Environment Minister calls FAN, PBOT Green Initiative to support Afforestation programme

From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Federal Government, has called on Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Green Initiative Programme for the ongoing afforestation Programme across the country.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal who solicited this on behalf of the government disclosed this during a courtesy visit by FAN led by its President, Dr Afolabi Abiodun, recently in the minister’s office, Abuja.
Lawal stated that, “in order to improve afforestation programme in the Country, all hands must be on deck including the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders to tackle desert encroachment by improving tree planting which FAN and PBAT Green Initiatives Programme focuses on”.
He urged other relevant agencies to safeguard the forest such as Agricultural Resilience in the Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
The Minister also emphasised on the need to review Environmental laws to tackle the challenges of illegal logging, coaching and banditry in the forest.
Balarabe Lawal, further revealed that Forestry is very critical in the Environment sector and stakeholders have to make concerted efforts to safeguard the ecosystem and the habitats of the forest, especially the wildlife species.
Adding that “Forests are very important in mitigating climate change, curbing the extinction of wildlife and maintaining the ecosystem”.
He commended FAN for its effort on afforestation programme and assured the association that the Ministry and it’s agencies would give all the necessary support and cooperation the association need to thrive.
The Minister lamented that deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, climate change and increasing the risk of flooding in the country.
Earlier, the President of FAN, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun congratulated the Minister on his appointment, saying that the Ministry has achieved a lot in delivering the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He equally promised to continue collaboration and partnership with the ministry on its activities.