Climate, Biodiversity, Pollution Crises Threaten Economy, Environment — Minister

The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has stated that climate change, biodiversity losses, and pollution were interconnected crises threatening Nigeria’s environment, economy, and people.

The minister emphasised that climate change is a real and pressing challenge confronting the nation, citing flooding in Katsina State as an example of unexpected climate impacts.

Lawal urged governments across boards to take the issue seriously and act proactively.

He, however, commended the Katsina State Government for establishing a Green Investment Fund (2025–2035), aimed at mobilising private sector resources to combat environmental challenges such as desert encroachment, soil degradation, and water scarcity, while promoting sustainable growth and job creation.

The minister stated this at the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Katsina State.

The three-day gathering brought together policymakers, environmental experts and development partners from across the country.

He highlighted federal initiatives such as the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan, Great Green Wall Programme, National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, and National Adaptation Plan.

He also underscored the need for clean cooking solutions to reduce deforestation and protect rural women’s and children’s health.

Mallam Lawal also called for innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and voluntary carbon markets, encouraging states to explore green bonds and engage the private sector to support tangible environmental projects.

He urged participants to ensure that deliberations lead to practical, actionable, and measurable outcomes, stressing that environmental protection is fundamental to public health, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.

Also speaking at the summit, the Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, described the engagement as timely and impactful in advancing Nigeria’s environmental protection agenda.

Engr. Woke hailed the Federal Ministry of Environment for convening the council, noting that the resolutions reached would strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance effective responses to environmental challenges, particularly in oil spill management and pollution control.

Deliberations also highlighted the importance of translating environmental policies into practical and measurable interventions capable of addressing environmental degradation and improving environmental outcomes across the country.