By Gbenga Akingbule
The Federal Government and the Borno State Government on Wednesday called for strigent enforcement of environmental regulations to deter offenders and curb activities that threaten environmental sustainability, public health, and the well-being of communities.
Gatekeepers News reports that both governments stressed that strict compliance with existing environmental laws, coupled with effective monitoring and sanctions against violators, is essential to protecting the environment, preserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable development.
This was made know by the Minister of Environnent Hon.Balarabe Abbas Lawal and the Borno State Governor , Prof Babagana Zulum during the 2026 annual retreat of the Federal Ministry of Environment, held in Maiduguri , the Borno State capital .
According to Hon. Lawal, the Federal Government is seeking new ways to strengthen environmental governance across all parts of the country.
He noted that the outcome of the retreat is expected to introduce more innovative approaches to addressing environmental challenges, strengthen the enforcement of environmental regulations, and promote sustainable development through improved collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
” Over the next three days, we will be examining the key issues affecting the environment sector. These include environmental regulation and standard enforcement, institutional performance, accountability and innovation. We are going to review our collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and the relationship with State Governments.
” The retreat will also review the internal dynamics of the Ministry by streamlining the roles of departments, agencies and projects of the ministry to remove areas of conflict and ensure synergy among different units of ministry.” The Minister said .
Prof. Zulum on his part stated that urgent measures must be employed to ensure tougher enforcement of environmenral laws at all levels , noting that environmental sustainability s one of the most critical issues facing humanity today. “Climate change, desertification, biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution and unsustainable resource exploitation have become major concerns for Governments across the world. These challenges threaten livelihoods, food security, public health and economic development.
” The theme of this retreat, “Strengthening Enforcement, Innovation and Institutional Performance for Sustainable Environmental Governance,” is therefore both timely and relevant. It reminds us that environmental governance requires strong institutions, effective policies, innovative thinking and collective action. ” Prof . Zulum said .
