By Abbas Nazil
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has declared the Ministry’s full support for the development of the Environmental Management Institute situated in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He made this known when he hosted a delegation led by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Management and Disaster Risk Reduction Institute, Stephen Ogboli, at his office in Abuja.
Balarabe commended the institute for its role in advancing environmental management and sustainability in Nigeria, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the environment sector.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry is ready to partner, collaborate, and provide support to ensure that the institute attains its full potential in strengthening Nigeria’s response to environmental challenges.
The Minister emphasized that the institute must develop a curriculum that is practical rather than overly theoretical in order to produce graduates who will become employers of labour instead of job seekers.
According to him, one of the major focuses of the Ministry is safeguarding the environment by raising public awareness on flood management to mitigate the adverse effects of seasonal flooding, which has already affected several communities across the country.
He explained that the Ministry remains committed to the full implementation of the National Circular Economy Roadmap, a strategic framework aimed at promoting sustainable use of resources, reducing waste, and boosting economic growth through recycling, innovation, and resource efficiency.
Balarabe reaffirmed that the government is determined to create a resilient and sustainable environment for all Nigerians.
He further noted that partnerships with organizations like EMDRRI will strengthen national efforts in environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk management.
In his remarks, Stephen Ogboli, President and CEO of EMDRRI, commended the Ministry of Environment for its proactive policies and programs targeted at addressing environmental challenges across the nation.
He said the visit was specifically to explore opportunities for collaboration and cross-fertilization of ideas with the Ministry in order to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, disaster risks, pollution control, and sustainable ecosystem preservation.
Ogboli expressed confidence that a strong partnership between EMDRRI and the Ministry would bring about impactful initiatives capable of addressing the environmental needs of the country.
He also highlighted the expertise of the institute in disaster risk reduction and environmental management, stressing the potential of joint initiatives in promoting sustainability and resilience.
During the visit, the Environmental Management and Disaster Risk Reduction Institute conferred and decorated the Minister of Environment with the distinguished title of Fellow of the Institute in recognition of his leadership and contributions to environmental governance in Nigeria.
Ibrahim Haruna, Director of Information, confirmed the Minister’s remarks and the Ministry’s readiness to strengthen ties with EMDRRI for the benefit of Nigerians and the environment.
