Date Published: 05/02/10

Nigeria, Ghana to fight dangerous chemicals in West African Region

Nigeria and Ghana have resolved to fight the scourge of dangerous and hazardous chemicals in the West  African sub-region. The two countries made the resolution in Accra weekend at the meeting of stakeholders on management of Organic Pollutants.

Addressing the meeting sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Nigerian Minister of Environment, John Odey stated that the collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana would encourage wider sub-regional cooperation on Environmental management.

He said, “ Globally, consumption of chemicals for various purposes, ranging from industrial to construction activities, has been on exponential rise. Some of these chemicals are potentially injurious to man and the environment.

“The implementation of this regional project and our presence here is a clear demonstration of our commitment to halt the dangerous impacts of the Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs) chemicals on the environment and the human health and to build the capacity for sustainable management of POPs sites within the region.

“My Ministry as the Designated National Authority (DNA) for the implementation of these Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) has continued to play leadership role in ensuring that Nigeria meets its statutory obligations under the agreements.

“One of the leading activities in this respect is the implementation of the regional project on POPs contaminated site.

“We have produced a draft overarching policy document on POPs contaminated sites while a sound national legal framework has been produced for National Assembly consideration.”

He added that Nigeria will continue to explore multi-lateral cooperation on effective implementation of the chemicals management projects in the country.

“It is in realization of the collective roles of regional cooperation and collaboration that Nigeria and Ghana requested for GEF assistance through the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in 2005.

“Nigeria is fully committed to sustainable implementation of this project and we shall step up the crusade for replication of the project in other countries within the region. 

“Let me stress the need for us to foster stronger inter-regional collaboration and cooperation to ensure the realization of the obligations of the Stockholm Convention. For us in Nigeria , this is a good step in our relationship on environmental issues.”

Her Ghana counterpart, Ms Sherry Ayittey said that countries in the region should strengthen the legislation on implementation of the ban on hazardous chemicals management.