Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, cautioning residents against the indiscriminate dumping of waste and the practice of open defecation and urination.
According to the government, both indiscriminate dumping of waste and open defecation are now prosecuted offences under the state’s environmental regulations.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Seun Ashamu, issued the warning on Friday during the arraignment of environmental offenders at the Environmental Tribunal Court located within the ministry’s premises.
Ashamu emphasised the need for residents to desist from disposing of household waste in market skip bins.
He urged them to register with government-approved Private Sector Participants or certified waste collectors in their respective local government areas.
He said: “The era of careless refuse dumping in unauthorised bins without proper registration is over.
“It’s more cost-effective to pay a modest fee to registered waste consultants than to face prosecution and hefty fines when caught,” Ashamu said.
He disclosed that the Environmental Tribunal Court is now fully operational and empowered to prosecute violators of the state’s environmental laws.
According to him, nearly 1,000 offenders have already faced penalties including fines, community service, and imprisonment of up to one month.
He called on all residents to register with certified waste collectors and comply with environmental laws to promote a cleaner, greener, and safer Oyo State.