Soil scientists on the platform of the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) have appealed to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to formulate a policy that will protect usage of soil across the country.
The association noted that it is necessary in order to eradicate illegal mining and oil exploration that results in environmental degradation in some parts of the country.
thedabigal recalls that some parts of the country have been experiencing environmental degradation due to the activities of some illegal miners and oil companies.
But, NISS President, Professor Ayo Ogunkunle while speaking at a training organized for extension workers and farmers on the management of problematic soils in South-West Nigeria, said that Nigeria needs a law that will spell out punishment for those who misuse the soil.
Ogunkunle while addressing journalists at the event held at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) on Thursday in Ibadan, said that there is a need to put an end to improper usage of soil that always result in environmental degradation.
He said, “We need a policy that will empower us to legislate. So that if we go out now, if we do anything, the law will catch us.
“But, by the time we have a policy, when the policy is in place, then the government will empower us to, we can even arrest people who misuse the soil.
“But, not yet, we are just five years now that we were inaugurated. Five years ago.
“You know that there are many processes, if you see the edict, the act, you will see that we have the power but until we put some things in place, you cannot exercise that power”.
South-West coordinator of NISS, Professor James Adediran in his welcome address, explained that the training was organised in order to ensure the proper management of soil.
He added that the training would help the participants on how to ensure property management of soil.
He said, “The current workshop is organized to deliberate on the status of the project and remind the participants on strategies required for sustainable management of problematic soils”.
Environmental degradation: Formulate policy to protect soil – Scientists tell FG, NASS
