The hallmark of every nation, developed or developing, is sustainable development. Sustainable development is an emerging field of study concerned with development, which considers not only the present generation but also the future generation. It envisages economic development that does not compromise the capability or integrity of the environment in the sustainance of life, plants and animals as well as the ecosystem. Nigeria, like many other developing countries, is faced with environmental problems such as deforestation, erosion, flooding and desertification. These problems emanate from human activities created in the quest to achieve a higher level of development. The objective of this study is to examine how the environment can be protected to further the goals of sustainable development and examine the impacts of human activities on the environment and the implications on sustainable development. The study is doctrinal and the data are obtained from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources are statutes, Federal and State, International Conventions, Protocols and Agreements as well as judicial pronouncement. The secondary sources include textbooks, journals, newspapers and materials sourced from the internet. The study revealed that the environment in Nigeria is confronted with many challenges that should be addressed by law without which the goals of sustainable development are a mirage. The study concluded that Nigeria has, in fact, established and implemented a wide range of clearly defined, comprehensive and environmentally-friendly policies that are sustainable and enforceable. However, enforcement drive is very weak in Nigeria. It is recommended that any limitation placed on The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act be removed and more authority be given to the body on all environmental law enforcement.