The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to strengthen Waste Management efforts to address rising environmental Pollution and its associated health risks. This call followed a motion by Julius Pondi, the lawmaker representing Burutu Federal Constituency in Delta State, who highlighted the worsening waste disposal challenges across the country, particularly in the oil and gas sector. He warned that ineffective waste management continues to endanger lives, especially in communities near industrial activities, where hazardous discharges, gas flaring, and crude Oil Spills contribute to environmental degradation.
Despite existing environmental regulations, enforcement remains weak, allowing pollution to persist unchecked. Pondi stressed that the lack of accountability from industries and poor waste disposal practices among citizens have compounded the crisis. He cautioned that without immediate intervention, Nigeria could face ecological damage, worsening health crises, and agricultural losses, particularly in coastal areas. In response, the House directed agencies such as the Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to intensify monitoring and enforcement. It also called for collaboration between state and local governments to ensure industries comply with sustainable waste management practices.
A nationwide survey will highlight enforcement gaps.
To further assess the extent of pollution, lawmakers mandated the Committee on Environment to conduct a nationwide survey to evaluate industry compliance with waste regulations. This assessment will identify major defaulters, highlight enforcement gaps, and provide data on pollution levels across different sectors. The committee’s findings, expected within four weeks, will serve as the basis for further legislative action aimed at strengthening environmental policies. Additionally, the House urged oil companies, Manufacturing industries, and small businesses to implement safer waste disposal methods to curb pollution, prevent disease outbreaks, and mitigate long-term environmental damage.
Moreover, the growing waste crisis highlights the urgent need for a structured waste management framework in Nigeria. In many urban centres, refuse clogs drainage systems, leading to severe flooding during the rainy season. Informal waste collectors play a role in recycling, but their efforts remain unsupported by authorities. Without a coordinated system, waste accumulates in public spaces, worsening Sanitation and limiting opportunities for economic reuse. The government must integrate Recycling into broader waste management plans, ensuring proper handling of both industrial and domestic waste. Without this, indiscriminate disposal will persist, heightening health and environmental risks.
Inadequate waste collection services leads to open dumping and burning.
Furthermore, poor domestic waste disposal has compounded the crisis, with inadequate waste collection services forcing many communities to resort to open dumping and burning. This practice releases toxic pollutants linked to respiratory illnesses and waterborne diseases, particularly in overcrowded urban areas. Plastic Waste is another pressing issue, as it clogs drainage systems and contributes to urban flooding. A nationwide awareness campaign is necessary to promote responsible waste disposal and recycling. However, awareness alone is insufficient. Nigeria must establish properly managed landfill sites, improve waste collection services, and enforce strict penalties against illegal dumping.
To address the crisis sustainably, Nigeria could explore waste-to-energy initiatives, as seen in countries like Sweden and Germany, where waste is converted into electricity. While such projects require substantial investment, they offer long-term benefits by reducing landfill dependency, creating jobs, and lowering reliance on fossil fuels. Strong public-private partnerships and incentives for companies to invest in waste conversion technologies could help Nigeria tackle both its waste management challenges and persistent energy deficits. If successfully implemented, these initiatives could improve environmental sustainability, boost energy security, and drive economic growth.
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Ultimately, a comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle waste pollution. Stronger enforcement of environmental laws, Investment in recycling infrastructure, and public participation are all crucial steps. The government must move beyond policy declarations and take concrete steps to hold industries accountable while also providing citizens with the necessary facilities to dispose of waste responsibly. If these measures are not taken, Nigeria risks further environmental degradation, worsening health outcomes, and economic losses that could have been prevented through proactive waste management reforms.