By Abbas Nazil
The outcomes of the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) will strengthen policy direction and enhance environmental sustainability across Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, has assured.
Kambari gave this assurance during the opening of the technical session of the 18th NCE held on Monday, 15th December 2025, in Katsina, Katsina State.
The event is scheduled to be officially declared open by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, on Wednesday, 17th December 2025, marking the commencement of a series of high-level discussions and policy deliberations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s environmental sustainability framework.
Kambari, at the technical session, noted that the Council, the highest policy-making body on environmental matters in the country, provides a crucial platform for the Federal Government, State Governments, and other key stakeholders to review progress, address emerging environmental challenges, and adopt resolutions that will shape national environmental policies for years to come.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted this year’s theme, *“Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”*, as a reflection of the collective urgency to address environmental crises that threaten ecosystems, food security, public health, and sustainable development aspirations nationwide.
He commended the government and people of Katsina State for their warm hospitality and strong partnership in hosting the council.
Kambari also appreciated the Minister of Environment for visionary leadership, as well as State Commissioners of Environment, development partners, and all relevant stakeholders for their commitment to advancing environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Earlier in the session, the Head of Service to the Katsina State Government and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Council, Falalu Bawale, noted that the strong attendance of participants demonstrates a shared resolve to maintain environmental sustainability and to leverage professional expertise in safeguarding the environment.
Bawale expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Environment for selecting Katsina State to host the national forum, describing the NCE as the most strategic policy organ providing a platform for critical dialogue, policy harmonization, and strategic interventions on environmental issues.
He emphasized that the council will also offer the state opportunities to learn and adopt best practices for environmental resilience and adherence to climate change policies.
The council is expected to produce actionable resolutions that will guide environmental governance and policy implementation across all levels of government in the country, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria.