Minister clarifies lifting ban on charcoal

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of State, Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has clarified that the lifting of ban on charcoal was a decision made to address a sustainable balance between economics and climate actions.
Salako made this known during a visit of Africa Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ), led by OXFAM, in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria
at the weekend in Abuja .
He said, “It is important to
regulate activities of charcoal rather than imposing total bans to ensure responsibility and the regulated use for economic purposes.
Speaking on the collaboration between the Ministry OXFAM , AACJ, the Minister said “Iam fully an advocate and Iam in full support of the partnership with Oxfam and the African Activists for Climate Justice, recognising their advocacy efforts in climate justice, policies, actions, mobilisation and awareness.
The minister spoke on the need for continuous engagement with the people so that there can be exchanged of ideas.
“When we are talking about environmental issues, climate issues the actions of government is great but without the people, those actions will not have any impact .
“ So what so ever government is doing, we must continuously engage with the people so that there can be that cross fertilization of ideas, people knows what government is doing, government knows what people are doing and therefore all of us can continuously improve and CSO, NGO can be part of the people.
“The effect of climate change on health is very very big. I will be very happy to come on board with you to join you in ensuring that we drive the need change we desire to see. Count me in as one of your advocate”, he said.
Giving insight on Climate Change Act, he said that the act has been passed.
He said there’s need for its effective implementation.
He explained that passing the act is just the first step, and the focus should now be on achieving its intended objectives.