A special court established by the Kwara State Government to address violations of the state’s environmental regulations has successfully convicted 75 individuals in just four days.
According to a report by Arewa PUNCH, the offenders faced trial between Wednesday and Saturday of the previous week, where they were found guilty of breaching environmental laws and handed various sentences, including fines ranging from N10,000 to N50,000 or terms of imprisonment.
Hajia Nafisat Buge, the state Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, confirmed the convictions while conducting an inspection of waste management equipment and vehicles on a Sunday at the ministry.
Buge highlighted that an additional 14 individuals were sentenced to a 3-month jail term each by an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court for violating the state’s environmental laws, bringing the total number of convictions to 75 within a week.
In her statement, Buge emphasized, “This is an indication that government is resolute about putting a total stop to indiscriminate dumping of refuse in Kwara State.”
She expressed satisfaction with the overall compliance in various areas of the metropolis, urging residents to consistently follow the state’s sanitation laws to support efforts in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
During her inspection of operational waste management vehicles, Buge urged the operators to be proactive in their duties and ensure their vehicles are in good condition to serve residents efficiently within the Ilorin metropolis.
Alhaji ZakariyahuTahir, Chairman of the Association of Waste Consultants, lauded the Commissioner for her decisive actions in combating indiscriminate waste dumping, pledging continued support from the association in enforcing environmental laws for a healthier living environment.
The state government recently formed a 300-member task force to enforce environmental laws and established a special court to promptly address environmental offenders, underscoring its commitment to a clean and safe environment in the state and its surroundings.