Features
Enforcing Environmental Regulations In Nigeria
Civilisation has been inundated with fearful reports that mankind is steadily working towards self-destruction through the process of unbridled or uncontrolled pollution of the environment. A casual look at our surroundings shows reckless attitude of people towards environmental preservation. We might be doubting if the fearful reports are real or justifiable, but we concede that man must correct the deterioration of his habitat before the pollution of the environment gets out of hand.
It is against this backdrop that the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has set a stage for the sensitisation of Nigerians on the importance of clean environment. The agency said it will soon begin the enforcement of environmental regulations in the country after a sensitisation workshop for the public and operators in the key sectors that will be affected by the 24 environment regulations currently in place.
The Deputy Director and Lagos Coordinator of the agency, Mrs. Eunice Eze who disclosed this to newsmen in an interview said the workshop with the theme: “Operationalising the Implementation of the National Environmental Regulations” would help prevent the spread of diseases in the country, adding, “It has become necessary to invite the stakeholders to sensitise them on the importance of complying with the regulations. There are key players. So, we will make sure that all of them are invited to sensitise them to comply with the regulations stipulated for them”.
The Federal Government established the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) by Decree 58 of 1988 and mandated it with among others, to establish environmental guidelines or regulations and standards for the abatement and control of all forms of pollution. The mandate was fulfilled in 1999 by the publication of FEPA’s National guidelines and standards for environmental pollution control duly captioned “National Interim Guidelines and Standards for Industrial Effluents. Gaseous Emissions and Hazardous Waste Management in Nigeria”. The document provides the first significant positive move in Nigeria towards environmental/public health protection.
Waste in all forms of manifestation bombard and assault us in the air, water and on the land. Prior to the formulation of the FEPA guidelines, there had been no serious attempt by government to check environmental pollution in Nigeria, and this was evidenced by mounting refuge that littered our neighbourhood, vehicles that spew lethal smoke, unrestricted noise making and in most cases, lack of specification for industrial waste.
The African Centre for Environmental Protection (ACEP) describes or defines environment as the totality of surrounding conditions and its features. Scientifically, it is described as the combination of physical, chemical, biological and social factors in which a living organism exists, that affect the organism, community and influences its development or existence. Environment can simply be considered as the surroundings in which we live, work and enjoy leisure, which consists of air, soil, surface and surface water, providing habitat for mankind and other animals, plant species and serving as a source for food, water, fuel, raw materials and breathing air.
Natural disaster and the activities of man in the quest to meet his needs have contributed greatly to global environmental issues. Our fragile ecosystem is under attack on various sides as a result of infrastructure, human/animal wastes, natural cases and so on. Worldwide change is needed to avert these challenges. In view of the urgent need for us to preserve our environment for a healthy living for all, the Federal Government formulated the FEPA guidelines and standards which the NESREA wants to fully enforce.
One would be wondering how environmental regulations and standards set for the FEPA to work with since 1988 had for so long not been enforced. According to the NESREA Deputy Director and Coordinator of the agency, Lagos, Mr. Eunice Eze, “Our government is really serious this time on tackling environmental problems, because we found out that prevention is better than cure, that some diseases can be prevented if our environment is kept clean”.
Henceforth, we may believe that the neglect suffered by our environment will elude with the enforcement of the stipulated regulations which the NESREA plans to read out for the Nigerian public and operators in the key sectors that are affected by the guidelines. NESREA’s vision at this time is to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all Nigerians, so if everybody can put heads together and work with the regulation on ground, Nigeria will be reckoned with clean environment, healthy environment and people.
There are 24 environment regulations currently in place which include regulation on noise, erosion and flood and the one for manufacturers of beverages and tobacco, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electrical, electronics, sanitation, emissions that have to do with air pollution. There are also regulations on pollution, hazards, waste, air, soil, surface and subsurface water, that constitute contamination of the environment. We have major forms of pollution such as water, noise, air, land/soil and thermal pollutions which sources include natural disaster, industries, motor vehicles, generation sets amongst others.
Without pollution control, the waste products from extraction, production, distribution, heating, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, transportation and other human activities, whether they accumulate or disperse, will degrade the environment. In the hierarchy of environmental control, pollution prevention and minimisation of wastes are more desirable to pollution control.
In fact, the planned workshop by the NESREA will enable the public or stakeholders receive more useful information about the workability of the FEPA guidelines and to point out certain anomalies that would be or already identified. It is believed that the totality of the FEPA guidelines is a long-term target for the nation to achieve because there are certain provisions that do not take cognizance of the level of industrial development in this country. It is hoped that by the time NESREA will conclude deliberations on the workshop/sensitisation programme, a lot of useful information would have been made known to the public, manufacturers, government and officials of FEPA and the organisers.
