The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to enhance waste management strategies in response to the increasing threat of environmental pollution and its associated health risks across the country. This move came after a motion was adopted during a plenary session on Tuesday, sponsored by Julius Pondi, a lawmaker representing Burutu Federal Constituency in Delta State.
The motion, titled “Waste Pollution and the Management of Its Impacts on Health and Environment,” highlighted the significant challenges Nigerians face in handling waste, particularly in the oil and gas sectors and manufacturing industries. Pondi pointed out the negative effects of ineffective waste disposal practices, especially in areas with industrial activities, such as the Niger Delta region, where pollution from gas flaring, oil spills, and hazardous discharges are prevalent.
The lawmaker raised concerns over the inadequate enforcement of existing environmental protection laws, warning that this neglect could lead to severe health risks, environmental degradation, and agricultural decline. In light of this, the House urged relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), to strengthen enforcement measures.
Furthermore, the House called for collaboration between state and local governments, oil companies, manufacturing industries, and SMEs to adopt safer waste disposal practices. The House also mandated its Committee on Environment to conduct a nationwide survey on environmental pollution and compliance with waste management regulations, with findings due in four weeks for further legislative action.
