The Kwara State Government has issued a strong warning to residents against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians, drainage channels and other unauthorized locations across the state, stressing that the unhealthy practice poses serious environmental and public health dangers capable of triggering disease outbreaks.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Muritala Shakirat, following renewed concerns over worsening sanitation conditions in parts of the state capital and surrounding communities. According to the statement, the Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, raised the alarm while reviewing reports submitted by Environmental Health Officers and members of the ministry’s environmental task force.
Buge said the government had observed with concern the persistent habit of some residents dumping waste indiscriminately on road medians, open spaces and drainage channels despite repeated public enlightenment campaigns and existing environmental regulations. She warned that such actions not only deface the environment but also expose communities to severe health risks, especially during the rainy season when blocked drainage systems can lead to flooding and the spread of waterborne diseases.
According to the commissioner, the renewed enforcement drive by the ministry became necessary to safeguard public health, improve environmental sanitation and ensure cleaner surroundings across the state. She explained that the state government was determined to strengthen compliance with environmental laws in order to create a safer and healthier environment for residents.
“The renewed enforcement is aimed at improving public health, preventing flooding caused by blocked drainage systems, and ensuring a cleaner environment across the state,” the statement quoted her as saying. Buge further disclosed that environmental officials had intensified monitoring and surveillance activities within Ilorin metropolis and other parts of the state to curb indiscriminate refuse disposal and noise pollution.
She noted that task force teams and environmental health officers had already commenced inspections in several communities and commercial areas where environmental violations are frequently reported. The commissioner stressed that residents, traders, transport operators and business owners must take responsibility for maintaining proper sanitation practices by using approved waste disposal facilities provided by the government and accredited waste management operators.
She warned that violators caught dumping refuse illegally or engaging in activities capable of polluting the environment would face sanctions in accordance with the state’s environmental laws. Environmental experts have long warned that indiscriminate refuse disposal contributes significantly to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and malaria, especially in densely populated urban centres.
Blocked drainage channels caused by accumulated waste have also remained a major factor responsible for flash floods in many Nigerian cities during heavy rainfall. In Ilorin and other urban areas within Kwara State, concerns have continued to grow over waste management challenges linked to rapid urban expansion, population growth and poor sanitation habits among some residents.
The state government said it would continue public sensitisation campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers associated with poor environmental practices and the importance of maintaining hygienic surroundings. Buge appealed to community leaders, religious organisations, market associations and youth groups to support the government’s sanitation efforts by encouraging residents to comply with environmental regulations.
She emphasized that environmental cleanliness was a collective responsibility that required the cooperation of all stakeholders to achieve sustainable results. The commissioner also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving environmental standards through stronger enforcement, public awareness campaigns and collaboration with waste management agencies. Residents were therefore advised to desist from dumping refuse on roadsides, medians and drainage channels and instead make use of designated waste disposal points approved by the authorities.
The latest warning by the Kwara State Government comes amid increasing efforts by state authorities across Nigeria to tackle environmental pollution, improve urban sanitation and reduce the health risks associated with improper waste disposal.
