By Ngozi Nwankwo
Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Environment has said that National Environmental Sanitation Policy which is currently under review would be presented to the Federal Executive Council for endorsement in days to come.
Disclosing this at the commemoration of 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako said the Ministry, alongside key stakeholders developed the policy since 2005 to address specific areas like
pest control, school sanitation, and proper waste disposal, adding that the policy prioritizes safe sanitation practices, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
The National Environmental Sanitation Day is commemorated on June 28th of every year as declared by President Olusegun Obasanjo in June 2005 at the launch of the National Environmental Sanitation Policy document.
This year’s theme is, “Environmental Sanitation in the Era of Climate Change and the sub-theme Go Greener, Stay Clean, Climate Change is Real.
Salako said this year’s theme is particularly apt considering the devastating impacts of climate change on planet and the current resurgence of cholera being experienced in Nigeria and several other parts of the world.
According to him, the commemoration serves as a national advocacy platform that highlights the importance of sanitation and hygiene as a veritable tool for disease prevention and control and weapon in reducing the adverse effect of climate change.
“The commemoration offers the opportunity to increase awareness and the understanding of the importance of sanitation and hygiene as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases, save lives and progress towards the achievement of 2 important Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 viz: SDG3 -Good Health and Well-being and SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation by 2030.
“As part of the activities to mark this year’s National Environmental Sanitation Day, officials of the ministry and partners on Saturday, June 22nd were in Piwoyi, FCT for community clean-up and awareness campaign. Our presence here today is to underscore our agenda to transform Chika into a model community for good environmental sanitation practices that can inspire positive changes in other communities.
“This is a vision that will require maximum participation of all stakeholders including the residents, community leadership, local government authorities, NGOs, CBOs, agencies of FCDA and the line ministries of the federal government. I therefore urge all concerned to play their part and practically demonstrate the power of collaboration, cooperation and synergy in making our communities clean, sanitary and safe,” said Salako.
The Minister, therefore, underscored the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Environment to break the chain of transmission in the ongoing cholera outbreak in the country through household water chlorination in at risk communities and enhanced community led total sanitation campaign.
Also, the Project Director of Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, Dr Shittu Abdu-Aguye said
by adopting greener practices and maintaining cleanliness, Nigeria would mitigate environmental risks and hazards, and improve the health and well-being of all communities.
“Today, we urge everyone to take active steps in their daily lives to promote sanitation and responsible management of our environmental resources. Simple actions, such as reducing the generation of waste (esp our carbon footprint), reusing everyday items and recycling our waste, can significantly impact our environment,” he said.
Speaking also, the Dakachi of Chika Village, Chief Istifanus Cheloza Shegaje
Applauded the Minister for the choice of Chika Village, saying it was a step in a right direction, as the occasion reminds them the Collective responsibility to protect and preserve the planet Precious resources for the present and future generations.
Chief said Chika Village Commitment to proper waste management and Tree planting practices is not only essential for the well-being but also very critical in mitigating the effect of Climate Change in the land.
He, however, requested from the Minister of Environment the assistance in providing the Chika Community with a Compartment truck to enhance their Community effort in proper Waste disposal.