Delta, Navy seek partnership on enforcement of environmental regulations

From: Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Delta State Government on Monday expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy to enforce compliance of all environmental regulations in the state waterways.
The State Chairman, Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in Warri, Commodore Semiu Adepegba.
Addressing the Commanding Officer NNS Delta, Commodore Semiu Adepegba, the State Taskforce Chairman on Environment said that the essence of the visit was to collaborate with the Navy so as to enforce compliance of all the environmental regulations along the waterways.
According to the Chairman, control and monitoring of ships is important for prevention of marine pollution (MARPOL) and also allows improving the rules of prevention of pollution itself.
“Oil pollution is recognized as a major environmental problem. Already, many countries have begun to adopt national legislation in order to control the trans-shipment of oil in its territorial waters.
Responding, the Commanding Officer NNS Delta, Commodore Semiu Adepegba said public health is one of the greatest things in which a government cannot overlook.
He said early prevention, which is relatively inexpensive, can prevent dire and expensive health care problems later in life.
He also called on the government to take responsibilities for public health beyond voluntary activities and services to include additional authorities such as quarantine, mandatory immunization laws, and regulatory authorities.