The Challenges of Implementing International Treaties in Third World Countries: The Case of Maritime and Environmental Treaties Implementation in Nigeria

Abstract

Most third world countries, including Nigeria have traditionally been active participants within the United Nations system. These countries have also participated in numerous international treaties and conventions on a range of important global issues. However, it would seem that in spite of their enthusiasm to participate in international treaties on various subject matters, extant policies and practices in many of these countries appear to be inadequate in meeting international treaty standards and obligations. This is particularly the case with respect to implementation of treaties relating to maritime and environmental issues in Nigeria. It appears that the country lacks either the necessary capacity or the political will for effective domestication and implementation of the requirements and standards concerning several maritime and environmental treaties. This paper examines the pattern of failures to implement or meet expected treaty standards, which are prevalent particularly in the Nigerian maritime and environmental sectors. It argues that the failures are due to a combination of inadequate prerequisite technical capacities and the lack of political and economic will on the part of the government and non-government operators in the affected sectors. The paper further opines that this trend creates considerable challenges that could affect and limit the interests and welfare of the Nigerian people as well as the standing of the country as a compliant member of the international community. The paper concludes that in order to begin to redeem the situation, the country must effectively strengthen and enforce standards and regulations governing maritime and environmental practices.

Keywords: Environmental protection, international law, international treaties and conventions, law of treaties, maritime practices