The President, Bola-Ahmed Tinubu, Tuesday, called for urgent action to confront the challenges of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to safeguard Nigeria’s future. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said this at the National Environmental Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) 2025 organized by the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHCON) in Abuja. He commended individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to enhancing environmental health standards across the nation. He highlighted the importance of clean air, safe water, and sustainable practices as the birthright of every citizen.
The President acknowledged the critical role played by environmental health professionals, describing them as “unsung architects of our public health” who shield communities from preventable diseases, climate threats, and ecological decay. Despite the progress made, Tinubu emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing climate crisis, deforestation, and pollution, calling for innovation, collaboration, and sustained investment in sustainable solutions.
He said, “As we celebrate our achievements, we must also confront the urgency of this moment. The escalating climate crisis, deforestation, pollution, and environmental degradation demand immediate and sustained action,” he stated. Tinubu, who was presented with the Environmental Health Leadership Excellence Award 2025, dedicated the recognition to the collective efforts of government agencies, health professionals, civil society, and private sector partners who have contributed to embedding sustainability in Nigeria’s development.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to sustainable environmental health practices. Lawal commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that under his guidance, Nigeria is witnessing a new era of environmental health consciousness and sustainable practices.
“This administration has recorded a great deal of success in fostering a cleaner and healthier environment through policies that promote renewable energy, waste management, air and water quality standards, and enhanced public health initiatives. We are positioning ourselves as global leaders in environmental health stewardship,” he stated. The Registrar ECHON, Dr Yakubu Mohammed Baba, said that the gathering is to give credence and acknowledge the importance of those that have contributed significantly towards development of the Environmental Health in Nigeria. He further stressed that the event also mark a significant milestone by which the President Bola will received the highest strategic award from environmental excellence. The event also presented key stakeholders with awards, unveiled the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations (NEHPR) 2024, launched the premises based National Green House Gases (GHGs) Emission Monitoring Programme (NGHGEMP).
We must tackle climate change, pollution with urgency – Tinubu
