₦airaland Forum

Where is Our Conscience When we Stay Silent on Injustice

In my opinion piece which I published on my birthday, I ask: Where is our conscience when we fail to speak out against injustice? Some people were able to celebrate Children’s Day because the parents and their children have freedom to do so. What about those children in captivity? Can their parents do the same? We have no humanity in us when we are not bothered about things that affect others. It is better to be irreligious than to claim a religion while we failed to love our neighbour as ourselves.

The Supreme Being that we believe in does not discriminate during rainfall, sunshine, and other natural phenomena. Even those evil perpetrators have the intellect to make plans and execute them accordingly. What has happened to our consciousness? Do we really have a conscience? Do we really have faith in the Supreme Being we believe in? Or have we accepted our fate? What a country, and what a time.

My friend lost a battle to an enemy because I refused to render help and I’m not worried. Sooner or later, the warrior will come again for my territory, then I will understand that the power of unity and progress is based on cooperation, conformity, and cohesion. An injury to one is definitely an injury to all. We should remember that those in captivity are human beings like us and deserve a normal life. They really wished to celebrate Children’s Day, but I remember that "Mens sana in corpore sano."

My heart aches for all the children that are in captivity in Ogbomosho, and all other parts of the country, including Leah Sharibu. I hope one day, everybody will stand up and demand a just society because "Sanitas Sanitatum; Omnia Sanitas" — The health of one man is definitely the health of all.

Anwo Sunday Adedeji
28 May, 2026

I did not intend to pen any epistle on this day of my commemoration based on the current state of the nation. The perpetual kidnapping in Kwara state, and recent kidnapping of teachers and pupils in Ogbomosho has made me realise that, "Nigeria is a Zoological Garden: An open Air concentration camp." Everybody needs bait to survive and has different stories to back up their claim, and those that are supposed to be held accountable have other pressing issues to solve.

We the citizens usually feel oppressed when people of higher authority command us or direct our actions, but we forget we act as an oppressor when we give directives without considering the effect on those that will follow our command. In recent times, everybody now uses the Gestapo and their influence to settle disputes and argument, or let me say, cover up!

Whereas, a politician is a good being, so far they donate to our personal cover, support community projects and contribute to our lifestyle. They are bad when gratitude does not extend to us. Our decision is always clouded with many factors and we are being sentimental in our decision making or taking sides.

Meanwhile, what is the essence of our conscience when an injury to others is never our concern? Where is our humanity, when we inflict pain and agony on others? Where does our consciousness go, when we derive happiness through other people's suffering? What should we say about a corrupt society, where everyone uses others as prey as a means of surviving? Of what importance is our richness, wealth and influence when it will cause pain and adverse poverty to the majority? The notion of Capitalism is evil, there is no how you want to say or buttress the fact. It gives the top brass higher chances to dictate tariffs and others.

There are lots of detriments in our society, and everyone only tends to voice out, complain or react when such notions do not favour them or it is affecting them. A majority of our judgement is usually based on bias, emotionally inclined, or as a result of "Religion, culture and ethnic bigotry cum discrimination that corresponds to the feeling of insecurity in our society".

I have pitched a lot of articles as regards the state of the nation yet the country is depleting every now and then. What do we do? We need to keep trying, maybe as stipulated that the road to socialism Revolution, and besides, pray. Abrahamic religion believes that one day the change we deserve will come, but when? Are the developed countries relying on the same notion that we portray currently? This is food for thought.

On the other hand, we have different stories and cruises that are a stage for us to dance away our sorrow. Some of these stories are fabricated by a bourgeoisie agent to lure the people into not holding the government accountable. This will make the people shed away from pressing issues. We all opine for a better society without any form of participation. We continue to eat our cake and have it. Everyone subscribed to the notion of "quid pro quo" and nobody intended to do things on "pro-bono" – what a country, and what a country!

I hope Nigeria that we all dream of will come to pass, and let us support all positive notions that will birth positive change in our society. Developed countries where we all aim and pray to seek refuge start somewhere.

