News Agency of Nigeria
Protect rivers, not pollute them- FG to Nigerians
Environment

Protect rivers, not pollute them- FG to Nigerians

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to see themselves as guardians of rivers, saying protecting the nation’s waterways is safeguarding public health, food security and the economy.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2025 World Rivers Day with the theme: “Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities.”

Utsev was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah.

“I call on all stakeholders, including government, civil society, private sector, media, and indeed every Nigerian, to see ourselves as guardians of our rivers.

“Our rivers are not refuse dumps. Our rivers must not be polluted with sewage, effluents or open defecation.

“Protecting our rivers is safeguarding ourselves, our health and our economy”.

He said clean and healthy rivers were vital to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in food security, job creation and socio-economic wellbeing.

Utsev said the Federal Government had advanced key interventions to protect rivers and improve sanitation.

These include the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, and the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

“So far, 21 states and 151 Local Government Areas have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), with Jigawa State sustaining its record as the first ODF state in Nigeria,” he added.

He said the River Basin Development Authorities had intensified community-inclusive initiatives such as tree planting, catchment protection and small-scale irrigation schemes to safeguard riverbanks and boost food production.

The minister also stressed the need for collaboration with states, local councils, civil society and the private sector to promote eco-friendly practices such as river clean-ups, pollution control and climate-smart sanitation.

In his welcome remarks, Pheelangwah, represented by the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, said rivers must be treated with respect and managed with care.

“Rivers nurture ecosystems, sustain livelihoods and hold cultural values. Safeguarding them means securing human dignity, social wellbeing and ecological balance,” Pheelangwah said.

He added that activities such as road showed, tree planting and riverbank clean-ups were being carried out nationwide to promote community ownership and collective responsibility.

He commended the minister for his commitment to repositioning the water and sanitation sector, while appreciating the RBDAs, civil society, development partners and the media for their continued support.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured symbolic tree planting and river cleaning at Wupa river along Airport Road, Abuja. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, Hungary strengthen ties on water resources management
Environment

Nigeria, Hungary strengthen ties on water resources management

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Hungary in the area of water resources management.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, stated this when the Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Loránd Endreffy, paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.

The envoy was accompanied by the Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of Hungary, Ms Judit Beres.

Utsev stressed the need for proper coordination and thorough documentation to ensure seamless collaboration between both countries.

He directed that all necessary documents be submitted to fast-track the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He further assured that managing directors of water resources and sanitation agencies, as well as relevant directors of the ministry, would fully participate in the Nigerian–Hungarian Water Forum scheduled for Nov. 4, in Abuja.

Earlier, Endreffy said the forum would bring together key stakeholders from Nigeria’s water sector and Hungarian companies with expertise in water engineering and treatment technologies.

He said the event would feature high-level presentations on Nigeria’s water-related challenges and showcase innovative Hungarian solutions through case studies and technical sessions.

According to him, key themes include water security, capacity building, flood risk management, river training, rural water supply and climate resilience.

He said highlights of the forum would include a technical presentation on the Niger River Training and Flood Control Scheme.

It will also feature the signing of a new MoU between the National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna, and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

The forum may further witness the renewal of the existing Nigeria–Hungary MoU on water management. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

ACReSAL marketplace showcases success in restoring degraded landscape
Environment

ACReSAL marketplace showcases success in restoring degraded landscape

By Abigael Joshua

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) says its marketplace for ACReSAL project recorded and delivered huge investment through land restoration.

Dr Joy Agene, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank and Task Team Leader, ACReSAL, said this at the ACReSAL Marketplace showcase in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Agene, the marketplace for ACReSAL is where we have a huge investment that is saving millions of land in targeted watersheds.

“Marketplace is also a technology where water is conserved in dryland to ensure that we are able to produce, sell and make income.”

Similarly, Mrs Ellysar Baroudy, Practice Manager, Environment, World Bank, expressed satisfaction with the project, saying it had really been an example within the whole World Bank portfolio.

She, however, said that the World bank was faced with challenges of climate change, degradation, as well as finance.

