The Ministry of State for Environment in Nigeria was established in 1999 to oversee environmental protection and sustainable development. Its primary goals include biodiversity conservation, waste management, and climate change mitigation.
The Ministry confirms that Nigeria’s development aligns with environmental sustainability, promoting public awareness and collaboration with local and international partners. Some of the Key initiatives include the Ogoni Cleanup and the Great Green Wall Programme.
List Of Ministers Of State For Environment In Nigeria From 2015 Till Date
No | Name | Term In Office | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ibrahim Usman Jibril | 2015-2019 | APC |
2 | Sharon Ikeazor | 2019-2022 | CPC |
3 | Iziaq Adekunle Salako | 2023-Present | APC |
READ ALSO: List Of Ministers Of State For Health And Social Welfare In Nigeria (2011-Date)
What Are The Departments Under The Ministry Of Environment?
The Ministry of Environment in Nigeria comprises several key departments that focus on different aspects of environmental management and protection.
These include:
- Environmental Services Department: Handles policies related to environmental services.
- Environmental Management Department: Focuses on managing environmental resources and compliance.
- Enforcement And Advocacy Department: Responsible for enforcing environmental laws and raising public awareness.
- Environmental Assessment Department: Evaluates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for development projects.
- Legal Services Department: Provides legal support and guidance on environmental regulations.
- Finance and Accounts Department: Manages the financial operations of the ministry.
- Public Affairs Department: Handles communication and public relations.
READ ALSO: List Of Ministers Of Water Resources And Sanitation In Nigeria (1999-Present)
Who Is The New Minister Of State For Environment In Nigeria?
Iziaq Adekunle Salako is the current Minister of State for Environment in Nigeria, taking office on August 21, 2023, after being appointed by President Bola Tinubu. Salako replaced Sharon Ikeazor, who previously held the position.
He was born on August 9, 1967, in Ayetoro, Yewa North, Ogun State. Salako attended United Primary School in Ayetoro before moving on to Abeokuta Grammar School for his secondary education.
Then he pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, and he earned a medical degree (MBBS). He also holds a master’s degree in Public Health from Lagos State University and is currently working towards a PhD in Health Policy and Management.
Before stepping into the role of Minister of State for Environment, Salako had worked as a medical doctor in several hospitals, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Onitsha General Hospital.
Over time, he gained specialized skills in colposcopy and sonology to advance his medical career. Salako has been involved since the mid-2000s, having served as the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Housing, and Health from 2007 to 2011.
During this time, he led several initiatives to improve public health and housing in the state. In 2020, he was appointed Chairman of the Ogun State Hospitals Management Board. Salako’s appointment as Minister of State for Environment aligns with his commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
As the country faces challenges related to climate change, pollution, and deforestation, Salako’s experience will be essential in developing policies that address these concerns.
Aside from his professional life, Salako is a family man. He is married to Dr. Risquat Oluremi Salako, a public health microbiologist, and they have three children.