The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for concerted efforts to tackle floods in North-Central states of Nigeria.

Eugene Nyelong, NEMA zonal coordinator, North-Central zone, made the call at a stakeholders workshop on Proper Waste Management and Flood Preparedness in the North Central on Tuesday in Lafia.

According to him, the call has become necessary following the annual flood outlook by the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) and the 2024 seasonal climate prediction by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

He said the prediction indicated a high probability of flooding in North Central states.

Mr Nyelong identified proper waste management as one of the important ways of flood mitigation, noting that all hands must be on deck to proffer mitigation measures.

He said that the increase of waste production at an alarming rate did not only pose environmental risks but also economic and social challenges through its negative impacts.

“Improper waste management can lead to flooding, pollution, health hazards and the depletion of natural resources, while effective waste management can conserve resources, promote public health, and prevent further degradation of the ecosystem.

“Waste management requires a collective effort from individuals, government and organisations; the action we take today in managing our waste will have a lasting impact on our future generation.

“Let us commit to being part of the solution, to innovation, educating and working together towards a cleaner, healthier and more suitable environment,” he said. 

In his presentation on the need for effective waste management policies, Atede Uwodu, chief geologist, National Environmental Standards Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA), underscored the importance of adopting innovative ways of waste management.

He recommended full enforcement and operationalisation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy for effective waste management in Nigeria.

Iliya Adeka, general manager, Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency, in his presentation on recycling and reuse alternatives to waste management, said recycling conserves natural resources, saves energy, and creates jobs.

The workshop, which had in attendance, the State Emergency Agency, traditional and religious leaders, Fire Service, Road Safety, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Red Cross, market unions and youth leaders, climaxed with waste management sensitisation in the market.

(NAN)