This Brief provides an overview of the key achievements of the Federal Ministry of Environment and its agencies from the inception of the administration of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from May 2023 to date. It also provides an insight into the level of implementation of policies, programs, and projects for environmental sustainability, climate resilience and socio- economic development in Nigeria. The brief highlights strategic initiatives undertaken by the Ministry, challenges encountered and the ways forward in achieving a greener and more sustainable future for our country in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President.

MANDATE OF THE MINISTRY

Securing quality environment, conducive for good health and well-being of the citizens, fauna, and flora;

Promoting sustainable use of natural resources;

Promoting research and development on issues that affect the environment;

Restoring and maintaining the ecosystem, ecological processes, and biodiversity conservation;

Raising public awareness and promoting understanding of environmental linkages; and

Cooperating with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, the Private Sector, NGOs, and international organizations on environmental matters.

1.2.0 Vision: A nation in harmony with its environment.

1.3.0 Mission: To ensure environmental protection, natural resource conservation, and sustainable development.

2.0.0 DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES UNDER THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

2.0.1 The Ministry executes its mandate through the technical Departments saddled with responsibility to formulate and implement policies and programmes for environmental sustainability. These technical Departments are as follows:

Department of Forestry (DF).

Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought Management (DLD&DM).

Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management (EFCZM).

Pollution Control and Environmental Health (PC&EH).

Environmental Assessment (EA).

Climate Change (DCC).

Agencies under the Ministry are:

National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)

National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA)

Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN)

National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)

National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW)

National Park Service (NPS)

Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON)

2.3.0 Projects under the Ministry: The Ministry has the following Projects under its supervision:

Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP)

Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL)

The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)

Programs under the Ministry:

National Adaptation Program (NAP).

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation REDD+.

Green Bond Program.

2.4.1 The achievements of the Ministry will be discussed under the following sectors that are peculiar to the Ministry Departments, Agencies, Projects and Programs as listed in para (2.1.0 – 2.4.0).

I. Forestry and Afforestation.

ii. Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought Management.

iii Flood and Erosion Management.

Pollution Control and Environmental Health.

Environmental Impact Assessment and Compliance (EIA&C),

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

Pipeline Projects.

3.0.0 ACHIEVEMENTS

3.0.1 The Ministry recorded tremendous achievements for the period under review as presented below:

3.1.0 Forestry and Afforestation

3.1.1 Forests play a crucial role in regulating the country’s climatic conditions, biodiversity conservation, maintain water cycles and provide livelihoods for millions of people making them essential for climate resilience. The Ministry has put in place strategies to tackle unsustainable agricultural practices, excessive logging and infrastructure deficit significantly reducing the rate of deforestation, forest degradation and adverse climate conditions. Its worthy of note that achievements have been recorded with regards to restoration of forest in Nigeria under the administration of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinibu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Major key players in the restoration and conservation of forests as well as biodiversity and ecosystem protection under the Ministry are:

Department of Forestry (DF).

National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW).

Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).

National Park Service (NPS).

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programme.

3.1.2 The Department of Forestry in the Ministry is responsible for the management, conservation and sustainable use of the country’s forest resources. Its primary mandate includes policy formulation, afforestation programs, forest conservation and ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources to support environmental and socio-economic development. Milestones achievements recorded by the Ministry through the Department include:

Planting of over 4 million trees in collaboration with NAGGW and ACReSAL across the country to combat deforestation and desertification;

Massive afforestation programs being carried out in Bagga Forest Reserve, Tila, Arewa LGA of Kebbi State as well as, Agwada Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State and Karara, Lokoja LGA, Kogi State by the Ministry;

The Ministry has commenced implementation of a Bamboo development factory in Kogi State to promote Bamboo and Rattan Economy in Nigeria in line with the diversification drive of the Renewed Hope Administration. Feasibility studies for the development of Seven more Bamboo factories are ongoing in Ogun, Cross Rivers, Kaduna, Edo, Benue, Ekiti and Taraba States;

The Department of Forestry had recently received and handed over eleven (11) 20-feet containers of logs (semi-processed wood) feet that were intercepted and confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service;

Launched the Agroforestry Projects to integrate agriculture into forests across the nation. Other initiatives of the Ministry include the Trans-African initiative to combat desertification in Nigeria’s northern region in collaboration with NAGGW; National Tree Planting Campaign which encourages afforestation efforts nationwide and Forest Carbon Projects Initiatives supporting carbon trading through afforestation and reforestation achieved under the REDD+ programme.

