Reps Push for Stricter Enforcement of Environmental Laws in the Delta Region

Lawmakers Call for Action on Pollution and Waste Management in Oil-Producing Areas

The House of Representatives has directed key environmental agencies—including the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)—to intensify the enforcement of environmental laws.

Rising Environmental Concerns in the Delta Region

Expressing deep concerns over persistent environmental pollution in the Delta region, the House emphasized the need for urgent action to address industrial waste disposal and oil-related pollution.

During Tuesday’s plenary in Abuja, Rep. Julious Pondi moved a motion highlighting hazardous waste discharges from manufacturing industries, gas flaring, and recurring oil spills (both crude and refined) as major contributors to environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.

Despite the presence of multiple environmental laws, Pondi pointed out that improper waste disposal continues to pose severe public health risks, particularly in oil-producing communities.

“The continued neglect of our environment could lead to severe consequences, including ecosystem destruction, loss of agricultural productivity, and worsening environmental degradation in coastal areas,” Pondi stated.

Key Resolutions by the House

To tackle these challenges, the House:

Urged regulatory agencies to ensure that oil companies, manufacturing industries, and SMEs adopt safer waste disposal practices.
Mandated its Committee on Environment to conduct a comprehensive survey on pollution levels in major industries and assess compliance with existing environmental laws.
Set a four-week deadline for the committee to submit its findings for further legislative action.
Encouraged collaboration between state and local governments and the federal government to address environmental issues more effectively.

This resolution reinforces the National Assembly’s commitment to safeguarding public health, protecting Nigeria’s natural resources, and promoting sustainable environmental management.