The Federal Government has stated its readiness to commence a new community development that would lead to the integration of traditional institutions, youths and stakeholders in the cleanup of Ogoniland.
Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal stated this at the maiden meeting with environment correspondents on Thursday in Abuja.
He disclosed that Ogoniland is one out of other places in the country that is taunted with environmental pollution.
Lawal noted that the cleanup exercise has been ongoing for the past eight years, expressing optimism that the environmental challenges faced in ogoniland would soon be resolved.
The minister assured Nigerians of prompt and determined implementation of environmental projects.
He stated that the ministry would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to deliver on its mandate.
Lawal hinted that there are plans to curb desert encroachment with the help of the National Great Green Wall Agency but appealed to the Federal Government to provide adequate security.
“We have agencies like the great green wall that has been trying to address issues of desert encroachment and the planting of trees to discourage deforestation,” he said.
The minister noted that the ministry would collaborate with stakeholders to curb the activities of loggers.
On waste recycling, Lawal informed that the ministry would ensure that garbage is converted to wealth and also collaborate with the state governments on waste management.
He encouraged the residents to take care of their environment by ridding it of dirt and other harmful materials.
The minister promised to partner with the environment related agencies and stakeholders in mitigating the impact of climate change.