AGREEMENT WITH CAMEROON: The Ministry has signed an agreement with the Republic of Cameroon on Cooperation Framework Agreement on Trans-Boundary Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forestry and Wildlife Resources on 19th April 2024. This will foster collaborations between both countries in protecting shared ecosystems, including forests, wildlife and water bodies. It will ensure the coordinated management of trans-boundary protected areas, such as Cross River National Park (Nigeria) and Korup National Park (Cameroon), which are biodiversity hotspots;

collaboration with Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Barr Association (NBA) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) UNODC with a view to enhancing enforcement of environmental laws;

initiated efforts to enhance forest inventory and records for effective forest resources management in line with global best practices.

3.1.3 The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) is responsible for implementing afforestation, reforestation and sustainable land management projects in the 11 frontline northern states in the Sahel region affected by the encroachment of Sahara. The initiatives are community-driven, focusing on land rehabilitation, natural resources conservation, poverty alleviation, food security enhancement, employment generation and livelihood improvement. The goal is to improve the resilience of affected communities to climate change and climate variability in the dry lands of Nigeria. Major achievements of the agency include:

raised 3,850,000 Neem seedlings for the establishment of Plant Nurseries in the 11 NAGGW frontline states to provide medicinal raw materials;

establishment of 175km shelterbelt in Borno, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina and Jigawa States;

conducted vocational trainings and empowerment programs for youth and women in the 11 frontline states in the country;

raised 5 million seedlings of Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) for planting across the NAGGW 11 frontline States in 2025 planting season for Value Chain development due to its potential in income generation;

established 5 skill acquisition centres in Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina and Yobe State where soap and perfume making are being taught as well as animal rearing;

distributed 5253 mini solar systems in various communities across the 11 frontline states;

constructed 4602 solar street lights, distributed 6600 improved super-saver cooking stoves and 130 solar powered pumps to discourage deforestation and encourage Agroforestry farming especially in rural communities ;

3.1.4 Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN): FRIN is the leading research institution in Nigeria which focuses on forestry, forest products and environmental development initiatives. Its major achievements include:

the digitalization of the Forests zones in Nigeria;

In the past 10 years the institution has not been graduating students, however under the administration of Mr. President the school has graduated 8,482 students with Diploma and Degree Certificates in forestry, environmental management and other related fields from FRIN affiliate colleges in Kaduna, Oyo, Niger and Plateau States, building capacity in forest resources management in Nigeria and;

establishment of three new FRIN Research Outstations in Ayetoro Research Outstation Ogun State, Yola Research Outstation Adawawa State and Igbaja Research Outstation Kwara State.

3.1.5 National Park Service (NPS) is responsible for managing and conserving national parks and wildlife reserves of protected areas across the nation. It is primarily responsible for enforcing environmental laws to prevent illegal activities such as poaching, deforestation and encroachment on protected lands. Achievements recorded under NPS include:

Forests Security: The enhancement of forest security, through strengthened inter-agency collaboration especially with the Nigeria Military which is gradually yielding positive results as shown in the recovery of forest areas occupied by bandits as well as, sustaining the fight against insurgency and terrorism in our forests;

The NPS arrested and prosecuted more than 648 criminals from 2023 to date for various illegal forest activities ranging from illegal hunting, logging and mining in different parks and forest across the county;

under this administration, 4 National Parks and Games Reserves namely, Kampe Games Reserve in Kwara State, Hadejia Wetlands in Jigawa State, Oba Hills in Osun State and Marhai Park in Nasarawa State have been handed over to NPS thereby increasing the number of National Parks managed by the Service from 7 to 11. Additional 6 parks in Kano, Plateau, Niger, Katsina and Bayelsa will be handed over to NPS soon. This effort will undoubtedly increase the forest cover of the country and minimize the negative impact of climate change.

