Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa is faced with environmental issues, prevalent among which are floods, erosion, desertification, mismanagement of natural resources and industrial production hazards. This has provoked the need to establish environmental policies and enforcement agencies in Nigeria. It is within the context of the foregoing, that this article attempts an appraisal of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act of 2007 and its role in protecting the Nigerian environment. This article provides a brief overview of the evolution of environmental laws in Nigeria. It also highlights the mandate, functions and powers of NESREA.