THE House of Representatives Committee on Environment has summoned the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Desease Control (NCDC), Dr. Olajide Idris, to appear before it on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 and address allegations of release of gaseous substances into the atmosphere of Abuja, the federal capital territory.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker/Head, Media, Chooks Oko, the invitation followed a petition received by the committee over the emission of gaseous and chemical contents into the atmosphere around Gaduwa area of the FCT, which raised environmental concerns among residents.
The statement added that the the invitation was also in accordance with the constitutional oversight roles and responsibilities of the House of Representatives and the strategic role of the NCDC in safeguarding public health.
It read, “The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has summoned the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Desease 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 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 emphasized 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.”
