By JOAN NWAGWU

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the destruction of green areas and encroachment on natural waterways in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that the development poses serious environmental and health risks to residents.

Mr Eche Asuzu, NLC National Coordinator on Climate Change and Just Transition, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Asuzu said the destruction of vegetation, public parks and other green areas in the FCT undermined the principles of climate justice and environmental sustainability.

“What is happening in the FCT fundamentally undermines the principles that informed the whole quest for climate justice.

“We claim we want development, yet we are pursuing it in an unsustainable manner by clearing forests, vegetation and public parks that serve as the lungs of nature,” he said.

According to him, the continued encroachment on green areas and waterways is contributing to the rising temperatures being experienced in Abuja.

“Abuja is becoming hotter and the reason is because nature is being violated.

“When you stop waterways from flowing naturally and destroy vegetation, nature will fight back,” he said.

He described the development as unacceptable and called on the FCT Administration to halt further destruction of green areas and restore environmental standards in the city.

“We demand that such infractions on nature and public spaces should stop immediately.

“What we are seeing is scandalous, with structures springing up along riverbeds, water channels and green zones meant to protect the environment,” he said.

Asuzu also warned that workers and low-income residents would bear the brunt of the environmental consequences because many lived in poorly planned communities with inadequate infrastructure.

“Workers are at the forefront of climate change impacts and these actions will worsen their condition,” he said.

He urged the FCT Minister to ensure strict adherence to the Abuja Master Plan and restore green infrastructure across the city.

“The natural lungs of the FCT must be restored. Abuja needs to breathe,” he said.

Asuzu also assured workers in the informal sector that the NLC would continue to represent and defend their interests in climate change negotiations at national, regional and global levels.

He said the congress would continue to advocate workers’ protection, green jobs, occupational safety, compensation for livelihood losses and equitable climate transition policies. (NAN)

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