Reps Tasks NESEREA, NOSDRA On Safe Waste Disposal Enforcement 

The House of Representatives has called on the National Environmental Standard Regulation, Enforcement and Response Agency (NESREA) and the National Oil Spill and Response Agency (NOSDRA), to reinforce the enforcement of all environment-related laws and regulations.

The House urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and the NESREA to adopt cleaner and safer waste disposal methods.

The call followed allegations of harmful disposal of waste by oil companies in communities in the Niger Delta and subsequent adoption of the motion on the matter by Hon. Julius Pondi (Delta PDP) on the floor of the House at plenary, recently.

Pondi raised concerns on the alleged waste Pollution and the Management of its Impacts on Health and Environment, stressing that the major components of environmental pollution are hazardous waste discharges in Delta communities.

He observed the recurring negative impacts that ineffective waste disposal practices have had on the health of the people discharged by manufacturing industries, unending gas flaring, crude and refined oil spills, as often occurs in the Niger Delta region.

The lawmaker further observed that there are still numerous gaps and lapses in the control and management of industrial and domestic wastes.

He expressed regret that in spite of the numerous laws and regulations on waste management across the country, this practice has remained for decades.

Pondi noted the difficulties faced by citizens in controlling and managing waste disposals and utilizing production effluents in the manufacturing industries as well as the oil and gas sectors.

He expressed worry, saying “the consequences of continued neglect of our environment could result in  hazardous ecosystem, loss of agricultural productivity, and environmental degradation, particuarlly in the coastal areas”.

The House, presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon.Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously adopted the motion with a voice vote.

Abbas further mandated the Committee on Environment to conduct a wholesome survey on the extent of damage by harzards on the host communities in the Niger Delta communities.

Lady Godknows Ogbulu