The Federal Government has urged journalists and environmental stakeholders to work more closely in addressing Nigeria’s environmental problems and promoting sustainable development.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made the appeal during a media engagement and environmental communication workshop held in Abuja.
Lawal said the media plays an important role in reporting environmental issues and informing the public, adding that journalists help raise awareness and encourage public participation.
He said environmental problems are already affecting many parts of the country. According to him, these include desertification in northern Nigeria, flooding and erosion in the South-East and South-South, oil pollution and gas flaring in the Niger Delta, as well as deforestation and the effects of climate change.
The minister said the Federal Ministry of Environment has strengthened its environmental programmes under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Renewed Hope agenda.
He stated that initiatives such as the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall restored more than 1.14 million hectares of degraded land and supported the planting of over 1.5 million trees in 2025.
Lawal said the programmes demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the environment while supporting economic activities and livelihoods.
He also urged journalists to give more attention to environmental reporting, noting that such issues affect agriculture, health and the economy.
The minister called for reporting that relies on data and practical solutions, while also encouraging the use of digital platforms to reach younger audiences.
He assured journalists that the ministry will continue to provide access to information, data and field activities to support effective environmental reporting.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, represented by the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Hajia Bahijjatu Abubakar, commended the media for supporting efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
She said the workshop was organised to strengthen cooperation, improve knowledge and enhance communication on environmental issues.
Abubakar also acknowledged the contribution of Lincoln Publications Limited in co-hosting the workshop and urged journalists to continue raising awareness on climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution control and sustainable resource management.
Participants were encouraged to use their platforms to promote environmental awareness and support national development through accurate reporting.
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