By George George Idowu
Kwara State Government has banned the activities of unregistered scavengers in Ilorin metropolis, the capital of the state as part of new efforts to combat indiscriminate waste disposal in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, said this on Monday during the inauguration of the Environmental Taskforce in Ilorin.
She advised previously registered scavengers to conduct their activities solely at the government refuse dump site located at Sokoto-Aiyekale off the expressway.
The commissioner revealed that over 300 task force officers have been deployed to monitor and enforce the new environmental strategies, maintaining 24-hour surveillance across five units in 70 designated locations within the metropolis.
Buge warned that anyone caught dumping refuse indiscriminately would face prosecution, with penalties ranging from a N50,000 fine for individuals to up to N500,000 for large firms and potential six-month jail terms. A community service option has also been introduced for offenders.
The task force includes 75 environmental volunteers, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel, vigilance teams, legal officers, and members of the Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union, among others.
“We are in a period when indiscriminate dumping of refuse is more rampant,” Buge stated, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure a clean and healthy environment for residents.
She highlighted the severe consequences of unchecked waste dumping and called for public cooperation to ensure compliance with the new strategies aimed at fostering a cleaner and greener Kwara.
In preparation, the ministry has engaged in awareness campaigns with various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, market traders, and transportation unions, securing their support for the initiative.
The commissioner also emphasized the illegality of dumping refuse on road medians, dividers, roundabouts, gutters, and waterways and warned against trading activities beyond designated roadside areas.
She added that strategic waste bins have been placed around the city for proper waste collection and disposal, and 38 registered Commercial Waste Consultants have been urged to improve their services to the public.