The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), North Central Zonal Headquarters, Jos, has called for collective action to address flooding and other environmental challenges as it commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with an interactive session involving selected secondary schools in Plateau State.

The event, held on Thursday at the agency’s headquarters in Jos, was themed “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future”, with students engaging in debates and presentations on “Community Action Against Flooding.”

Speaking at the event, Acting Zonal Director of NESREA North Central Zone, Mr. Appiah Jude Fiifi, emphasized that climate action must begin at the grassroots level, stressing that communities, schools, markets, and households all have critical roles to play in environmental protection.

He noted that flooding, open waste burning, indiscriminate disposal of refuse, plastic pollution, and poor environmental practices remain major challenges across the North Central region.

According to him, NESREA continues to enforce environmental standards across industries in Jos, Lafia, Makurdi, Lokoja, Minna, Ilorin and other locations within its jurisdiction, while also driving Extended Producer Responsibility programmes aimed at reducing plastic and electronic waste.

“We are encouraging Nigerians to reduce their plastic footprint. Simple actions such as refusing unnecessary nylon bags and disposing waste responsibly can make a significant difference,” he said.

Fiifi disclosed that the agency was also exploring legal frameworks to address indiscriminate dumping of waste, popularly known as fly-tipping, while advocating better waste management practices and protection of wetlands and forests.

He said the 2026 World Environment Day theme underscores the need for collective action in addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future.

Earlier, NESREA staff member Victoria Efion presented a brief history of the agency, environmental governance in Nigeria, and World Environment Day.

She explained that World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and is celebrated annually on June 5 to promote environmental awareness and action.

Efion also highlighted key milestones in Nigeria’s environmental governance, including the establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in 1988, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act in 1992, the Federal Ministry of Environment in 1999, and NESREA in 2007.

Delivering the keynote address, Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, described climate change as one of the greatest threats facing humanity and urged citizens to take responsibility for protecting the environment.

Gwom commended NESREA for engaging young people, noting that the future of environmental sustainability rests largely in the hands of the younger generation.

He expressed concern over changing weather patterns, delayed rainfall, flooding, and the growing challenge of plastic pollution, saying government was exploring alternatives to single-use plastics and nylon materials.

“Waste is no longer waste; waste is wealth. We must begin to see environmental protection as everyone’s responsibility. What we do today will determine the future that our children inherit,” he stated.

The Commissioner encouraged the students to become environmental ambassadors in their schools and communities by promoting tree planting, proper waste disposal, and climate-conscious behaviour. He also announced a cash reward of ₦50,000 each for the participating schools in recognition of their active participation and outstanding presentations during the interactive session, noting that the gesture was aimed at further encouraging environmental awareness among students and motivating them to continue championing climate action in their respective schools and communities.

Also speaking, Director General of the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), Mr. Samuel Dapiya, said flooding in many communities is often worsened by poor waste management practices and blocked drainage systems.

He noted that non-biodegradable waste such as plastic bottles, sachet water bags, cans and nylon materials are frequently found obstructing waterways whenever flood assessments are conducted.

Dapiya reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and revealed that authorities were considering stricter measures against activities that contribute to environmental degradation.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Issues, Mr. Israel Damaum, stressed that government efforts alone would not solve the flooding problem without active community participation.

He urged residents to support environmental initiatives by maintaining proper sanitation practices and discouraging indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways.

Other goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the University of Jos Waste Management Project, and environmental advocacy groups, all of whom emphasized environmental responsibility, tree planting, waste reduction, and climate education.

A major highlight of the event was a debate and interactive session involving students from Haneef High School Jos, Government Secondary School Laranto, COCIN LGC Nyango Private School Bukuru Low Cost, and Bethel International Christian Academy, Rayfield.

The students examined the causes and impacts of flooding in Nigeria and proposed solutions including proper waste management, regular environmental sanitation, tree planting, improved urban planning, public awareness campaigns, early warning systems, and stronger community participation in environmental protection.

They argued that while government agencies have important responsibilities, communities must also take ownership of environmental challenges to reduce flooding and build resilient neighbourhoods.

As part of the event activities, the attending students and dignitaries were also taken on a guided tour of NESREA’s operational equipment and field tools used in environmental monitoring and enforcement. The demonstration exposed them to practical aspects of the agency’s work, including waste management monitoring and compliance enforcement techniques, giving the students a better understanding of how environmental regulations are implemented in the field.

At the end of the programme, participating students were certified as Environmental Ambassadors and presented with eco-friendly school kits, seedlings, and a pledge card encouraging them to serve as advocates for environmental sustainability.

Presenting the seedlings, organizers urged the students to “Plant and Nurture, Do Not Bury,” emphasizing the importance of tree planting in combating climate change and environmental degradation.

In his closing remarks, the Plateau State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr. Polycarp Moezang, reminded participants that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.

“The issue of climate change is everybody’s business, not just government’s business. Let all that has been said here not remain mere talk. We must take actionable steps and become environmental saviours,” he said.

The event was organized by NESREA North Central Zonal Headquarters with support from Foster Tin Company Ltd, NVM, Indviz Metals, and ABC A.B. Chami & Co. Ltd.