Federal Gov’t Engages Judiciary To Prosecute Environmental Pollutants

The federal government has set a December 2024 deadline for enforcing new regulations to punish persons and companies engaged in environmental pollution across the country.

If gazetted, the proposal would criminalise environmental pollution, including chemical spillage by manufacturing companies, burning of tyres in abattoirs, and indiscriminate plastic waste disposal. The proposed law would supplement the existing battery control regulation that provides for an N2m fine or a six-month jail term for any company or its officials who violate the hodgepodge of battery laws.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Director-general Innocent Barikor said Nigeria generates about 32 million tonnes of waste yearly. Recent research showed that less than 20% of waste generated is collected through the formal system, and less than 10% is recycled. At the same time, the rest terminates in water bodies, dumpsites, farmlands, drainages, oceans, etc.  “Yet others still go through the unsound practice of open burning where both hazardous and non-hazardous waste are co-disposed without being segregated in any way,” Dr Bariko said in disappointment yesterday.

Speaking at a sensitisation/capacity building workshop for the FCT judiciary on circular economy in Abuja, the DG said NESREA is also in the process of developing a new national environmental regulation for the plastic waste sector, while other relevant extant Regulations are under review for amendment to bring them in tandem with emerging issues.  “All these efforts are geared towards addressing the menace of solid waste pollution in the country,” adding, “I’m sure before January, that will be in place. Now, you cannot check these activities without a governing or legal process, and that’s why we are engaging the judiciary.”

Also, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal described the judiciary as a pivotal instrument in ensuring that environmental laws are enforced and that justice is served to protect the Nigerian environment.

“Through informed judgments, the judiciary can set precedents that encourage industries, businesses and individuals to adopt circular practices and contribute to a sustainable Nigeria,” the minister, who was represented by the director of the pollution control department in his ministry, Bahijjahtu Abubakar, said.

The workshop was organised to deepen the judiciary’s understanding of the circular economy, explore the legal frameworks required to support it and identify ways the judiciary can be proactive in promoting sustainability. “Your insights, judgement, and interpretation of environmental laws will be instrumental in establishing a legal foundation that drives Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy,” Engr Abubakar stated.

The Nigerian government is fully committed to promoting a circular economy through policies, regulations, and programs. The government said it is creating an environment that enables sustainable practices.