NIGERIA ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR Q4 2025 ACHIEVEMENTS IN VIRTUAL STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT
The Federal Ministry of Environment today held its Fourth Quarter 2025 Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement virtually, where Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal presented key accomplishments from October to December under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
The session underscored Nigeria's commitment to environmental protection, sustainable resource use, biodiversity conservation, and climate action, aligning with the ministry's mandate to secure a quality environment for the health and well-being of citizens, fauna, and flora.
Forestry and Afforestation Advances
Significant progress was reported in reforestation efforts, with over 500,000 trees planted nationwide through departmental initiatives, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. More than 7 million drought-resistant seedlings, including date palms and neem, were raised in 11 frontline states, alongside mangroves in the Niger Delta.
An additional 40km of shelterbelts were established, bringing the total to 235km. The SURAGGWA Project was launched for Sahel land restoration, and the Kogo Forest Reserve was designated as a new National Park, increasing the total to 13.
The National Park Service (NPS) neutralized bandits, rescued wildlife, arrested 119 poachers and illegal miners, employed 60 new rangers (totaling 2,685), and welcomed 947 tourists. Other highlights include public-private partnerships for bamboo factories, agroforestry projects, participation in CITES COP20, and the inauguration of the Green Women Platform.
A major policy milestone was the Presidential Executive Order banning wood exports and allied products, gazetted on October 16 and publicly launched on December 17, aimed at curbing deforestation.
Combating Desertification and Land Degradation
Over 1.14 million hectares of degraded land were restored, supporting thriving agriculture and economic activities. ACReSAL delivered massive restoration in 19 northern states and the FCT, including irrigation schemes and Nguru Wetland revival. US$9.275 million was disbursed to 3,898 community groups benefiting over 24,000 people, alongside distribution of tractors, irrigation pumps, farm inputs, greenhouses, and clean cookstoves.
Flood and Erosion Control
The ministry maintained 90% accuracy in flood early warning alerts. 45 major gully erosion projects were executed, and the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy was reviewed. The Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB), backed by €175 million, saw its first tranche disbursed to 23 states, with ongoing flood control and river desilting works.
Pollution Control and Environmental Health
Nigeria's first Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Treatment Facility was unveiled on December 18, enhancing safe management of hazardous chemicals. Environment clubs were launched, and sensitizations marked World Toilet Day and Global Hand Washing Day.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) cleaned 918.75 hectares of shorelines, advanced mangrove restoration (560 hectares pilot nearing completion), commissioned water facilities, built specialist hospitals, trained 7,000 youths, and awarded scholarships to 300 Ogoni postgraduates.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) responded to 90 spills and launched new mapping tools.
Environmental Assessment and Compliance
79 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certificates were issued, with site reviews for major projects like Eko Atlantic and Dangote Refinery. Agencies like the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) advanced training, inspections, and guidelines on plastics and waste.
Climate Change Efforts
Nigeria led its delegation at COP30 in Belém, Brazil (November 2025), where updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) were advanced. The Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) System was launched, alongside subnational climate governance reports and state-level policy support.
The Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour Committee was inaugurated, eco-schools initiatives expanded, and preparations made for the fourth Green Bond issuance (₦300 billion). Full ministry digitalization is set for January 2026.
Minister Lawal emphasized these achievements reflect collaborative efforts across six technical departments, seven agencies, four projects, and three programs, advancing the vision of "a nation in harmony with its environment."
The engagement reinforced public awareness and partnerships with stakeholders, private sector, NGOs, and international organizations for sustainable development.
More photos below.
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