From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, has called on journalists and media professionals to take a more proactive role in tackling Nigeria’s environmental challenges.
Speaking at a media engagement workshop in Abuja, Lawal highlighted the country’s growing environmental threats, including desertification, flooding, oil pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
These issues, he noted, have serious implications for public health, food security, and national development. “The environment affects everyday life, and we need urgent and sustained attention,” Lawal emphasised.
He spoke against the backdrop of the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, outlining key achievements by the Federal Ministry of Environment, including large-scale land restoration and tree planting initiatives.
Programmes like ACReSAL and the Great Green Wall were cited as examples of efforts to address environmental degradation. Lawal described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating the public, urging practitioners to adopt more data-driven and solutions-focused reporting on environmental issues.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the media with improved access to information and collaboration. While encouraging stakeholders to work collectively toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Nigeria.
Lawal stressed that the actions taken today will determine the environmental future of generations to come. The Ministry’s efforts, coupled with media support, aimed to drive environmental awareness and action across the country.
The workshop was seen as a step towards strengthening the relationship between the media and environmental agencies, ultimately benefiting Nigeria’s environmental landscape.
