Niger Revokes Waste Management Contract

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger State Government has terminated the waste management contract entered into with a foreign company by the administration of former state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

The government did not give reason for the termination of the contract, but said the state executive council approved the action and directed that a new agreement should be reached with another firm.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Yakubu Kolo, told journalists after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House that under the new contract, a refuse recycling plant will be established in the state capital, adding that refuse dump sites will also be established in major cities across the state.

Kolo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Sirajo Saieed, disclosed that a census of cleaners in the employment of the state government is being taken with a view to knowing their number and improve their salaries and other conditions of service.

He said the state government has also taken steps to check deforestation across the state, adding that some illegal loggers have also been arrested, prosecuted and a fine of N5million paid to the government purse.

In addition the commissioner disclosed that not less than 16million trees are to be planted throughout the state in the next two years.

Also, the state Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Maurice Magaji, who also briefed journalists, disclosed that the government has secured six hectares of land to be allocated to contractors handling some projects in Minna, saying the land will be used by the companies to park their vehicles and also construct their staff quarters.