We ought to look beyond our personal or company boarders for we may experience the indirect effects of these neglects of the past. Most industries and individuals in this country have erroneously claimed that why they are not able to treat or control their wastes or reduce pollution is that government has not provided the necessary facilities for the management of such wastes. Apart from the basic facilities the government has to provide, each waste generator is responsible for the safe disposal of his or her waste, except when government insists on a particular system. No government builds toxic waste incinerators or chemical treatment plants but all the government can do is to encourage entrepreneurs interested in such ventures by granting special concession, tax relief removal of duty on imported pollution control equipment.
NESREA’s move to sensitise parties concerned with environmental problems is a step in the right direction since it is the government’s major challenge to dialogue with them as some industries may need some time for them to fully comply with the regulations. Some may require special grant or some sort of incentives. In any case, there should not be any blank excuse for refusal by any industry or individuals to comply with the regulations.
For most countries, gone are the days when the operational policy of business was just profit-oriented. Business organisations are now under increasing pressure to extend their commitment beyond employees and customers to ensure that their operations have a minimal effect on the surrounding communities and the environment at large. Nobody will take government seriously in environmental pollution control in areas such as hazardous waste management if the basic health promoting factors cannot be implemented and managed.
It has become necessary for government to institute research studies to gather basic data that will provide insight into the level of environmental degradation that will enable scientists and policy makers to decide on the level of control required, just as it should not be seen as the bully-man but rather coordinating and monitoring the activities of the various groups geared at building a safer environment.
Various categories of penalties for offenders have been laid out with some attracting fines or imprisonment on conviction. So, it’s now left for the NESREA team to not only complete all aspects of the environmental regulations but also to enforce them and convict offenders as a deterrent to others.
According to the NESREA Managing Director, Eunice Eze; anyone caught flouting the regulations in place would be liable to N20,000 fine or one year imprisonment. The same thing applies to those who just discharge effluent like textile industries into the water body, which contaminates the water and the fish in the stream that we catch and eat. So, they can’t go free, they will be prosecuted and if found guilty, they will pay penalty”.
The purpose of setting environmental standards is to reduce or eliminate health and environmental hazards that induce harm. It is not easily practicable to deal with all pollution problems in a particular country and as such priorities must be established based on the principles that relate to the control measures adopted or imposed to the hazards.
As human beings, we are conditioned to live on this earth, breathe the air of its atmosphere, drink the water of its rainfall and eat the food provided by its vegetation and its creatures. It therefore follows that we all have responsibilities to fulfil if a healthy environment is to be maintained and the laid down regulations have to be kept or obeyed. Also as individuals, we should get more involved in environmental matters for the sake of our children, family and mankind and ensure that our personal environment sustains the healthy standard of life we crave for.
Shedie Okpara
The persistent clash between farmers and herders in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue. These conflicts, often, over resources like land and water, have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of large numbers of people, deep-seated mistrust between communities and insecurity. Herders, traditionally nomadic, move their livestock in search of grazing land and water. Farmers, on the other hand, require the same resources for their crops. This competition often leads to clashes, especially in areas where land is becoming increasingly scarce due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. As these clashes intensify, there has been a growing call for sustainable solutions. Two weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu took a bold step towards tackling the issue by inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The committee which has the president as the chairman and the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega as the deputy chairman has the mandate to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain as well as propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers, ensuring the security and economic well-being of Nigerians.The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the recommendations of the National Livestock Reforms Committee. Part of the 21 recommendations submitted to the president include: “This agenda should include the establishment and resuscitation of grazing reserves as suggested by many experts and well-meaning Nigerians and other methods of land utilisation.
“Create the Ministry of Livestock Resources in line with practice in many other West African countries. In the alternative, Federal and State Governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry,” among others. Experts in the agricultural sector have posited that the livestock industry can create millions of jobs directly in farming, processing, and distribution, and indirectly in related sectors like feed production, veterinary services, and marketing. It provides livelihoods for rural populations, helping to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas. It also increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings through the exports of livestock and livestock products such as meat, dairy, wool and leather.
According to them, a well-funded livestock industry supports the growth of agro-processing sectors, such as meat packing, dairy processing, and leather manufacturing, adds value to raw products and creates additional economic activity as well as stimulates the development of supply chains, including logistics, packaging, and retail, contributing to broader economic growth. It enhances economic resilience by diversifying the agricultural sector and providing a buffer against crop failures or other agricultural shocks and many more. Some other agriculturists have also opined that the livestock industry in Nigeria is currently underdeveloped and that by the creation of the ministry of livestock development will open up the industry which will be a huge money spinner for Nigeria.
