Nigerian cities are witnessing high rate of environmental deterioration and are rated among urban areas
with the lowest livability index in the world. It is estimated that between 20 percent and 30 percent of
the urban population enjoy decent urban life in the country. Although studies have identified various
environmental problems in Nigeria, little attention has been given to their implications for sustainable
development in literature. This paper therefore examined the causes and implications of increasing
environmental deterioration for sustainable development in the country. Relying on archival records and
observations, this paper identified colonial antecedents of Nigerian cities, rapid urbanization and poor
psychological orientation of residents as being responsible for the current situation. The paper
highlighted the three –fold effects on the human health, the economy and ecological system and
suggested that the application of planning, economic, legal, institutional as well as educational tools will
address the situation.