By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representativeness has resolved to probe all harmful disposal of wastes in Niger Delta communities by oil companies.
The House therefore urged the National Environmental Standard Regulation, Enforcement and Response Agency, NESREA, as well as the National Oil Spill and Response Agency, NOSDRA, to urgently reinforce the enforcement of all environment-related laws and regulations in the country.
Meanwhile, the House has urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and NESREA to adopt cleaner and safer waste disposal methods.
These were the resolutions adopted at yesterday’s plenary, when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the motion on a voice vote.
It was sequel to a motion of urgent national importance moved by Julius Pondi on the floor of the House.
In his lead debate, Pondi informed that waste pollution and its management could impact negatively on health and environment, adding that the major components of environmental pollution arw hazardous waste discharges in Niger Delta communities.
He also observed the recurring negative impact that ineffective waste disposal practices have had on the health of manufacturing industries such as unending gas flaring, crude and refined oil spills among others, noting that most of this often happen in the Niger Delta region.
The lawmaker observed that there are numerous gaps and lapses in the control and management of industrial and domestic wastes.
He, however, noted that in spite of the numerous laws and regulations on waste management across the country, this practice has remained for decades.