Seizure of wildlife: NPS has received about 100 different species of birds from Nigeria Custom Services, 24 grey parrots have been rehabilitated and released to the wild in cross rivers national park. 30 turtles were also rehabilitated and are awaiting to be released back to the wild. Recently a baby gorilla trafficked from Nigeria to Thailand via Istanbul was intercepted by Istanbul customs and arrangement are being made to retrieve the gorilla by NPS;

The NPS also collaborated with the Borno State Ministry of Environment to rescue wildlife escaped from Borno State Zoological Garden as a result of the flood that occurred in September 2024.

4.0.0 DESERTIFICATION, LAND DEGRADATION AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT

4.0.1 Desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD) are significant environmental challenges that threaten ecosystems, livelihoods and economies, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions in Nigeria. To combat the effects of (DLD&D) in Nigeria the following agencies are directly responsible.

i. Department of Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought Management (DDLD&DM) and;

ii. Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL);

4.0.2 Achievements of the Department of Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought Management (DDLD&DM)

restoration of 182 hectares of degraded landscape where 266,400 tree were planted in the Northern Part of Nigeria;

nigeria has joined the Middle East Green initiative which offers opportunities for environmental conservation, renewable energy collaboration, economic investment and policy development after COP16 held in Riyadh;

Distributed 4,500 tree seedlings and 200 energy cooking stoves to rural women during the 2023-2024 world desertification and drought day;

4.1.0 Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, is a multi-sectoral initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with World Bank seeking to address some of the critical climate change challenges in the nineteen (19) Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The project is multi-sectoral and multi-level in nature and has on its steering committee the Federal Ministry of Environment as Chair, Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Sanitation and Agriculture and Food Security as its Co-Chair, as well as other relevant MDAs at both national and sub-national levels. Key achievements of the project include:

The restoration of 178,235 hectares of degraded lands across (19) Northern states and FCT;

Community Revolving Fund Programme: Disbursement of USD8,625,000 equivalent to over N12 billon through the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) to 345 communities comprising across fifteen (15) states. As of 22nd March 2025, 9,648 beneficiaries (5,397 men and 4,251women) have utilized these funds to enhance both on-farm and off-farm activities within the agricultural value chain including production, processing, marketing, and storage; to address wildlife security and forest crimes ACReSaL has supported the National Park Service with 11 patrol vehicles to improve and enhance forest management, ACReSAL also constructed 6 ranger posts across National Parks, providing accommodation for rangers and strengthening their ability to safeguard forest assets;

a total of 1,003,000 individuals have directly benefitted from the ACReSAL project, with women accounting for 500,497 (49.9%). Additionally, over 13 million indirect beneficiaries have been recorded by the project.

ACReSAL has procured and distributed 245 tractors and 1,450 hand power tillers to 56,873 farmers across the participating states, boosting agricultural productivity, reducing manual labor, increasing efficiency, and enhancing soil fertility.

distribution of drought-resistant seedlings, organic fertilizers, and other farm inputs such as solar irrigation pumps, knapsack sprayers, and harvesting crates to farmer groups and Community Interest Groups (CIGs) in Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Jigawa, Yobe, Zamfara, Adamawa and FCT A total of 56,873 farmers (33,489 Men and 23,384 Women) have benefited;

ACReSAL and Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) signed a historic agreement to conduct Nigeria’s largest agricultural survey under 50×2030 initiative. The aim is to bridge critical agricultural data gaps in Nigeria

5.0.0 EROSION AND FLOOD MANAGEMENT

5.0.1 Erosion and Flood Management (EFCZM) are strategies, policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges posed by land degradation, flooding, and coastal zone vulnerabilities. This field is particularly crucial to Nigeria where climate change and environmental degradation risks have intensified as a result of these factors. Key player in this field is Department Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management; Achievements under this field are as follow;-

The attainment of 90% accuracy with respect to Flood Early Warning Alerts issued by the Ministry through the EFCZM Department. This success was due to the installation of 44 automated and 400 web based Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) in 22 communities across the country by the Ministry. Subsequently, more accurate Flood Early Warning alerts will be obtained and disseminated by the department across all geographical zones in the country;

