Environment
Ministry, NIMASA Partner To Protect Marine Life
The Minister of Environ
ment, Hajia Amina Mohammed, has suggested a strong partnership between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the ministry to protect Nigeria’s marine environment.
Mohammed made the suggestion in Lagos during the African Day of the Seas and Oceans, usually celebrated on July 25, with the Theme: “Maritime Governance and Sustainable Development’’.
The minister who, was represented by a Director in the ministry, Mrs Adetutu Odunlami, said that protection of the marine environment would promote sustainable, social and economic development.
Mohammed explained that the scope of activities of NIMASA necessarily required cooperation with other agencies of government including but not limited to the Navy.
She also mentioned cooperation with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, agencies of the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“It is worthy to note that one of your areas of service is maritime environment management which includes Marine Pollution Prevention and Control.
“This is of particular interest to me as the Federal Ministry of Environment is saddled with the overall responsibility for environmental protection in Nigeria including the making of regulations.
“Ensuring compliance with set standards and guidelines; promoting adherence to international agreement, protocols, conventions and treaties, Basel Convention on trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal our correspondent said.
The minister commended a statement credited to the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside, that the agency would no longer tolerate the disregard of Nigeria’s environmental laws by International Oil Companies (IOC’s)
The managing director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Gida Mustapha, said NIWA had between 2009 and 2012, overseen the capital and maintenance dredging of the River Niger from Warri in Delta Sate to Baro in Niger State.
The managing director was represented by the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Mr Muhazu Sambo.
“Nigeria is naturally endowed with the longest length of waterways in Africa -an extensive coastline on about 852 km.
“Stretching from Badagry in the South West to Calabar in the South East and about 8600 km of inland water ways,“ he said.
He said that he intended to quickly bring together all critical public and private stakeholders to discuss, analyse and put together a sustainable road map for the speedy synthesis of the inland waterways sub sector.
According to him, with the seaports in Warri and Port-Harcourt, River ports in Onitsha, Oguta, Lokoja and Baro, the environment is ripe for the private sector to key in into the sub-sector of the economy.
The managing director was optimistic that this would provide the link to domestic and international trade and would generate huge revenue for government and investors alike.
In her remarks, the Director, Maritime Labour Services Department in NIMASA, Mrs Juliana Gunwa, described the celebration of African Day of the Seas and Oceans as important.
“Considering the fact that the negative trend of environmental degradation of the marine ecosystem aggravated by the effect of climate change and insecurity have continued to endanger the socio-economic development of the Africa Maritime Domain.
“In particular, the threats to shipping, fishing, aquaculture, offshore exploration, exploitation and insecurity, if not checked, the menace can undermine the development of the continent.
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.
-
Sports3 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports3 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports3 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports3 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Editorial3 days agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road
-
Sports3 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Niger Delta3 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form