ABUJA – A group of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the environment sector on Wednesday urged governments at all levels to establish integrated waste management facilities across the country.
The group stated this in a communiqué issued after a two-day meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja for CSOs in preparation for the National Council of Environment.
The 10th National Council on Environment is expected to hold later in the year in Jigawa State.
It said the governments should establish solid waste facilities across the country, including Engineered Sanitary Landfills and Sewage Treatment Plants.
The group also urged governments to develop and implement a National Policy on Solid and Liquid Waste Management.
“Government at all levels should collaborate with NEMA to instal Flood Early Warning System outstations in necessary areas and sensitise communities on how to respond to it.
“They should direct the inclusion of CSOs in monitoring the acclaimed contributory fund by oil companies for the management of oil spills in the Niger-Delta,’’ it said.
It said state governments should include CSOs participation to enhance transparency in the implementation of all projects funded by development partners in the sector.
“We urge governments at all levels and other stakeholders to effectively participate in the implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes.
“ There is also the urgency to work for the adoption of a National Policy on Environment and action plan on Climate Change, reviewing them in accordance with prevailing environmental situations.
“We urge state governments to vigorously support the implementation of Renewable Energy Programme and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in the country, by making adequate budgetary provisions,’’ it added.
The group also urged the government to approve the establishment of Climate Change Desk/Unit, according to the circumstances of their states.
It said the state government should also build the capacity of their staff to meet emerging issues through adequate budgetary provisions.
The group further called for the establishment of Gender and Vulnerable groups Desks at the Federal, State and Local Government levels and across sectors.
It further appealed to state governments to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment and all relevant stakeholders in consolidating the effective implementation of agreed decisions at the last council meeting.
“Effective implementation of agreed decisions at the last council will enhance meeting the expectations of council in ensuring environmental sustainability,’’ it said. (NAN)
