………….draws their attention to weighty and demanding task that lies ahead.
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has inaugurated the newly appointed Chairmen and Members of Governing Boards of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Environment, emphasising that their appointments came at a critical time in the national and global environmental trajectory, and being selected to serve on these Boards reflects the administration’s strategic prioritisation of environmental governance as a pillar of national development.
He asserted that the agencies under their oversight served as critical tools and institutional anchors for Nigeria’s response to both domestic and international environmental obligations, adding that it’s responsible for climate action, waste and pollution management, environmental compliance and enforcement, as well as the conservation of forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems among others.
The minister however called on members to always ensure that Board decisions align with key national frameworks, including the National Environmental Policy, the Revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and the Green Economy Strategy, among others and that leadership is crucial in mainstreaming environmental priorities into sectoral policies and development planning at both the federal and sub-national levels.
Speaking further, Balarabe urged them to embrace a systems-thinking approach to governance, one that promotes cross-agency collaboration, fosters transparency and accountability, and encourages innovation in the discharge of your responsibilities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration.
“Our shared objective is to co-create practical and inclusive solutions that safeguard our environment and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians,” the Minister said
He cheerfully congratulated the newly appointed Chairmen and Members of Governing Boards of Agencies on their well-deserved appointments, enjoining them to bring their technical expertise, governance experience, and unwavering commitment to public service in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He said, “Together, let us accelerate the transformation of the environmental sector into a resilient, efficient, and innovation-driven ecosystem that advances sustainable national development once again.”
The newly appointed Chairmen and Members of Governing Boards of Agencies are: Sen. Magnus Abe (Chairman Governing Board, National Agency for the Great Green Wall), Mu’azu Muhammed Bawa Rijau (Chairman Governing Board, National Biosafety Management Agency) Hon Garba Datti Muhammed (Chairman Governing Board (NESREA), Hon Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi (Chairman Governing Board EHCON),
Others includes; Hon. Abdulmalik Ahmed Usman (Chairman Governing Board FRIN), Chief Edward Omo-Erewa (Chairman Governing Board NOSDRA) and Dr Kingsley Ononogbu (Chairman Governing Board, National Park Service).
In his welcome address the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari said the Ministry of Environment is at the forefront of tackling Nigeria’s most pressing ecological challenges—from climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation to pollution control and natural resource management, emphasising that these challenges demand visionary leadership, effective oversight, and strategic partnerships at every level. Your expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit will be critical drivers in enhancing the performance and impact of the Agencies you now serve.
Kambari further said their appointment as Boards Chairmen and members comes with the immense responsibilities, steering the Agencies towards achieving their mandates in environmental protection, restoration, and sustainable development. As custodians of our environment, your roles are pivotal in shaping policies, directing programs, ensuring good governance, and driving innovation that will translate into tangible benefits for our national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Boards of Agencies, the Chairman Governing Board, (National Agency for the Great Green Wall) Sen. Magnus Abe, appreciated Mr. President for finding them worthy of the position.
Senator Abe therefore pledged on behalf of the Governing Boards that they would bring their wealth experience, ability and capacity to bear to drive the process.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the House Committee (House of Representatives) on Environment, Hon. Mike Etaba commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal and his team for the critical roles they are playing in the environment sector.
Hon. Mike charged the newly appointed Governing Boards to be more proactive in their responsibilities and called for better understanding among the chairmen, ministry and agencies that would enable the ministry to achieve its purpose which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
It would be recalled that a retreat was organised by the Ministry for the newly appointed Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards of the Agencies of the before their inauguration to enable them have clear understanding of the environment sector for optimum performance.
Signed
Ibrahim Haruna
Director (Information)
3rd August, 2025
