The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has assured stakeholders of his unwavering commitment to addressing environmental challenges across Nigeria. The assurance came during the Ministry’s Third Quarter Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement, highlighting achievements since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in May 2023.
Speaking at the event, Minister Balarabe outlined key initiatives and policies implemented to promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and economic development. Projects highlighted include the National Adaptation Program (NAP), Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, the Green Bond Program, and other strategic interventions aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Among the Ministry’s achievements, Balarabe cited the nationwide planting of 10 million trees in collaboration with the Forestry Department, NAGGW, and ACReSAL to combat deforestation and desertification. Additionally, 195 km of shelter belts have been established across eight northern states, over 4,602 solar streetlights installed, 6,600 improved cooking stoves distributed, and 130 safer pressurized pumps deployed to support rural communities.
The Minister also highlighted the Ministry’s innovative flood management efforts, including an automated web-based early warning system providing 95% accurate alerts every five days and the execution of 238 major gully erosion control projects nationwide. Other notable initiatives include the launch of agroforestry projects with the Republic of Cameroon, the distribution of 5,253 mini solar systems to frontline states, and the commissioning of 13 operational water treatment stations in Ogoni Land. Healthcare interventions under the HYPREP project include the near-completion of a 100-bed specialist hospital and a 40-bed cottage hospital in Buan.
Mrs. Odetoro, Director of Environmental Assessment, urged Nigerians to submit views on environmental impacts before the issuance of Environmental Impact Assessment Certificates (EIAC). Meanwhile, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ibrahim Haruna, encouraged citizens both at home and abroad to track environmental sector achievements via the Ministry’s website fmenv.gov.ng and the Federal Government portal nigeria.gov.ng.
In closing, Mrs. Agnes Aneke, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, thanked stakeholders, donor partners, and citizens for their support, assuring that the Ministry will continue to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all Nigerians.
📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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