Ecosystem Protection in Nigeria: An Assessment of the Performance and Challenges for the Local Governments

Purpose: The study periscoped the contemporary global issue of ecosystem protection with particular focus on the performance and challenges of the local governments in Nigeria. The study had the specific objectives to: find out the extent to which the local governments protects the ecosystem in Nigeria; examine the challenges of ecosystem protection by the local governments; and recommend measures for repositioning the local governments for greater performance in ecosystem protection. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used six selected local governments in Enugu State, Nigeria as study cases and adopted survey research design. Both primary and secondary sources of data collection were used. The method of primary data collection was questionnaire while the secondary data were collected from books, journals, government publications, internet materials, among others. Descriptive method of data analysis was adopted. Findings: The key finding of the study was that the local governments did not perform significantly in ecosystem protection in Nigeria. Further finding was that the major challenges of the local governments in ecosystem protection are lack of capacity in terms of necessary administrative structures and human resources and absence of specific and formal assignment of roles in ecosystem protection by either the state government or the federal government. Research Limitation: The study used a limited sample size in six local governments in Enugu State, which impacted the representativeness of the findings and the generalizability to the broader population in Nigeria. Practical Implications: The study concluded that adequate protection of the ecosystem is very crucial for preservation of biodiversity and healthy environment for healthy living and as such strengthening the capacity of the local governments to effectively participate in ecosystem protection is imperative. Social Implications: The study, given the implication of ecosystem pollution, recommended that the federal and state governments in Nigeria should develop clear and comprehensive statutory functions for local governments in ecosystem protection. Federal and state governments should also put in place both financial and administrative supports for local governments to enhance their ability to play more effective roles in ecosystem protection. Originality/Value: The study made significant original contribution to knowledge having created new perspectives and insights in the issue of ecosystem protection in Nigeria the performance and challenges for the local governments and the way forward for improved performance of the local governments in ecosystem protection.