Reports have shown that a Livestock Ministry can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders by implementing policies and programmes aimed at fostering coexistence and sustainable resource management. The Ministry can work towards clearly demarcating grazing routes and farming areas. This would reduce instances of trespassing and accidental crop destruction, a common flashpoint for conflict. While introducing rotational grazing systems can ensure that land is used sustainably, preventing overgrazing and land degradation, establishing water points and boreholes specifically for livestock can reduce competition for water resources. Similarly, promoting the development of pasturelands through reseeding and controlled burns can improve grazing conditions.
According to a veterinary doctor, Dr Andrew Obadiah, by providing training for herders on sustainable livestock practices and for farmers on conflict resolution, both parties can understand the importance of coexistence. He said that extension services of the ministry can offer advice on improving livestock health and productivity, reducing the need for large herds and extensive grazing. “Setting up local committees involving both farmers and herders to mediate disputes can provide a platform for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Encouraging community-based conflict early warning systems can help prevent clashes before they escalate”, he emphasised.For Mrs. Stella Ugwu, a farmer, having a ministry dedicated to the development of the livestock industry can help in diversifying income sources for both farmers and herders and in turn reduce dependence on land.
”For instance, promoting agro-pastoralism can provide farmers with livestock and herders with agricultural produce”, she explained, adding that providing incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as subsidies for fodder production or crop insurance, can ease economic pressures. Ugwu was however of the opinion that the creation of a new ministry to handle livestock affairs was uncalled for, since the job can effectively be done by the Technical and Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security and its equivalent on the states level.In some countries, the establishment of a Livestock Ministry or similar bodies has shown promising results. For example, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture includes a dedicated department for livestock which has successfully implemented programmes to improve pastoral livelihoods and reduce conflicts.
In Kenya, the establishment of the National Drought Management Authority has helped manage resources better, thus reducing clashes between herders and farmers during dry seasons.The president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, sees the Ministry of Livestock Development achieving the same feat for Nigeria in the near future. He told newsmen that, “MACBAN expresses its deepest appreciation to the Federal Government for creating a ministry of livestock to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the value chain to improve the Nigerian economy. With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the Middle Belt Forum took a different view of the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development, saying it was not enough to sustainably resolve the decades-long farmers-herders crisis in the country. According to the National President of the association, Mr. Bitrus Pogu, what is needed to end the perennial farmers/herders clashes is a deliberate action by regulatory bodies and the government to stop criminal elements from carrying out deadly attacks on innocent Nigerians, mainly farmers. Hear him: “If the reason for creating the Ministry is to stop clashes, I think it is wrong because all of these attacks and killings that are happening have nothing to do with conflicts between farmers and herders. “Farmers have never connived at any given time to go and attack herders, but rather, criminals who happen to be Fulani gang up and attack farmers, kill, maim and chase them out of their ancestral homes.
“Then, the Fulani will come and occupy them. So, it is more about invasion, criminality, and terrorism. And the majority of those they hire to do these evils are not even those who have cattle. So, a deliberate action has to be taken by the government against the perpetrators, which will address the criminality.” Mr. Pogu suggested that the government should adopt ranching for productivity and enduring peace between the pastoralists and farmers in particular and the entire country in general.While the establishment of a Livestock Ministry presents a viable solution, it is not without challenges. Funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption can hamper its effectiveness. Additionally, deeply ingrained cultural practices and mistrust between farmers and herders can be difficult to overcome.
Critics argue that without a holistic approach that includes land reform, climate change adaptation, and broader economic development, a Livestock Ministry alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, it must work in tandem with other governmental and non-governmental bodies to ensure comprehensive solutions. “A dedicated Livestock Ministry, with its focus on sustainable resource management, conflict resolution, and economic incentives, offers a promising avenue to address the root causes of these clashes. However, its success depends on effective implementation, adequate funding, and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved. With the right strategies and commitment, devoid of any political or selfish interest, it can play a crucial role in fostering peace and prosperity in affected regions”, they advised.
Calista Ezeaku
Mrs Tamunobarabiye (not her real name) is an indigene of one of the riverine Local Government Areas of the oil-rich Rivers State of Nigeria, She was happily married to a man whom she described as her heartthrob. And the marriage thrived peacefully for ten years when suddenly there was a twist of events in the marital relationship. The relationship turned sour because of the absence of the fruit of the womb. The marriage was characterised by accusations and counter accusations compounded by pressures from external influences especially the husband’s relatives who blamed their son’s wife for not giving a child to their son. They described the woman as “another man in the house”, The union which started well with the Bible at the centre, was cat and rat, until medical procedures vindicated the woman. Such is the fate of many marriages and the unfortunate condition of many homes in Nigeria with the woman disproportionately blamed for lack of child bearing in marriage.
