The Kwara State Government announced on Monday that scavenger operations have been banned in the Ilorin metropolis as part of a new initiative aimed at eliminating the indiscriminate dumping of waste across the state.
According to The PUNCH, during the launch of an Environmental Taskforce, which will oversee the implementation of these new environmental strategies in Ilorin, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, directed that previously registered scavengers should conduct their activities exclusively at the government refuse dump site located at Sokoto-Aiyekale off the expressway in the state capital.
The commissioner also revealed that over 300 environmental task force officers have been deployed to maintain round-the-clock environmental surveillance and enforcement across five units covering more than 70 designated locations in the metropolis.
Buge warned that individuals caught engaging in the indiscriminate dumping of refuse would face legal prosecution.
Penalties include fines of N50,000 for individuals, N150,000 for corporate entities, and between N250,000 and N500,000 for large firms, alongside potential six-month jail terms.
The ministry has equally introduced a third penalty option, allowing offenders to opt for community service over several days instead of paying fines.
The Environmental Taskforce consists of 75 environmental volunteers, personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilance teams, legal officers, the Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union, and environmental officers, among others.
“We are in a period where the indiscriminate dumping of refuse is most prevalent,” Buge stated. “It is essential for a responsible government to take decisive action to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for the well-being of its citizens. The menace of indiscriminate waste disposal is an unacceptable practice that demands immediate intervention, especially within the metropolis. The consequences of this issue are alarming and could have severe repercussions if ignored.”
The commissioner noted that the ministry had conducted awareness campaigns with various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, the Market Traders Association, road transport unions, the Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union, youth groups, and other interest organizations.
“We have garnered the support and endorsement of all these stakeholders, including His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, along with all the Baloguns and Alanguas of the Ilorin Emirate.”
Buge also urged the public to cooperate and comply with the new environmental measures, emphasizing the importance of fostering a cleaner and greener Kwara under the current administration.
“It is illegal to dispose of refuse on road medians, dividers, roundabouts, gutters, drainage channels, and waterways. Trading activities beyond the roadside gutters are also prohibited and will be penalized.”
She added that additional roll-on/roll-off waste bins have been strategically placed to serve as collection points for waste to be transported to the government-approved dump site.
Also, the 38 registered Commercial Waste Consultants have been instructed to enhance their service delivery to the public at minimal costs.
Medium-sized waste collection bins have also been provided to shop owners and households to ensure proper waste disposal.
