Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja during a two-day training organised for environment reporters in collaboration with Lincoin Publication Limited .

The training theme is:”Engaging media outfits on reporting environmental sustainability in Nigeria”.

Lawal said that the ministry will ensure that journalists have better access to information for reports, facilitating evidence-based, data-driven journalism on climate change, pollution, and natural resource management.

“Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the organisers for convening this gathering of Nigeria’s finest journalists, broadcasters, digital content creators, and communication experts.

“Your presence here today represents not just a meeting of minds, but the strengthening of a strategic alliance for the survival and prosperity of the nation.

“The mass media, often regarded as the Fourth Estate of the realm, plays a critical role in information dissemination, especially within the environmental sector.

The minister said that stories told today can shape behaviour, influence policy, and inspire hope.

“The tools of your profession, pens, microphones, cameras, and keyboards are powerful instruments for change.

“Together, Nigeria’s environmental future can be secured by protecting natural heritage, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development for present and future generations.

“In a time when environmental challenges are increasing in scale and complexity, this role has become even more vital.

“The environment is not an abstract concept. It is the air we breathe, the land that feeds us, the rivers that sustain communities, and the climate that shapes the future,” Lawal said.

He said the ministry regards the media as indispensable partners and key stakeholders in reporting environmental issues, including climate change, ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resource management.

“The media serves as the mirror through which society understands itself, the megaphone that amplifies truth, and the bridge connecting policy to the people.

“Digital and social media platforms provide additional opportunities to engage a broad and youthful audience,” the minister reiterated.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Uwaegbu, Human Resources Manager Lincoin Publication Limited said that the training was a commitment to national development.

He explained that Lincoin Publication Limited is proud to be associated with the ministry and remains fully committed to strengthening this partnership.

“We look forward to continued collaboration and to contribute meaningfully to future initiatives that drive progress and innovation.

Dr Salihu Usman, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said that the role media persons play in informing, educating, and shaping public discourse on environmental matters cannot be overstated.

Usman who was represented by Dr Bahijjattu Abubakar, Director of Pollution control and Environmental Health in the ministry commended the media for their unwavering support in showcasing the Ministry’s programmes, policies, and initiatives.

“Your efforts in highlighting critical environmental issues, sharing accurate information, and amplifying facts have significantly contributed to increased public awareness and engagement,” he said.

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Prof. Joseph Terlumun, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation said this at the Workshop for the Presentation and final Validation of Nine (9) Strategic Catchment Management Plans, under the ACReSAL Project.

“Our goal is clear: to strengthen climate resilience, restore degraded landscapes, and empower communities to manage their resources sustainably. The 20 Strategic Catchment Management Plans are at the heart of this effort.

“As we meet here in Abuja, millions of our fellow citizens in the 19 Northern States and the FCT face tough daily battles: advancing deserts, unreliable rains, degraded farmlands, and shrinking water bodies.

“These are not abstract problems they threaten the food on our tables, the income of our farmers and herders, and the stability of our communities.

“The ACReSAL Project represents Nigeria’s bold response to these challenges. As the anchor Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Environment, working closely with Water Resources and Agriculture, is proud to lead this initiative,” he said.

The minister said that the project provides the blueprint for integrated action, identifying priority areas, mobilising resources, and coordinating efforts across sectors and stakeholders.

Dr Joy Agene, the World Bank Task Team Leader, said that the gathering marked an important milestone in Nigeria’s collective efforts to strengthen sustainable water resources management and enhance climate resilience across the catchments that so many communities depend upon.

“The World Bank recognises the immense dedication, technical expertise, and collaboration that have shaped the strategic documents being validated today.

“Effective Catchment management is not only a technical endeavour it is a cornerstone for resilient livelihoods, ecological stability, and long-term development.

“The work you are validating represents the voices of communities, the insights of practitioners, and the commitment of government and development partners to safeguarding these critical landscapes.

Agene said that as climate change continues to intensify pressures on water systems, it is essential that Nigeria’s strategies are evidence-based, inclusive, and forward-looking.

