Reps summons Minister, NEMA DG over neglect of environmental crises

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Committee on Environment Tuesday summoned the Minister of Environment and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to appear at its next sitting or face sanctions.
This comes after the Minister and Agency failed to show up for a public hearing on the devastating issues of gully erosion, perennial flooding, and desertification affecting many communities in Nigeria.
The Committee Chairman, Hon Pondi Gbabojor, expressed displeasure at their absence, stating that it was the second time they had shunned the invitation. He directed the clerk to write to both agencies, emphasizing that such behavior would no longer be condoned.
Gbabojor highlighted the urgent need to address these environmental crises, which have caused significant human, agricultural, and economic losses. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent natural occurrences that lead to environmental degradation.
Gbabojor said the Committee was displeased by their behaviour as it was the second time they were shunning the invitation to appear.
He directed the clerk of the Committee to write to both of them, saying such attitude would no longer be condoned.
“Clerk do a letter to the Ministry of Environment and NEMA and express the displeasure of the committee because this is the second time they are not showing up and it would not be condoned again.
He stressed that the issue to be addressed was of urgent concern to the wellbeing of Nigerians.
He said the concerns were brought to the attention of the House, following the deliberation of some motions which were accordingly referred for further legislative actions.
He said the environmental crisis resulting from gully erosion is more prevalent in the south-eastern region, and has reached an alarming stage.
He said the degradation has not only depleted the vast fertile land for agriculture, but has also impacted the infrastructure such as roads, buildings and ultimately displacement of communities.