As part of efforts to address the challenges facing forest conservation in Nigeria, the Federal Government, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, has disclosed plans to promote private forest ownership in Nigeria.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who announced the initiative during a courtesy visit by a delegation from ATAR Communications Ltd., owners of Liberty Media Group, to his office in Abuja yesterday, said the aim of the initiative is to enable the establishment of private forests, as part of its broader efforts to achieve environmental remediation and sustainability.
The Minister said it is meant to encourage private ownership of forest in the country, with the aim of increasing private sector participation of forest conservation in the country.
The delegation was led by the Executive Chairman, ATAR Communications, Alhaji (Dr.) Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, in company of the Group General Manager, Engr. Muhammad Balarabe Bello and the General Manager, Mohmood Tunde Hassan.
Highlighting the critical state of Nigeria’s forest coverage, currently at a meager 3.7% – one of the lowest globally – the Minister emphasised the need for urgent intervention. He noted that the private forest initiative would complement existing government efforts to protect the environment and align with international standards.
Lawal reiterated the Government’s commitment to expanding the ‘Green Wall Programme’, a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sustainability agenda, as amplified by the President during the recent Sustainability Summit in the UAE.
Additionally, the Minister unveiled plans to scale-up Nigeria’s circular economy, through active recycling initiatives, aimed at not only to convert waste-to-wealth, but also waste-to-energy.
Towards this, he announced that the Federal Government has commenced the process with the launch of a pilot project in Kuje, whereby sewage is being processed to generate energy, as part of this initiative.
Expressing concern over the adverse effects of climate change, including floods and extreme weather conditions, Lawal called on stakeholders to adopt environmentally-friendly practices.
He also urged Liberty Media Group to support the Ministry’s programmes, emphasising the pivotal role of media in achieving environmental goals and objectives.
In response, Executive Chairman, ATAR Communications Ltd., Alh. (Dr.) Tijjani Ramalan, commended the Ministry’s visible strides being recorded towards attaining sustainable quality environment along best practices, consistent with the desire for improved well-being of all, and assured of the Liberty Media Group’s readiness to engage in enduring partnership to achieve the laudable programmes of the ministry and its agencies, noting with satisfaction that the Minister of Environment is on the right track.
He expressed confidence in the Minister’s leadership, and pledged the media group’s support in advancing the ministry’s initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to driving the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Government, through collaboration and action-oriented strategies for environmental sustainability.
