Lagos tasks residents to protect soil

The Lagos State Government has called on residents to protect the soil and ensure its wise usage, describing it as a vital component of nature’s gift to human existence.

The appeal was made on Friday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, while addressing journalists in Alausa, Ikeja, as part of activities marking the 2025 World Soil Day.

Wahab said the day was set aside to raise awareness of the importance of soil, maintain healthy ecosystems, and promote human well-being through sustainable management of soil resources.

He emphasised that soil forms the foundation for any thriving environment, from urban centres to rural communities.

Wahab pointed out that in a city like Lagos, which is the commercial nerve centre of the nation, careful planning is essential for the proper management and protection of the soil.

“Healthy soils for healthy cities. A healthy soil is essential for life, providing ecosystem services, supporting biodiversity, sustaining productivity, socioeconomic structures, food security, and environmental health. It is worthy to note that without healthy and fertile soil, humanity will struggle to sustain life and ensure resilience,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that all residents must contribute to urban agriculture to promote food security while maintaining the rich ecological balance and biodiversity that supports sustainable living.

He warned that anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, urbanisation and soil sealing, construction, overgrazing, irrigation, excavation and mining, the use of agrochemicals, and pollution must be carefully managed in the public interest.

Wahab also encouraged the continuous greening of open and urban spaces as a measure to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote resilience, particularly by preserving the carbon content of soil organic matter in wetland areas for essential carbon sequestration.

“The soil is the largest carbon pool on land, offering a significant buffer capacity. This important ecosystem must be cared for. Protecting our soil, the general environment, and the biological processes that support life on planet Earth is a responsibility for all,” he said.

The commissioner also urged residents to avoid the indiscriminate disposal of oil, uncontrolled use of agrochemicals, and improper disposal of urban and industrial wastes, noting that adherence to these practices directly affects the quality of soil, water, and other essential elements for human existence.

culled from punch