The Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) in Ilorin, Dr Adeniyi Aremu, on Monday said Nigerian rivers face multiple threats from indiscriminate activities.
Aremu, in his address at the 2024 World Rivers Day Celebration in Ilorin, said rivers in the country face multiple threats due to pollution from industrial and domestic waste.
The 2024 World Rivers Day has the theme “Protect Our Rivers From Pollution.”
The programme, earlier billed for River Benue (at Makurdi) and River Niger (at Lokoja), was however held in low-key fashion in honour of victims of the recent flood in Borno.
”Nigeria’s rivers, from the vast Niger and Benue to the smaller tributaries in our communities, are therefore facing threats.
“The other threats are from agricultural runoff and chemical containers, erosion and siltation and plastic pollution,” Aremu said.
The LNRBDA Managing Director said the development was one of the reasons for flooding in some parts of the country.
He also decried what he called weak enforcement of environmental regulations regarding indiscriminate activities along rivers.
Aremu said: “Though environmental laws exist to protect our rivers, enforcement has been weak.
“Non-compliance by industries and communities has allowed the pollution of rivers to continue unchecked, largely due to insufficient monitoring and accountability.”
He however pointed out that while the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable.
“Through collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, local communities, we can secure the future of our rivers,” Aremu said.
He advocated stiff regulations and enforcement, saying “Industries that pollute rivers should be held accountable, and incentives should be given to those adopting cleaner and more sustainable practices”.
Aremu added that the other ways to help checkmate the situation included sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation, catchment area protection, public education and awareness, and an improved waste management system.
Also speaking, the LNRBDA Executive Director, of Planning and Research, Mr. Rasheed Olayinka, urged Nigerians to learn from the recent flood disaster in Borno by being proactive in receiving early warning signals.
“The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response through early warning system as well as sustainable water management practices,” he said.
NAN