Executed 138 flood major gully erosion control projects across all geographical zones in the country to protect vulnerable communities from environmental disasters;

The Ministry has secured funding through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Project under European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB). The project loan was negotiated and signed on December 29, 2020, with a total allocation of EUR 175 million (equivalent to USD 200 million). A multi-sectoral initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB) which is designed to address severe land degradation and erosion challenges across the country, promoting environmental sustainability, sustainable development and improved livelihoods in affected areas. The project is expected to become disbursement effective in 2025 and conclude in 2029 to be implemented over a 5year duration, accordingly. Most technical and administrative requirements which include opening of project account (Euro & Naira) office accommodation and equipment, procurement of project operational vehicle, draft of 18-month work plan and ensuring of availability of counterpart funds are at least 95% completed.

6.0.0 POLLUTION CONTROL AND ENVIRONMENT HEALTH in Nigeria are critical issues, given the country’s rapid urbanization, industrialization and population growth. The Nigerian government, through following agencies, has implemented policies and regulations to address pollution and safeguard public health.

i. Department of Pollution and Environment Health;

ii. Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP):

iii Nigerian Oil and Gas Safety Regulatory Authority (NODSRA);

Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON).

6.0.1 Key achievements of the Department of Pollution and Environment Health include:

Secured Federal Executive Council approval to implement the ban on single-use plastics in all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as a strategy to drive implementation of the policy on circular economy. The Ministry is working towards a nationwide prohibition of single use plastics;

Unveiled the Circular Economy Roadmap and inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Circular Economy Committee. Consequently, a National Digital Repository for Waste Pickers in collaboration with ILO and Tear-fund Nigeria to formalize and support waste pickers in the recycling sector was developed;

Launched the Reverse Vending Machine under the project “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices” on 10th October 2024 at the United Nations Headquarters and on 22nd January 2025 at the National Assembly, Abuja.

Unveiled the Roadmap for Sustainable Use of Plastics in Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria National Plastic Action Partnership (NNPAP) on 17th October 2024.

The Ministry with the support of UNIDO and the Government of Japan commissioned a $2.9 million Upgraded Plastic Polyethylene Manufacturing Facility at Iddu, FCT on 20th March 2025;

The Ministry in collaboration with UNIDO is implementing the phase out of ozone depleting substances in refrigerators and Air conditioners;

vii completed and commissioned the converted continuous line at Slavit Nig Ltd, Lagos for the production of ozone friendly cyclopent one based ridged on 30th Nov. 2024 which has led to the phased out of HCFC-141B ozone depleting substance;

viii handover and instillation of refrigeration and air conditioning training centre on 5th April, 2024;

ix under the gender sensitive program, the Ministry in collaboration UNIDO has issue scholarship to 32 female undergraduate students

6.1.0 Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria established to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni land oil spill. The project which is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Environment is aimed at addressing the environmental pollution caused by oil exploration and oil spills in Ogoniland, Rivers State. Achievements of the Project include:

Remediation of 125.39 ha of medium-risk complex site oil-contaminated soil and groundwater with an attendant training and employment of 1,453 Ogoni youths to work at the 39 remediation sites that are ongoing;

Cleaned up 1,700 ha of oil-contaminated shoreline, along with the training of 2,500 Ogoni youth and women in oil spill response and awarded with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 1 & 2 certificates which is globally recognized;

Under this Administration, the Ministry initiated the world’s most extensive mangrove restoration in Ogoniland by HYPREP. The pilot phase of 560ha is 85% completed, with over 2 million seedlings comprising red, black, and white mangrove species planted. This is the first mangrove restoration in Nigeria involving the planting of different species. 540 Ogoni youths and women were employed as community workers under the mangrove restoration project;

The Ministry, under President Tinubu’s Administration commissioned 9 out of 10 gigantic operational water treatment stations in Ogoni land under HYPREP. These water stations are now supplying potable water to over 30 communities in Ogoni land;

