Engr. Olalekan Emeka Sulaiman Ajani, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), has recommended that practitioners should think towards incorporating cutting-edge innovations.
TOP MEDIA reports that speaking as a guest on Wednesday at the NIEE, Lagos State Chapter’s March Technical Session, Engr. Ajani said novel ideas will “improve overall environmental performance”.
Sharing his expert view on the topic, ‘Environmental laws, policies, standards and regulations in Nigeria; advancing the cause’, the former NIEE helmsman said new innovations will help organic and inorganic waste materials experts contribute to domestic energy production, whilst at the same time, improving environmental protection.
“As new technologies and approaches are developed, it is expected and recommended that environmental engineers should come together to modify existing specifications and codes to incorporate the new innovations and improve overall environmental performance,” Engr. Ajani said.
Furthermore, Engr. Ajani harped on the usefulness of discarded materials, saying they can benefit Nigeria socially and environmentally.
According to him, Nigeria, with population exceeding 190 million, is one of the largest producers of solid waste in Africa.
“Solid wastes comprise all the wastes arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid, discarded as useless or unwanted. If properly managed, solid wastes can be harnessed to create job opportunities and promote growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through wealth creation mechanisms, in addition to a host of environmental, social and aesthetic benefits that will be created,” he said.
“Design Codes Meant To Protect Public’s Interests” – NIEE Lagos Chairman, Majolagbe
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NIEE in Lagos State, Engr. Yusuf Majolagbe, said design codes and standards are not intended to “restrict” professional engineers, but ultimately, to protect the public’s interest.
“Environmental laws are laid down so that we can follow them. They are the specification and design codes for engineers.
“Once these laws are followed, environmental engineers also have more opportunity to discharge their responsibility effectively,” Majolagbe said.
