The federal government has renewed its commitment to tackling the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The commitment was reiterated at the close of the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting held in Katsina state.
The three-day meeting, hosted by the federal ministry of environment, brought together commissioners, environmental experts, policymakers and development partners from across the country.
The meeting, themed: ‘Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria’, focused on strengthening environmental governance and advancing sustainable development nationwide.
Advertisement
Speaking at the event, Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, said the theme was timely, noting that the triple planetary crisis posed serious risks to Nigeria’s economy.
“This is collectively known as the triple planetary crisis recognised as critical to Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic resilience, and environmental security,” Lawal said.
The minister warned that rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, pollution and ecosystem degradation were already undermining livelihoods across the country.
Advertisement
Lawal stressed that the challenges were deeply interconnected and required an integrated, science-driven and multi-sectoral response.
He cited ongoing national initiatives such as the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, as well as renewable energy and clean cooking policies, as part of government’s response.
The minister commended the Katsina government 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 2025–2030 climate action plan.
Advertisement
He urged other states to adopt similar approaches, saying environmental challenges such as desertification and soil degradation could be transformed into opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
Lawal also called for innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds and carbon markets, while urging stronger private sector engagement.
Earlier, Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina state, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Represented by Faruk Jobe, his deputy, Radda said the state provided early funding approval and sustained support to ensure the successful hosting of the council meeting.
Advertisement
He described the NCE as a critical platform for policy harmonisation, collaboration and coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges.
Advertisement
