By Enyichukwu Enemanna
At least 15 vessels believed to have brought toxic materials into Nigeria have been sent back to countries where they were shipped from, items which among others include chemicals and electronics harmful to the environment.
“The use of chlorofluorocarbons in refrigerants and some other chemicals used as fire extinguishers are responsible for global warming.
“Also, some pesticides used in agriculture deplete the ozone layer and have a lot of negative effects on humans and on the ecosystem,’’ the Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro told reporters Sunday.
He cautioned importers not to see the country as a dumping ground for sub-standard items inimical to the health of humans and environment, warning that government will go tough in clamping down defaulters
Prof. Jauro said particularly disturbing was the importation of used refrigerants and chemicals used in refrigeration that should not be allowed into any society because of their risk levels.
He said that some of the chemicals were found to react and deplete the ozone layer, the protective layer that shields the earth from radiation emitted by the sun.
“It is allowed to import electronics into Nigeria, but such electronics must be functional and safe.
“Nigeria is not a dumping ground where any waste can be allowed in.
“Most of the items arriving in Nigeria are not good and don’t function well; so only those that are functional and are safe are allowed to be discharged.
“People are able to bring hazardous items into Nigeria because the country’s borders are porous.
“As an agency, we test imported equipment to ensure that they are working perfectly and they are safe for the ecosystem,’’ he said.