Baroudy urged ACReSAL to be resolute in spite of the challenges being faced at the point of discharging their work.

In the same vein, Mr Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL said that the project was people-oriented and would sustain livelihoods.

He noted that the project had touched so many lives especially the down trodden in communities.

Dr Segun Babarinde, Director Water Support Services, Ministry of water Resources and Sanitation, said the ACReSAL marketplace had showcased a collaborative effort among the stakeholders.

“I want to thank all the states for being very, resolute in ensuring the achievement of this glorious idea by the government.

Mr George Stanley, Director, International Economic Relations Department, Ministry of Finance, said that there was no doubt that the project had delivered on various aspects of environment, agriculture, water resources among others.

According to him, in special terms, the project has improved the resilience and livelihood of the communities through wide range interventions carefully implemented by institutional partners.

Also, Mr Luka Ayedo, Etsu Kwali, said that the intervention of market place project was already yielding excellent results.

“The project has come to terminate hunger in our community. The intervention has impacted us for good and I want to say the World Bank has invested rightly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which showcased the project’s remarkable impacts and results since its inception in 2022, featured community representatives with notable outputs/products highlighting the project successes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Ondo mangrove restoration project will mitigate climate change, says Don
Environment

Ondo mangrove restoration project will mitigate climate change, says Don

By Muftau Ogunyemi
Prof. Olusuyi Fabiyi, Forestry and Wood Technology Department at Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), says the Okonla Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Project (MERP) would help to mitigate climate change.
Fabiyi, Coordinator of the Centre for Human Settlements and Sustainable Development (CHUSSDEV), made this known on Tuesday during the implementation of the MERP in Okonla, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to him, the 10,000 metric tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) annually removed by the project is equivalent to emissions from 150,000 cars.
He explained that the project seeks to restore the mangrove ecosystem and introduce sustainable livelihoods to the people of the community, enhancing their productivity and preserving the environment.
Fabiyi said that the centre secured a grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the project.
According to him, the project includes commemorating tree planting and alternative livelihood training for youth, women, and residents of Okonla Community.
“The project is expected to yield significant environmental benefits, including the removal of 10,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
“The first phase of the project, which took place in Okonla Community, will be extended to other areas covered by the project. The community donated 50 hectares of land.
“However, mangroves in the community have been severely degraded due to human activities, including the use of mangroves for firewood and other domestic and economic purposes.
“The project is being implemented through community participation, with residents trained in growing mangroves from nursery to planting and care.
“Also women, youth, and residents of the community were also trained in modern aquaculture to improve fish farming businesses.
“They were empowered with floating cages, fingerlings, and fish feed to support them and improve their livelihoods,” Fabiyi said.
In her remarks, Dr Adetoun Olaitan, representing the National Coordinator of the UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grant Programme (UNDP GEF SGP), expressed the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities to address environmental challenges.
According to Olaitan, communities are best positioned to take actions that make their environment habitable and solve local challenges.
Olaitan explained that UNDP was equipped to support community-driven initiatives through training and seminars, promoting sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots level.
She highlighted the Global Environment Facility’s goal of fostering local actions which yielded global environmental benefits.
Also, Prof. O.V. Oyerinde, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, FUTA, highlighted the empowerment of women-led “green gold” initiative.
Oyerinde said the initiative was to train and support women to develop non-timber forest products.
According to her, such products include snails, vegetables, and eco-friendly leaves for food wrapping that replace single-use plastics and generate income at household level.
“The initiative is being rolled out alongside modern aquaculture training that equips residents with floating cages, fingerlings, and feed to improve fish production and food security.
“Women were targeted for empowerment because they play a crucial role in caring for their families and managing households. Introducing them to ‘green gold’ enables them to contribute to sustainable livelihoods.
“By prioritising women in the ‘green gold’ programme we strengthen household resilience and encourage eco-friendly alternatives thereby helping both livelihoods and the local environment.” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Okonla Community, the traditional leader, Oba Okun Akinbulejo, expressed gratitude and commitment.
“We thank UNDP and CHUSSDEV for choosing Okonla. Our people will protect these mangrove areas so future generations can reap their benefits,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that mangroves provide crucial coastal protection, store significant carbon, and support fisheries and biodiversity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi
Organisation, stakeholders call for Climate-Smart investment
Environment

Organisation, stakeholders call for Climate-Smart investment

 

 

 

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

 

The African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) and investment stakeholders have urged prioritisation of climate-smart investing to enhance sustainability in Africa.

