Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to environmental and climate action goals at the 2025 Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The summit, themed “Sustainable Urban Transformation: Building a Resilient and Green Abuja,” focused on addressing the environmental challenges facing the nation’s capital, including flooding, poor waste management, air pollution, and traffic congestion.
Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary Mahmud Adam Kambari, highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to tackle climate impacts through various initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and agro-climate resilience projects in semi-arid landscapes.
He stressed that these efforts align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aiming to promote equitable and sustainable growth.
Speaking on the challenges faced by Abuja, Lawal noted that these issues are not merely environmental but also developmental, impacting health, economy, and quality of life. He advocated for a transformation of Abuja’s urban infrastructure, emphasising green city planning, sustainable urban systems, and the promotion of public transport, electric vehicles, and green spaces.
“To achieve this sustainable pathway in Abuja, a green city planning and sustainable urban transformation system prioritising public transport, electric vehicles, cycling, and walking is essential,” he said.
Lawal also discussed the broader scope of the ministry’s policies, such as the National Clean Cooking Policy, National Gender Policy, and the National Adaptation Plan. These initiatives aim to build resilience and reduce vulnerability across the country while promoting the restoration of ecosystems and climate adaptation.
The minister further noted the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy and reducing environmental footprints through sustainable consumption and innovation.
“We must embark on a transformative development pathway that will transition us to a low-carbon economy, protect and restore biodiversity, combat pollution, and promote green jobs,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and share best practices to build a more resilient and sustainable future for Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, discussed the summit’s role in showcasing urban redevelopment efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). These efforts are crucial in mitigating climate change and improving environmental sustainability in Abuja.
Kelani noted that climate change is a significant global concern, with varying impacts across Nigeria’s regions, including drought and desertification in the north, flooding in the south, and gully erosion in the central belt.
He stressed the need for incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into development agendas and raising awareness about the risks and causes of climate change.
Kelani also highlighted the summit’s focus on promoting sustainable urban development practices in Abuja, with particular attention to tree planting, urban greening, waste management, and capacity-building for local government officials.
“The summit aims to accelerate the implementation of eco-conscious urbanisation strategies and foster collaboration among government entities, urban planners, and the private sector,” he stated.
One key initiative, the Waste to Wealth programme, will train young people in sustainable waste management practices, enabling them to view waste as a resource that can be converted into valuable products. This programme is designed to create economic opportunities for youth while addressing the city’s waste management issues.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, represented by the Special Adviser (Technical), Prof. Babatunde Bernard, also underscored the importance of collective effort in managing Abuja’s environmental challenges.
He called for joint action by both the government and citizens to ensure the sustainability of the capital city.
“Abuja is for all of us, and we must come together to take care of it in a more sustainable way,” he said.
The summit provided a platform for the government, private sector, and civil society to collaborate on developing sustainable urban solutions, aiming to transform Abuja into a leading model of climate-resilient urban growth.
