The federal government has renewed its commitment  to confront the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The federal government made the commitment at the closing of the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting, hosted by the federal ministry of environment in Katsina State.

The three-day meeting, which was held at the Katsina State Secretariat, brought together commissioners, environmental experts, policymakers, and development partners from across the country.

With the theme “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the council meeting served as a high-level platform for discussions on strengthening environmental governance and promoting sustainable development nationwide.

Speaking, Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, described the theme as timely and imperative.

“This is collectively known as the triple planetary crisis recognised as critical to Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic resilience, and environmental security.

Mr Lawal warned that rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are already undermining livelihoods across the country, stressing that the crises are deeply interlinked and require an integrated, science-driven, and multi-sectoral response.

The minister commended Katsina State for its exemplary leadership in climate governance, noting its second place ranking in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking.

He highlighted the state’s Green Economy Roadmap, which prioritises renewable energy, dryland agriculture, eco-tourism, waste-to-energy solutions, and climate-smart development, alongside plans to establish a Green Investment Fund and implement a 2025 to 2030 Climate Action Plan.

He urged other states to replicate Katsina’s approach in transforming challenges such as desertification and soil degradation into opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

Mr Lawal cited ongoing national initiatives including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, and renewable energy and clean cooking policies.

He also called for innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and carbon markets,

The minister urged stronger private-sector engagement, identifying corporate actors such as the Dangote Group and Nigeria Bottling Company as potential partners in environmental restoration and sustainability efforts.

Earlier, Governor Dikko Radda, reaffirmed the state’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

Mr Radda, who was represented by  Faruk Jobe, the deputy governor, highlighted the government’s early approval of funding and sustained support that ensured the successful hosting of the Council.

He described the NCE as a vital platform for policy harmonisation, collaboration, and coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges.

(NAN)