ECOLOGICAL DEGRADATION IN NIGERIA: AN EXAMINATION OF SACRED TEXTS IN AFRICAN RELIGION AND ISLAM

Abstract

Nigeria, a West African country, is characterised by a pluralistic society with three dominant faiths: African Religion, Christianity and Islam. Despite being richly endowed with natural resources, the country faces severe environmental degradation. This study explores sacred excerpts from African and Islamic religions to examine their ecological positions in the face of contemporary environmental threats in Nigeria.Using an interdisciplinary research approach, data were collected through focus group discussions and literature review. The findings reveal that human activities, driven by scientific and technological advancements, have led to environmental degradation, contradicting the ecological teachings of the two religions on preservation and judicious use of nature for posterity. The research advocates for a return to environmental conservation and responsible resource management, as emphasised by the teachings of African Religion and Islam. It recommends that traditional, religious, and political leaders promote environmental stewardship among their followers. Ultimately, this study emphasises the need for collective action to safeguard the environment for future generations, recognising it as a sacred entity created by a supreme being.