The Niger State Environmental Protection Agency has introduced a N1,000 fine for improper waste disposal by residents.
Its General Manager, Mr Lucky Barau, disclosed this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Thursday.
Barau said the introduction of the penalty was aimed at generating revenue for the effective running of the agency.
He further said that the fining system would create job opportunities for unemployed youths in the state.
According to him, the proceeds realised will be used to procure state-of-the-art equipment that will strengthen the capacity of the agency.
Barau called on traditional and religious leaders to sensitise residents to the need to dump refuse at the designated areas.
“We appeal to residents to stop the indiscriminate dumping of waste especially on roads and in drains,’’ he said.
He said the dumping of refuse in drains and on roads, had affected roads and impacted negatively on the health of the people.
He added that such practices could cause flooding especially during the rainy season.
The general manager said that already, a mobile court had been instituted to prosecute erring residents.( NAN)