Over Thirty Million Tonnes of Waste Generated in Nigeria Annually
Twenty-five to Thirty million tonnes of waste is generated in Nigeria annually.
Similarly over two hundred thousand tonnes of waste is generated in Plateau State with poor waste management.
Professor Chundung Maina a community health expert with Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH disclosed this at a NEMA stakeholders sensitisation and public awareness campaign of proper waste management and flood preparedness in North Central.
Professor Chundung Maina who spoke on environmental and health impact of improper waste management said poor waste management constitutes health hazards.
Professor Maina added that improper waste management adversely affects the environment and advocated attitudinal change and reformed laws to curb the menace.
In another presentation, on effective waste management policies, Principal Engineer with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Enamarie Enanya who highlighted destruction of natural habitat, ecosystem and wildlife as it’s effects recommended innovations and technology to curb flooding.
Mrs Naomi Longla with Plateau Environmental and Protection Agency, PEPSA, harped on recycling and reuse as an alternative to indiscriminate waste disposal.
Earlier in a welcome address by the zonal coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, MR Eugene Nyelong called for effective waste management to prevent further degradation of the eco system.
In a vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary of State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr Sunday Abdu pledged more synergy with relevant agencies to ensure public education and awareness on proper waste management to curb flood and it’s attendant effects.
The workshop featured question and answer sessions.
Jemimah Ezhim
