Expert Urges FG To Review Hazardous Law

The Executive Director, Babel Convention Prof. Oladele Oshibanjo, Coordinating Centre for Africa, has advised the Federal Government to review the hazardous waste legislation in Nigeria to check hazardous waste.

Oshibanjo, who gave the advice in an interactive session with journalists  in Abuja on Wednesday, said the legislation developed in 1991,was long overdue for review.

“The legislation was developed in 1991 and we are now in 2011, environmental problems are very dynamic, we need a comprehensive hazardous waste legislation to address the current day challenges,’’ he said.

He stressed the need for the country to address toxic waste emanating from industries, such as oil and gas, textile, tanneries among others, to avoid underground water pollution.

Osibanjo, who is also a consultant to NESREA said the organisation developed e-waste regulation in July, adding that with the regulation, the agency had been able to turn back some ships that came to the country with e-waste products.

Oshibanjosaid that e-waste, regarded as second hand value products, had some chemicals such as heavy mercury, lead among others injurious to public health and environment.