By Abubakar Yunusa
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have agreed to collaborate to promote environmental regulations aimed at preserving the environment.
This decision was reached during a meeting between the Chief Executives of the two agencies, held at the NOA headquarters. Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, DG of NOA, emphasized that the Agency would leverage its national presence and expertise to ensure widespread awareness of environmental regulations and standards.
According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Press, Paul Odenyi, and sent to *Peoples Daily* on Wednesday, the poor awareness of the ban on plastic use in the country highlights the general lack of environmental education, which requires urgent attention.
“How many of our people know about the policy on plastic use in Nigeria? This shows we need massive education on environmental issues and your regulations.
“All our advocacy on environmental issues, including climate change, requires that we create awareness and provide environmental education so that those who disregard our regulations can be identified as deviants. The level of ignorance about preserving the environment is massive.”
The DG also outlined the Agency’s platforms that can be utilized in the campaign to raise awareness, impart environmental education, and promote attitudinal change towards addressing the problem of environmental abuse in Nigeria.
These platforms include both online and offline tools, many of which were developed in the last ten months to cater to the rapidly changing media consumption patterns in the country.
On his part, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, stated that they seek collaboration with NOA to ensure that NOA’s structure is available for creating environmental awareness and education for all citizens.
“We want to share our concern with the NOA regarding endangered species, especially the flora and fauna—rare animals and plants in Nigeria that require protection.
“Promoting environmental education and enlightening the public about the existing ban on plastic use in Nigeria.
“Data collection and research to enhance environmental consciousness and address issues related to carbonization and climate change.”
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