Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforce environmental laws, cautioning residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste and practice of open defecation and urination.
The state government warned that all these were now offences for prosecution under the state’s environmental regulations.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Seun Ashamu, issued the warning on Friday during the arraignment of environmental offenders at the Environmental Tribunal Court located within the Ministry’s premises.
Ashamu stated the need for residents to cease disposing of household waste in market skip bins.
He urged them to register with government approved Private Sector Participants (PSPs) or certified waste collectors in their respective local government areas.
He said, “The era of careless refuse dumping in unauthorised bins without proper registration is over.
“It’s more cost-effective to pay a modest fee to register with waste consultants than to face prosecution and hefty fines when caught”, Ashamu declared.
He disclosed that the Tribunal is now fully operational and empowered to prosecute violators of the environmental laws.
According to the commissioner, nearly 1,000 offenders have already faced penalties including fines, community service, and imprisonment of up to one-month for environmental law violation.
He called on all residents to register with certified waste collectors and comply with environmental laws to promote a cleaner, greener, and safer Oyo State.
