Mazahib: Jurnal Pemikiran Hukum Islam
Vol. 25 No. 1 (2026): VOLUME 25, ISSUE 1, 2026

Regulating the Sacred: Religious Environmental Degradation and Legal Reform in Nigeria

Ganiyu Yahaya (Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State)
Adefisayo Oyedeji (Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State)
Adeola Olufunke Kehinde (Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Apart from Nigeria's worrisome economic situation, environmental degradation is also an alarming issue across the country. Religious institutions in Nigeria play a pivotal yet underexplored role, from deforestation for church and mosque constructions to indiscriminate waste disposal by large congregations. This paper examines the role of religious institutions in environmental degradation in Nigeria and explores how religious practices align with environmental sustainability. While religion plays a dominant role in Nigerian society, religious institutions contribute to environmental challenges through large-scale land acquisition, deforestation, indiscriminate waste disposal and management, and noise pollution. Using the doctrinal method of legal research, this paper further examines relevant constitutional and statutory provisions, analyses judicial authorities, and draws comparative lessons from other jurisdictions, including Saudi Arabia and India. The paper concludes that the impact of religious institutions in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized in ensuring a healthy environment. It recommended integrating eco-theology into religious teachings and called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws in Nigeria.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mazahib

Publisher

Subject

Religion Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Mazahib Jurnal Pemikiran Hukum Islam / Mazahib Journal of Islamic Legal Thoughts (P-ISSN: 1829-9067; E-ISSN: 2460-6588) is an international peer-reviewed Journal Published by the Faculty of Sharia Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris State Islamic University Samarinda since 2004. The Journal specializes in the ...