An Analysis of Nigeria’s Ranking in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index

Abstract

Nigeria has made substantial progress in its environmental performance, as evidenced by the 2024 Environmental Performance Index (EPI). The country rose from 162nd position in 2022 (28.3) to 140th in 2024 (37.9). While this progress is laudable, Nigeria remains one of the world's and Africa's lowest-performing countries. Environmental deterioration continues to have a substantial influence on health, economy, and ecosystems in Nigeria. Deforestation, oil pollution, inadequate urban design, and lax implementation of environmental standards are all said to be major significant contributors. In a bid to curb environmental degradation, the Nigerian government over the years has initiated polices and legislations like the Climate Change Act (2021), which sets net-zero emissions target by 2060, also the ban on single-use plastics, which was set to commence in January 2025. Despite government interventions through the introduction of the above legal and regulatory frameworks, Nigeria still performs below average in environmental sustainability. This brief examines Nigeria's EPI ranking, it also assesses the multi-sectorial effects of environmental degradation, and makes strategic recommendations for improving environmental sustainability and governance. Some of the recommendations advanced by this brief include: i. That the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance may wish to intensify oversight ensuring proper and effective implementation of environmental policies such as the Climate Change Act (2021), and the ban on single-use-plastic in Nigeria; ii. That the National Assembly may pass a law extending the ban on single use plastic nationally instead of restricting it to only ministries, agencies, and departments of the federal government as contained in the 2022 National Policy on Gas-to-Waste Management; iii. That the Senate and House Committees on Ecology and Climate Change, and Legislative Compliance may wish to organise a joint committee hearing with relevant stakeholders like the Federal Ministry of Environment as well as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the environmental degradation challenges in the country for the purpose of securing a healthy and liveable environment in Nigeria.