The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sensitised stakeholders on waste management to mitigate flood, currently ravaging some parts of the country.
The North Central Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Eugene Nyelong, said at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State, that the initiative was part of NEMA’s preparedness against floods as waste normally blocked waterways.
Nyelong stated that the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the 2024 seasonal climate prediction by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) predicted that some local government areas in the North Central states were at high risk of flooding.
The zonal coordinator stated that it was important that all hands must be on deck to proffer mitigation measures.
According to him, the production of waste is increasing at an alarming rate, and it poses, not only environmental risk but also economic and social challenges through its negative impact.
He emphasised that waste management was an issue that touched every aspect of our lives, from the waste we produce at home to the industrial waste generated.
Nyelong added that how the stakeholders handled the waste has significant implications for human health, communities, and the planet at large.
“Improper waste management can lead to pollution, health hazards, and the depletion of natural resources.
“Effective waste management can conserve resources, protect public health, and prevent further degradation of the ecosystem, serving as a deterrent to climate change.
“Our workshop today aims to address these critical issues. We will also delve into the principles of waste reduction, re-use, and recycling.
“One important aspect I will like us to take away from this workshop is that waste management is not just a technical issue but also a societal one. It requires a collective effort from individuals, organisations, and the government.
“Let us remember that the action we take today in managing our waste will have a lasting impact on our future generation,” Nyelong added.
He urged stakeholders to commit to being part of the solution, to innovating, educating, and working together towards a cleaner, healthier, and more suitable environment.
There were presentations from different sources on waste management.
Mrs Rose Enanya of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said that rapid urbanisation and population growth were responsible for increased waste generation.
Enanya stated in a paper: “The Need for Effective Waste Management Policies in Nigeria,” that there was inadequate infrastructure for waste collection and disposal, as well as inadequate public awareness and participation in waste management practices.”
She advocated for proper enforcement of existing waste management regulations.
Prof. Chundung Miner of the Department of Community Medicine at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) said that waste littered the environment and constituted an eye-sore and pollution of sources of water.
Miner, who spoke on “Environmental and Health Effects of Improper Waste Management in Our Communities”, recommended the domestication of solid waste management policies.
He called for enforcement of the existing solid waste management policy and advocacy for state and local governments for increased funding and manpower development.
He advocated for stakeholder engagements and intense enlightenment campaigns, as well as the integration of waste management education into school curricula and activities.
By Peter Amine
