The Federal Government has stated that it will focus on various climate challenges, including desertification, among others, News About Nigeria reports.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, disclosed this during his keynote address at the 2024 World Environment Day, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” organised by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) on Wednesday in Abuja.
He noted that planet Earth faces numerous challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, adding that the government will focus on the pressing issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought, as these challenges have a profound impact on the country.
Wike, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Environment and Waste Management, Fred Kpakol, said the government will also focus on effective waste management as it is a growing concern in Nigeria and Abuja is not immune to these challenges.
He maintained that a healthy environment is needed for true progress and prosperity, adding that his focus on infrastructural development in Abuja is not just about building roads but also enhancing the resilience of the city to climate-related risks by incorporating green infrastructure and sustainable practices.
“In Nigeria, we are acutely aware of these issues. Rapid desert encroachment is a severe problem, particularly in the northern regions of our country, where fertile lands are turning to desert at an alarming rate. This encroachment is not only advancing southwards but also exacerbating the challenges faced by our communities, including poverty, insecurity, and displacement.
“Abuja, as the capital city, is not immune to these challenges. Rapid urbanisation and the accompanying increase in waste generation, fuelwood extraction, and infrastructure demands have put tremendous pressure on our environment. Effective waste management is a growing concern, and we are committed to addressing it through innovative and sustainable solutions,” he stated.
