The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has declared the Ministry’s full support, collaboration, and partnership with the Environmental Management and Disaster Risk Reduction Institute (EMDRRI), located in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Lawal made this commitment while receiving a delegation led by the President and Chief Executive Officer of EMDRRI, Mr. Stephen Ogboli, in his office in Abuja.
The Minister commended the management of EMDRRI for its efforts in advancing environmental management in Nigeria, noting that the institute’s activities complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the environment sector.
He further urged the institute to develop a curriculum that is rooted in practical experience rather than theory, so that its graduates can become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
Lawal emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the environment through increased public awareness on flood management in order to mitigate the impact of seasonal flooding affecting several communities.
He added that the Ministry is also advancing the implementation of the National Circular Economy Roadmap, a strategic framework designed to promote sustainable resource use, reduce waste, and foster economic growth through recycling and innovation.
According to him, the Ministry is dedicated to creating a resilient and sustainable environment for all Nigerians and remains open to partnerships with organizations like EMDRRI to amplify efforts in environmental protection, climate adaptation, and disaster risk management.
Earlier in his remarks, EMDRRI President/CEO, Mr. Stephen Ogboli, commended the Ministry for its proactive approach to advancing sustainability and environmental protection nationwide.
He said the visit was intended to explore areas of collaboration and exchange of ideas with the Ministry to tackle pressing environmental challenges and promote disaster risk reduction. He also praised the Ministry’s leadership in tackling environmental issues and expressed optimism about forging a robust partnership.
Ogboli underscored the institute’s expertise in disaster risk reduction and environmental management, highlighting the potential for joint initiatives to address climate change, pollution, and ecosystem preservation.
As part of the visit, EMDRRI honored and decorated Minister Lawal with the distinguished title of Fellow of the Institute in recognition of his leadership and contributions to environmental sustainability.
The statement was issued by Ibrahim Haruna, Director, Information at the Federal Ministry of Environment.
