The Federal Ministry of Environment in Nigeria is responsible for protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development, and managing natural resources.
Established in 1999, the ministry ensures that development projects comply with environmental laws to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems.
Its mission includes conserving natural resources, raising public awareness of environmental issues, and collaborating with domestic and international partners to implement policies that protect the environment for future generations. The ministry also leads key initiatives like the Great Green Wall, the Ogoni cleanup, and climate resilience projects.
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List Of Ministers Of Environment In Nigeria
Name | Term Start | Term End | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
Bala Muhammed Mande | 2003 | 2005 | Military |
Dr. Iyorchia Ayu | 2005 | 2005 | PDP |
Mrs. Helen Esuene | 2005 | 2007 | PDP |
Mrs. Halima Tayo Alao | 2005 | 2007 | PDP |
Mr. John Odey | 2007 | 2009 | PDP |
Mrs. Amina Mohammed | 2015 | 2019 | APC |
Mr. Ibrahim Jibril | 2019 | 2021 | APC |
Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar | 2021 | 2023 | APC |
Balarabe Abbas Lawal | 2023 | Present | APC |
Departments In The Ministry Of Environment In Nigeria
There are 17 departments In the Ministry of Environment In Nigeria:
- Audit
- Climate Change
- Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought Management
- Environmental Assessment
- Erosion Flood and Coastal Zone Management
- Finance & Accounts
- Forestry
- General Services
- Human Resource
- Legal
- Planning, Research & Statistics
- Pollution Control & Environmental Health
- Procurement
- Press
- Reform Coordination and Service Improvement
- Special Duties
- Survey and Mapping
Agencies Under The Ministry Of Environment In Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Environment in Nigeria oversees several key agencies that focus on different aspects of environmental management.
These agencies include:
- National Oil Spill Detection & Response Agency (NOSDRA)
- National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
- Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN)
- National Park Services
- National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA)
- Great Green Wall Agency
Initiatives Under The Ministry Of Environment In Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Environment in Nigeria is involved in different initiatives to promote environmental sustainability and address ecological challenges.
- ACRESAL (Accelerating Climate Resilience for the Sustainable Development of Land)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- Application for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- Environmentally Sound Management of PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
- Ogoni Cleanup
- Green Bonds
- Clean & Green Initiative
- Great Green Wall Programme
- Erosion & Watershed Management Project
- Clean Energy Initiative
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Who Is The New Minister Of Environment In Nigeria?
The new Minister of Environment in Nigeria is Balarabe Abbas Lawal. He took office on October 9, 2023, after being appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
However, Lawal had a notable career in public service and politics. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress. Born on February 5, 1958, Balarabe Abbas Lawal earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.
Before his recent appointment, Lawal served as the secretary to the Kaduna State Government. He held this position under Governor Uba Sani starting from May 30, 2023.
He was also secretary to the Kaduna State Government under Governor Nasir El-Rufai from May 2015 to May 2023. Lawal has also was the chief of staff to Nasir El-Rufai when he was the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from July 2003 to July 2007.
His experience extends to the Ministry of Defence as well. He served as a special assistant to the minister of state for the Nigerian Army from February 2001 to May 2003.
Earlier in his career, Lawal was a special assistant to the minister of state for education from September 1999 to February 2001.
He even taught at the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria from 1982 to 1989. And now that he is the current Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal faces challenges and responsibilities.
His role involves overseeing Nigeria’s environmental policies, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing issues like climate change and pollution.