 

 

 

The call was made at the AVPA West Africa Regional Convening on Monday at Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AVPA drives Africa’s sustainable growth by unlocking capital for social impacts across the continent.

 

 

 

Its mission is to increase capital flow into African social investments and ensure effective deployment for maximum impact.

 

 

 

AVPA empowers impact actors by offering a robust platform to connect, share insights, influence policy, and scale interventions for greater impact.

 

 

 

At the Convening, themed Unlocking Catalytic Capital for Climate-Smart Investing in West Africa, stakeholders discussed financing opportunities for smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs.

 

 

 

Mrs Tokunbo Ishmael, Co-founder and Managing Director of Alitheia Capital, stressed the need for adequate policy reforms to boost local climate-smart financing.

 

 

 

She said Nigeria must adopt regulations that mobilise capital effectively while government creates the enabling environment, infrastructure, and energy systems for sustainable growth.

 

 

 

Ishmael noted that energy remains a major production cost, and climate-smart investments can drive cleaner energy adoption, lowering costs and improving livelihoods.

 

 

 

She added that climate-smart initiatives help reduce food wastage, improve agricultural value chains, and ensure produce moves effectively from farms to households and markets.

 

 

 

On her part, Ms Jette Bjerrum, Consul of Denmark, said her country seeks viable climate-smart projects to invest in for sustainability.

 

 

 

Bjerrum emphasised that climate adaptation and green growth are shared ambitions, with West Africa offering vast opportunities.

 

 

 

She explained that Denmark supports agriculture, food production, water management, forest restoration, biodiversity, and renewable energy, including monitoring systems for early warnings.

 

 

 

According to her, climate-friendly solutions are not only necessary but can also be profitable, driving good business opportunities.

 

 

 

Bjerrum disclosed that Denmark is currently implementing finance programmes, called “Africa Billion”, focused on climate-friendly solutions.

 

 

 

Dr Rufus Idris, AGRA Nigeria Country Director, said financing farmers to adopt climate-smart innovations is critical to addressing climate change.

 

 

 

He noted that Nigerian farmers require improved seeds, better technology, and innovations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, but financing remains a challenge.

 

 

 

Idris urged government to create an enabling environment for climate-smart investments to thrive and benefit farmers.

 

 

 

Mr Habib Nuhu, Head of Research at Shell Foundation UK, reiterated that climate-smart financing must be prioritised through public-private partnerships.

 

 

 

Nuhu stressed the need to move beyond grants towards private capital solutions that can support millions of smallholder farmers.

 

 

 

He said clean energy and climate-smart tools must target low-income populations who need them most.

 

 

 

Another stakeholder, Ms Nela Duke-Ekpenyong, Managing Partner of Obudu Capital, highlighted the importance of awareness and knowledge-sharing.

 

 

 

She said farmers must understand that climate-smart technologies are designed to benefit them, ensuring ownership and involvement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

WaterAid launches EmpowerHer project in 3 Bauchi LGAs
Environment

WaterAid launches EmpowerHer project in 3 Bauchi LGAs

By Tosin Kolade

WaterAid Nigeria, in collaboration with WaterAid Canada, on Monday launched a five-year project to improve access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls in Bauchi State.

The project, tagged ‘EmpowerHer’, is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and will be implemented in Katagum, Misau and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.

Ms Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said the initiative aims to transform the lives of women and girls who face barriers that deny them dignity, health and opportunity.

She noted that in Bauchi, more than 70 per cent of schools lack basic WASH facilities, while over 90 per cent of health centres do not have clean water or decent toilets.

“These realities deepen gender inequality and limit opportunities for women and girls to reach their full potential, participate fully in society and contribute to development,” she said.

Mere explained that the project would deliver gender-responsive and climate-resilient WASH services in communities, schools and healthcare facilities.

It would also train health workers, support adolescent girls with knowledge and confidence, and strengthen government systems for sustainability.

The initiative is expected to reach more than 100,000 people directly and about 600,000 indirectly across the three LGAs.

She commended the Government of Canada for funding the project and lauded the Bauchi State Government, civil society groups, women’s organisations and the media for their partnership.

She also acknowledged Forward in Action for Education, Poverty and Malnutrition (FAcE-PaM) and the Women Development Association for Self-Sustenance (WODASS) as implementing partners.

“Our vision is a future where women and girls can manage their health and hygiene with dignity, free from stigma, and where access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene is taken for granted,” she said.

Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, who represented the Minister, Prof Joseph Utsev, said WASH was vital to human survival and women’s empowerment.

She commended WaterAid and its partners for bringing the initiative to Bauchi, noting that the three participating LGAs would serve as models for other parts of Nigeria.

She added that the project would empower women and children with knowledge and access to services, leading to healthier families, stronger communities and improved productivity.

Also, Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare in Bauchi State, Dr Suleiman Abubakar, said the intervention was a collective effort to promote the health and well-being of women and girls.

“I commend the organisers and partners for their tireless efforts in driving this project forward. I assure you of the Bauchi State Government’s continued support in ensuring the success and sustainability of this initiative.

“Together, let us continue to work towards bold change; where women and girls can make informed decisions about their health, exercise their choices, and live with dignity,” he said.


Mr Nanpet Chuktu, Head of Programmes at WaterAid Nigeria, said the project would directly benefit 108,161 people and indirectly reach about 600,000 women, adolescent girls and other stakeholders in 1,036 communities.

According to him, the direct beneficiaries include 20,717 adolescent girls, 15,537 adolescent boys in 69 schools, and 71,907 women of reproductive age through 58 health facilities.

He added that the project will also engage 344 teachers, 115 healthcare workers, 173 community health extension workers, 290 ward development committee members, 740 women from Mama2Mama groups, and more than 1,000 community leaders and influencers.

Chuktu said EmpowerHer builds on WaterAid Nigeria’s technical expertise in WASH and strong partnership with the Bauchi State Government.

He explained that the intervention follows a rights-based approach using WaterAid’s Quality Programme Standards, combining service delivery with capacity building, policy advocacy and behavioural change.

He noted that the project would also adopt the WASHFIT methodology to improve schools and health facilities, and train health workers to provide inclusive, gender-responsive services.

On sustainability, Chuktu said EmpowerHer would progressively transfer ownership to communities and government by strengthening local capacities and systems before phase-out.

He added that the project would leverage WaterAid’s hygiene behaviour change framework, governance support, advocacy and evidence-based approaches to ensure long-term impact.

“The clear exit strategy is designed to ensure that local authorities and communities can continue to provide and manage services after the project ends,” Chuktu said.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Global Affairs Canada and WaterAid Canada. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NAN reporter, 9 others named biodiversity reporting fellows
Environment

NAN reporter, 9 others named biodiversity reporting fellows

Mr Usman Aliyu, an Assistant Chief Correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has been selected as one of 10 journalists to participate in the Dataphyte Biodiversity Reporting Fellowship.

Funmilayo Babatunde, Programme Manager of Dataphyte Foundation, who announced this, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening media narratives around biodiversity and conservation.

Babatunde explained that the fellowship, supported by the Earth Journalism Network, would equip journalists with data-driven and context-rich reporting skills to spotlight biodiversity challenges in Nigeria.

According to her, environmental reporting in the country has often been dominated by climate change and pollution, while issues such as illegal logging, poaching, invasive species and biodiversity loss receive less attention.

She added that “this project is not in anyway a counter climate change story but a call for holistic narrative of the threats to the environment.

“Most importantly, it is an evidence-based and nuanced storytelling approach that deepens public perception and is able to drive policy responses for a sustainable environment.”

