Members of the House of Representatives have pushed for the establishment of a commission to control and manage erosion across the country.
They are projecting N989.8 billion as total budgetary estimates for its first year’s operations, to cover the agency’s recurrent and capital expenditures. The financial projections are requirements to determine the rationale, veracity and budgetary implications of every establishment bill proposed by the legislature.
Erosion is a serious environmental menace destroying the property and means of livelihood of many Nigerians in communities across the country. Tackling the problem will bring great relief to affected citizens and communities.
According to the provisions of the bill, the projections will be subjected to periodic audit by the auditor-general of the federation while the appointment of the executive secretary of the commission will be made by the president for an initial term of five years.
Leading a debate on the bill, which passed through the second reading on the floor of the House yesterday, its sponsor, who is the House Chairman on Environment and Habitat, Obinna Chidoka, said it was time for the Federal Government to harness efforts towards the management of erosion in the country.
He said when established, the commission, which would be known as Erosion Control and Prevention Commission, would further stipulate erosion control structures for the construction of roads, housing estates and all constructions involving earth movement.
Chidoka said the commission would also “carry out regular and extensive survey on the extent of erosion in the country and be able to forecast areas under threat, formulate policies and guidelines for prevention, control and management of erosion in the country, and coordinate and promote research activities on erosion control, management and prevention.”
Others functions include “monitoring the state of preparedness of all organisations or agencies which may contribute to the control of erosion in the country, and outline guidelines for acceptable land use practices and regulatory framework on soil conservation and erosion control.”
The lawmaker expressed regret that in the global age when countries speed up policies and actions aimed at tackling the menace holistically, Nigeria is still witnessing a situation where erosion is destroying buildings, farmlands, forests and grasslands in parts of the country.
“Erosion has devastated inland transportation and communication networks. Families and communities that had lived together as brothers and sisters have been separated by the menace.
“Arable lands have been degraded in leaps and bounds by erosion, and each year, its ferocity appears on continuous ascendancy. Studies have shown that there are more than 2,500 gullies in the south east of Nigeria alone, “he added.
Lawmakers who also contributed to the debate, backed the initiative, agreeing that when set up, the commission would protect the environment.
Meanwhile, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Harriet Thompson, has said the impact of climate change may result in Nigeria losing an estimated $460 billion by 2050.
At the 2017 World Environment Day in Abuja, she explained that her position was based on the 2011 Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI). “In addition to global climate risks, there are immediate local impacts of carbon economy in the country,” she said.
According to Thompson, “We are pleased that $1billion has been committed by the Federal Government and international oil companies for Ogoniland cleanup and hope progress can continue swiftly. The United Kingdom’s commitment to tackling global change and Paris Agreement is as strong as ever.”
She said they would continue to play a leading role internationally and would deliver on commitments to create a safer, more prosperous future for all as well as connecting people to nature in order to protect the earth.
On illegal refineries, she argued that they hope for better solutions to combat the damaging effects of oil bunkering in Niger Delta.
Also, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, said since the first commemoration of the World Environment Day in 1974, millions of people across the globe have taken part in activities, ranging from neighborhood cleanup to international negotiations.
“This will assist in controlling emissions and building of information/knowledge regarding national sources of GHGs and impact of climate change on sustainable social and economic development,” he added.
Kallon also maintained: “As a trusted partner, our collaboration has resulted in the signing of Paris Agreement and its ratification by President Muhammadu Buhari, while UNDP Nigeria has also supported the review and approval of National Policy on Environment.”
