This paper examined the effects of environmental degradation on sustainable development in Nigeria. It addresses the causes of environmental problems and their effects on human and the surrounding ecological system. The paper identified increasing environmental deterioration as a result of rapidly growing urban population which includes pollution, deforestation, flooding, global warming, soil erosion and slim development. The paper made use of content analysis of different research findings in relation to environmental degradation. The paper recommends effective and timely strategies that will make positive impact on issues related to urbanization and environmental management, these include, the need to increase the level of green areas through annual tree planting exercise. Also through comprehensive rural infrastructure provision to reduce the number of immigrants to the urban areas and consequently cut down the rate of urban population growth. Environmental education, such as public enlightenment campaigns in the mass and print media, churches, mosques and community based organization is highly needed.
