Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, is urging the media to step up in addressing Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges. He believes that responsible reporting is key to protecting the country’s ecological future.
At a recent workshop in Abuja, Lawal called journalists and digital communicators essential allies in fighting climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. He reminded everyone that the media, known as the Fourth Estate, plays a vital role in shaping how the public understands these issues.
“The environment isn’t just an abstract idea,” he said. “It’s the air we breathe, the land we rely on for food, the rivers that support our communities, and the climate that will shape our lives.”
Lawal pointed out the various environmental threats Nigeria is facing: desertification in the north, severe flooding and erosion in the Southeast and South-South, oil pollution in the Niger Delta, deforestation, and the adverse effects of climate change on food security.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Ministry of Environment has ramped up efforts to combine environmental sustainability with economic growth. In 2025, initiatives like the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project restored over 1.14 million hectares of degraded land and saw the planting of more than 1.5 million trees.
These achievements highlight Nigeria’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future. However, Lawal emphasized the need for the media to focus more on environmental reporting, which often takes a back seat despite its importance to agriculture, public health, and the economy.
He encouraged journalists to adopt data-driven, solutions-focused reporting that not only highlights challenges but also showcases innovative solutions. He also urged media professionals to utilize digital and social media platforms to engage the younger population, driving awareness about climate action and environmental conservation.
Lawal reaffirmed his ministry’s dedication to working closely with the media by improving access to environmental data and resources for better reporting. He pointed out that today’s stories have the potential to shape public behavior, influence policy, and inspire collective efforts to protect Nigeria’s environment.
As we explore this crucial topic, it’s worth noting some recent statistics. According to a 2022 report by the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, environmental-related issues are responsible for 30% of health problems in rural areas. This underscores the urgent need for heightened media engagement in environmental reporting.
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, the responsibility of the media is clear. It’s not just about telling stories—it’s about inspiring action for a sustainable future.