HYPREP is building a 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital which is at 67% completion stage and another 40-bed Buan Cottage Hospital at 90% completion to address the health-related issues in Ogoniland. Four (4) existing hospitals have also been upgraded and strengthened in Ogoniland (Bori, Kpite, Nchia, and Terabo) with state-of-the-art medical equipment to support the institute;

The construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) is at 80% completion. When completed, it will serve as an international hub for advanced innovative research in remediation and a repository of the extensive remediation and restoration data in the Ogoni cleanup is generating. A Faculty of Vocational Skill Acquisition will be attached to the Centre;

HYPREP has trained 5000 youths in 21 skill areas. Trained and issued certificates to 2500 youths and women in the International Maritime Organization safety and operational protocols for shoreline cleanup, all employed as workers on the HYPREP shoreline cleanup.

viii under HYPREP livelihood programs, 7000 beneficiaries have gained direct employment;

ix 300 Ogoni postgraduate students were offered scholarship in various institution in Nigeria;

x 390 secondary school students have benefited from HYPREP’s  vocational training.

6.2.0 Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NODSRA) was established to regulate Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and to implement the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP). Its mandate includes ensuring compliance with environmental legislation in the petroleum sector, monitoring oil spill incidents, and overseeing remediation efforts. NOSDRA’s achievements include:

Development of a Satellite-based Methane Emissions Tracker (SMET) prototype in collaboration with the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) aimed at detecting, measuring, and quantifying methane emissions across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector;

Monitored and ensured the planting of One million, Two hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand, Thirty-nine (1,239,039) mangrove seedlings by HYPERP in Ogoniland;

Monitored, assessed, and certified 1,331 out of 1,471 remediation sites in the Niger Delta region and successfully supervised the investigation, remediation, and certification of multiple crude oil spill incidents along the Rumuekpe-Nkpoku Pipeline Right of Way, ensuring compliance with environmental standards;

Supervised and monitored the restoration of the affected areas ravaged by fire incident because of oil spill by Chevron Nigeria Limited at OML 49 – Ojumole Well-1 in Ilaje LGA Ondo State;

 

As part of its ongoing efforts to clean up and remediate hydrocarbon-polluted sites across Nigeria, NOSDRA has undertaken an inventory and mapping of locations affected by illegal bunkering and artisanal refining activities that remain unaddressed. So far, 552 impacted sites have been identified and mapped within the Niger Delta region. A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) will be crafted for each of these sites as a preparatory measure for their subsequent cleanup and remediation.

6.3.0 Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) ​is a regulatory body established by the Nigerian government to oversee and regulate environmental health practices in the country. EHCON’s primary mandate is to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment for all Nigerians by setting standards, accrediting practitioners and enforcing regulations related to environmental health profession in Nigeria. The achievements of the Agency include:

Conducted Environmental Health Response on the Flood disaster that occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State between 20th September to 5th October 2024;

Launched the Premises-based National Green House Gases (GHGs) Emission Monitoring Programme (NGHGEMP);

Established carbon register and issuance of carbon footprint to about 158 facilities nationwide;

Launched the electronic documentation system and registration/licensing process in line with the digitalization policy drive of the HOS office;

Issued professional accreditation of 267 collages of health technology and universities across the country;

Registered over 16,000 practitioners in both public and private health institutions and;

Issuance of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulation 2024 by Mr. President on 18th Feb. 2025

7.0.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND COMPLIANCE

7.0.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and compliance in Nigeria are governed by several laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks aimed at ensuring sustainable development while minimizing environmental degradation.

7.0.2 The Federal Ministry of Environment is saddled with this responsibility and coordinates EIA and compliance monitoring through the Department of Environmental Assessment, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA). Specifically, the EIA Approvals cover projects in infrastructure, agriculture & food security, renewable energy, education, manufacturing and health. Key achievements recorded by the Ministry in this area include:

7.1.0 Department of Environmental Assessment

The issuance and disclosure of over 1966 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment permits for major developmental projects across the Nation to ensure sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations;

To boost agricultural production and enhance food security, EIA Approvals have been granted to several Special Agric Processing Zones (SAPZ) Projects for Agricultural Transformation Centres and the Hubs across the States of the Federation by the respective host State Governments;

