The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has called upon the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Olajide Idris, to appear before it on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to respond to allegations regarding the release of gaseous substances into the atmosphere of Abuja, the federal capital territory.
As stated by the Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker/Head, Media, Chooks Oko, this invitation was prompted by a petition received by the committee concerning the emission of gaseous and chemical substances into the atmosphere in the Gaduwa area of the FCT, which has raised environmental concerns among local residents.
Furthermore, the statement indicated that this invitation aligns with the constitutional oversight duties and responsibilities of the House of Representatives, as well as the strategic role of the NCDC in protecting public health.
The statement reads: “The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has summoned the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Olajide Idris, to appear before it to clear allegations of release of gaseous substances into the atmosphere of Abuja, the nation’s federal capital territory.
“The invitation is based on a petition received by the committee over the emission of gaseous and chemical contents into the atmosphere around the Gaduwa area of the FCT, which has raised serious environmental impact concerns among residents and stakeholders.
“In the invitation letter dated 19th June, 2025, and signed by the House Committee chairman, Right Honourable Michael Irom Etaba, the DG is to appear before the committee on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, to provide detailed clarification on the nature and source of the reported gaseous emissions and explain the role or response of the NCDC in addressing the incident.
“The DG is to also furnish the committee with any preliminary findings on the health implications for residents of the FCT as well as outline the immediate and long-term measures put in place by the centre to prevent recurrence.
“The letter emphasised that the invitation is in recognition of the strategic role of the NCDC in safeguarding public health, and in accordance with the constitutional oversight roles and responsibilities of the House of Representatives.
“The letter further requests the Director-General to come along with all relevant officers, reports, materials or technical documents that may aid the Committee’s understanding of the matter and facilitate the effective performance of its oversight function.”