The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning against the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, emphasizing the need to preserve and protect the environment.

Alhaji Ibrahim Yusufu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, delivered the warning during a press briefing held to commemorate the 2023 National Environment Sanitation Day (NESD).

Yusufu stressed that open dumping of refuse has adverse effects on the ecosystem and can lead to avoidable disasters.

He urged Nigerians to adopt sanitation habits, including sustainable waste management practices.

The theme for the 2023 NESD is “Promoting Sustainable Waste Management for a Healthy Environment: Stop Open Dumping.”

According to Yusufu, this theme highlights the importance of individuals, households, businesses, schools, and other entities having proper sanitary facilities and services.

Such measures ensure the protection of the ecosystem, maintain the aesthetic value of the environment, and safeguard natural resources.

Proper waste management prevents odour nuisance, the spread of sanitary-related diseases, and pollution of water, air, and land.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized that sustainable waste management promotes a circular economy by improving resource recovery, reuse, and recycling.

It also prevents blockage of drainages, water pathways, and flooding in communities.

By improving waste management practices, Nigerians can experience better health outcomes, including reduced child and infant mortality rates and a decline in sanitation-related diseases.

To mark the event, community sanitation and sensitization activities will take place in Kuchigoro, Abuja, as well as in selected communities nationwide.