Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, cautioning residents against the indiscriminate dumping of waste and the practice of open defecation and urination.
According to the government, both indiscriminate dumping of waste and open defecation are now prosecuted offences under the state’s environmental regulations.
The warning was issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Seun Ashamu, during the arraignment of several offenders at the Environmental Tribunal Court, located within the ministry’s premises in Ibadan.
Ashamu emphasised the need for residents to desist from disposing of household waste in market skip bins.
He urged residents to comply with the law by registering with certified waste collectors or government-approved Private Sector Participants (PSPs) in their local government areas.
“It’s more cost-effective to pay a modest fee to registered waste consultants than to face prosecution and hefty fines when caught,” Ashamu said.
He disclosed that the Environmental Tribunal Court is now fully operational and empowered to prosecute violators of the state’s environmental laws.
According to him, nearly 1,000 offenders have already faced penalties including fines, community service, and imprisonment of up to one month.
Ashamu called on all residents to adhere strictly to environmental laws to help promote a cleaner, greener, and safer Oyo State.
Post comments (0)