National Biosafety Management Agency

1,470 people have been trained on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) detection and analysis by the National Biosafety Management Agency to foster enhanced regulations and ensure the safe application of modern biotechnology to prevent risks to human health, the environment, and biodiversity;

To provide affordable housing nationwide, the Department has participated in the timely EIA approvals of the Renewed Hope Housing Estates Project across the States of the Federation by the Federal Ministry of Housing & Urban Development;

Surveillance of 32 for supermarkets to check for GMO products for GMO by the National Biosafety Management Agency;

viii To advance the educational sector, the Department has

promptly granted Approvals for the Energising Education

Programme in many Universities by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA);

ix 3 institutions, Nigerian Institute of Horticultural Research, INQABA Biotech West Africa and Faculty of Biological Sciences University of Calabar were accredited for GMO experimentation;

7 Confirmed Field Trails (CFT) for planting GMO crops in Nigeria.

National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)

Implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme in Nigeria with the aim of entrenching a Green Economy and sustainable development in sectors such as the Food, Beverage, and Electricity;

developed and gazetted 33 National Regulations in 2023 with additional ones being reviewed and include Battery Sector Control Regulations 2024 and Plastic Waste Control Regulations;

operationalization the Circular Economy Roadmap as well as the imposition of ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies nationwide;

on compliance, monitoring and enforcement, NEASRA has carried out inspection of 1671sites, issued 1800 environmental permits, issued 5627 import clearance to importers of chemicals and other equipment;

8.0.0 CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION

8.0.1 Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy and a climate-vulnerable country, has implemented various strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation to address the adverse impacts of global warming while promoting sustainable development. The Ministry through the Department of Climate Change has achieved the following milestones:

Secured FEC approval for the National Clean Cooking Policy on 25th March 2024 and launched the policy on 24th April 2024 during the 17th National Council on Environment in Abuja. The provisions of the policy aligns with Mr President’s Agenda in addressing energy efficiency, Green jobs, improving health. The National Implementation Committee to effectively drive the adoption and implementation of the Policy has been inaugurated. Other initiatives to foster the implementation of the policy include;

hosting a National Clean Cooking Fair on 18th July 2024 in Abuja to provide a platform for collaboration amongst actors in the cooking sector,

the ministry is on the process of acquiring and distributing about 30,000 clean cooking stoves across the county this is in line with Mr President Renewed Hope Agenda;

With the launching of the Carbon Market Activation Plan by H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR at COP28 in Dubai, 2023, the Ministry in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and other agencies developed a draft Carbon Market Activation Policy to enhance carbon trading in Nigeria. This was launched under the “Sustainable Energy for All” at Barbados 2025;

 

The Ministry launched the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking Report on July 25, 2024, to assess state-specific efforts in combating climate change and achieving sustainability. The report will set a benchmark for future environmental governance and aims to strengthen climate policy at the subnational level. As a result, at least Eight States (Kano, Kaduna, Borno, Gombe, Ebonyi, Enugu, Katsina and Taraba) have developed and finalized their Climate Policy and Action Plans, while six states (Abia, Benue, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Ekiti & Sokoto)are in the process of finalizing theirs;

Implementation of the Eco-Schools Initiative across 30 schools in Kwara, Oyo, Edo, and Bauchi States, training over 500 students on environmental sustainability and climate action;

Nigerian has signed and agreement with Chinese Government on Renewable Energy and Green Economy in Nigeria during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) 29 in Baku Azerbaijan on 15th November 2024. The implementation of the MoU has commenced at Lekki Low Carbon Demonstration Zone in Lagos with an initial take up grant of $1 million from the Chinese Government.

8.1.0 National Adaptation Plan is a strategic initiative designed to address the country’s medium- and long-term adaptation needs in response to climate change. The aim of the national readiness plan is to guide the development, coordination, and implementation of various policies, plans, strategies, and legislation to enhance Nigeria’s resilience to climate impacts. In the last one year through the ongoing programme, Nigeria has conducted Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) across the five ecological and six geo-political zones of the country as follows; “Sahel Savannah (Borno State); Sudan Savannah (Kebbi & Gombe States); Guinea Savannah (Nasarawa, Enugu & Kwara States), Rainforest (Ondo); Mangrove/Urban (Bayelsa & Lagos States)”. This will attract climate finance to address the issues of climate change in the country.