Assessment of Waste Management Methods in Osun State: A Review

Abstract
This review evaluates waste management methods in Osun State, Nigeria, where municipal solid waste generation averages 500–700 tons daily, with organic materials comprising 60–70% of the total. Despite coordination by the Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA) under the 2016 OWMA Law, challenges persist, including low collection coverage (60% in urban areas and 30% in rural regions), widespread open dumping, open burning, and improper mixing of hazardous waste. Current practices integrate formal door-to-house collections through private sector partners, informal scavenging for recyclables, and limited treatment options such as composting and biogas pilots, but inefficiencies in storage, transportation, and disposal contribute to environmental issues like groundwater contamination, elevated PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO limits, and public health risks including cholera outbreaks (Anwo, 2025; NESREA, 2024; Gbadebo et al., 2022).

The analysis identifies critical gaps in infrastructure, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness, while highlighting opportunities such as utilizing high organic content for composting and biogas production, expanding public-private partnerships, and incorporating GIS and digital tools for monitoring. Recommendations emphasize strengthening OWMA's institutional capacity, promoting source segregation with incentives, enforcing laws through technology-enabled patrols, and upgrading landfill sites. These targeted interventions, informed by local contexts, aim to enhance collection efficiency, reduce pollution, and advance circular economy principles, thereby aligning Osun State's practices with Nigeria's National Solid Waste Management Policy and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to protect environmental integrity and public health.

Keywords: Waste management, Osun State, Nigeria, Solid waste, Recycling, Sustainability, Environmental degradation

Introduction
Waste management remains a pressing challenge in rapidly growing urban centers across developing countries such as Nigeria. With annual solid waste production reaching millions of tonnes and expected to rise dramatically due to rapid urbanization, expanding informal settlements, and insufficient formal collection systems, many communities—especially low-income neighborhoods—face inadequate waste services. This situation leads to widespread illegal dumping, open burning, and associated environmental and public health hazards (Aliu et al., 2023; World Bank, 2023). Despite policies aimed at sustainable waste practices, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure, low collection coverage, improper disposal, and limited public awareness (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency [NESREA], 2024).
Osun State, located in southwestern Nigeria, typifies these challenges as it grapples with increasing volumes of household, commercial, agricultural, and industrial waste. The Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA) is mandated to oversee solid waste management in the state, yet many areas remain underserved, particularly rural regions where collection coverage drops below 30% (Osun Waste Management Agency [OWMA], 2024). Waste disposal remains dominated by open dumping and burning, leading to environmental degradation such as groundwater contamination, air pollution, and increased disease risks (Gbadebo, Olanipekun, & Arowolo, 2022; Olukanni, Oresanya, & Obueri, 2021).
Given this context, there is a critical need to assess the existing waste management methods employed in Osun State to identify strengths, limitations, and opportunities for improvement. This review aims to synthesize available data on waste generation, collection, disposal, institutional frameworks, and emerging practices within Osun State. Through this assessment, the paper seeks to inform policy reforms and pave the way for more sustainable, health-conscious, and economically viable waste management solutions aligned with Nigeria's National Solid Waste Management Policy and global sustainability goals.

