Environmental Racism

Pellow shifts the focus of the conventional account of environmental racism to a new dimension. The conventional account of environmental racism suggest that colored and poor people are targeted and burdened with environmental hazards by white and rich population Pellow, 2004, p.14. The author proposed a framework that emphasizes “the importance of history of environmental racism and the process by which it unfolds, the role of multiple stakeholders in the conflicts, the effects of social stratification by race and class and the ability of the least powerful segments of society to shape the struggle for environmental justice” p 7.

Lagos, Nigeria solid waste problems bear semblance to that of Chicago experienced in the 19th century. Both cities

In his framework, Pellow viewed environmental racism as a “process involving various stake holders (government, community members, environmentalist and politicians) engaged in struggles for a range of resources within the political economy- struggles that result in uneven distribution of benefits and cost of those resources” Pellow, 2004, p.164.

The government is a major actor implicated in environmental injustice. There is a desperate effort of the government to attract foreign investors to provide jobs to cope with the massive urbanization and rapid population growth and to improve the economy of the city. Unfortunately, this is done at the expense of other stakeholders, the health of the community and the environment. Oftentimes due process like environmental impact assessment, due diligence or health impact assessment are not followed, even though it is a requirement by law. Businessmen and investors bribe their way through and still go on with project that are detrimental to the environment and public health. Government officials who are responsible for enforcing environmental standard and regulation are willing to accept bribe and to watch the perpetuation of environmental crime and injustice. From my experience as a government worker, when we go to inspect sites, companies, facilities or community, without asking, you are offered bribe because it has become a norm that enforcement officers can be bribed. Nigeria has been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries for acts like