By Faridat Salifu
In a proactive move, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, conducted a familiarization visit to counterparts in the Ministry of Works, Sen. David Nweze Umahi, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, led by Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwarzo, alongside Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo.
The meeting, held at their respective offices in Mabushi Abuja, aimed at fostering stronger collaboration to amplify the impact of their ministries.
Scheduled for January 24, 2024, Minister Lawal emphasized the critical role of partnership and collaboration among the three ministries, highlighting the importance of joint efforts for effective mandate implementation, aligning with directives from the Presidential retreat.
Areas of collaboration discussed included environmental impact assessment, tree planting, erosion control, pollution control, and climate change initiatives.
Minister Lawal assured his colleagues of the Ministry of Environment’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s six key priority areas in the realm of the environment, as outlined in the current administration’s eight-point Economic Agenda.
In response, the three ministers expressed appreciation for Minister Lawal’s proactive stance and pledged their ministries’ dedication to adhering to environmental regulations while actively supporting collaborative initiatives.
The visit also reciprocated collaboration efforts, as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Dr. Yakubu Kofar Mata, had previously visited Mahmud Adam Kambari, the recently deployed Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
This exchange aimed at solidifying collaboration and fostering a harmonious working relationship between the ministries.
Overall, the familiarization visit underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing inter-ministerial collaboration, addressing environmental challenges, and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.