“Today’s validation process is an opportunity to build consensus, refine priorities, and ensure that interventions are practical, sustainable, and aligned with national goals.

“The World Bank remains fully committed to supporting the government and all stakeholders in advancing integrated Catchment planning,” she said.

Mr Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for ACReSAL said that the effects of desertification, drying rivers, and degraded farmlands are not distant stories they are realities in our homes and communities across Northern Nigeria.

“A key pillar of this work has been the development of 20 Strategic Catchment Management Plans, our roadmap to restore watersheds, promote sustainable farming, and protect the environment for generations,” Umar said.

He added that Catchment is also a guide to where ACReSAL would invest next, like in tree planting, better water management, climate-smart agriculture, and quick-win actions that bring immediate benefits to households and farms.

Mr Chuka Ofodili Consultant at Mecon Geology and Engineering Services LTD said that the Malenda Catchment is a strategically important multi-state watershed spanning parts of Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara States.

He said the catchment is anchored around the Malenda River system and its tributaries, the basin drains into the River Niger corridor and supports irrigation agriculture, livestock production, inland fisheries, and rural water supply across both upland and floodplain environments.

“It’s savanna ecology, extensive floodplains, and forest reserves within the Borgu, Kontagora axis. It is regionally significant for food security, biodiversity conservation, and flood regulation.

“The catchment’s role is in sustaining agrarian livelihoods, regulating seasonal flows into the Niger system, and buffering climate variability, positions.

“It is a critical landscape for integrated watershed management and climate resilience planning in north-central and north-western Nigeria.

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Mr Bello Bawa Bwari, the Director-General (D-G) of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), gave the assurance during a media interaction in Abuja on Friday.

“Where there is communication,you reduce conflict. Effective communication is key, effective engagement with stakeholders is paramount and key to making Nigeria better.

Bwari said anti GMO’s critics keep participants and practitioners on their toes.

“We value them and we expect that their criticisms, suggestions and recommendations will make our operations in the entire spectrum better.

“Where we are not doing so well, we will hear from them, where we can advance explanations, we will advance explanations. Where they are not doing well, we will tell them. We will not run away from doing that.

“But I want to assure you that we are bold enough to face anybody who is not fact-based,” DG said.

He reassured that sometime before the end of the second quarter of 2026 there will be a retreat where all stakeholders would be invited.

“And also, the impact we are bringing is going to be measurable by the end of 2026. And going forward, what we do by the end of 2026 will form the basis of our five-year plan.

“There’s a five-year plan which will start at the end of 2026. So, I enjoin you the media to please report what you know as a matter of fact, not as a matter of opinion.

“We all have different opinions, but some of our opinions are not facts. From the quality of what I see on papers, reportage, I think largely I’m impressed with what the press is doing in Nigeria so far,” he said.

Bwari stated that Nigerians deserve to understand what NBMA regulates, why they regulate it, and how decisions are made.

“Part of my focus going forward will be strengthening engagement with the media, researchers, policymakers, and the public because regulation works best when it is understood.

“We are not promoters of any technology, and we are not opponents of innovation. We are regulators.

“But at its core, biosafety is about prevention, caution, and preparedness. It is about ensuring that innovation does not outpace safety, and that national development never compromises public health or environmental integrity.

The dg promised to imbibe to uphold the law without fear or favour, communicate more clearly with the public and ensure that every regulatory decision is transparent, evidence-based, and accountable.

“NBMA is not an advocacy agency. Our duty is to assess risks, enforce safeguards, and ensure compliance with national and international biosafety standards.I also want to emphasise that public trust matters.

He further urged the media to help Nigerians understand biosafety and biosecurity in a better way.

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The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, said this at the National Capacity Building Workshop on Project Oversight for GEF, Operational Focal Point (OFP) and Implementing Partners in Nigeria.

“The Global Environment Facility has remained a long-standing and strategic partner to Nigeria in addressing our critical environmental challenges.”

He said that the workshop underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening environmental governance, improving project delivery, and ensuring that Nigeria maximises the benefits of global environmental financing.

