ASABA/Nigeria: Experts in environmental protection and management have faulted the lack of data on individual and household waste generation in the country, that would provide information to mitigate the effects of pollution and other harmful practices to the environment.
They made the statement at a One Day Sensitization Workshop on Environmental Protection in Asaba organized for Health, Safety and Environment Officers from selected institutions and companies in Delta State.
In a keynote address the Guest Speaker Dr. Ijeoma Owamah, faulted the lack of data on individual and household waste generation to enable a proper waste management system.
“In most states in Nigeria we have not started managing solid wastes. What we do, we gather solid wastes from the domain of the rich and then we take it to the domain of the poor ” he said.
Likewise, Professor Arthur Essaghah, an Environmental Management Consultant listed mitigation measures to address the impact of industrial pollution to the environment.
“Occupational safety and Environmental Health training; let it be mandatory for all staff.”
The state Commissioner for Environment Mr. Godspower Asiuwhu, expressed the administration’s commitment to supporting businesses while urging companies and institutions to establish Environment and Health Safety departments in their operations.
“Training will give you the modern technique, the knowledge of what is happening, particularly the environment we operate as company.”
Also, the General Manager, Delta State Environment Protection Agency, Mr. Victor Okolie, remarked the program was planned to sensitize the participants on emerging environmental issues in the era of the corona virus pandemic.
“The workshop topic which is Environmental Protection and Public Health is apt and deserves attention in order to avoid environmental pollution, with it’s attendant health hazards.”
Environmental Protection Officers in the state and civil society partners, including representatives of the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA attended the summit.
