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 reports of release of gaseous substances into the atmosphere of Abuja, the nation's federal capital territory.

This is according to a press statement signed by the Senior Legislative Aide/Head of Media to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chooks Oko, and made available to newsmen Thursday.

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 has raised serious environmental impact concerns among residents and stakeholders.

Oko stated that the NCDC DG is to appear before the committee on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 as contained in the letter of invitation dated 19th June, 2025, and signed by the House Committee chairman, Right Honourable Michael Irom Etaba, which has been sent to the DG.

He is to provide in appearance 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 statement 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.

It 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.