The Ministry of Environment and Forestry in Kwara State announced the arrest of a police inspector and a waste collector for their involvement in an illegal dumping site discovered in Ilorin. The site, located along General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport Road, was being used by commercial waste collectors and residents in violation of state environmental laws.
An official from the ministry stated that Inspector Adamu Usman, a police officer assigned to the airport, was caught aiding the illegal activity and was handed over to the state police command. The State Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, led the enforcement team that discovered the site after monitoring the waste collectors.
Buge emphasized the importance of proper waste management and highlighted the risks associated with the illegal dump site located near the airport and Aviation College. The government revoked the license of the waste collector involved and imposed a fine of N250,000. Additionally, Buge mentioned that over 124 offenders have been prosecuted, with eight individuals already serving jail time for offenses related to indiscriminate dumping of refuse and illegal scavenging.
The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the increased compliance in waste management since the enforcement efforts began, noting a 70% improvement in waste disposal practices. She credited the public for cooperating with designated waste collectors and adhering to environmental standards, leading to cleaner streets and reduced littering. The ministry’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations to curb indiscriminate waste disposal was reiterated, with ongoing efforts to ensure a cleaner and safer environment for all residents.