LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY :- NAEHSON LAUDS PRESIDENT, JUDICIARY ….Says the verdict is a triumph for the end of open defecation .
Association for Environmental Health Scientists of Nigeria (NAEHSON) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Judiciary, and all stakeholders involved in the recent Supreme Court decision on local government autonomy.
In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Amb. Jimoh kehinde Bashir, NAEHSON said it believed that this historic decision will play critical role in boosting grassroots health, increasing sanitation profile, and abolish open defecation which had been the major challenges confronting Nigeria.
“The recent Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy is a welcome development and will serve as a key step towards assuring the efficacy of environmental health services and proper operation of local government administration”.
” The decision was a long-awaited ruling reinforces the democratic values established in the Nigerian Constitution, permitting local governments to fulfil their obligations and mandates without excessive”.
” NAEHSON seize this opportunity to once again commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for advocating the local government autonomy and supporting initiatives to create healthier communities in Nigeria.
” The President’s dedication to devolving authority and resources to the grassroots level has helped to advance projects targeted at enhancing environmental health and sanitation services in our country. The responsibility of the judiciary in defending democratic principles and values cannot be over emphasised, NAEHSON applauds the Supreme Court for its impartiality, knowledge, and commitment to achieving justice on constitutional problems”.
The momentous decision on local government autonomy would pave way for stronger and more independent local governments, hence improving the health and well-being of Nigerians at the grassroots level
NAEHSON firmly believes that enhanced local government autonomy will provide the necessary framework for effective healthcare service delivery, sanitation management, and the eradication of open defecation. Local governments will now have the power to enact and enforce appropriate environmental health policies, allocate resources, and directly address the specific needs of their communities.
As the leading professional body in environmental health,NAEHSON pledges its full support to local governments across Nigeria. We are committed to collaborating with local authorities, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that this historic judgement translates into tangible improvements in the health and sanitation services provided to our citizens.
NAEHSON particularly calls on state and local governments to seize this moment and invest in the necessary Sanitation infrastructure, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns to accelerate progress towards improved environmental health and sanitation outcomes. Ending open defecation and promoting overall community health must become a top priority for all levels of government.
We are confident that this verdict will pave the way for a healthier, cleaner, and more prosperous Nigeria”, NAEHSON submitted.
