By Olukayode Idowu
Minister of Environment, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi has called on all stakeholders in the environment sector to work at ensuring desirable and sustainable environment for Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Boards of the various Agencies and Institutions under the supervision of the Ministry, Abdullahi said it is important for every stakeholders work with the new boards and their members to achieve the environmental plan of the country.
He said: “I call on every individual either as member or representative of another MDA on the Boards to bring to bear their experiences in taking critical decisions especially, as they have to do with the overall mandate of the Ministry.
“Let me emphasize that the role of the Governing Boards is to drive general policy formulation for the implementation of the Management Teams of these Agencies. The general principle is that Board Members are not involved in the day-to-day running of the Agencies, except for Chairmen and Members who are statutorily saddled with executive functions.
“At this juncture, your synergy and cooperation especially with those saddled with day to day running of these Agencies and institutions cannot be over emphasized. Let me seize this opportunity to call on all stakeholders in the environment sector to work with this newly inaugurated Board to ensure a desirable and sustainable environment for Nigeria. It is important to note that Nigeria’s position on sustainable environment at the international and local levels has been applauded and it is our vision to carry out the National Agenda in tandem with the SDGs so as to lead the country to the path of Green Growth and sustainable development.”
He reminded the newly inaugurated members of the boards that: “As we are aware, the Federal Ministry of Environment was established with a vision to ensure that Nigeria, as a country, develops in harmony with her environment and mission to ensure environmental protection and natural resources conservation for sustainable development.
“Based on these two pillars, the Ministry has the mandate to secure a quality environment conducive for good health and wellbeing of citizens; promote sustainable use of natural resources, restore and maintain the ecosystem and preserve biodiversity.”
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated members of the boards, the Emir of Keffi and the Chairman of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Alhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, said: “I want to thank Mr. President for finding me worthy of this appointment. I don’t take this for granted.
“May I be able to discharge
my duties to the best of my abilities. I wish to thank the Honourable Minister for Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi for the support he has given us all through the years.”
He added that: “I promise you that together we shall see the light at the end of it all.”
