Minister reels out 2021 achievement in Environment sector

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna 

The Minister of State Enviroment , Sharon Ikeazor has reeled out 2021 significant achievements by her ministry. 

Speaking yesterday at a ministerial press briefing yesterday in Abuja,Sharon Ikeazor listed some of the major achievements made by the ministry in areas such as climate change, ogoni cleanup, wildlife management, afforestation, circular economy, waste management and pollination control among many other. 

According to her,” Index  has shown that, Nigeria  is among the  most vulnerable countries in the world affected by climate change  and it numerous challenges and consequences to the environment. 

She said “In this regard ,we have made significant strides in the area of climate change adaptation by developing a National Adaptation Communication (ADCOM) document, which provides a mechanism for Nigeria to report “priorities, implementation and support needs, plans and actions. 

Also a National Adaptation Plan Framework to help with adaptation planning and governance.

The most critical step we have taken towards playing our role in climate change mitigation and adaptation is the realization of the Climate Change Act, in November 2021. The Act provides for the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change, which will have the powers of policymaking and decisions on all matters related to climate change in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Climate Change law provides a legal framework for Nigeria’s efforts at Climate Change mitigation and adaptation in an overarching manner and has as part of its provisions the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change to be chaired by Mr. President”.

She further explained that, the Act establishes the Climate Change Fund which will help Nigeria address issues of adaptation, loss and damage, innovations to reduce GHG emissions, development of technology for renewable energy and transition to a green economy. 

She also  gave the  scorecard  of  Ogoni clean,saying that  the impacts of the remediation effort have produced remarkable employment and livelihood opportunities among Ogoni youths. 

“So far, a total of one thousand three hundred and thirty-seven (1,337) persons have been trained, employed, and earned income to support their livelihood, thereby enhancing local economy and their Livelihood Support Status”.