Lawal who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Mahmud Kambari, said that the nation faced a complex mix of environmental issues.

“These environmental issues according to him, ranges from desertification encroachment on the northern frontiers, plastic pollution which threatens Nigeria’s cities and waterways.

“Biodiversity loss across key ecosystems, oil contamination in the Niger Delta, to climate change risks that continue to endanger lives and livelihoods.

“These challenges demand not only financial resources, but also strong institutional capacity to plan, implement, monitor, and oversee projects effectively.

“In this regard, GEF-supported projects have played a significant role in advancing environmental sustainability in Nigeria.”

The minister said that through its interventions, GEF had supported biodiversity conservation initiatives that have helped conserved over 500 indigenous plant species.

He said that it had also promoted sustainable forest management, and strengthened community-based conservation efforts across the country.

“In the area of climate change mitigation, GEF projects have focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable land-use practices, contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s climate action goals.

“GEF has also been instrumental in addressing land degradation by supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, restore degraded landscapes, and enhance food security and ecosystem health,” Lawal said.

The permanent secretary in his remarks noted that the workshop was the outcome of the shared desire to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with GEF.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kambari was represented by Mrs Nkechi Aneke, Director, Department of Planning Research and Statistics in the ministry.

Kambari said the workshop was also to ensure that Nigeria was fully equipped to manage its portfolio to international standards.

The permanent secretary noted that with more than three decades of partnership with the GEF, Nigeria continued to benefit from programmes and projects that address biodiversity conservation.

“Climate change mitigation and adaptation, land degradation control, international waters management, and the reduction of chemicals and waste.

“However, achieving real impact requires more than funding, it requires coordination, technical competence, and strong oversight,” the permanent secretary said.

Kambari commended the funding support of GEF in collaboration with the Tropical Biology Association (TBA) for facilitating the workshop.

Dr Michael David, the Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food, Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), said that the training was part of GEF’s initiative.

David said the initiative was to provide some financial support and capacity building to over 144 countries with GEF operational focal point offices.

“So here in Africa, the Tropical Biology Association is leading the work in 25 countries while the African Wildlife is organising this same training in 29 other countries.

“So it’s basically for the OFP to strengthen oversight. Project oversight is important,” David explained.

He lauded GEF’s initiative to address biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution as well as its support for environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

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The federal government made the commitment at the closing of the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Katsina State.

The three-day meeting, which held at the Katsina State Secretariat, brought together commissioners, environmental experts, policymakers, and development partners from across the country.

With the theme “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the council meeting served as a high-level platform for discussions on strengthening environmental governance and promoting sustainable development nationwide.

Speaking, Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, described the theme as timely and imperative.

“This is collectively known as the triple planetary crisis recognised as critical to Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic resilience, and environmental security.

Lawal warned that rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are already undermining livelihoods across the country, stressing that the crises are deeply interlinked and require an integrated, science-driven, and multi-sectoral response.

The minister commended Katsina State for its exemplary leadership in climate governance, noting its second place ranking in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking.

He highlighted the state’s Green Economy Roadmap, which prioritises renewable energy, dryland agriculture, eco-tourism, waste-to-energy solutions, and climate-smart development, alongside plans to establish a Green Investment Fund and implement a 2025 to 2030 Climate Action Plan.

He urged other states to replicate Katsina’s approach in transforming challenges such as desertification and soil degradation into opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

Lawal cited ongoing national initiatives including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, and renewable energy and clean cooking policies.

He also called for innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and carbon markets,

The minister urged stronger private-sector engagement, identifying corporate actors such as the Dangote Group and Nigeria Bottling Company as potential partners in environmental restoration and sustainability efforts.

Earlier, Gov. Dikko Radda, reaffirmed the state’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Radda, who was represented by Malam Faruk Jobe, the Deputy Governor, highlighted the government’s early approval of funding and sustained support that ensured the successful hosting of the Council.

He described the NCE as a vital platform for policy harmonisation, collaboration, and coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges.

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Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made this known at the launch of “Disseminating the National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS) 2023 report” on Tuesday in Abuja.