The programme manager said “biodiversity and climate change are inextricably linked, one driving the other”, stressing the importance of reporting the diverse threats to the ecosystem beyond climate narratives alone.

Aliyu, who has over 15 years of experience in journalism with the past five years dedicated to environment reporting, joins a cohort of journalists drawn from reputable media platforms across Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NiHSA warns of imminent downstream flooding
Environment

NiHSA warns of imminent downstream flooding

By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) on Thursday warned of imminent downstream flooding as Rivers Niger and Benue, along with their tributaries, had risen to peak levels.

The Director-General of NiHSA, Umar  Mohammed, issued the alert in Abuja while giving an update on the flow conditions of rivers and the water levels in major dams across the country.

Mohammed said the development had heightened the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities along the Niger–Benue basin and called for immediate precautionary measures.

According to him, Rivers Rima, Kaduna and Gongola, which are major tributaries of the two rivers, have also attained peak discharge, further increasing the risk to surrounding towns and farmlands.

He said several large dams in the country were recording surges in reservoir levels as a result of the peak of the rainy season.

“Kainji and Jebba dams located on River Niger are currently spilling excess water to maintain their designed safety levels.

“This situation is posing threats to nearby communities such as Kainji, Patigi, New Bussa, Borgu, Mokwa, Jebba, Gungu, Gana, Fanga, Bele, Bere, Gaba and Baro,” he said.

The D-G explained that Zungeru Dam on River Kaduna was not spilling, but noted that its reservoir level had risen to 229.15 metres while the downstream water level was 134.17 metres.

He said Goronyo Dam in Sokoto State had filled to its maximum design capacity of 288 metres and was spilling at maximum rate.

“This situation is already causing flooding in downstream and upstream communities, particularly in Goronyo, Wamako, Shinaka Yerimawa, Kurukuru and environs,” he added.

On Kiri Dam in Adamawa, Mohammed said it was also spilling, with the downstream water level at 8.42 metres, leading to flooding in Kiri, Tallum, Banjiram, Purokayo-Lakumna and Shelleng.

He explained that the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which had often been linked to floods in Nigeria, was not spilling at present.

“The current water level at Lagdo is 37 metres, which is below its maximum design height of 40 metres. This means there is still a storage capacity of about three metres.

“The flooding being experienced in Adamawa, especially in Yola North, Yola South, Girei and Numan, is mainly due to heavy rainfall and internally generated runoff within the River Benue catchment,” he said.

Mohammed said NiHSA would continue to monitor the situation closely and share timely updates with authorities and the public.

He urged state governments, emergency agencies and residents in flood-prone communities along Rivers Niger and Benue to take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“The agency is working in close coordination with dam operators to mitigate the downstream impacts.

“However, communities must play their part by relocating from floodplains, protecting valuables and adhering to early warning advisories,” he added.

The DG stressed that while technical interventions were ongoing, community awareness and preparedness remained key to reducing the losses from this year’s floods. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Safe Water Global Initiative seeks water access in flood-hit areas
Environment

Safe Water Global Initiative seeks water access in flood-hit areas

By Akpan Glory

Safe Water Global Initiative, an NGO, on Thursday raised concerns over the public health implications of flooding in parts of the country.

It stressed the urgent need for access to safe water in affected communities.

The Founder of the organisation, Mr Francis Uzoma, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the floods had contaminated water sources.

He said this had left many citizens, especially in rural areas, without potable water for consumption and domestic use.

Uzoma said: “The implication of the flooding is that some Nigerians will have access only to unsafe water.

“This has consequences for their health, because it can result in outbreaks of cholera and other water-related diseases. That is the danger we are pointing out”.

He explained that preventive measures were necessary.

He noted that relocating people from flood-prone areas to safer locations and providing them with safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities would help reduce the dangers significantly.

He added: “There are things that can be done to mitigate the risks. One is by moving people away from flood-prone areas to safer places.

“Another is by providing them with safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. If this is done, we can reduce the dangers significantly”.

He noted that government had in the past issued scientific warnings about flooding but lamented that such alerts were often ignored at the community level.

