House Again Summons Minister Of Environment, NEMA DG

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Pondi Gbabojor, has summoned the Minister of Environment and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to appear before the Committee at its next sitting or face sanctions.

The summon follows their failure to attend a public hearing on the devastating issues of gully erosion, perennial flooding, and desertification affecting many communities in Nigeria.

The Committee had invited the Minister and NEMA DG to address the adverse impacts of gully erosion in several communities across six states, including Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, and Ondo, as well as the desertification disaster in Kano and the flooding disaster in Bauchi State.

However, they failed to show up, and no representative was sent.

Gbabojor expressed the Committee’s displeasure at their absence, stating that it was the second time they had shunned the invitation.

He directed the clerk of the Committee to write to both the Ministry of Environment and NEMA, expressing the Committee’s displeasure and warning that such behavior would no longer be condoned.

The lawmaker emphasized the urgency of addressing the environmental crisis, which has resulted in the degradation of fertile land, infrastructure damage, and displacement of communities.

He noted that perennial flooding has caused significant human, agricultural, and economic losses, while desertification threatens food security and deepens poverty.

The Committee Chairman stressed the need for sustainable solutions to protect the environment and provide relief to affected individuals and communities.

He highlighted the House’s consideration of motions to address environmental challenges, including providing immediate relief materials, conducting comprehensive reviews, and prioritizing environmental conservation projects in budgetary allocations.

The Speaker of the House, Dr Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the Deputy Majority Leader, Abdullahi Halims, emphasized the impact of climate change on the environment and the need for urgent action to address ecological threats.

He urged the Committee to respond promptly to the menace and develop legislative processes and legal frameworks to address environmental challenges.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji