By Farida Salifu and Abbas Nazil
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aide on climate change, Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, and Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, have advocated for a resilient ‘green Abuja’ initiative.
Speaking at the maiden Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit held on Tuesday, Nigeria’s top climate chiefs said the city’s administration must act swiftly to address the growing environmental challenges in Abuja.
The summit, titled “Sustainable Urban Transformation: Building a Resilient and Green Abuja,” was hosted by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani.
In his keynote remarks, Environment Minister, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the capital city is grappling with a host of environmental and transportation issues such as flooding, waste mismanagement, air pollution, traffic congestion, and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Minister reiterated that these are not merely environmental concerns but serious developmental threats affecting public health, economic growth, and the overall well-being of Abuja’s residents.
He emphasized the need to adopt a green city framework that promotes efficient public transport systems, electric vehicles, cycling and walking infrastructure, expansion of green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and the deployment of renewable energy and smart technologies.
The Minister also cited existing national initiatives such as the National Clean Cooking Policy, the National Gender and Climate Change Policy, the National Adaptation Plan, and the Circular Economy Strategy as key drivers of resilience and sustainable urban growth.
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He added that projects like the Great Green Wall and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project reflect government efforts to combat climate change and build environmental security across Nigeria.
Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to environmental protection, the Minister said targeted policies would continue to focus on ecosystem restoration, sustainable consumption, green jobs, innovation, pollution control, biosafety, and a transition to a low-carbon economy.
Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, warned that Abuja must not repeat the environmental errors of Lagos, where poor urban planning contributed to infrastructure collapse and chronic flooding.
He called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to uphold Abuja’s master plan and strengthen compliance with planning and environmental laws.
According to Kelani, the summit was convened to enhance environmental consciousness and collective responsibility, encouraging residents to care for public infrastructure and protect green spaces.
He announced empowerment initiatives such as “waste to wealth” programs that will target youth and women, turning waste into valuable resources and green job opportunities.
Kelani also revealed plans to expand awareness campaigns beyond the summit to Abuja’s six development areas, including direct engagement with market women and local communities.
Nationally, the government plans to appoint two climate champions in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to drive grassroots environmental education and climate action across the country by the third quarter of the year.
The summit concluded with a strong call for deeper partnerships, citizen involvement, and smart policies to secure a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for Abuja and Nigeria at large.
