The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the Ministry of Environment to equip and empower Environmental Health Officers to strictly enforce the provisions of the Environmental Sanitation Law.
This resolution was part of deliberations during plenary on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a Matter of General Public Importance raised on the Urgent Need for Awareness on Indiscriminate Dumping of Refuse into Drainages and Mitigation of Flooding in Kwara State.
The motion was moved by Bello Oniboki (APC/Afon) and seconded by Lawal Salihu (APC/Ipaye/Malete/Oloru).
According to the lawmakers, the resolution aims to curb the indiscriminate dumping of refuse across the state.
Leading the debate, Oniboki observed that the issue has reached a crisis level in several communities, with refuse regularly dumped into drainage channels.
He described the situation as not only unsightly but also a serious public health risk, emphasising that its environmental consequences cannot be overstated.
“This is particularly concerning during the rainy season when overflowing drainage systems can lead to severe flooding, damaging property and infrastructure, as we have witnessed in recent days,” he said.
Oniboki highlighted that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has consistently prioritised environmental sanitation, including the annual desilting and clearing of blocked drainage systems across the state.
He stressed the importance of maintaining functional drainage systems, noting that this is a shared responsibility between the government and the citizens.
Oniboki also acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in ensuring that all newly constructed roads in the state are equipped with adequate drainage infrastructure.
“However, it is concerning that despite these efforts, some members of the public continue to indiscriminately dump refuse into drainages, particularly during rainfall.
“This leads to blockages that are a major cause of flooding, stagnant water, road surface damage, increased potholes, and premature road failure across the state.
“Unfortunately, Kwara remains one of the states most vulnerable to flooding, as indicated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). This calls for a change in public attitude to alter this trend,” Oniboki added.
As part of its resolutions, the Assembly also urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Environment and the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, and community-based organisations.
“This is to enhance public awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal practices and the dangers of occupying flood-prone areas.
“We also call on citizens to desist from dumping refuse into drainage channels during rainfall, to prevent environmental degradation and its associated hazards,” the House resolved.
Meanwhile, the House has screened and confirmed Mr. Fatahi Alayande as the State Auditor-General.
Following the confirmation, the Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, directed the Clerk, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulkareem, to formally communicate the decision to the governor.
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus