A two-percent increase in Ecological Fund allocation to states of the federation has been recommended by the Committee on Environment at the on-going National Conference in Abuja.
The Committee said on Wednesday that the increase became necessary in view of the expanding cost of battling ecological issues in several states partially brought about by global climatic changes.
The Committee on Environment is headed by Florence Ita-Giwa, a former member of the Senate rom Cross River State, and the 24 year old Yadoma Bukar Mandara from Borno State, the youngest delegate, who serves as Vice Chairman.
Ita-Giwa told journalists that the two per cent increase which would bring the total Ecological Fund allocation to five percent would still be like a drop in the ocean of needs.
Also on Wednesday, the Committee, in its final report, suggested the establishment of an environmental court nationwide specifically tasked with the trial of individuals, groups and organizations responsible for environmental pollution.
The chairman said such a court would be opened to hear cases involving gas flaring, desertification, erosion and oil spillage that have completely damaged the environment across the country.
Another recommendation by the Committee was the call for compensation to be paid to the displaced Bakassi people over loss of oil funds and aquatic wealth.
