In a bid to tackle the pressing issue of open defecation and its devastating impact on the environment, the House Committee on Environment held a public hearing earlier today. The motion, referred to the committee by the House leadership, seeks to address the need to end open defecation in Nigeria through legislative and policy reforms.
Guided by the principles of sustainability and direct engagement with affected communities, the public hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the issue and explore effective solutions. In attendance were esteemed dignitaries, including the Minority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, representing the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD; the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi; the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Terseer Ugbor; colleagues and members of the committee; and a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Environment, led by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ishaq Adekunle Salako.
Open defecation poses significant environmental and health risks, and the government’s intervention is crucial to address this issue. The public hearing marked a crucial step towards finding legislative and policy solutions to combat open defecation and preserve the environment. By bringing together stakeholders and experts, the House Committee on Environment demonstrated its commitment to tackling environmental degradation and promoting sustainability.
Through this public hearing, the committee aimed to:
– Raise awareness about the impact of open defecation on the environment and public health
– Identify effective legislative and policy solutions to address open defecation
– Engage with affected communities and stakeholders to ensure inclusive and sustainable solutions
– Promote collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to combat open defecation
By working together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for future generations. The House Committee on Environment’s efforts mark a vital step towards achieving this goal.
Babatunde Adesanya LV