BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The World Health Organization (WHO) has mandated the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) to regulate sea and air vessels cleaning services, food hygiene and safety, and 22 other practice areas.
Others are cleaning services, solid waste collection services, sewage collection services, public health pest control services, air quality management/noise pollution control services, sanitary inspection of premise; resource recovery services; health, safety and environment services, and environmental health laboratory.
This is in addition to waste disposal facility management, health care waste management, health impact assessment, motor vehicle cleaning; and sales of public health chemicals and radiation control, waste recycling services, and laundry services.
The services are regulated by EHCON in pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 11 of 2002 (as Amended) and the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations, 2024.
Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of EHCON, Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba stated this on Wednesday when the Northeast Youth Consultative Forum honoured him with an Award of Excellence in Abuja.
Baba disclosed that given current global realities, critical issues like climate change and health have been integrated into their operations such as Health Impact Assessment (HIA) being an integral component of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
He explained that EHCON is undergoing strategic restructuring to effectively tackle contemporary public and environmental health challenges in Nigeria.
"A key part of our internal reforms is ensuring that we establish the necessary structures, followed by equipping our workforce with the required manpower to drive policy and regulatory frameworks.
“One of our major focus areas right now, driven by the challenge of global warming, is the reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, which we are actively pursuing through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP),” he said.
Baba appreciated the forum for the award, noting that it holds special significance as it emanated from the grassroots of his home region.
He pledged his continued commitment to future collaborations and promised to assist the forum unlock opportunities to access underutilized international youth empowerment funds.
President of the Northeast Youth Consultative Forum, Paul Samaila Bayo commended the registrar's leadership and impact on the region.
He said: “You are a pillar of the Northeast region, and we are proud to describe you as the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of our time.
"As a group, we deemed it fit to recognise your outstanding efforts through concrete action and to demonstrate our dedication.
“To show our commitment and pride in your achievements, we are honoured to present you with this Award of Excellence, and we urge you to continue your excellent work.”
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