Environment
‘Lagos Environment Law untimely’
The recent environmental law enacted by the Lagos State
Government, which seeks to sanction landlords who do not beautify their
residence, has been described as a misplacement of legislative priorities by
some eminent lawyers.
The Tide reports that the enactment of the law last month
led to the establishment of the new Lagos State Parks and Garden (LASPARK).
The law makes it mandatory for Lagos residents to beautify
the perimeters of their houses and stipulates a fine of N250,000 or six months
imprisonment or other non-custodian sentences for violators.
Similarly, the law provides a N50,000 fine as penalty for
felling trees without permission.
In separate interviews with our correspondent , the lawyers
said that the law has not addressed the real issues at hand, which include
inadequate accommodation, population explosion and poor urban planning.
A Lagos-based
lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu described the
law as offensive and a misplacement of legislative priorities.
He said that it did not show that the House of Assembly
understood the enormous work and special problems and needs of the people.
According to him, it is like leaving more serious issues to
take care of less important things.
He said that the law was not needed now because the
challenges faced by the people, including infrastructure and social amenities –
like power supply, quality healthcare, potable water and jobs – were still lacking.
“A hungry man cannot plant flowers or paint houses with the
little resources which he will use to take care of his family,’’ he said.
Chairman, Nigerian
Bar Association, Ikeja branch, Mr. Onyekachi Ubani said that people would not accept the law because
it was not in conformity with reality.
He said that as such, many people would go to prison because
the law was not needed at this current time.
“The law does not address the issue of poverty, unemployment
and the system failure which affects the people of Lagos,” Ubani said.
Similarly, Mr Fred Agbaje, said that the essence of
governance was to better the lives of people and not to criminalise every of
their actions.
He said that the law was coming at a wrong time because no
provision had been made by some landlords for the planting of flowers in their
frontage.
Mr Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said that the spirit of the
legislation was well intended but that the starting point was rather too high.
He, however, called on residents of the metropolis to imbibe
the culture of keeping their environment clean.
“It is a bit high to start with this kind of penalty, but
the idea is well intended— if the law will be implemented,” Ozekhome said.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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