By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Managing Director, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) Ilorin, Dr. Adeniyi Aremu on Monday said Nigerian rivers face multiple threats from indiscriminate activities.
Aremu stated this in Ilorin in his address at the 2024 World Rivers Day Celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 World Rivers Day is themed: “Protect Our Rivers From Pollution”.
The programme was billed to be held at Rivers Benue (Markudi) and River Niger (Lokoja ) but was marked low key in honour of the victims of the recent flood in Borno state.
Aremu said that Nigeria’s rivers, from the vast Niger and Benue to the smaller tributaries in our communities, are facing multiple threats due to pollution from industrial and domestic waste.
He explained that other threats are from Agricultural runoff and chemical containers, erosion and siltation and plastic pollution.
The Managing Director of the Authority raised alarm that Nigeria’s rivers were facing multiple threats from indiscriminate activities.
He said the development was one of the reasons for flooding in some parts of the country.
He also decried what he called weak enforcement of environmental regulations regarding indiscriminate activities along rivers.
Aremu said: “though environmental laws exist to protect our rivers, enforcement has been weak.
“Non- compliance by industries and communities has allowed the pollution of rivers to continue unchecked, largely due to insufficient monitoring and accountability
“While the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Through collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, local communities, we can secure the future of our rivers,” he said.
He advocated stiff regulations and enforcement saying “industries that pollute rivers should be held accountable, and incentives should be given to those adopting cleaner and more sustainable practices”.
According to him, other ways to checkmate the situation is sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation, catchment area protection, public education and awareness, and improve wast management system”.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Planing and Research, Mr. Rasheed Olayinka, urged Nigerians to learn from the recent flood disaster in Borno state by being proactive on receiving early warning signals.
“The tragedy serve as stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response through early warning system as well as sustainable water management practices”, he said.