Uzoma said: “Unfortunately, some communities do not take them seriously, maybe thinking the flooding will not happen.

“But these are scientific warnings, and we are urging local governments and communities to heed them so that we do not lose precious lives”.

On seasonal flooding patterns, Uzoma stressed that heavy rains usually occurred between July and September.

He said: “We should therefore do the right thing, by evacuating people from unsafe areas before the water rises.

“When the floods recede, people can return to their homes. At the same time, we must treat their water sources with the right materials and ensure water quality is monitored”.

The Safe Water Global Initiative founder said the persistent lack of potable water in rural areas made the health risks more severe.

“The issue of water supply for domestic use has been a challenge for decades,” he said.

He added: “The essence of government is to provide for the welfare of the people, and water is one of the most important welfare needs.

“Nigerians have a right to safe water, it is a human right. So, government must see it from that perspective and prioritise it”.

On the role of other stakeholders, Uzoma said private companies and development partners had a duty to complement government’s efforts.

He explained that the organisation had written to private companies, appealing to them to channel their corporate social responsibility initiatives towards water, sanitation and hygiene.

He said many firms already had strong policies.

He stressed that their interventions could be scaled up to meet the needs of communities without access, which would go a long way in reducing water stress.

He also called on local governments to take stronger responsibility, pointing out that they now receive direct funding from the federal government.

Uzoma said: “Local government chairmen should prioritise water.

“With the direct allocation system in place, they now have the funds to make interventions in water supply, which is vital for their people.”

On partnerships, Uzoma commended ongoing efforts but urged greater commitment.

He said: “The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the states and even the media have been playing their part.

“But more needs to be done, especially in rural areas where many Nigerians live. In some places, people spend several hours searching for safe water. This should not be the case in 2025.”

He also linked the issue to Nigeria’s international commitments.

He stressed that the country was expected to make progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 6.1 and 6.2 on water and sanitation.

He noted that Nigeria ought to have exited open defecation by now.

He said this could not be achieved without adequate water infrastructure, which he described as more important than other projects because “water is life.”

Uzoma urged religious institutions, multinational companies, financial institutions and civil society groups to support safe water access.

He said: “If all stakeholders do a little within their own areas, the cumulative effect will be significant.

“We can drastically increase the percentage of Nigerians who have access to safe water.

“This is why we keep calling on partners to come together, because collaboration is the only way forward”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Clean environment vital to health – Minister
Environment

Clean environment vital to health – Minister

By Abigael Joshua

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says maintaining a clean environment is essential to public health and “gateway to sound health. ”

Lawal said this in Abuja on Wednesday at the third quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Meeting, where ministry officials outlined recent environmental policies, achievements, and ongoing public health efforts.

He said ” once you can clear the environment and make it conducive for living, you’ll reduce the risk of frequent hospital visits and disease outbreaks.”

He stated that many ailments, including cholera, typhoid, malaria, and flu, were environmentally driven, and that a cleaner environment directly reduced the chances of those diseases affecting individuals and their families.

Lawal stressed that a clean, safe environment was one of the most important foundations for a healthy population, adding that the ministry had made tangible progress over the last two years.

“The most important value of this ministry is to secure a quality environment that supports good health and well-being of people, plants, animals, and the overall ecosystem,” the minister added.

He emphasised the ministry’s responsibility to promote sustainable use of natural resources, support environmental research, and implement development initiatives that enhanced conservation and sustainability nationwide.

“We are also tasked with restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and strengthening public understanding of environmental issues by raising awareness and promoting the use of accurate environmental indicators,” Lawal said.

Earlier, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary,
Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, said the meeting aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance.

Kambari, represented by Mrs Oluwayemisi Salako, Director of the Legal Department, said the ministry had carried out numerous programmes, projects, and reforms aimed at improving environmental sustainability across Nigeria.

He noted that many of the ministry’s efforts had not been properly documented or publicised due to the lack of a structured platform to highlight achievements and collect public feedback on challenges.

“Today’s session allows us to present updates on our recent environmental milestones, highlight existing challenges, and engage directly with citizens for improved environmental management,” Kambari said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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