In a concerted effort to stem the tide of climate change, the Federal Capital Territory, under the leadership of Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, is spearheading a waste management revolution that harnesses the power of innovation and sustainability to create a better tomorrow.
The minister said this during his keynote address at the 2024 World Environment Day, themed : “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” organised by Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCDA, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking through his environmental advisor, Fred Kpakol, the minister sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s escalating waste crisis, acknowledging that even the capital city, Abuja, is not shielded from the devastating consequences of poor waste management.
The minister underscored the symbiotic relationship between environmental health and progress, revealing that his infrastructure development efforts in Abuja are designed to strike a balance between modernization and sustainability, incorporating green technologies and climate resilience to create a resilient and thriving city.
He said, “Our planet faces numerous challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, but today we focus on the pressing issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought – challenges that have a profound impact on our nation, Nigeria, and indeed the world.Human activities have a tremendous impact on the natural systems we depend on. Unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and urbanization are accelerating land degradation and desertification. These activities disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystems, leading to soil erosion, loss of arable land, and reduced water availability. The consequences are dire, affecting food security, livelihoods, and the overall resilience of our communities.
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“In Nigeria, we are acutely aware of these issues. Rapid desert encroachment is a severe problem, particularly in the northern regions of our country, where fertile lands are turning to desert at an alarming rate. This encroachment is not only advancing southwards but also exacerbating the challenges faced by our communities, including poverty, insecurity, and displacement.
Abuja’s rapid urbanization has created a perfect storm of environmental challenges, with waste generation, fuelwood extraction, and infrastructure needs putting immense pressure on our ecosystem. He noted the dedication to addressing these issues head-on, leveraging innovative solutions and sustainable practices to ensure a resilient, thriving city.