By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) on Tuesday called on Government authorities to continue engaging with stakeholders to enhance environmental planning and implementation.
National President, NES, Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia made the call at a media briefing to herald its 34th National Conference, the 35th Annual General Meeting and the 40th Anniversary of the body.
This year’s National Conference has as theme“Sustainable Cities with Smart Solutions in Africa: The Place of Environmental Management and Social Justice”
Dr. Okobia also called on the private sector to invest in sustainable practices and support green innovations, the media to help amplify environmental messages and hold institutions accountable and the general public to embrace environmentally responsible lifestyles and actively participate in conservation and environmental sustainability efforts.
The President said the 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity, but a moment of deep reflection on its achievements, challenges, and renewed commitment to Nigeria and the global south.
“Over the past four decades, NES has played active roles in local, national, regional, and international environmental programs; provided expert opinions on critical national policies, and served as a rallying point for environmental advocacy, policy direction, multilateral organizations, youths environmental stewardship, and capacity building.
“NES has evolved into the premier environmental professional society in Nigeria, earning its rightful place as the foremost watchdog of the environment. From a humble beginning, NES has been likening to be the biblical small mustard seed that has grown into a great tree, with vibrant chapters across the nation.
“We have grown into a vibrant national body with over 35 officially launched chapters across Nigeria, including two chapters each in Lagos and Ogun States, one in each of the other states, the Federal Capital Territory, and one in the United Kingdom.
“The relationship between the growth of the environmental sector in Nigeria and the evolution of NES is inextricably interwoven. The relationship between the growth of the environmental sector in Nigeria and the evolution of NES is inextricably interwoven.
“We have grown from a small unit of two people to the establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in 1988, and now to a full-fledged Federal Ministry of Environment.
He said this year’s National Conference is structured to reflect environmental realities and aspirations of bringing together experts, policymakers, industry players, banks executives, environmental regulators, legislators, academia, youth leaders, development partners, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.
“It will provide a strategic platform to discuss emerging environmental challenges and opportunities; Review policies and practices affecting Nigeria’s environment; Showcase innovations and research in environmental science and engineering
“It will Foster partnerships for climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and circular economy development; and Exhibition pavilion for everyone in the environment sector or related environmental space.
He said that NES through collaborative efforts with governments, private sector actors, academia, and civil society, have pushed the boundaries of environmental discourse in Nigeria and contributed meaningfully to shaping sustainable policies and practices.
“In our research on Sustainable Professional Perception conducted, the results showed that NES has 80% knowledge-based visibility to both Private and Public Sectors within Nigeria. 90% were through social media and National Conferences, 70% rated NES performance over the years as high, Waste management and pollution and energy efficiency were rated as 90% as the three top environmental sustainability challenges in Nigeria that requires urgent attention.”
