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UNEP faults Presidency, others on non-implementation of environmental laws

By Cornelius Essen, Abuja.
19 December 2016   |   3:17 am
The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), has faulted Nigeria and most African countries for not implementing existing environmental laws.  
UNEP Representative, Mr. Robert Wabunoha

UNEP Representative, Mr. Robert Wabunoha

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), has faulted Nigeria and most African countries for not implementing existing environmental laws.

UNEP Representative, Mr. Robert Wabunoha made the revelation while speaking at a national workshop on Review of Environmental Enforcement Guidelines.

He stressed that UNEP has worked to support countries on compliance and enforcement dates back to decades.

“We believe that any environment programme including the laws must be effectively implemented in order to assure the quality of the environment.”

According to him, most of the challenges faced by Nigeria and other countries, “is non-implementation of laws and not new ones”.
He said: “What is needed is to find new and innovative solutions, having supported countries to hold meetings, workshops, published various documents and provided technical and financial assistance so as to create awareness and inspire countries to implement their laws.

“Our approach to supporting countries revolves, among others, around the creation of effective partnerships and provision of technical support as well as make a contribution to the advancement of Nigeria environment agenda”, he added.

Wabunoha explained that the workshop comes out with those innovative solutions to strengthen implementation of those laws so as to unlock the potential for enhancing sustainable development in the country.

According to him, people should be made to understand that observance of the laws is not for the sake of it but to enable them create wealth from the very natural resources around them.

Earlier, the Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Dr. Lawrence Anukam, promised to adopt best practices in compliances and monitoring with provisions of international agreements, protocols and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

To him, Nigeria as member of Seaport Environmental Security Networks Advisory Committee has been actively involved in activities and programmes of International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, particularly in the areas of environmental pollution and wildlife crimes.

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