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The Kwara State Government on Monday said it has banned garbage collection activities in Ilorin metropolis, the state capital, as part of a new strategy to stamp out indiscriminate dumping of garbage in the state.
At the inauguration of an environment task force charged with ensuring compliance of Ilorin with the new environment strategy and guidelines, the state Commissioner for Environment, Hajiya Nafisat Buge, advised all previously registered rag pickers to do business at the government landfill at Sokoto-Ayekale, along the state capital expressway.
The commissioner said more than 300 environmental task force personnel have been deployed to conduct 24-hour environmental monitoring and enforcement at more than 70 designated locations in five units in the urban area.
Buge vowed that anyone found dumping garbage indiscriminately anywhere in the state would be prosecuted under the law, which he said ranged from a fine of N50,000 for individuals, N150,000 for businesses, and N250,000 to N500,000 for large companies, as well as six months imprisonment.
However, she said the ministry has also developed a third option for offenders who dump rubbish indiscriminately, which is to perform a few days of community service.
The Commissioner said the task force comprises 75 environmental volunteers, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Vigilance Corps, legal officers, the Ilorin Emirate Development and Progress Alliance and environmental officials, among others.
“This is the season when littering is more rampant.
“Therefore, responsible governments must take action to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for the healthy lives of their people.
“The hazard of indiscriminate dumping is an unacceptable phenomenon that requires urgent attention, especially in metropolitan cities.
“The dangers and impacts posed by this threat are alarming and could have devastating consequences if not controlled.”
The Commissioner for Environment said the ministry had conducted sensitization campaigns with different stakeholders including traditional leaders, market traders associations, road transport companies, Progressive Alliance of Descendants of Ilorin Chiefdom, youth corps and many other interest groups.
“In this process, we have the blessings and support of all the above stakeholders including the Emir of Ilorin, Mai Martaba, the Chairman of Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Sarki-Ilori, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and all Baloguns and Alaguas of Ilorin Emirate.
She also called for cooperation and support from all to ensure compliance with the new strategy to build a cleaner and greener Kwara State under the leadership of the present administration in the state.
“It is illegal to dump garbage on road medians, road dividers, roundabouts, gutters, drains and waterways.
“Carrying out commercial activities outside of roadside drains is unacceptable and will be penalised.
“We have set up more roll (trash) bins at strategic locations as waste collection points to take the waste to government-approved dumpsites.
“The 38 registered commercial waste consultants have been asked to perform their duties more proactively to provide services to the people at a nominal fee.
“We have also designed medium-sized ‘waste collection bins’ for shop owners and households to ensure proper waste disposal.”
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