9.0.0 COLLABORATION

9.0.1 West Africa Coastal Area (WACA) Management Program in collaboration with World Bank and the Nigerian 8 Coastal States.

9.0.2 Improving National Security in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Army.

9.0.3 Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape in collaboration with the World Bank, 19 Northern State and the FCT and the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources.

9.0.4 Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP—EIB) in collaboration with European Investment Bank and all selected states.

9.0.5 Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Enhancement Project in collaboration with World Bank

9.0.6 Sovereign Green Bond —Debt Management Office, Budget and Planning and other relevant

10.0 PIPELINE PROJECTS

10.1 Sovereign Green Bond Programme is an initiative by the Nigerian government to finance environmental projects that support sustainable development and climate action. It is designed to provide funding for projects that reduce carbon emissions, enhance renewable energy, improve waste management, and promote climate resilience. Nigeria was first African country to launch the Sovereign Green Bond in 2017 with the amount of N10 billion. The 2nd issuance was launched in 2019 with the sum of N15 billion. This administration is set to launch the 3rd and 4th issuance by the end of May and in October 2025, with the sum N50 billion and N250 billion respectively.

10.2. West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) is a World Bank sponsored initiative that supports countries in West/East African Coastline, including Nigeria, in managing coastal erosion, flooding, and other coastline related environmental challenges. The program focuses on sustainable coastal resilience, pollution control, and ecosystem restoration to protect coastal communities and economies. The Ministry is working on the framework to involve the seven costal states.

10.3 The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project is a capacity-building initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria and supported by the World Bank. Its primary objective is to develop sustainable capacity in managing procurement, environmental and social standards in both public and private sectors across Nigeria. This initiative has its environmental Standards component anchored by the Federal Ministry of Environment. Key achievements under this area include: –

Development of a world class Environmental Standards Certification Scheme to be rolled out in the 2nd quarter of 2025.

Establishment of a Certification Secretariat within the Environmental Assessment Department to support the scheme takeoff and operations.

Development of a functional World class certification portal to house the Scheme. A series of pilot testing has been conducted on the Certification portal and Environment Standards Certification Scheme involving 157 volunteers across all divides.

10.4 Private Forest program: Under this program, awareness campaigns by the Department of Forestry are being carried out to enable interested individuals and organizations establish private forests across the nation. The establishment of private forest is backed by the National Forest Policy (2006, revised 2020) Agencies like NAGGW and Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) are ready to support investors with seedlings and plant species in this regard. A committee has been constituted in this regards.

10.5 Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation REDD+ is a global initiative developed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)to combat climate change by reducing deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. It provides financial incentives for countries to preserve their forests, enhance carbon stocks and promote sustainable forest management practices.

10.6 Functional secretariats have been established in Ogun, Kaduna, Edo and Plateau states. A forest carbon inventory was conducted in REDD+ States of Cross River, Ondo, Nasarawa, Ogun, Edo, Kaduna and Plateau as well as other jurisdictions with peculiar ecological characteristics. This has enhanced the capacities of the Department of Forestry with regards to forest carbon Inventory.

11.0 CONCLUSION

11.1 Addressing environmental challenges requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, private sector actors, communities, and Development partners. Strengthening policies, improving enforcement mechanisms, increasing financial investments, and enhancing public awareness will be crucial in achieving sustainable environmental management and resilience to climate change.

11.2 In conclusion, I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and his steadfast support for the programs and initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment. Mr. President’s visionary leadership and unhindered access granted to me has been a constant encouragement in driving the progress we have achieved so far. On behalf of the entire Ministry, I reaffirm our dedication to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President which focuses on a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Nigeria.

11.3 The challenges we face require collective action that involve everyone including members of the press. We remain dedicated to implementing policies and initiatives that drive sustainable development for the benefit of our people and future generations.

Thank You all.