QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION ON PRESS FREEDOM DAY PRESS CONFERENCE
1. QUESTION
We want a confirmation from the Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Environment to tell us if the environmental impact and social assessment certificate has been issued to the Federal Ministry of Works for the execution of the Lagos Calabar Highway project.
HM STATE, ENVIRONMENT’S RESPONSE
The Environmental impact and social assessment are mandated by law for some categories of projects, both public and private. The Federal Ministry of Environment implements that law, and I can tell that we take it very seriously and don't joke with it. As a matter of fact, I can tell that in recent months, we have observed a few loopholes in the existing law, and we are already approaching the Federal Executive Council to see how we can block those loopholes. The Federal Ministry of Works has applied since December 2023 for environmental impact and social assessment for the Lagos Calabar Highway project, and the Ministry of Environment has preliminary assessments. I can confirm that we have issued the preliminary assessment certification for site clearance and scoping for compensation, and that's what's going on now. But you know that it is a very big project, so it is not something we can do once. Instead, we have decided to approach the issuance of certifications in phases so that the project can go on and we can also be doing our assessment.
2. QUESTION
I want to commend the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for considering organizing this Press Freedom Day press conference, the first of its kind in this country. My question is whether environmental matters fall within the concurrent list and not the exclusive list. If you go to the States, you will see a huge amount of refuse. How can we convert refuge into an energy source?
HM STATE, ENVIRONMENT’S RESPONSE
On the issue of refuse, I can tell that it is a major challenge that we are confronted with. First, you must realize that the federal government does not own refuse; therefore, all refuse is the responsibility of the state and local governments. If we can turn this refuse into wealth in several ways, it means that we must work together with the states. For instance, as Minister of State Environment, I cannot go to Ogun State and say I want to do recycling there; all the waste belongs to Ogun State without the buy-in of that state. What the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided to do on the issue of waste management is to create a national network a national platform where states can plug in for the circular management of their wastes, and I think about two weeks ago we launched national roadmap which we will engage with states to domesticate and it will now serve as the framework for recycling of our wastes.
3. QUESTION
I am happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation talked about patriotism and responsible journalism. But we have a problem in this clime, often times when a journalist writes a story that massages the ego of those in power, they remain safe, and this is often interpreted as responsible journalism. But when they write a story that seems to rattle a Ministry or individual even if it is factual, lots of people will be coming for your neck. So, how do we address this? journalists become scared of reporting the facts even when they have the authority to back them up. I have some colleagues who lost their lives because they reported facts.
HM INFORMATION’S RESPONSE
You talked about responsible journalism, viz-a-viz the safety of journalists. Let me tell you that this is a challenge all over the world, not just in Nigeria. The press in this country is largely free, and the fact that we are having this kind of engagement is also a testament to that. I know that occasionally we have little issues here and there that we try to address every day. I can tell you that today there is no one who has been killed or jailed in the life of this administration. There is no way you can take away responsibility from journalism, your freedom to express yourself ends where another person's freedom begins. If you spread falsehood, misinformation, and fake news, there is no way that can be called press freedom. Press freedom is not the same thing as spreading falsehood, misinformation, and fake news. Remember, I talked about patriotism and love for nationhood? We are all Nigerians; no one will come and tell us how to behave. It is our responsibility to behave to ensure that this country is safe, remains united, and is peaceful. So, whatever you say or do, remember to keep in mind that you are reporting so that society can live. So responsible journalism is that which enables you to report factually, honestly, and transparently while also maintaining the integrity and sanctity of your own country.
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