By Kemi Olatunde
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Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal has said that  the Federal Government federal government has approved 150 ecological projects in all the states of the federation as one of the ways of tackling environmental issues challenges.

She revealed this during the 12th National Council on Environment (NCE) in Akure, the state capital.

According to her, 63 out of the total number have been commissioned, 16 have been completed and awaiting commissioning while others are on going.

The Perm Sec who lamented the various environmental challenges faced by each state of the federation, noted that federal government is not capable of proffering solution to ecological challenges and called for state governments’ support.

” All hands must be on deck in the reduction and management of solid waste dumping, aggressive afforestation and reforestation programme, rainwater harvesting schemes, construction of drainages, dams, reservoir; studies of the soil composition and remediation strategy; proper termination of drainages and culverts by contractors, development of model villages to ameliorate the harshness of life and living conditions of frontline border communities, aggressive and extensive sensitisation and enlightenment programmes for local population on dangers of ecological issues, reclamation of the degraded land, dredging of the earth dams to deepen and enhance the storm water retaining capacity among others.”

Speaking further, she explained that federal government has adopted more focused and evidence based strategic project selection and management processes in managing the enormous ecological problems in Nigeria amidst scarce resources

However, she assured that FG would not relent in promoting successful partnership that is critical to the effective management of the environment.

In his presentation, DG/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency, Dr. Rufus Ebegba while speaking on the theme; “Environment and Security: Consolidating Nigeria’s Environmental Sector Reforms Towards Sustainable Development”, he listed low agriculture productivity, impact on human health, poverty, insecurity, poor economy, land degradation and over exploitation of natural resources as some of the consequences of an unsustainable environment.