Kwara Govt establishes taskforce to enforce compliance with environmental laws

By George George Idowu

The Kwara State Government has officially inaugurated an Environmental Taskforce charged with the responsibility of enforcing environmental laws across the state.

During the recent inauguration held at the Ministry Conference hall in Ilorin, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman, emphasized the importance of upholding environmental regulations.

He underscored the extensive sensitization efforts conducted among traditional rulers, marketers, and other stakeholders, stressing the necessity for strict compliance with state environmental laws.

The Commissioner also announced stringent measures against violators, including confiscation of goods for marketers found obstructing pedestrian paths or medians.

Indiscriminate dumping of refuse would incur fines of N50,000 for individuals and N200,000 for corporate entities, or imprisonment.

He said: “You may recall that the Ministry has taken sensitization to Traditional rulers, Marketers and other stakeholders in the state on the need to inform their subjects to adhere strictly to the State Environmental laws or face the full wrath of the law.

“We also informed the public that starting from the first week of February, marketers caught displaying goods on the pedestrian paths, medians and any other areas that will inhibit the free movement of vehicles or people plying the road will have their goods confiscated.

“The indiscriminate dumping of refuse on pedestrian paths, medians and any other unapproved dump sites will attract a fine of N50,000 for individuals and N200,000 naira for corporate organisations or imprisonment,” he added.

The Commissioner further urged taskforce members to demonstrate unwavering commitment in ensuring sanitation and reducing deforestation across the state.

Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, commended the Commissioner’s initiative in forming the Taskforce.

She recognized its role in augmenting the Ministry’s efforts toward maintaining a clean and healthy environment in Kwara State.

Comprising Environmental Health Officers, Forestry Officers, Nigerian Police, Nigerian Civil Defense, KWARTMA, KWEPA, National Youths Council, and other stakeholders, the Taskforce represents a collaborative effort to uphold environmental integrity and ensure sustainable development in the state.