Stakeholders Move To Tackle Climate, Biodiversity, Pollution Crises

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s environmental sector have moved to confront the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution following the successful hosting of the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Katsina State.

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

It was themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

The council served as a high-level platform for deliberations on strengthening environmental governance and advancing sustainable development nationwide.

Participants engaged in extensive discussions on strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, protect biodiversity and reduce environmental pollution, while emphasizing the need for coordinated and sustained actions by the federal, state and local governments.

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.

The Director General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, describing the engagement as timely and impactful in advancing Nigeria’s environmental protection agenda.

Engr. Woke commended 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.

The minister of environment , Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, praised Katsina State government for its remarkable environmental performance.

He highlighted that Katsina rose from 24th place in 2024 to 2nd in 2025 among Nigeria’s 36 states, demonstrating leadership in climate governance and environmental management.

The minister emphasized that climate change is a real and pressing challenge, citing flooding in Katsina as an example of unexpected climate impacts. He urged governments to take the issue seriously and act proactively.

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

Lawal stressed that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are interconnected crises threatening Nigeria’s environment, economy, and people.

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.

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

The 18th NCE meeting concluded with renewed commitments by stakeholders to implement actionable policies and strategies aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s environment and ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations.