Rivers raises alarm over environmental threats
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, and land restoration in line with the objectives of the Great Green Wall Initiative across the Sahel region.
 
This is contained in a statement from the Ministry of Environment. Nigeria’s position was made by the Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW, Mr Saleh Abubakar, at the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
 
Abubakar said the agency’s participation underscores President Bola Tinubu’s determination to address the impact of climate change in Nigeria, especially in the 11 frontline states.
 
The DG explained that the high-level global gathering brought together world leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, development partners, and stakeholders to deliberate on pressing environmental challenges and sustainable development priorities.
 
“The assembly serves as a strategic platform for advancing international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, sustainable agriculture, and environmental sustainability.”
 
He reiterated that the agency would strengthen partnerships with global partners to mobilise support for Nigeria’s Great Green Wall initiatives and other environmental restoration programmes.

MEANWHILE, the Rivers State Government has blamed residents, oil companies, and poor environmental practices for the growing ecological challenges facing the state, warning of an impending environmental catastrophe if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
 
The government and an estate expert, My-ACE China, also called for renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and the restoration of Port Harcourt’s historic reputation as the Garden City.
 
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Environment, Alwell Chinedum Okereuku, who, in line with activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day, said flooding, erosion, indiscriminate waste disposal, oil pollution, and gas flaring continue to threaten the state’s environment.
 
According to him, many of the environmental challenges confronting the state are largely man-made.
 
“People dump domestic waste into gutters and drainage channels, blocking waterways and causing floods and erosion. What we are experiencing today is largely the result of human activities,” he said.
 
Okereuku lamented that Port Harcourt, once renowned nationwide for its cleanliness and lush greenery, has gradually lost that reputation due to negative environmental practices.
 
He urged residents to desist from building on natural waterways and drainage channels and to embrace responsible waste management.
 
The Permanent Secretary also blamed oil companies for contributing significantly to environmental degradation through oil pollution and gas flaring.