In a bid to cushion the increasing adverse effects of climate change on the environment, non-state actors under the aegis of Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSE), during the week in Kaduna, sought for a robust partnership with the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Ministry to address numerous environmental challenges facing the state.
Receiving the group who were on an advocacy visit to the Ministry, the Honourable Commissioner of Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ibrahim Garba Hussain expressed delight over the renewed move to mitigate environmental degradation and pledged his support for the initiative.
“Climate change is all as result of the activity and action of man. It might interest you to know that the Ministry has put together a comprehensive policy document on environment. That is why I am very pleased to welcome you people to my Ministry today. A good environment creates the desired atmosphere for healthcare, education, agriculture and all necessities for life on earth. For its significance, and the interest shown by you in the civil society, I want to categorically state that the doors of the ministry are wide open to non state actors for more engagements”, the commissioner disclosed, stating that he looks forward to receiving a formal letter, stating the areas of concern and where the ministry can assist in ensuring that the collective desire of both parties is achieved and sustained.
Earlier, Gloria Kasang Bulus, who led the delegation to the ministry, while congratulating the commissioner on his appointment, appealed for “a permanent dialogue mechanism between the citizens and the ministry in addressing the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change. We do so in the spirit of the Open Government Partnership which the Kaduna state government has committed to”, Bulus told the commissioner, assuring that the network would continue to work round the clock for the success of the implementation of the ministry’s mandate of protecting the environment.
Also speaking, Mr Dangwa Abbas Danjuma, of the Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED), called on the ministry and other relevant stakeholders to close ranks because “government alone cannot solve the environmental problems confronting the society”.
Christian Aid’s Emmanuel Danjuma, who has been monitoring environmental disasters in the state, said the time has come for all hands to be on deck and be proactive in curtailing the menace of flood and other environmental disasters, which he said cannot be achieved without synergy between government and the people.
The meeting had in attendance the permanent secretary and other top directors of the ministry
