Senator Ned Nwoko’s Bill for Establishment of Waste Management & Malaria Eradication Agency; a Transformative Leap Forward
On 28th November 2023, a significant milestone was achieved in the ongoing efforts to combat malaria in Nigeria as Senator Ned Nwoko’s bill for an Agency for malaria eradication, waste management & waste to power underwent its first reading in the Senate. The proposed legislation, spearheaded by Senator Nwoko, seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for eradicating malaria and enhancing public health in Nigeria.
Senator Ned Nwoko, known for his advocacy for malaria eradication, presented the bill to address the persistent challenges posed by malaria in Nigeria. The bill aligns with international efforts to combat the disease and reflects a commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being.
Key provisions of the bill include establishment of an Agency charged with ensuring that malaria is eradicated in Nigeria. The Agency will adopt a cross sector integrated approaches such as Vaccine Development Sanitation, and Waste Management to end malaria in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Agency will also establish a structure for waste to power generation to address the long-standing power issues of Nigeria.
*The Bill offers a myriad of economic benefits thus;*
1. *Public Health Impact*: Malaria remains a significant health concern in Nigeria, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. This bill which seeks to establish a dedicated agency for malaria eradication will spearhead targeted programs, including vaccine development, widespread preventive measure such as sanitation, waste management, and community engagement. By eradicating the prevalence of malaria, the agency contributes not only to healthier communities but also to increased workforce productivity and a significant decrease in healthcare costs associated with treating malaria cases.
2. *Waste Management & Environmental Sustainability*: Effective waste management is essential for maintaining clean & sustainable environments. This agency dedicated to waste management will revolutionize how communities handle their waste. The implementation of comprehensive waste disposal systems, recycling initiatives, and public awareness campaigns can mitigate environmental pollution, reduce health hazards, and contribute to the creation of a circular economy.
3. *Harnessing Waste for Power Generation*: The establishment of the agency that integrates waste-to-power generation is a game-changer in the energy sector. By incentivizing and promoting technologies that convert waste into energy, the agency will address the challenges of power in Nigeria by providing an alternative source and mitigating the environmental impact of traditional power generation methods. This can generate over 10,000 Megawatts translating in revenue of over 2trillion naira per annum for the federal government.
4. *Economic Growth and Job Creation*: The comprehensive approach of the agency translates into economic growth and job creation. Waste management initiatives create employment opportunities in recycling and waste processing industries, and waste-to-power generation fosters innovation, attracting investments, and creating jobs in the renewable energy sector. It is estimated that over 3 million Nigerians will be employed especially youth.
5. *Sustainable Urban Development*: An agency addressing malaria eradication, waste management, and waste-to-power generation plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable urban development. The implementation of waste management practices, coupled with advancements in power generation, can transform urban landscapes into cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally conscious spaces.
This Bill for the establishment of an agency dedicated to malaria eradication, waste management, and waste-to-power generation represents a visionary stride toward a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable future for Nigeria. The benefits span public health, environmental stewardship, economic growth, and global leadership in sustainable development. As nations grapple with complex challenges, such comprehensive initiatives stand as beacons of progress, demonstrating the transformative power of strategic, integrated approaches to national development. Kudos to Senator Ned Nwoko for taking this bold step. Both the rich and poor suffer malaria in Nigeria, its eradication should be supported by law makers and Nigerians as a whole.
