June, 2024

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act, 1994 (Act 490), albeit being in existence for almost three (3) decades, is now being amended by Parliament to vest more powers and authority in the EPA to protect and safeguard the environment in accordance with Article 41(k) of the 1992 Constitution. Once passed into law, the amendment bill seeks to among others:

• Elevate the EPA from an Agency to an Authority.
• Establish the EPA as a super regulator over all aspects of environmental protection implemented by institutions that had some responsibilities and control.
• Empower the EPA to cause the arrest and prosecution of any person who contravenes the provisions of the Act or any other environmental law.
• Designate the EPA as a quasi-national security institution, with the mandate to protect the environment and natural resources.
• Authorize the EPA to impose administrative fines and penalties for environmental offences, in addition to criminal sanctions.