FG committed to unwavering environmental sustainability, policies

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Federal Ministry of Environment has reiterated its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and policies.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal made this known at the 7th session of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held in Abuja yesterday.

Lawal who provided an overview of the key achievements of his ministry and its agencies from the inception of the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu,from May 2023 to date.
He Highlighted strategic initiatives undertaken by the Ministry, challenges encountered and the waysforward in achieving a greener and more sustainable future for our country in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President.
He said “we remain dedicated to implementing policies and initiatives that drive sustainable development for the benefit of our people and future generations”.
While rollout tremendous achievements recorded by the ministry.
He said alot of achievements have been recorded in all departments and agencies of the ministry.
Forestry and Afforestation
The Ministry has put in place strategies to tackle unsustainableagricultural practices, excessive logging and infrastructure deficit significantly reducing the rate of deforestation, forest degradation and adverse climate conditions.
“It’s worthy of note that achievements have been recorded with regards to restoration of forest in Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tnubu”.
He said the major key players in the restoration and conservation of forests as well as biodiversity and ecosystem protection under the Ministry Planting of over 4 million trees in collaboration with NAGGW and ACReSAL across the country to combat deforestation and desertification.
“The Ministry has commenced implementation of a Bamboo development factory in Kogi State to promote Bamboo and RattanEconomy in Nigeria in line with the diversification drive of the Renewed Hope Administration. Feasibility studies for the development of Seven more Bamboo factories are ongoing in Ogun, Cross Rivers, Kaduna, Edo, Benue, Ekiti and Taraba States”.
POLLUTION CONTROL AND ENVIRONMENT HEALTH

The Ministry in collaboration with UNIDO is implementing the phase out of ozone depleting substances in refrigerators and Air conditioners.
Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP)
The Ministry, under President Tinubu’s Administration commissioned 9 out of 10 gigantic operational water treatment stations in Ogoni land under HYPREP.
“These water stations are now supplying potable water to over 30 communities in Ogoni land.”
Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON)
Registered over 16,000 practitioners in both public and private health institutions and;
Issuance of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulation 2024 by Mr. President on 18th Feb. 2025
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
Nigerian has signed and agreement with Chinese Government on Renewable Energy and Green Economy in Nigeria during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) 29 in Baku Azerbaijan on 15th November 2024. The implementation of the MoU has commenced at Lekki Low Carbon Demonstration Zone in Lagos with an initial take up grant of $1 million from the Chinese Government.National Adaptation Plan is a strategic initiative designed to address the country’s medium- and long-term adaptation needs in response to climate change among so many other achievements.
Similarly, The minister
Emphasized that addressing environmental challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, private sector actors, communities, and Development partners.
He said strengthening policies, improving enforcement mechanisms, increasing financial investments, and enhancing public awareness will be crucial in achieving sustainable environmental management and resilience to climate change.
He also expressed his profound gratitude to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and his steadfast support for the programs and initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The minister reaffirmed his ministry dedication to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President which focuses on a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Nigeria.

Earlier,The Minister of Information and National Orientation,Mohammed Idris, stated that this platform continue to demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public engagement.

He said each engagement has provided Nigerians at home and abroad with firsthand insights into the policies and programmes of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He reiterated that every minister will have the opportunity to address the public through this platform in the build-up to the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations.

Idris said “I therefore call on our media professionals and editors to be discerning in their reportage. We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave. We must take them off the front pages and accurately report them as the criminals they are, without glorifying their acts or giving credence to their false narratives. These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such”.

He also urged journalists and editors to be responsible saying that patriotic journalism is essential to building a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria – one that holds promise not just for our nation, but for the stability and development of the entire West African sub-region and the African continent at large.