By Correspondent in Abuja.
A non-governmental organisation, the CRUX Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development Foundation (CERADF), has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to urgently reactivate environmental courts and tribunals as part of efforts to address the worsening environmental challenges in Abuja.
CERADF made the appeal on Wednesday in a formal letter addressed to the minister titled “Request for the Reactivation of Environmental Courts and Tribunals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.”
In the letter, the organisation urged the establishment of a central Environmental Court within the High Court of the FCT, as well as Environmental Tribunals across all six Area Councils, noting that such structures are essential for effective enforcement of environmental laws.
The NGO said the call aligns with constitutional and statutory provisions, adding that it is informed by the growing urgency of environmental degradation within the nation’s capital.
CERADF recalled that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), established in 1997, introduced mobile courts in May 2022 to address environmental infractions,noting that these interventions have become inadequate,given the scale and complexity of the current environmental crisis.
According to the organisation, findings from its recent field monitoring across Gwarinpa, Utako, Mpape, Kubwa, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, Kuje, Apo Mechanic Village, and some parts of the Central Business District revealed massive waste accumulation, blocked drainages, and general poor sanitation.
“These conditions have resulted in overburdened waste-management agencies, recurrent flooding, increased rodent infestation, heightened public health risks, escalating pollution, and offensive odours,” the letter stated.
CERADF warned that Abuja’s reputation as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic centre is at risk, if urgent action is not taken.
It added that weak enforcement of environmental regulations,stemming from slow court processes and insufficient penalties,has continued to undermine efforts to improve sanitation.
While acknowledging ongoing public sensitisation campaigns, the organisation stressed that such efforts cannot achieve the desired impact without a dedicated judicial framework to ensure speedy trials, strict enforcement, and deterrent sanctions for violators.
The NGO also recommended enhanced collaboration with the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a functional and sustainable environmental justice system in the territory.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
