Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA)

Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA)

Niger State Environmental Protection Agency is established by the Niger state government towards ensuring a conducive and sustainable development of the environment for present and generations to come. The Niger State Government signed an edict cited as the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency in 1996. This edict was amended on 4^th of May 2011 by the Niger State House of Assembly as Niger State environmental Protection Law 2011. The executive General Manager with his team of qualified professionals based on directives from the Governor’s office, prepare the Agency’s programmes towards achieving a target and expected completion time as well as their cost analysis.

The Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) has fully legal responsibilities to manage and oversee the state of the environment and natural resources in the state. It is the agency mandate to raise the environmental awareness level and education among the people of Niger State for proper and sustainable development.

Functions of Niger State Environmental Protection Agency

According to the amended edict of 4^th of May 2011, the Niger state environmental protection agency should perform the following mandate;

1. The environmental protection and the development of the environment of the state and in consultation to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA).
2. Protection of our environment and biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Niger State.
3. Conduct research on matters relating to environment.
4. In conjunction with relevant agencies to coordinate urban and regional planning and liaise with federal, state, local government, public and private organizations.
5. Collaborate with federal government through the ministry of environment in conducting public investigation on major environmental pollution.
6. Monitor water, air land and natural resources quality.
7. Promote environmental education and awareness.

Objectives of Niger State Environmental Protection Agency

In order to efficiently discharge the function stated above, the agency developed the state Environmental Action Plan. The principal objective of the action plan is in the development and protection of Niger State environment in consonance with the national guideline. The objectives of the Agency as stated in the action plan are as follows:

1. Control of litter bags in the environment through the establishment of waste buy-back of polytene bags.
2. Control illegal mining activities in some parts of the state e.g in Layinba in Gurara local government area, Garin- Maiwayo in Katcha local government area e.t.c.
3. To reduce the rate of water contamination and infection in sachet water through constant checking of their facilities and quality test of their products.
4. Ensuring that all projects with potential environmental impact within the state undergo an EIA process and recommending reforms or imitative measures where desirable.
5. To make sure that there is reduction in the infestation of pest and vectors in the environment through fumigation and enforcement of hotelier and restaurants.
6. To ensure that the amount of particulate in the environment is reduce by enforcing tipper loaders to cover their trucks.

Achievement of Niger State Environmental Protection Agency

1. The reduction on indiscriminate disposal of waste through the agency’s weekly sensitization programmes on NTA, NSTV and radio stations.
2. Frequent sensitization through drama and jingles on effects of indiscriminate waste disposal on our drainages, to reduce flooding and negatives effect on our health, importance and maintaining of flowers and trees in the city as well as effect of cutting down trees and bush burning.
3. De-silting of drainage in the metropolis (clearing of waste in drainages) and putting in place measures for sustainability.
4. The involvement of village heads and ward heads in sensitizing their subjects on the danger of dislodging domestic waste in water channel (drainage)
5. Engagement of private waste collectors in managing waste in Minna, Suleja and the environs.
6. Extension of sanitation services to Suleja, plans are at advanced stage to extend the daily sanitation services to Bida and Kontagora Local government areas.