Waste Management Practices in Osun State
Waste management in Osun State is coordinated by the Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA), established under the 2016 OWMA Law to handle collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of solid waste across 30 local government areas (LGAs). With daily generation of 500–700 tons (60–70% organic from households, markets, and palm oil industries), practices mix formal OWMA efforts with informal systems, achieving only 60% urban coverage and 30% rural (OWMA, 2024; NESREA, 2024).
Collection and Transportation: Urban areas like Osogbo and Ile-Ife get door-to-door service from OWMA's 50-truck fleet and 45 private partners, twice weekly via skips or bins. Rural spots rely on informal wheelbarrows or scavengers recovering 40% recyclables unsafely. GPS pilots optimize routes but spillage hits 20–30% due to bad roads (Adelakun, 2025; Adeyemi & Ojedokun, 2019). Some of these Private Partners are also assigned to some cluster areas within Osogbo and other neighboring towns such as Ife, Ede, Ikirun, Ilesa, Ilobu, Ifon, Iragbiji, Iree among others.
Storage and Segregation: Waste is stored in open bags or drums without sorting—80% mixed, hindering recycling. OWMA pushes color-coded bins via campaigns, but compliance is low (<20%) from lack of incentives. Healthcare waste often mixes with general refuse, risking hazards (Olukanni et al., 2021; NESREA, 2024).
Disposal and Treatment: Open dumping rules at sites like Osogbo Integrated Waste Site (200–300 tons/day, no liners), causing leachate pollution. Burning reduces volume in rural areas but spikes air toxins (PM2.5 50% over WHO limits). Treatment is limited: Ile-Ife recycling plant sorts 50 tons/month plastics; windrow composting diverts 10–20% organics; biogas pilots treat palm effluents (Adisa, 2025; Gbadebo et al., 2022; Ujege, 2023).

Waste Generation and Composition in Osun State
Osun State generates an estimated 500 to 700 tons of solid waste daily, reflecting the waste production patterns of its population of over 5 million residents. The per capita waste generation rate in Osun ranges approximately from 0.45 to 0.7 kg per person per day, consistent with trends observed in similar urbanizing states in Nigeria (OWMA, 2024; NESREA, 2024). Urban centers such as Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and Ede contribute the majority of this waste due to higher population densities, commercial activities, and institutional presence. Conversely, rural local government areas generate less waste by volume but feature a larger proportion of agro-industrial waste, especially from palm oil processing and agricultural activities common to the state’s economy (Adeyemi & Ojedokun, 2019).
In terms of composition, Osun’s waste stream is dominated by organic materials, comprising between 60% and 70% of the total waste generated. This includes food scraps, yard waste, market refuse, and agricultural residues with high moisture content, often ranging between 50% and 60%, which accelerates decomposition and creates challenges for waste handling and disposal (Gbadebo, Olanipekun, & Arowolo, 2022). The high organic content provides significant opportunities for composting and biogas production but also presents risks of methane emissions and groundwater contamination if improperly managed. Plastics and packaging materials are estimated to make up about 10–15% of the waste, mostly single-use plastics and containers, which are prevalent in urban commercial sectors (Olukanni, Oresanya, & Obueri, 2021). Paper and cardboard constitute approximately 8–12%, typically from commercial and institutional sources, while metals and glass make up 5–8%, often collected informally for recycling by waste scavengers.

The remaining 5–10% of the waste stream consists of hazardous wastes such as medical waste from healthcare centers, electronic waste, batteries, and other industrial by-products. These are frequently co-disposed with municipal waste, posing significant environmental and health risks (NESREA, 2024). The combination of organic-rich and mixed hazardous waste highlights the critical need for integrated solid waste management strategies in Osun. While the organic portion offers promising avenues for sustainable treatment methods like composting and anaerobic digestion, the presence of unrecovered recyclables and untreated hazardous waste continues to threaten public health and environmental quality (Ujege, 2023).

Waste Collection and Disposal Methods in Osun State
Osun State, Nigeria, produces 500–700 tons of municipal solid waste daily, managed primarily by the Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA) under the 2016 OWMA Law. Collection and disposal methods blend formal and informal practices, but challenges like low coverage (60% urban, 30% rural) and poor infrastructure lead to environmental and health risks. Below is an overview of key methods, supported by recent studies.
House-to-House Collection by PSP Operators: The Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA) partners with Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for door-to-door waste collection using trucks and compactors, with residents assigned to PSP operators for weekly or bi-weekly collection (Anwo, 2025).
Open Dumping and Illegal Disposal: Despite formal systems, many residents still dump waste illegally in gutters, road medians, and water bodies, especially in poorly monitored areas (Orimoloye et al., 2021).
Open Burning of Refuse: Some residents engage in open burning of waste, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities, due to lack of access to formal disposal services, which is illegal under the OWMA Law (2016) (Osun Waste Management Agency, 2016).
Use of Landfills: Waste collected is transported to designated landfill sites, though these sites often lack proper lining and leachate management (Ujege, 2023).
Recycling and Informal Waste Picking: Some recyclable materials are collected by informal waste pickers at collection points and dumpsites for resale (Adeyemi & Ojedokun, 2019).
Composting (Minimal Use): Organic waste composting is not widespread, but a few pilot programs exist in agricultural communities (Gbadebo et al., 2022).


