Eco-Labelling as an Environment Protection Mechanism in Nigeria: Prospects and Limitations

ABSTRACT

Eco-labelling was devised by the international community to help reduce the drastic effects of man’s unsustainable production and consumption patterns on the Environment.  It has been identified by Agenda 21 as a mechanism for promoting production and consumption of products with reduced environmental impacts. Unsustainable patterns of production and consumption has also been identified as a root cause of several environmental problems like climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Other countries like the United Kingdom have given full legal support for Eco labelling. However, despite the perceived benefits of eco-labelling, in Nigeria the practical application of the scheme has been faced with several factors limiting its efficacy.

This paper reveals that in spite of the institutional framework, legal framework and other efforts made by the government to protect the Environment, eco labelling has still not featured prominently in Nigerian Environmental legislations, policies and strategies. Thus, the paper examines eco-labelling in Nigeria, emphasizing on its Benefits and limitations and finally proffers recommendations for better enhancement of the scheme as an Environment protection tool.