Knocks for Kwara State Environmental Sanitation Task Force
The recent prosecution of nearly 300 sanitation offenders in Kwara State during the monthly sanitation exercise raises significant concerns when viewed from a sustainability perspective. While ensuring environmental cleanliness and hygiene is commendable, the punitive approach towards enforcing such measures needs to be critically examined, especially when weighed against the broader societal realities of Nigeria.
Sustainability is not just about maintaining a clean environment; it is also about creating long-term solutions that are equitable and just. It requires a balance between enforcing laws and fostering a culture of responsibility. However, when 300 individuals are arrested and prosecuted for relatively minor offenses related to sanitation, it sends a conflicting message about the priorities and justice system in Nigeria. There are far more severe infractions in various sectors of Nigerian society that are often overlooked, with little or no legal consequence. This disparity raises questions about the consistency and fairness in law enforcement, particularly when applied to issues of sustainability.
The prosecution of these sanitation offenders could be seen as an example of using an axe to kill an ant. Rather than creating a sustainable culture of cleanliness and environmental stewardship, this heavy-handed approach risks alienating citizens who may feel disproportionately targeted. Sustainability efforts should involve encouraging citizens to participate willingly in keeping their surroundings clean, not relying on fear of arrest or prosecution. The use of force and legal action to enforce compliance may deter offenders temporarily, but it does little to address the root causes of non-compliance, such as inadequate waste disposal infrastructure, lack of awareness, and socio-economic challenges that many Nigerians face.
In reality, there is a glaring disconnect between the swift action taken against these sanitation offenders and the laxity often displayed in addressing larger, systemic issues that contribute to environmental degradation. Nigeria has faced numerous environmental challenges, from oil pollution in the Niger Delta to illegal dumping and deforestation, yet there has been little to no accountability for the major corporations and individuals responsible for these environmental crises. The fact that almost 300 people were prosecuted for failing to comply with a three-hour sanitation window while large-scale environmental offenders operate with impunity is a stark reminder of the uneven application of justice in Nigeria.
If sustainability is to be taken seriously in Nigeria, it must be approached holistically. This means addressing environmental issues at every level, from the individual to the corporate, and ensuring that the punishment fits the offense. While it is important to maintain cleanliness, especially in urban areas like Ilorin, the scale of the punishment in this case is excessive. Prosecution and punishment should be reserved for repeat offenders or those whose actions pose significant public health risks, rather than being the default response to minor infractions.
A more balanced and sustainable approach would involve enhancing public awareness, improving waste management systems, and offering incentives for compliance. The government should focus on creating an environment where individuals are empowered to participate in sanitation efforts, rather than being coerced through the threat of legal action. This would foster a more genuine culture of environmental responsibility and contribute to long-term sustainability goals.
CSR REPORTERS notes that while it is essential to uphold sanitation laws, the method of enforcement should be reflective of a broader commitment to fairness and sustainability. Arresting and prosecuting 300 people for minor sanitation offenses seems disproportionate, especially in a country where much larger environmental issues go unpunished. If Nigeria is serious about sustainability, it must ensure that its legal actions are just, proportionate, and focused on creating a cleaner, fairer society for all.
