Judiciary Joins Fight For Environmental Sustainability

By Faridat Salifu

The Federal Government has enlisted the judiciary in its fight for environmental sustainability and the creation of the circular economy in the country.

This Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, revealed this measure during a sensitization workshop for the judiciary held in Abuja, Monday, November 4.

The event, organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with the European Union, focussed on empowering the judiciary with the required knowledge to play a central role in driving environmental sustainability.

Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, underscored the workshop’s importance in advancing circular economy principles.

Represented by Mrs. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Director of the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health of the ministry, Lawal underscored the workshop’s importance in advancing the course circular economy in the country.

The minister described the judiciary’s role as crucial in enforcing environmental laws and fostering a culture of sustainability.

“Embedding circular economy principles can lead to significant opportunities for innovation, job creation, and resource conservation,” Lawal stated.

He also held that Nigeria’s shift toward a circular economy would align with global sustainable development goals, making the judiciary an essential partner in the transformation.

Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of NESREA, expressed the need for a stronger legislative framework to support the shift, pointing out that the success of a circular economy hinges on effective implementation and robust enforcement of environmental laws.

Mr. Isa Abdulssalam, NESREA’s Director of Inspection and Enforcement, also described the judiciary’s support as key to advocating for and ensuring the long-term success of sustainable practices.

The workshop aimed to deepening the judiciary’s understanding of the circular economy, exploring legal frameworks and identify strategies for promoting sustainability across various sectors of society.