MAN urges FG, states to harmonise regulatory agencies’ functions
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has, over the weekend in Lagos, called on the Federal and state sovernments across the country to harmonise the various environmental regulatory agencies to enable its members to reduce cost of manufacturing.
The body said that high cost of manufacturing inputs were which affecting its members from attaining high production capacity.
Chairman, MAN Apapa Branch, Mr. Babatunde Odunayo, who made this call at the 8th edition of the Mandatory Environmental Seminar of MAN, Apapa Branch, said: “Because of the multiplicity of environmental agencies at federal and state levels, and the attendant huge cost to industries, we plead that the federal, state local governments should find a way of harmonising their roles, functions and charges. The cost of being environmentally compliant remains high for membership that is mostly in the small and medium scale categories.”
He called on the Lagos State Government in particular to deploy resources to eliminate the traffic gridlock on Mile-2 – Apapa Expressway to Tincan Island, saying that it would help in the cost of transporting raw materials and goods in and out of Apapa for 70 per cent of manufacturers that are in Lagos.
Odunayo noted the manufacturers have over the years continued to provide a competitive platform for the improvement of the manufacturing environment through the Environmental Best Kept Premises Competition and Mandatory Environmental Seminar.
He noted that its members believe in the International Best Practices, adding that a good product would come from a good environment where best manufacturing practices are installed.
In his presentation, Engr. Adebola Shabi, GM/CEO LASEPA, represented by Mrs. Abduwaris Sholanke, Director Laboratory Services, stated that the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Environment seeks to address these challenges by strengthening its agencies that are in the fore front of environmental management.
Shabi noted that the “Cleaner Lagos” Initiative in the New Law to strengthen LAWMA as a significant policy formulating authority in control of solid waste management.
She pointed out that the following were also part of the reasons for introducing the new law; the grant of concession to private waste managers to administer state owned landfill sites and engage in modern waste collection practices, introduction of public utilities levies payable by all household, residential, public, commercial and industrial waste generators for the management of controlled solid wastes.
She outlined the rest to be the establishment of the Environmental Trust Fund for managing activities in the state, rebranding of KAI activities as Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps Agency for effective environmental health and sanction, and prohibition of street trading, removal of abandoned vehicles, covering of all waste disposal vehicles.
Ganiyu Obaaro