“As a Ministry, we will apply these findings across the core levers of agricultural transformation, ensuring that our programmes remain data-driven, impact-focused and aligned with the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“A nation that measures well governs well. And food security begins with information security.

“This report should be seen as a practical tool for decision-making, one that guides policy choices, informs investment priorities and accelerates the reforms required across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“In a country of more than 232 million people, the strength of our food system depends on the quality of the data that guides national decisions,” Kyari said.

The minister explained that without credible evidence, interventions risk being misdirected and investments may fail to reach the areas of highest need.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Food and Agriculture of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank launched “Disseminating the National Agricultural Sample Survey NASS the 2023 report”.

He stated that the National Agricultural Sample Survey provides reliable, sector-wide data that helps the agriculture sector track production, understand emerging trends, and guide policy decisions.

“The 2023 edition, produced through collaboration between the National Bureau of Statistics, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the FAO, and the World Bank, presents detailed information on crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry across all 36 States, the Federal Capital Territory, and 767 Local Government Areas.

“This breadth of coverage ensures that national planning and sector interventions are grounded in credible evidence.

“Every effective agricultural system rests on two pillars: the work of our farmers and the quality of the data that directs national policy.

Kyari added that the launch and dissemination of the National Agricultural Sample Survey 2023 represents an important step in ensuring that our national choices are informed, targeted, and grounded firmly in evidence.

“This report therefore represents more than statistical outputs; it reflects our commitment to transparency, disciplined planning, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“The findings of the National Agricultural Sample Survey 2023 present a clear and compelling picture of national production.

“The data we are presenting today is central to that mandate because it gives us the precision required to target interventions, close gaps, and drive the reforms needed to secure our nation’s food system.

“These data points also remind us that every figure reflects real activity across the country, from production to processing to marketing.

“With these digital foundations in place, insights from the NASS move from static data to operational intelligence, enabling a more transparent, efficient and connected agricultural system,” the Minister said.

Dr Hussein Gadain, the Director-General FAO representative in Nigeria said the NASS 2023 Report is not just a presentation of data but a celebration of collaboration, commitment, and progress towards building a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria.

“This event represents a major milestone in our shared efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural statistics system, foster evidence-based policymaking, and promote transparency and accountability within the sector.

“Reliable data is the foundation upon which sound policies are built, and the NASS 2023 report provides exactly that a comprehensive and credible picture of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

“The report offers detailed insights into critical components of the sector, including crop production, livestock, fisheries, land use, farm inputs, post-harvest losses, farming systems, and socio-economic indicators of agricultural households,” Gadain said.

Similarly, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran Statistician General of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said that the NASS Report 2023 provides critical information on crop production, livestock, aquaculture, labour amongst all.

Adeniran who was represented by Mr David Babalola an official of NBS said that data is essential for shaping effective policies and driving sustainable growth.

“The findings from the NASS Report 2023 represent a significant milestone in strengthening our national data system.

“The collaboration between the NBS, FAO and the World Bank have been instrumental in strengthening our capacity to generate credible, timely and policy-relevant agricultural statistics.

“Today’s event underscores our collective commitment to improving the quality of agricultural data and ensuring that evidence-based insights guide national planning, food security, interventions, and the broader transformation of the agricultural sector,” Adeniran said.

According to him, the survey also reaffirms the national bioscience commitment to upholding global best practices in data production through improved methodologies, enhanced field operations, rigorous quality data assurance processes and development of modern digital tools, in Nigeria.

Mr Henry Karshima Assistant Chief Forest Officer in the Ministry of Environment said that the role of agriculture cannot be overemphasised in food security especially with the launch of the survey.
Mr Abdulhameed Umar National Project Coordinator for Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes expressed satisfaction with the project in line of restoring land degradation through data collection.

On his part, Asad Alam, the Senior Economist and Project leader 50×2030 Initiative World Bank Nigeria Development Data Group, Economic Division commended the initiative of making data a priority in agricultural activities to ensure food security.

