As the Nigerian Environmental Society, NES, sets to mark its 40th anniversary and 34th National Conference, it has called on government authorities to continue engaging with the organisation as a critical partner in environmental planning and implementation.
The organisation made the call at a media briefing on NES@40 and the 34th National Conference held in Abuja, Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the National President of NES, Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, also urged the private sector to invest in sustainable practices and support green innovations, while the media can help amplify environmental messages and hold institutions accountable.
He also called on the public to embrace environmentally responsible lifestyles and actively participate in conservation and environmental sustainability efforts.
“And to our young environmentalists and students – we urge you to remain passionate and committed, for the future of our planet lies in your hands,” said Okobia.
Speaking on the 34th National Conference, the National President said this year’s National Conference – with the theme “Sustainable Cities with Smart Solutions in Africa: The Place of Environmental Management and Social Justice” – is structured to reflect the nation’s environmental realities and aspirations of bringing together experts, policymakers, industry players, bank executives, environmental regulators, legislators, academia, youth leaders, development partners, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.
He said the conference will provide a strategic platform to: discuss emerging environmental challenges and opportunities; review policies and practices affecting Nigeria’s environment; showcase innovations and research in environmental science and engineering.
Other goals include fostering partnerships for climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and circular economy development; and providing an exhibition pavilion for everyone in the environmental sector or related environmental space.
“Through collaborative efforts with governments, private sector actors, academia, and civil society, we have pushed the boundaries of environmental discourse in Nigeria and contributed meaningfully to shaping sustainable policies and practices,” he said.
On NES’ achievements so far, Okobia said NES’ primary accomplishment was shifting the national mindset to the sustainable development of the environment.
“In the early days NES was invited as consultants in advisory capacity or as members of the drafting committees set up by the then Department of Environment and the defunct Federal Environmental Protection Agency, FEPA, and NES played key roles in the formulation of Nigeria’s foundational environmental policies, including the National Policy on the Environment and the Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, Decree, which is now an Act.
“NES members were consistently invited to serve on the inter-ministerial committees, providing the critical technical input that shaped the technical guidelines for the implementation of the policies, as well as Nigeria’s positions on the negotiations of several international conventions, protocols, and treaties.
“It is, therefore, with immense satisfaction that we witnessed the eventual enactment of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria, IEPN, Establishment Act 2023. This singular achievement, led by NES and WAMASON, has solidified NES’s position as the foremost environmental professional body in Nigeria. This will not only change the practice concept of practitioners in Nigeria but give Nigeria global recognition on certification and environmental conduct and ethical standards. We are building relationships with global environmental bodies for knowledge and technology transfer, skill acquisition, capacity training and research,” said Okobia.