National Environmental Sanitation Policy Will Be Endorsed By FEC Soon- Minister
The Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako has disclosed that the National Environmental Sanitation Policy which was developed by the ministry alongside key stakeholders in 2005 is currently under review and will soon be presented to the Federal Executive Council for endorsement.
Salako who disclosed this during the commemoration of the National Environmental Sanitation Day, explained that the policy prioritizes safe sanitation practices, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
The minister also stated that as part of the activities to mark this Environmental Sanitation Day, the government aims to transform a community in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) called Chika into a model community for good environmental sanitation practices.
Salako noted that the transformation of the community was aimed at inspiring positive changes in other communities.
He noted that the vision will require maximum participation of all stakeholders including the residents, community leadership and local government authorities and urged all concerned to play their part and demonstrate the power of collaboration, cooperation and synergy in making the communities clean, sanitary and safe.
Salako disclosed that this year’s theme, “Environmental sanitation in the era of climate change’ and the sub-theme ‘Go greener, stay clean, climate change is real’ is apt considering the devastating impacts of climate change on planet and the current resurgence of cholera being experienced in the country as in several other parts of the world.
“The combination of climate change and poor sanitation without doubt poses a double jeopardy to the health of our planet and all creatures on it.
“While climate change results in extreme weather events that challenges good sanitation, poor sanitation creates the perfect conditions for the worsening of the adverse effects of climate change thus creating a vicious cycle of disease, poverty and underdevelopment.
“This combination is standing squarely in the way of achieving many of the sustainable development goals,” he said.
He noted that the ongoing Cholera outbreak in the country comes as a stark reminder that if people fail to prioritize proper environmental sanitation, they leave their food and water vulnerable to contamination, their public health jeopardized, and productivity reduced.
He added however, that the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders continue to deploy innovative policies and interventions to safeguard Nigerians from challenges posed by climate change and poor sanitation.
Also speaking, Chief of the Chika Community, Istifanus Shegaje appreciated the ministry for bringing the event to his community but pleaded that the residents be assisted with a truck to enhance their community’s effort in proper waste disposal.
