The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Abuja against mounting environmental and climate-related risks through sustainable urban development initiatives and targeted policy action.
Speaking at the 2025 Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit on Tuesday, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal—represented by Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari—emphasized the urgency of addressing threats such as flooding, poor waste management, air pollution, and rising greenhouse gas emissions. These, he noted, are not only environmental concerns but developmental challenges affecting health, livelihoods, and economic growth.
The summit, themed “Sustainable Urban Transformation: Building a Resilient and Green Abuja,” highlighted the federal government’s strategies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Lawal outlined initiatives such as the Great Green Wall, agro-climate resilience projects, and the promotion of nature-based solutions to mitigate climate impacts while fostering inclusive and equitable growth.
He noted the ministry’s growing commitment to ecosystem restoration, sustainable waste management, and low-carbon development pathways through policies like the National Clean Cooking Policy, National Adaptation Plan, and Circular Economy Strategy.
Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yussuf Kelani, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the need to integrate climate adaptation strategies into all development plans. He introduced the Presidential Climate Change Action and Resilience Enhancement Scheme (P-CARES), launched in 2024 to accelerate climate interventions nationwide.
Kelani said the summit is a platform for driving eco-conscious urbanization, highlighting urban redevelopment efforts by the FCT Administration, including tree planting, urban greening, and the “Waste to Wealth” initiative aimed at youth empowerment and sustainable waste management.
Workshops were also announced for local government officials across Abuja’s six area councils, focusing on sustainable facility management, urban planning, and grassroots environmental engagement.
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Prof. Babatunde Bernard reaffirmed the government’s resolve to promote a shared responsibility in ensuring Abuja’s sustainability. “Abuja belongs to all Nigerians. It’s our collective duty to protect and preserve it for future generations,” he said.
The summit concluded with a call for stronger partnerships among government agencies, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and the public to accelerate Abuja’s transformation into a model green city.