Challenges and Opportunities in Waste Management in Osun State
Waste management in Osun State struggles with major challenges in managing 500–700 tons of daily solid waste across 30 LGAs. OWMA's limited 50-truck fleet covers 60% urban areas like Osogbo but only 30% rural ones, worsened by poor roads leading to 20–30% spillage and drain blockages that cause flooding (OWMA, 2024; Adelakun, 2025). Tight funding at ₦500M yearly means breakdowns and unsafe informal scavenging for 40% recyclables without protection (Adeyemi & Ojedokun, 2019). Weak enforcement allows illegal dumping and burning, raising PM2.5 50% over WHO limits and contaminating 30% groundwater, sparking cholera outbreaks (NESREA, 2024; Anwo, 2025). Low awareness keeps segregation below 20%, mixing hazardous waste like e-waste with trash, hitting health and environment hard (Olukanni et al., 2021).
Opportunities shine through Osun's 60–70% organic waste, perfect for circular fixes. PPPs with 45 collectors can reach 80% coverage using GPS trucks, adding 200–500 jobs (Adelakun, 2025; OWMA, 2022). The 2025 Ile-Ife plant handles 50 tons plastics monthly, while biogas from palm waste and composting turn 50% organics into energy and revenue (Adisa, 2025; Gbadebo et al., 2022). Ede pilots with campaigns and rebates lifted participation to 70%, cutting pollution (Olukanni et al., 2021). NESREA grants and GIS landfills could drop emissions 40–60%, matching national policy (Ujege, 2023; NESREA, 2024).

Recommendations for Improving Waste Management in Osun State
The following recommendations propose targeted strategies to enhance collection, reduce dumping, and foster sustainability, informed by the identified gaps in infrastructure, enforcement, and public engagement.
Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Fund, staff, and equip the Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA) for effective operations, including hiring specialized personnel and acquiring GPS-equipped trucks. Form state-local task forces for coordination and quarterly reviews to improve rural service equity across LGAs. (Anwo, 2025; Osun Waste Management Agency, 2022)
Public Education and Awareness: Roll out campaigns via radio, schools, and apps to educate on health risks like disease links and environmental impacts, covering tips for waste reduction and proper disposal. Partner with NGOs for multilingual materials and community events targeting high-risk areas. (Olukanni et al., 2021; Adeleke et al., 2025)
Enforce Environmental Laws: Deploy officers with drones for patrols in hotspots, using app-based reporting for violations and escalating fines under the OWMA Law (2016). Integrate NESREA audits and public dashboards to monitor compliance and deter illegal dumping and open burning. (Osun Waste Management Agency, 2016; Anwo, 2025)
Promote Waste Segregation at Source: Distribute color-coded bins to households and businesses, offering fee incentives for separating recyclables, organics (which make up 65% of waste), and residuals. Conduct workshops in markets and schools to demonstrate composting and enforcement through local bylaws. (Adeyemi & Ojedokun, 2019; Adelakun, 2025)
Invest in Recycling and Composting Infrastructure: Support the building and upgrading of recycling plants and composting sites, such as expanding capacity in areas like Ife for processing plastics, metals, and organics. Use PPP funding for equipment like sorters and digesters to handle waste diversion from landfills. (Adisa, 2025; Gbadebo et al., 2022)
Adopt Technological Solutions: Develop an OWMA app integrated with GIS for waste tracking, route optimization, and user alerts, enabling reporting of illegal sites. Include AI for volume predictions and staff training to enhance efficiency across LGAs. (Ujege, 2023; Environews Nigeria, 2025)
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Launch partnerships with contractors and NGOs for waste collection, recycling initiatives, and sensitization programs. Provide tax perks and integrate informal workers through licensing and training to expand service coverage. (Osun Waste Management Agency, 2022; Adeyemi & Ojedokun, 2019)
Support Community Participation: Fund clean-up events and training for locals, youth, and markets on monitoring apps and eco-advocacy. Engage community leaders to organize patrols and awareness drives, gathering input for policy improvements in rural areas. (Olukanni et al., 2025; Anwo, 2025)
Expand House-to-House Collection Coverage: Scale Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators by adding vehicles and services for rural weekly pickups, with subsidized fees based on household type. Use GPS tracking to ensure reliability and reduce open dumping in underserved LGAs. (Anwo, 2025; Osun Waste Management Agency, 2022)
Upgrade Landfill Sites: Retrofit key sites with impermeable liners, leachate treatment systems, and gas capture mechanisms, incorporating community input and environmental assessments to prevent groundwater contamination. (Ujege, 2023; NESREA, 2024)

