The Federal and state governments on Thursday outlined strategies to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution at the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Katsina State.
The three-day meeting, 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.
Participants deliberated extensively on measures to mitigate climate change impacts, conserve biodiversity, and curb environmental pollution, while stressing the need for coordinated and sustained action by federal, state, and local governments.
The Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, who participated in the meeting, described the engagement as timely and impactful.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for convening the council, noting that the resolutions reached would enhance inter-agency collaboration and strengthen responses to environmental challenges, particularly in oil spill management and pollution control.
Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, thanked participants and praised Katsina State for its improved environmental performance, noting its rise from 24th position in 2024 to second place in 2025 among Nigeria’s 36 states.
He described the development as a demonstration of leadership in climate governance and environmental management.
Lawal stressed that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are interconnected crises posing serious threats to Nigeria’s environment, economy, and citizens.
He highlighted federal initiatives such as the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, and the National Adaptation Plans, all of which emphasise clean cooking solutions to reduce deforestation and protect the health of women and children in rural communities.
The minister noted that Nigeria faces diverse environmental challenges, including desertification in the north, gully erosion in the Middle Belt, and coastal erosion and rising sea levels in the south, with some communities already submerged.
He further emphasised that government funding alone is insufficient, calling for innovative financing options such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and voluntary carbon markets.
He urged states to explore green bonds and deepen private-sector engagement to support practical environmental projects.
Lawal called on stakeholders to ensure that council deliberations translate into practical, measurable, and actionable outcomes, stressing that environmental protection is central to public health, economic growth, and sustainable development.
The 18th NCE meeting ended with renewed commitments by stakeholders to implement policies and strategies aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s environment and promoting sustainable development.