Lagos, NSCDC partner to enforce sanitation laws

Agency warns 34 states to prepare for flood

THE Lagos State government has renewed its partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure the implementation and compliance of environmental laws in the state. This was announced by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosimi-etti while receiving the Commandant, Lagos Command of the Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Tajudeen Balogun, in his office.

According to Babatunde, enforcement of environmental laws is necessary to achieve a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and prevent epidemics, as a clean and healthy environment is non-negotiable prerequisite for a megacity like Lagos.

He declared that Lagos state had strengthened its regulatory agencies such as the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) to enforce compliance to standard and regulations, and curb all unhygienic behavior.

In his response, Balogun promised uncompromising support from his command to the state government as he noted that Lagos and the NSCDC must continue to work hand-in-hand in order to prevent environmental disasters through diligent enforcement of environmental laws. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Hydrological Agency (NIHSA) yesterday warned 34 states in flood-prone areas to prepare for flood. The agency said these states are at risk of river and coastal flooding this year. NIHSA stated these in its 2018 Annual Flood Outlook. It projected flooding in 78 local councils across the country.

The states with high risk of river flooding are – Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Anambra, Niger Delta, Anambra, Ogun, Osun, Cross River and Yobe. Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta and Ondo ctates may likely experience coastal flooding due to rise in sea level and tidal surge which would impact fishing and coastal transportation.

Major cities like Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Yola, Abuja, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Calabar, Jos, Owerri, Oshogho, Ilorin, Awka, Abakaliki and BirninKebbi, are expected to experience flash and urban flooding due to poor drainage system.