A professor from the department of Environmental Health Science, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof Agu N. Amadi has said business owners should incorporate waste management policies into an Environmental Management System to reduce environmental liabilities.
Prof Amadi stated this in Abuja while presenting a paper titled “Exploring the Potentials of Environmental Health Serves towards the Realisation of the Goals of Economic Recovery Growth Plan.”
The event took place during the 6th induction ceremony of Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) recently.
He said their businesses will benefit by reducing the environmental liability, boosting the business’ image for being environmentally aware and raising staff morale and environmental awareness.
“Through waste collection, transportation, and management strategies such as waste recycling; wealth and jobs can be created which will impact positively on the economy,” he said.
He said environmental health services can play a major role in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) in Nigeria.
Prof. Amadi also called for the implementation of the Polluter Pays Principle, saying, social and environmental costs of polluting the environment will be paid for by polluters which will generate revenue for the government.
Speaking at the event the Registrar of EHORECON, Dr Dominic Abonyi said, environmental health practitioners can add significant values to the economy in support of the federal government’s quest of diversifying the economy away from fossil fuels.
Dr Abonyi said the induction is significant to the council not only that it has a mix of entrants with varies knowledge and skill levels but is also at a turning point in the regulatory processes of the council.
“We are presenting 1,685 environmental health officers, 2495 environmental health technicians and 829 environmental health assistants in the individual practitioners category whereas 252 corporate entities of various service classes took the oath,” he said.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
