By Abdulaziz Musa Alhassan
The news of the nomination of Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal as The Ministerial Nominee from Kaduna State broke out with striking optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has found a worthy candidate to spearhead the nation’s Environmental Protection Projects and Objectives. It was clear that Mallam Balarabe Abbas, a seasoned professional with over 40 years experience in governance and public service will take charge of The Federal Ministry of Environment.
With just a month in office, The Minister is laying solid foundations for the success of the #GreenNigeria Project; an initiative that aims to maximize the economic potentials of our environmental space, by ensuring a waste-wealth policy, climate change objectives, biodiversity, advancement of the Great Green Wall (GGW) project, curbing deforestation and economic reinvigoration in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s #RenewedHope Agenda.
On assumption of office, The Honorable Minister received briefings from all departmental heads/senior staff and Heads of Agencies under the ministry. He made clear his intentions to diligently work to deliver on assigned mandate, and charged all workers to do the same. He further highlighted four (4) major areas that needed immediate attention which are: (1) Climate Change (2) Deforestation (3) Air and Water Pollution (4) Loss of Biodiversity. This message sent a signal across the Ministry that there is indeed a new sheriff in town, who will not condone mediocrity; who will ensure that every staff is aligned with stipulated guidelines and set objectives.
Moving forward and recognizing the advantages of Stakeholder Engagements especially as environmental protection is a collective responsibility, Mallam Balarabe Abbas kickstarted engagements with relevant stakeholders such as The Governing Council of The Ogoni Land Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). The HYPREP project aims to restore and revitalize communities impacted by hydrocarbon pollution, with a primary focus on the Ogoni Land region in Nigeria, by ensuring the remediation of polluted environments, and the sustainable development of the ecosystem. This is one project that promises to enhance national unity and sustainable development across board.
It is also noteworthy that The Honorable Minister has in-depth skills in Leadership, Mentorship, Stakeholder Engagements, Projects Coordination and Result Delivery. This is evident with the level of upward progress achieved since his assumption of office. Mal Balarabe Abbas has also engaged a handful of capable youths who will serve to contribute their own quota towards National Development.
The Minister’s approach to the Nation’s Environmental issues is indeed commendable. One can only predict the successes that will be accomplished in due course. The citizens of Nigeria deserve a productive ecosystem void of any form of pollution (Land, Air or Water).
Abdulaziz Musa Alhassan LLB, AcAsi, FYALI, MBABS writes from Abuja
(Chiromanmah@gmail.com
