By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Global Environment Facility for its sustained support in addressing the country’s growing environmental challenges.
The commendation was given on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Abuja during a National Capacity Building Workshop on Project Oversight for the Global Environment Facility Operational Focal Point and implementing partners in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, described the Global Environment Facility as a long standing and strategic partner in Nigeria’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
He said the partnership has played a critical role in supporting projects aimed at strengthening environmental governance and improving the effectiveness of environmental interventions across the country.
The minister noted that the workshop reflected the Federal Government’s firm commitment to improving project delivery and ensuring that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from global environmental financing mechanisms.
Lawal, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Mahmud Kambari, said Nigeria currently faces a complex mix of environmental problems.
He listed these challenges to include desertification encroaching on the northern regions, widespread plastic pollution threatening urban centres and waterways, and biodiversity loss across key ecosystems.
The minister also highlighted oil contamination in the Niger Delta and climate change impacts that continue to endanger lives, livelihoods and national development.
According to him, these environmental challenges require not only financial resources but also strong institutional capacity to plan, implement, monitor and oversee projects effectively.
The minister stated that projects supported by the Global Environment Facility have made significant contributions to advancing environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
He said GEF interventions have supported biodiversity conservation initiatives that have helped conserve more than 500 indigenous plant species nationwide.
He added that the facility has also promoted sustainable forest management and strengthened community based conservation efforts in different parts of the country.
In the area of climate change mitigation, Lawal said GEF supported projects have focused on renewable energy development, energy efficiency measures and sustainable land use practices.
He noted that these interventions have contributed meaningfully to Nigeria’s climate action goals and commitments.
The minister further explained that the Global Environment Facility has played an important role in addressing land degradation by supporting initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture and restore degraded landscapes.
According to him, these efforts have also helped enhance food security and improve ecosystem health in vulnerable communities.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary said the workshop was organised to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with the Global Environment Facility.
He noted that the training was designed to ensure that Nigeria is fully equipped to manage its project portfolio in line with international standards.
Kambari, who was represented by Mrs Nkechi Aneke, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, said Nigeria has benefited from over three decades of partnership with the GEF.
He explained that this partnership has supported programmes addressing biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, land degradation control, international waters management and chemical and waste reduction.
However, he stressed that achieving meaningful impact requires coordination, technical competence and strong project oversight beyond funding alone.
The permanent secretary commended the Global Environment Facility, in collaboration with the Tropical Biology Association, for providing funding support for the workshop.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, Dr Michael David, said the training was part of a broader GEF initiative.
He explained that the initiative aims to provide financial support and capacity building to more than 144 countries with Global Environment Facility operational focal point offices.
David said that in Africa, the Tropical Biology Association is coordinating the training in 25 countries, while African Wildlife Foundation is handling another 29 countries.
He described project oversight as a critical component of ensuring transparency, accountability and success in environmental interventions.
David praised the Global Environment Facility for its efforts to address biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution while supporting environmental sustainability in Nigeria.