Conclusion
The assessment of waste management methods in Osun State highlights profound challenges in infrastructure, coverage, and enforcement that exacerbate environmental degradation and public health risks. With substantial daily waste generation dominated by organic materials, collection rates remain alarmingly low—particularly in rural areas at just 30%—while illegal dumping, open burning, and the mixing of hazardous waste continue unabated. Despite the Osun Waste Management Agency's (OWMA) coordination and collaborations with private sector partners, systemic inefficiencies, including inadequate segregation, limited recycling capabilities, and substandard disposal facilities, continue to hinder effective management and perpetuate issues like groundwater contamination, air pollution, and disease outbreaks such as cholera.
Nevertheless, Osun State holds promising opportunities for transformation, such as harnessing its 60–70% organic waste for composting and biogas production, scaling public-private partnerships, integrating digital tools like GIS and apps for enhanced monitoring, and fostering community engagement through targeted education and incentives. Key steps forward include bolstering institutional capacity at OWMA, rigorously enforcing environmental laws, and modernizing landfill sites with protective measures. By implementing these locally informed strategies, the state can boost collection efficiency, curb pollution, and advance circular economy principles. This review emphasizes the pressing need for integrated policy reforms and investments to harmonize waste practices with Nigeria's national policies and global sustainability objectives, ultimately protecting the environment and improving residents' well-being.

References
Adelakun, O. (2025, August 17). Osun State's solid waste management challenges and solutions https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adelakun-oluwatobi-a10b7a129_solidwastemanagement-sustainability-environmentalprotection-activity
Adeleke, A., Afon, A. O., & Ojo, O. A. (2025). Awareness of government-provided solid waste management services in Osun State. Ibadan Journal of Peace Research, 11(1), 22–29. https://journals.ui.edu.ng/index.php/ipj/article/download/1796/1434/4778
Adeyemi, O., & Ojedokun, O. (2019). Statistical survey of waste management in Osun State, Nigeria: Binary logistics approach. European-American Journals. https://www.eajournals.org/wp-content/uploads/Statistical-Survey-of-Waste-Management-in-Osun-State-Nigeria-Binary-Logistics-Approach.pdf
Adisa, O. (2025, September 3). Osun hosts training to boost circular economy, waste-to-wealth. ConsultQE. https://www.consultqe.com/osun-hosts-training-to-boost-circular-economy-waste-to-wealth/
Aliu, I. R., Adebayo, A. A., & Afolabi, O. O. (2023). The problem with solid waste management in Nigeria's low-income neighbourhoods. https://earth.org/the-problem-with-solid-waste-management-in-nigerias-low-income-neighbourhoods/
Anwo, S. (2025). Waste management in Osun State: Addressing road dumping and waste disposal challenges. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5386378
Environews Nigeria. (2025, November 19). COP30: Osun leverages digital tools, data to fast-track SDGs implementation. https://www.environewsnigeria.com/cop30-osun-leverages-digital-tools-data-to-fast-track-sdgs-implementation/
Gbadebo, A. M., Olanipekun, G. T., & Arowolo, A. O. (2022). Palm waste management challenges and strategies in Southwest Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Management, 300, Article 113629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113629
National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency. (2024). National waste audit report. NESREA.
Olukanni, D. O., Oresanya, O. O., & Obueri, J. C. (2021). Awareness and practice of solid waste management and its associated health effects in Ede North LGA, Osun State. International Journal of Innovative Healthcare Research, 3(1), 1–12. https://www.seahipublications.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IJIHCR-J-3-2025.pdf
Olukanni, D. O., Oresanya, O. O., Afolabi, O. O., & Obueri, J. C. (2025). Awareness of government-provided solid waste management services in Osun State. Ibadan Journal of Peace Research. https://journals.ui.edu.ng/index.php/ipj/article/download/1796/1434/4778
Orimoloye, I. R., Kalumba, M. C., & Nel, W. (2021). Modelling slope failure and risk management in a typical tropical environment using GIS and remote sensing. Geocarto International, 36(15), 1815–1835. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2019.1670803
Osun Waste Management Agency. (2016). Osun State Waste Management Agency Law. Osun State Government.

