The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has called for the support and collaboration of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Green Initiative Programme to bolster the country’s afforestation efforts.
The minister made this appeal during a recent courtesy visit by FAN, led by its president, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun at his office in Abuja.
Lawal emphasised the critical need for a collective effort to advance afforestation in Nigeria, stressing that cooperation among all relevant stakeholders is essential to combat desert encroachment and promote tree-planting initiatives. He highlighted that the joint focus of FAN and the PBAT Green Initiative Programme aligns with the government’s objectives to enhance afforestation across the nation.
In addition, the minister called on other relevant agencies, such as the Agricultural Resilience in the Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), to play active roles in safeguarding the country’s forests. He noted that these efforts are crucial in addressing challenges like illegal logging, poaching, and banditry within forested areas. Lawal also stressed the importance of reviewing environmental laws to tackle these issues more effectively.
Lawal underscored the significance of forestry in the environmental sector, pointing out that preserving the ecosystem and protecting wildlife habitats are critical tasks. He remarked, “Forests are very important in mitigating climate change, curbing the extinction of wildlife, and maintaining the ecosystem.” The minister further lamented the adverse effects of deforestation, such as loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased risk of flooding.
Commending FAN for its ongoing afforestation initiatives, the minister assured the association of the Ministry’s full support and cooperation in their efforts. He highlighted that deforestation remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, leading to environmental degradation and threatening the country’s natural resources.
During the visit, FAN president, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun congratulated Lawal on his appointment and praised the ministry’s achievements under his leadership. He noted that the ministry has made significant strides in fulfilling the Federal Ministry of Environment’s mandate, in line with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
Afolabi also pointed out that many members of FAN are current or former staff of the Ministry and its agencies, expressing their commitment to supporting the Ministry’s initiatives. He assured the Minister that FAN, established in 1970, remains actively involved in advocacy and afforestation programmes and will continue to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure the success of its environmental activities.
