An ecologist, Mr Habib Omotosho, has urged residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to desist from waste and bush burning so as to support the Federal Government’s efforts in curbing air pollution in the country.
Omotosho, the National Coordinator, Environmental Advancement Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), gave this advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
He observed that residents, particularly people residing in Abuja suburbs, had developed the habit of burning bush and waste in dumpsites, thereby polluting the environment.
“This is not ideal because air pollution is a major cause of climate change, which the government is committed to address in collaboration with the global community.
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“Air pollution, according to some medical experts, poses serious danger to human health because one can contact diseases from it,” Omotosho said.
He urged the government authorities and other relevant stakeholders to sensitise Nigerians on the dangers of air pollution and the impacts on the environment and human health.
According to him, the sensitisation is necessary because people need to know and understand the implications of waste and bush burning.
The ecologist said that burning of waste, especially during the harmattan period, had destroyed some markets and displaced some people from their homes.
He, therefore, stressed the need for governments to embark on advocacy against bush burning and enforce environmental laws to aid the efforts of reducing air pollution and gas emissions in the country.
