From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Ministry of Environment, has uncovered an illegal dumpsite near the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, where commercial waste collectors and residents have been unlawfully disposing waste in violation of state environmental laws.
The Ministry also apprehended Inspector Adamu Usman, a police officer stationed at the airport, who is alleged to have been involved in the illegal activity. He has been handed over to the State Police Command for further investigation.
State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nafisat Buge, who led the enforcement operation, said the discovery followed a surveillance operation targeting the waste collectors.
“Today, we uncovered this illegal dumpsite created by some unidentified individuals. Most of the waste here was dumped by commercial waste collectors despite our repeated warnings against such practices,” she said on Thursday.
The Commissioner explained that the illegal dumpsite poses significant risks due to its proximity to the airport and the Aviation College. “This site is very dangerous, especially being so close to the airport. We have a designated dumpsite along Oko Olowo Expressway, but this location is entirely inappropriate for waste disposal,” she added.
The Ministry has revoked the license of the waste collector involved and imposed a fine of N250,000.
Hon. Buge noted that the government has intensified efforts to curb illegal waste disposal, with 124 offenders prosecuted so far, including eight who have been jailed for their offenses.
“We are committed to enforcing environmental standards across the state. There has been a noticeable improvement in waste management since we began this crackdown, with about 70% compliance achieved in just a few days,” she said.
The Commissioner was accompanied by top officials from the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Ayinla, and other stakeholders.
