By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, recently embarked on a familiarization visit to his counterparts in the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration and foster a cordial working relationship between the ministries.
This was contained in a statement issued by Ibrahim Haruna, Head, Press and Public Relations Unit on Wednesday in Abuja.
During the visit, Minister Balarabe emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration among the three ministries to achieve their mandates as outlined during the Presidential retreat. He highlighted key areas of collaboration, including environmental impact assessment, tree planting, erosion control, pollution control, and climate change initiatives.
“The collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Works, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is crucial in achieving our common goals of environmental sustainability,” stated Minister Balarabe.
In response, Senator David Nweze Umahi, Minister of Works, expressed his support and commitment to complying with environmental regulations. He commended Minister Balarabe for his proactive approach in addressing environmental challenges and assured him of his ministry’s cooperation.
Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwarzo, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, echoed Senator Umahi’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of environmental regulations in their ministry’s projects. He assured Minister Balarabe of their full compliance and collaboration.
Furthermore, Hon. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, reiterated the ministry’s dedication to environmental sustainability and pledged their support for the Ministry of Environment’s initiatives.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the newly deployed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Yakubu Kofar Mata, to establish a working relationship with his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari. The two permanent secretaries discussed ways to enhance collaboration and strengthen the ties between their respective ministries.
Minister Balarabe concluded the visit by assuring his colleagues that the Ministry of Environment is committed to fulfilling the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He reaffirmed the ministry’s focus on the six key priority areas related to the environment outlined in the administration’s eight-point Economic Agenda.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Works, and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development signifies a united effort to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in Nigeria. With their combined expertise and resources, these ministries are poised to make significant strides in protecting the environment and ensuring a greener future for all.