The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforce environmental laws, cautioning residents against the indiscriminate dumping of waste and practice of open defecation and urination.
The government said all these are now prosecuted offences under the state’s environmental regulations.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Barrister Seun Ashamu, issued the warning on Friday during the arraignment of environmental offenders at the Environmental Tribunal Court located within the Ministry’s premises.
Barrister Ashamu stated the need for residents to cease disposing of household waste in market skip bins.
He urged them to register with government approved Private Sector Participants (PSPs) or certified waste collectors in their respective local government areas.
He said, “The era of careless refuse dumping in unauthorized bins without proper registration is over.”
“It’s more cost -effective to pay a modest fee to registered waste consultants than to face prosecution and hefty fines when caught”, Ashamu declared.
He disclosed that the Environmental Tribunal Court is now fully operational and empowered to prosecute violators of the State’s environmental laws.
According to him, nearly 1,000 offenders have already faced penalties including fines, community service, and imprisonment of up to one-month.
He called on all residents to register with certified waste collectors and comply with environmental laws to promote a cleaner, greener, and safer Oyo State.
