Nigerian Government Vows to Secure Abuja from Environmental Disasters

The Nigerian government has pledged to prioritise protecting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja from impending environmental and climate disasters.

This commitment was emphasised at the 2025 Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit, held on Tuesday in Abuja under the theme “Sustainable Urban Transformation: Building a Resilient and Green Abuja.”

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, was represented by Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, and assured the nation of its commitment to the nation’s environmental and climate action goals, which were launched under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He emphasised the Ministry’s growing commitment to creating and implementing policies that combine ecosystem restoration and sustainable management.

“Nigeria remains committed to its environmental and climate action goals, which were initiated in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and through targeted policies and programs.

“We will continue to prioritise nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, and adaptive capacity at all levels,” said the Minister.

He acknowledged Abuja’s significant environmental and transportation challenges, which include frequent flooding, inadequate waste management, traffic congestion, air pollution, and rising greenhouse gas emissions.

He emphasised that these issues are not only environmental, but also developmental, with implications for health, the economy, livelihood, and quality of life.

The Minister emphasised the need for a “new flooding that reduces our environmental footprint, promotes circular economy, and prioritises people, livelihoods, and economies around the world.”

He advocated for green city planning, sustainable urban transformation systems that prioritise public transportation, electric vehicles, cycling, and walking, as well as the promotion of green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, renewables, and smart technologies.

The Ministry highlighted ongoing projects such as climate impacts assessment, the Great Green Wall initiative, and agro-climate resilience in semi-arid landscapes, all of which aim to adapt to the effects of climate change while also encouraging inclusive growth.

Other initiatives, such as the National Clean Cooking Policy, National Gender Policy, National Adaptation Plan, and Circular Economy initiatives, aim to strengthen Nigerians’ resilience and reduce vulnerability.

Comrade Yussuf Kelani, Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, emphasised the critical importance of incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into development agendas.

He highlighted the various regional impacts of climate change in Nigeria, ranging from drought in the north to flooding in the south, as well as gully erosion and communal conflicts in the central belt.

Kelani described the Presidential Climate Change Action and Resilience Enhancement Scheme (P-CARES), which will be launched in May 2024, as a critical platform for moving forward the Presidency’s climate change initiatives.

He emphasised the summit is importance in addressing Abuja’s environmental challenges, such as rapid urbanisation, waste management issues, and climate change impacts.

The summit is goal is to encourage collaboration among government entities, private sector leaders, environmental experts, and civil society organisations in order to develop long-term urban solutions, with a focus on highlighting the FCT Administration’s urban redevelopment efforts, particularly tree planting and urban greening initiatives.

The summit is key components include targeted capacity-building workshops for local government officials and the “Waste to Wealth” initiative, which trains young people in sustainable waste management practices.

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), was represented by his Special Adviser (Technical), Prof Babatunde Bernard, who emphasised that Abuja belongs to all Nigerians and requires a collaborative effort to ensure its long-term management. He emphasised ongoing government efforts to address climate change and build a sustainable city.

The summit is expected to catalyse the development of actionable policies and strategies to promote the growth of environmentally friendly urban spaces in Abuja, as well as forge long-term partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society.