Legal Authority of Environmental Health Practitioners in Premises Inspection: A Nigerian Perspective

Abstract

This article examines the statutory authority of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in Nigeria to enter and inspect private and corporate premises for public health purposes. It outlines the legal basis under Section 10 of the Public Health Law and Sections 78 and 84 of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations (2024), which permit inspections between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM, authorize inspections with or without notice, and prescribe penalties for obstruction. The paper highlights obligations of occupants, enforcement mechanisms, and sanctions—including administrative fines and imprisonment for non-compliance—and discusses the public health rationale for such powers. By clarifying these legal provisions, the article aims to improve public awareness, promote cooperation with EHPs, and reduce conflicts arising from misunderstandings about property rights. The analysis underscores the balance between individual property interests and community health protection, recommending increased public education and adherence to environmental health laws to ensure safer communities.


Keywords: Environmental Health Practitioners; right of entry; Public Health Law; National Environmental Health Practice Regulations; inspections; Nigeria

Introduction

In Nigeria, various laws protect individual and corporate rights, especially regarding ownership and privacy of premises. However, there are specific legal provisions granting Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) the authority to enter and inspect properties to uphold public health standards. This article explores these legal frameworks to raise awareness about EHPs’ right of entry, the obligations of property occupants, and the consequences of non-compliance. Understanding these laws benefits communities by fostering cooperation that enhances environmental hygiene and public health safety.

Many laws exist to protect individuals and corporate bodies, but some remain unknown to many. It is time to learn, unlearn, and relearn the basics. Most people claim their premises are their own and that no one can enter private property without permission. However, only few understand that this does not apply to Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), who have the legal mandate to visit premises for inspection with or without notification. Let us examine what the law says so we can be properly guided.

According to Section 10 of the Public Health Law of Nigeria, also known as the “Right of Entry”:
"It shall be lawful for the environmental health officer to enter any premises at any time between six in the morning and six in the evening for the purpose of examining the existence of any nuisance, or until such nuisance has been abated or the works ordered have been completed or the closing order cancelled; and when a nuisance order has not been complied with or has been infringed, to enter premises at all reasonable hours to secure execution of the order." This section clearly grants Environmental Health Officers authority to inspect any premises accordingly. Supporting this, Section 78 of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations (2024) states:
"It shall be the duty of any person or corporate body occupying premises to grant access to the Environmental Health Practitioner of the area, to conduct inspection with or without notice between 6 AM and 6 PM, or at any other reasonable hour, in the interest of public health."

