By Fatima Saka
Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Aliyu Jauro has said the federal government is going to embark on a massive tree planting campaign across the country to mitigate climate change and flooding.
Jauro, who revealed on Tuesday in Abuja, further commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly where the president had affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to Climate Change and the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
“Government is highly committed and has thrown its weight behind measures to mitigate against climate change,” he was quoted to have said.
Jauro made the disclosure while answering questions on Arise Television ‘Morning Show’ in Lagos, at the weekend.
Hinting, that although Nigeria’s effort to cut down on Carbon Emission had reached 47 per cent, which was one way to combat climate change, yet, according to him, a lot of measures still has to be put in place.
“These problems are enormous and don’t respect any boundary and we can’t just wake up and solve issues like that,” he added.
“We have mapped out a lot of sustainable programmes in this regard to switch to greener forms of energy and ensure a cleaner environment for Nigerians,” he said.
Jauro revealed measures by which the government is taking to protect the environment and ensure a healthier environment for Nigerians. He said that environmental issues like drought desertification and flooding were already being addressed and receiving the highest attention.
“We are duty bound to deliver on best environmental practice and enforce compliance on International Laws, Protocols, Treaties and Conventions,” he said.
Answering a question on the resurgent trade on endangered species such as Pangolins, Elephant Tusk and other animals, the Director-General vowed that under his watch, Nigeria would not be used as a transit hub and dumping ground for hazardous substances.
“On this subject, we are sensitising Nigerians and collaborating with Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that our ecosystem is protected and biodiversity preserved.”