Lagos State Government yesterday reiterated its commitment to stop encroachment and misuse of wetlands, for better preservation of the biodiversity.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, during an advocacy programme on Wetlands and Biodiversity Conservation, for Lagos Central Senatorial District, held at Yaba Local Council Development Area.
He said the government was planning to review the draft policy on wetlands management and conservation of its biodiversity (2016), to restore, protect and conserve degraded wetlands in Lagos State for better use.
The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Mobolaji Gaji, said the aforementioned was achievable by addressing the growing challenges in preventing wetlands encroachment in the state, restoring degraded wetlands, protecting identified wetlands and restriction of human activities on wetlands areas.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr. Mobolaji Gaji, said government was committed to ensuring a safe, resilient and sustainable Lagos through the conservation, protection and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic natural resources, for the well-being of the citizens in urban and rural areas.
Represented by the Director, Conservation and Ecology, Mr. Sheriff Savage, he advised residents to desist from dumping refuse or using waste to reclaim wetlands.