Abstract
Environmental degradation and destruction brought on by pollution prevents people from taking advantage of resources. Environmental pollution is a problem that affects people everywhere. Its effects on human existence and welfare cannot be overstated. It could be caused by human actions or the aftereffects of natural catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, storms, and volcanic eruptions. The exercise and enjoyment of fundamental human rights depends on the environment. Therefore, environmental degradation and oil spills in Rivers State have an impact on both human rights and the ecosystem. This work examines environmental pollution and oil spillage in Rivers State as an infringement to human rights. It identifies and analyzes the different forms of environmental pollution in Rivers State, and assesses the degree to which environmental pollution and oil spills violate the human rights of the people of the State in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) (CFRN). In would appear by a strict interpretation of the CFRN that environmental pollution does not constitute a violation of the rights of the people of Rivers State, despite the fact that environmental pollution and oil spillage have undeniable significant environmental effects. This paper found that careless and inadequate disposal of waste, oil spillage, gas flaring, and soot, are types of environmental pollution that violate the right to life guaranteed in the CFRN 1999 (as amended), as well as other human rights of the people of Rivers State.