Stakeholders advocate more budget for environment sector

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Environmental Stakeholders have called on the federal government to increase the annual budgetary allocations of environmental sector.
The appeal was made at the end of the just concluded 13th National Council of Environment(NCE),held in Kaduna state, with the theme, “Promoting Environmental Advocacy for Sustainable Development: A Panacea for Achieving the Next Level Agenda.”
A communique’ jointly signed by the Commissioner, Kano State Ministry of Environment, Dr. Kabiru Getso and Commissioner, Kogi State Ministry of Environment, Pharm Sanusi Yahaya, said the stakeholders observed that the annual budgetary allocation to the Environment sector were grossly inadequate and pleaded with the Federal and State Governments to particularly increase funding to the sector since it is the basis of human existence.
The Council has recognized the need for State and Local Governments to prioritize the issue of Land Degradation by collaborate with the Federal Government to achieve the Nation’s set target of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Programme.
It also stressed the need for States Level Climate Action to be innovative and inclusive of all Stakeholders and relevant indigenous Knowledge and Technology in order to ensure Sustainability.
The communiqué reiterated that man-made activities are more responsible for environmental degradation than natural causes .
Consequently,called on all tiers of Government, Private Sector (including Community Based Organizations, Faith-Based Organization and Non-Governmental Organizations) to collaboratively engage in aggressive public enlightment, awareness and sensitization programmes.
Also,agreed that State Commissioners of Environment hold annual State Council meetings with the Local Governments to drive grassroots involvement.
Meanwhile, the council spoke on the need to establishing a National Park Service (NPS) Training Academy to provide specialized training for officers and Men of the Service.
“Reversed the decision of the 10th NCE held in Lafia, Nasarawa State that reduced the number of days for Council proceedings from five (5) to three (3) back to status quo”.