Furthermore, Subsection 2 of Section 78 provides:
"Where a person or corporate body obstructs inspection, it shall be considered a breach of these regulations." Violating these provisions carries penalties as cited in Section 84:
"A person or corporate body that contravenes any provision of these regulations is liable to an administrative fine of:
a) ₦50,000 for individuals;
b) ₦250,000 for corporate bodies;
c) Six months imprisonment for individuals or managing directors of corporate bodies for the first offence; and
d) Subsequent offenders face six months imprisonment without option of fine."

These laws are essential and must be duly followed to avoid sanctions. Environmental Health Practitioners strive to ensure our society remains free from nuisances affecting public health. Cooperation with them ensures safer communities. Individuals should Remember, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” We all should contribute our quota to the sustainability of our resources and environment. The health of one man is the health of all. Let us recall “Mens sana in corpore sano” — a healthy mind in a healthy body — and understand that prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

Conclusion
It is pertinent that Environmental Health Practitioners play a critical role in maintaining public health by inspecting premises for nuisances and health risks. Nigerian laws explicitly empower EHPs to enter premises between 6 AM and 6 PM with or without notice (Public Health Law, Section 10; National Environmental Health Practice Regulations, Sections 78 & 84, 2024). Obstructing these inspections can lead to fines or imprisonment, reinforcing the importance of compliance for individuals and corporate bodies. By cooperating with EHPs, communities can foster safer, healthier environments and avoid legal sanctions.

References
Public Health Law of Nigeria, Cap 106. (1957). Federal Government of Nigeria.
National Environmental Health Practice Regulation, section 78-84. Federal Government of Nigeria.

Disease occurrence is being facilitated by different factors, and most especially with a chain of transmission. Without this chain of transmission, disease may cease to occur. This is why, Health Officers are specially trained to cause a break in this chain of transmission. Also, in order to ensure this is assured then, there is provision of law to be enforced to make sure everyone contributes their quota to avoid disease outbreak or an epidemic..

In my older publications, I have written about disinfestation and decontamination as both are essential to disease prevention. Today, I shall be writing about management of radioactive waste. I have also written topics on waste management and waste business and the responsibility of consumers. I was able to highlight health care waste and its management and what the law says was cited accordingly.

In order to ensure clarity in management of all forms of waste. This is why, I'm setting the record straight, to divulge us information about radioactive waste materials and what the law says about it.

According to Section 68, subsection 1 of National Environmental Health Practice Regulations of 2024 "Radioactive materials or waste shall be handled, used and stored in such a manner to minimise Hazards to Public Health and the environment." This illustrates that, radioactive waste needs to be handled and stored to avoid any form of hazard or in any way whatsoever that will make it pose a risk to public health.

Subsection 2 of the same section states that: "Where a person or body corporate engages in use of radioactive materials or waste, it shall conform to the guidelines issued by relevant authority." This part extends to the appropriate management of radioactive waste, and that individuals or corporate body managing such must ensure they do so within the armbit of the law.

Whereas, for safe consumption of water and to avoid pollution of water source or contamination, subsection 3 of the above section state that: " Radioactive materials shall not be stored within a 100 metre radius to any source of drinking water." This particular part of the Subsection is pertinent to ensure radioactive waste is properly handled and stored to avoid any form of water diseases. Anyone that stored radioactive materials and such is not extended to the required radius cited in the regulation has violated this subsection and such individual or corporate body will be penalised accordingly.

In addition, Subsection 4 of the same Section states that: "A person or corporate body shall not engage in business of radioactive materials without operational licence by the council and subject to renewal every year" this parts emphasize on registration and licensing of radioactive materials by individual or corporate body involved in its management and that they are subjected for renewal of their operational licence in order to checkmate their activity for compliance and for proper monitoring and supervision of their activity.

Most of the disease outbreaks are preventable, if measures are put in place.

Please kindly beware that, "Ignorance of the law is no excuse. To be forewarned is to be forearmed."

Day 25 of the writing challenge
Anwo Sunday Adedeji
September 25, 2025
#RadioactiveWaste #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #DiseasePrevention #WasteManagement #EHALaw #SafeStorage #NigeriaHealth #WaterSafety #HealthRegulations