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He gave this assurance during the national meeting of the group on Thursday in Abuja, where members gathered to review the administration’s progress and outline a path toward 2027.

Ebegba said the issue of insecurity would soon be contained, adding that before 2027, Nigerians would see significant improvements in national security and reduced threats from criminal elements and bandits.

“Nigeria must rise above criminality. We will defeat our enemies.

“Bandits terrorising our people will surrender and be brought to their knees by the Federal Government,” he stated.

He said the Tinubu administration was focused on legacy-building through economic platforms, structures, and programmes designed to support both present and future generations sustainably.

On healthcare, Ebegba said the government was strengthening existing medical institutions and establishing new ones to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to all Nigerians across the country.

He also noted improvements in the power sector, highlighting government efforts to develop alternative energy sources, especially solar systems, to ensure reliable electricity for homes and businesses nationwide.

According to him, the administration is also investing in railway infrastructure to modernise the system and improve connectivity between major cities, boosting economic and social development.

Ebegba explained that the national meeting aimed to assess the administration’s journey from 2023, and enlighten members on Federal Government achievements and plans leading into the 2027 political season.

He added that the forum also served to identify ongoing challenges, strategised solutions, and strengthened grassroots mobilisation toward realising Tinubu’s vision by the next electoral cycle.

“At the end of this meeting, state representatives will take the message home, sensitise others, and promote our renewed commitment to Tinubu’s leadership vision for 2027,” he said.

He expressed hope that the outcome of the meeting would inspire more Nigerians to support the current administration and work in alignment with President Tinubu’s ongoing development agenda.

Ebegba described President Bola Tinubu as a patriotic leader with proven commitment, adding that with a renewed mandate, Tinubu would perform even better and leave a lasting impact.

He said his support for the administration was rooted in belief that both the current generation and future ones would benefit from the president’s reforms and development-driven governance.

The patron also hailed Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a compassionate and visionary woman committed to nation-building through sustainable and impactful programmes.

Mr Kelvin Ezekiel, the convener of the group, commended the Tinubu administration for its work in the education sector, especially the rollout of the student loan programme.

He appreciated stakeholders for their commitment and for developing practical solutions to the challenges faced by the current administration, as discussed during the national strategy meeting.

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He made the remark in Abuja on Wednesday at the third quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Meeting, where ministry officials outlined recent environmental policies, achievements, and ongoing public health efforts.

“Once you can clear the environment and make it conducive for living, you’ll reduce the risk of frequent hospital visits and disease outbreaks,” the minister said.

He said many ailments, including cholera, typhoid, malaria, and flu, were environmentally driven, and that a cleaner environment directly reduced the chances of those diseases affecting individuals and their families.

Lawal stressed that a clean, safe environment was one of the most important foundations for a healthy population, adding that the ministry had made tangible progress over the last two years.

“The most important value of this ministry is to secure a quality environment that supports good health and well-being of people, plants, animals, and the overall ecosystem,” the minister added.

He emphasised the ministry’s responsibility to promote sustainable use of natural resources, support environmental research, and implement development initiatives that enhanced conservation and sustainability nationwide.

“We are also tasked with restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and strengthening public understanding of environmental issues by raising awareness and promoting the use of accurate environmental indicators,” Lawal said.

Earlier, Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, said the meeting aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance.

Kambari, represented by Mrs Oluwayemisi Salako, Director of the Legal Department, said the ministry had carried out numerous programmes, projects, and reforms aimed at improving environmental sustainability across Nigeria.

He noted that many of the ministry’s efforts had not been properly documented or publicised due to the lack of a structured platform to highlight achievements and collect public feedback on challenges.

“Today’s session allows us to present updates on our recent environmental milestones, highlight existing challenges, and engage directly with citizens for improved environmental management,” Kambari said.

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Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2025 World Environment Day, usually marked annually on June 5.

He said that the government had evolved a strategic framework – the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management – to reduce plastic use, promoting recycling, and encouraging innovation in alternatives to single-use plastics.

“As we celebrate World Environment Day, I would like to assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is committed to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient environment.