It is not saying something new that In most countries of the world, especially the African countries, infertility has posed great challenge to stability of marriage. Some marriages have failed because of inability of couple to have children. In a typical African tradition, where misguided myth and superstition hold sway, more often than not, women are speculatively and presumptuously blamed for the lack of procreation in the marital relationship while the husband is saintly in disposition and in the biased evaluation of his relatives. Gynaecologists however, have proven that either husband or wife or the both could be responsible for infertile challenges encountered in marriages. It is not exclusively an act of witchcraft as many African homes are prone to, and captivated by such superstitious belief. Gynaecologists and other medical experts have cited ignorance and the lack of awareness as major contributory factors to the rising incidence of infertility in marriages.
The specialists in women challenges spoke at the 2024 Fertility Conference, held recently in Lagos. The annual event, themed, “Infertility – Need for Knowledge and Early Intervention,” was organised by the Parah Family Foundation(PFF). The Lead Speaker, Preye Fiebai, a Professor and Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from the University of Port Harcourt, also noted that Nigerian men were unaware that the ability to ejaculate did not equate to being fertile. According to Fiebai, research has shown that 20-45 percent of women in Nigeria are infertile, but often, the cause of infertility in marriages is not the women.
The Specialist Obstetrician said research breakdown shows that 40 percent of infertility cases are due to male factors, 40 percent to female factors, 15 percent to combined male and female factors, and five percent are unexplained.
Fiebai listed causes of infertility in men to include: erectile dysfunction, impotence, decreased libido, psychogenic issues, endocrinopathies, age, and over weight, among others. For women, the medical expert pointed to cervical factors, uterine factors, diseases of the fallopian tubes, and problems with ovulation. Also, a professor of Surgery from the University of Lagos, Kehinde Habeeb Tijani, added factors such as age, weight, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation, and constant exposure of the testicles to high temperatures as contributors to infertility. For his part, Managing Director, Lifeline Fertility Clinic, Kemi Alioje and Tony Akinyemi, while affirming the submission of the other speakers, offered various remedies to overcome infertility. They also advised women over the age of 54 to avoid aspiring for pregnancy due to the associated risks.
Also speaking, the Conference Convener, Dayo Odukoya described the infertility rates and causes as “alarming.” She emphasised the need for ongoing awareness to encourage couples experiencing infertility to seek solutions early in their marriages rather than delaying. According to her, “The foundation’s primary objective is to share vital information, enlighten and provide the relevant support system for families undergoing fertility challenges to eradicate ignorance, the misguided myths and social stigma associated with delayed fertility in our society. “The choice of the theme for this year’s conference; infertility- needs for knowledge and early intervention; is to further reiterate the importance of continued awareness, and knowledge about the challenges of infertility and more importantly, action to be taken as early as possible if not, it may cause further delays, especially in late marriage and aged women.
“The journey to parenthood is lonely and must not be treaded alone. There is a need for a support system on this journey and that is where the Parah Family comes in,” she said. The effects of infertility is better imagined than experienced. It is daunting, overwhelming and emotionally devastating. It triggers uneasy calm, quarrels, fighting, accusations, and divorce. The effects defy religious membership as some Christian marriages are not free from the attendant challenges caused by infertility..
Mrs Veronica, a victim of infertility induced crisis said infertility in marriage is a nightmare that a woman should not wish her enemy. According to her, it is stigmatizing, and leads to exclusiveness in a matrimonial home.”You know this thing called infertility is a bad thing that one should not even wish it happens to her enemy. It is a very bad experience. You are not free in your marital home.
Almost every member of your husband’s extended family sees you as the cause of their brother not having a child”. For Mrs. Beauty, infertility is a challenge that some women brought on themselves ignorantly when they were young. According to her, abortion may cause infertility. “You know that no woman knows her fertility status – that is the number of children a woman can give birth to, in a normal condition. Some women might have several pregnancy abortion and may still have a child or children. But some may abort only once, yet may not have any child”. She warned against the temptation of abortion of pregnancy. She said no pregnancy is “unwanted”. Rather than trading blames and accusations, married men and women should undergo medical checks to ascertain their fertility status even before marriage. Those who are medically deficient should access medical facility to solve the problem.
Igbiki Benibo
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