Experts seek dialogue on environmental laws

A former director at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Taiwo Odubela has stressed the need for dialogue on the implementation of the environmental laws and regulations in the country.

Odubela, who spoke at the 32nd Yearly General Meeting of Ogun State Branch of Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Ota, expressed concerns over the effect of non-implementation of environmental laws on the people.

Presenting a paper on the theme: “Developing a Workable Work plan For Environmental Sustainability-Cost Implication, Benefits and Draw backs”, she noted that such dialogue will held in ironing out conflicts surrounding the sector.

According to her, stakeholders should sit together to draw out a workable environmental work-plan and timeline adding that they must also collaborate on research and development.

“In addition, State governments and their agencies should come together to harmonize their laws where there is an overlap of functions as well as create environment fund to tackle environmental problems when it arises”, she added.

Dr Odubela further called on state governments to ensure total compliance with environmental laws, create continuous awareness programmes for stakeholders on environmental protection and management as well as compelling all the principal regulators to synergize their efforts towards conserving the environment.

In his address, President of MAN, Dr. Frank Jacobs, noted that Nigeria has not achieved the minimum compliance level on environmental issues, thereby portending great danger to lives and property in the country.

He urged Nigerians to go beyond rhetoric to build an economy, which harnesses the greatest potentials of the people towards achieving sustainable development for Nigeria’s competitiveness in raw materials, research and development council.’