“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are taking decisive steps to address plastic pollution at all levels.

“The theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” resonates with a global urgency that cannot be overstated.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue but also an economic and public health crisis,” Lawal said.

According to him, the ministry has also inaugurated the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which mandates producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, from production to disposal.

“The ministry is collaborating with key stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to ensure that environmental policies translate into meaningful impact. However, we cannot do this alone.

“The fight against plastic pollution and other environmental challenges must be a people-oriented movement.

“This is a fight for the preservation of our ecosystems, the future of our children, and the survival of our dear planet,” he said.

Lawal said that Nigeria like many other nations, faces significant challenges in managing plastic waste.

“Our cities and rural communities suffer from the burden of unchecked plastic pollution ranging from sachet water bags littering our streets to microplastics entering our food chain and causing public health concerns.

“Every minute, plastic waste is being dumped into our oceans, rivers, and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and contributing to flooding in our urban centres.

“We are also supporting innovative circular economy models to drive recycling and promote plastic alternatives, especially across government ministries, departments, and agencies,” the minister assured.

Also, Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner, Economic Affairs and Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission, reaffirmed the body’s commitment to a clean, resilient and sustainable environment for future generations.

“Don’t put light plastic in microwave. Plastic is manufactured from oil and plastic contains hydrocarbon.

“When you put light plastic in microwave, this is the driver for cancer.

“The theme of this year: “Together we can beat plastic pollution” resonates deeply with our regional priorities.

“Plastic pollution is not only a global menace concern, but a regional and national crisis,” Toure-Litse said.

According to him, a World Bank report indicates that the region generates nearly eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste every year.

“A figure that is set to rise by 52 per cent in five years time.

“In addition, more than 80 per cent of plastic waste is poorly managed in West Africa, adversely affecting human, animal health, ecosystem and blue economy sector such as fishing and tourism.

“The cost of damage of one tonne of plastic pollution is about 10,000 to 33,000 US dollars.

“There is a growing recognition that plastic pollution is a transboundary problem that requires a coordinated regional response.

“So in this regard, ECOWAS is committed to addressing persistent challenge by adopting a regional regulation,” he said.

The commissioner said that across the region, Ghana and Nigeria were scaling up the Circular Economy Initiative, adding that the ECOWAS Commission would harmonise environmental standards and promote green industrialisation.

Mrs Alero Balogun, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services, Oando Clean Energy Ltd, urged stakeholders to support a better environment and climate change.

“Let this be the beginning or the continuation of a movement, one that puts people at the centre of plastic, in the right place and purpose behind every partnership,” Balogun said.

Similarly, Mrs Habiba Abubakar, Managing Director, ZoomLion Nigeria, expressed determination to partner with the ministry of environment in ending plastic pollution in Nigeria and to also turn plastic to wealth.

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Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the NPS, made this commitment in an interview with our reporter in Abuja on Wednesday.

The C-G stated that the approval for the establishment of 10 new national parks in the country would contribute to carbon reduction.

“The seven national parks provide a total area of vegetation of 20,000 square kilometres, and we are confident that it would sequestrate carbon by 4.8 million parts.

“This means that with the introduction of the new 10 national parks, carbon dioxide is going to be sequestrated”.

Goni further advised residents to engage in afforestation to reclaim lands that have been degraded due to erosion.

He commended the Federal Government for its efforts in carbon mediation and for planting 25 million trees to cushion the effects of climate change in the country.

Goni also expressed satisfaction with the federal government’s tree-planting efforts, describing it as a huge step towards conserving the country’s natural resources.

“In 2020, the federal government approved the establishment of 10 new national parks”.

It was reported that the 10 new national parks are located in Alawa National Park in Niger, Apoi and Edumenun National Parks in Bayelsa, Galgore National Park in Kano state, and Hadejia Wetland National Park in Jigawa.

Others are Kampe National Park in Kwara, Kogo National Park in Katsina, Marhi National Park in Nasarawa state, Oba Hill National Park in Osun and Pandam National Park in Plateau.

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