The Federal Government has pledged to transform Abuja into a climate-smart, sustainable city, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said this on Tuesday at the 2025 Abuja city environmental sustainability summit themed, “Sustainable urban transformation: Building a resilient and green Abuja.”
Lawal emphasised Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to environmental and climate action through targeted policies and innovative urban planning.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, said, “Nigeria remains committed to its environmental and climate action goals initiated in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and through targeted policies and programmes. We will continue to prioritise nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration and adaptive capacity at all levels.
Speaking earlier, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Yussuf Kelani, stated that the summit will showcase the urban redevelopment efforts currently being spearheaded by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, saying the efforts play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, promoting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life in Abuja.
He said, “Climate change has emerged as a paramount environmental concern, standing as the most pressing issue globally, and Nigeria is no exception to its ramifications. Regrettably, a significant portion of the population remains uninformed about the imminent perils we face and the underlying causes of major community calamities we’ve endured.
“The imperative to incorporate climate change adaptation strategies into the development agenda is growing more urgent. Nonetheless, a lack of awareness or comprehension regarding pivotal issues surrounding vulnerability and adaptation can impede the much-needed response.
He further said the summit is focused on advancing sustainable urban development practices in Abuja, with the goal of accelerating the implementation of eco-conscious urbanization strategies.
This summit will showcase the urban redevelopment efforts currently being spearheaded by the Ministry of the FCT. Special focus will be placed on key initiatives such as tree planting and urban greening, which significantly contribute to carbon capture and the improvement of urban air quality.
These efforts play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the quality of life in Abuja.
