enforcing the implementation of cybercrime legal frameworks and curtailing the upsurge of cybercrimes by Nigerians. Oftentimes, cybercrime investigators, after the apprehension of cybercrime suspects, resort to displaying their names and photographs in cyberspace before the conclusion of an investigation. While drawing lessons from the USA and South Africa, this paper argues that this act of the cybercrime investigators is a cyberspace parade and trial, which is unlawful and a breach of the fundamental human rights of cybercrime suspects. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the legal implications of cyberspace parade and trial in Nigeria and the main objective is to demonstrate that cyberspace parade and trial is unlawful. This paper adopts the doctrinal research design and data is sourced from primary and secondary sources. The paper found that the practice of cyberspace parade and trial is unlawful and unconstitutional. Considering the foregoing, it is recommended that a federal law banning cyberspace parades and trials should be enacted
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEGAL PRACTICE: THREAT OR TOOL FOR THE FUTURE LAWYER IN NIGERIA?
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, and the legal profession is no exception. From predictive analytics in litigation to contract automation and document review, AI is redefining how legal services are delivered. However, this technological evolution has provoked significant debate, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, where infrastructure, regulation, and legal education are still evolving. This paper interrogates whether AI is a threat or a tool for the future Nigerian lawyer. It examines the global and local impact of AI in legal practice, explores its benefits and risks, and critically evaluates the preparedness of the Nigerian legal system for such disruption. While AI holds immense potential to enhance efficiency and access to justice, it also poses challenges regarding ethical compliance, job displacement, data protection, and professional identity. Through a socio-legal analysis, the paper argues that AI, if properly harnessed, is more of a tool than a threat offering Nigerian lawyers an opportunity to modernize legal practice. The paper concludes with policy and practical recommendations for integrating AI ethically and effectively into Nigeria’s legal sector
THE OFFENCE OF BIGAMY IN NIGERIA: A PAPER TIGER?
Get PDFMarriage is a social and legal relationship which the law protects in order to preserve its sanctity and marital bond. Nigeria is characterized by ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. It is equally a patriarchal society, therefore, bigamy is not generally seen as a profound violation of the marriage institution. Because of these difference, persons have the choice of selecting the type of marriage suitable to their way of life. There are numerous legal frameworks governing bigamy in Nigeria such as statutory provisions and case laws. However, the enforcement mechanism is weak thereby resulting to the persistence in the commission of the offence. The recent decision of court in Mohammed v Mohammed has further added to the confusion as to whether the offence still exist under the Nigerian laws. This paper uses both primary and secondary sources of doctrinal legal research comprising of statutory provisions, case laws, law textbooks, journals, articles and other online materials to analyse information set out. It finds that the rate at which the offence is committed in Nigeria has greatly increased as a result of weak enforcement mechanism. It concludes that commission of bigamy persist in Nigeria due to socio-religious differences and inefficiency of extant laws. It recommends strict application of punishment to the offence, legislative reforms and societal orientatio
CORPORATE INSOLVENCY AND BUSINESS RESCUE IN NIGERIA: ASSESSING THE ROLE OF ADR IN STAKEHOLDER CLAIMS RESOLUTION POST-COVID-19
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global markets and exposed the vulnerability of corporate entities, particularly in emerging economies such as Nigeria. These disruptions underscore the urgency of robust insolvency and business rescue frameworks that can preserve viable enterprises while equitably balancing the interests of creditors, employees, shareholders, and other stakeholders. The enactment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 introduced new statutory mechanisms aimed at facilitating corporate rescue. Yet, the effectiveness of these reforms remains uncertain, particularly in addressing the multiplicity of claims that typically arise during insolvency proceedings. This paper critically examines the potential role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in supplementing Nigeria’s formal insolvency regime. It explores ADR’s capacity to foster quicker, confidential, and cost-efficient resolution of stakeholder disputes, while also mitigating the systemic delays and rigidity often associated with judicial processes. Drawing insights from comparative jurisdictions, the paper evaluates whether ADR can effectively bridge institutional and procedural gaps in Nigeria’s corporate rescue framework or whether persistent structural challenges, including weak enforcement mechanisms and limited expertise, may hinder its success. The paper ultimately argues that a strategic integration of ADR into insolvency practice presents a pragmatic pathway for achieving sustainable corporate recovery and enhancing stakeholder protection in the post-COVID era
Lead Paint Hazards in Nigeria: Public Health and Environmental Impacts
Get PDFLead-containing paints present an ongoing, severe threat to human and environmental health in Nigeria. This review synthesizes available evidence on the toxicity of lead-based paints for both people and the wider environment, reviews regulatory progress, and identifies research and policy gaps. Lead paint exposures, especially among children, result in irreversible neurological and developmental harms, with wider systemic and cardiovascular consequences for all ages. Studies have consistently found lead content in Nigerian paints far exceeding global safety standards. Environmental impacts include persistent contamination of soils, water, air, and biota. Despite steps by regulatory agencies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, weak enforcement and incomplete elimination persist. This review utilizes a PRISMA flow diagram to depict the evidence selection and review process, underscores current knowledge gaps, and offers evidence-based recommendations for Nigerian policymakers and stakeholders
Comparative effect of sucrose, fructose and glucose concentrations on the survival rate of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum l.) in tissue culture
Get PDFTomato remains a globally essential horticultural crop, whose efficient micro propagation is critical for sustainable production, especially in tropical regions facing biotic and abiotic challenges. This study investigated the influence of three exogenous sugars; sucrose, glucose and fructose applied at varying concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/L) on the survival and developmental performances of two tomato varieties (Rio Grande and UC-82B) under in vitro concentrations. Seeds were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with each sugar type and data on seedling survival, shoot number, shoot length, leaf count, node formation and root development were recorded after 40 - 60 days. Result indicated that low concentrations (0-10`g/L) of sucrose and glucose significantly improved survival and shoot proliferation, with Rio Grande exhibiting superior performance across all sugar treatments. However, high concentrations (> or = 30g/L) significantly reduced survival rates and morphological vigor, suggesting the onset of osmotic or metabolic stress. Fructose treated seedlings consistently showed the lowest survival responses in all concentrations. Overall, sucrose at low concentration was the most effective carbon source, particularly for the Rio Grande variety, emphasizing its potential for nursery applications and commercial propagation strategies. These findings contribute to refining tomato micro propagation protocols and provide a foundation for advancing crop regeneration technologies in Africa.
Combined effect of biochar and castor cake on soil properties and yield of Amaranthus caudatus
Get PDFABSTRACT
This study investigated the effects of combined applications of biochar and castor cake on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of Amaranthus caudatus. Screenhouse and field experiments were conducted at Kwara State University, Malete, and the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Idofian, Kwara State. Screenhouse experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design, while the field trial followed a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Treatments included different ratios of castor cake and biochar applied at 10 t/ha (30+70%, 40+60%, 50+50%, 60+40%, and 70+30%), NPK fertilizer at 100 kg N/ha, and a control. Results from the screenhouse study showed that combined applications of biochar and castor cake significantly enhanced growth and dry matter yield of amaranths. In the field experiment, the treatment comprising 60% castor cake + 40% biochar increased yield by 79.5% over NPK and 88.8% over the control after the first cropping. Its residual yield (12,094.3 kg/ha) was also significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of NPK. The 70% castor cake + 30% biochar treatment significantly improved soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Overall, application of 60% castor cake + 40% biochar at 10 t/ha is recommended for improving soil fertility and amaranth production.