A member of the National Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki has expressed optimism that the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) amendment Bill currently before the Senate will help to solve the problem of oil spillage.

Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, Senator Saraki who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Ecology said the bill had passed through second reading in the Senate.

He noted that the NESREA amendment Bill would resolve most environmental problems in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country, pointing out that the Bill when passed into law will go a long way towards addressing issues relating to environmental matters.

Saraki added that there would be real compensation and penalties for oil spillage, which would make those concerned to take responsibility and explained that with the law in place, the issue of spillage on communities and littering of environment with oil would be a thing of the past.

The immediate past Governor of Kwara State also noted that the law among other things would strengthen the environmental agencies and help in the provision of more fund. Senator Saraki, however stressed the need to reform the nation's judicial system with a view to make it more efficient and effective.

The Senator, who shed more light on the delay in the commencement of Asa Dam dredging in the state, blamed it on bureaucratic bottle-neck at the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Saraki said the contract for the dredging of the river was awarded by the Federal Government more than two years ago and assured the people of the state that the project had not been abandoned and was still being pursued, saying that work would soon start on it.

He attributed the flooding being experienced in some parts of the country recently to largely man-made and urged the members of the public to always obey simple environmental laws and show concern on issues that could lead to flooding and environmental problem.

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