Balarabe Abbas Lawal

17/07/2026

16/07/2026

KEYNOTE SPEECH BY BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, AT THE OFFICIAL FLAG-OFF OF THE BORNO STATE 2026 TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE ON THURSDAY 16TH JULY 2026

Protocol

It is my distinct honour and privilege to join the Government and people of Borno State on this auspicious occasion of the flag-off of the 2026 Borno State Tree Planting Campaign in Maiduguri.

2. This landmark event, coming on the heels of the National Flag-off of the 2026 Tree Planting Campaign held in Abuja on 8 June 2026, reaffirms the collective commitment of the Federal and State Governments towards advancing afforestation, environmental restoration, sustainable forest management, and climate action. It also represents a significant step in implementing the Federal Government’s environmental priorities, in line with the Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025.

3. I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, the Executive Governor of Borno State, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Your Excellency’s decision to take the lead in championing this tree planting campaign demonstrates Borno State’s strong commitment to environmental restoration, climate action, and sustainable development.

4. Ladies and gentlemen, today’s ceremony goes beyond the planting of trees; it represents a renewed reaffirmation of our collective commitment to restoring degraded landscapes, combating desertification, conserving biodiversity, expanding Nigeria’s forest cover, and strengthening our capacity to address the impacts of climate change.

5. The Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025, reflects the commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to protecting Nigeria’s forest resources, curbing illegal logging, promoting sustainable forest management, and encouraging tree planting as a shared national responsibility. Achieving these goals requires close collaboration with State Governments, whose partnership and leadership are vital to sustainable forest conservation and restoration.

6. Your Excellency, I wish to reaffirm the Federal Ministry of Environment's commitment to sustaining and deepening its collaboration with the Borno State Government in advancing our shared environmental and climate agenda, including afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and other impactful interventions for the benefit of the people of Borno State and Nigeria at large.

7. As we launch this year's campaign in Borno State, I urge governments at all levels, traditional institutions, schools, faith-based organisations, the private sector, communities, youths and every Nigerian to embrace tree planting as a civic responsibility. Every tree planted today is an investment in a greener environment, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future.

8. Once again I commend the Government of Borno State for leading this important initiative and am confident that today's flag-off will inspire greater participation in afforestation and environmental restoration across the State and beyond.

Thank you, and may Allah (SWT) bless Borno State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

04/07/2026

REMARKS BY BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, AT THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF CIVIL WORKS AT THE RIGASA EROSION SITE, KADUNA STATE—ENDING 30 YEARS OF DEVASTATION. 2ND JUNE, 2026

Protocols

It is a great honour and privilege to join you today for this historic groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of civil works at the Rigasa Erosion Site, following the successful payment of compensation to Project Affected Persons (PAPs). This milestone reflects our shared commitment to delivering lasting solutions to one of Kaduna State's most pressing environmental challenges.

2. Today marks a turning point for the people of Rigasa. After more than 30 years of devastating gully erosion that has claimed lives, destroyed homes and infrastructure, displaced families and disrupted livelihoods, we are here to begin the journey towards lasting restoration.

3. Let me warmly commend His Excellency, Senator UbaSani, Governor of Kaduna State, for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and strong partnership with the Federal Government. His determination to address ecological challenges and improve the lives of the people has been instrumental in bringing this important intervention to fruition. I also congratulate the resilient people of Rigasa for their patience and steadfastness.

4. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government remains committed to restoring degraded landscapes, protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening climate resilience across Nigeria.

5. The Federal Ministry of Environment is coordinating the implementation the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project as one of the Government's flagship environmental restoration programmes. ACReSAL is an investment in people, livelihoods, food security, environmental and sustainable development.

6. Across the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the ACReSAL Project is delivering transformative environmental interventions. Nine major engineering sites have been completed in Katsina, Gombe, Borno, Kogi and Jigawa States, while 17 additional sites are under construction in Plateau, Yobe, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Kano, Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi States. Today, Kaduna proudly joins this growing effort, with additional interventions planned across the Project States.

7. Rigasa has lived with the devastating effects of erosion for over three decades. Today's intervention will treat approximately 17 kilometres of erosion corridors, benefiting more than two million residents and businesses. About ₦2 billion has been provided for compensation and resettlement, while the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

7. Beyond Rigasa, similar interventions in Kawo and Zaria bring the total Federal Government investment in erosion control across Kaduna State to over ₦50 billion. These projects will protect lives and property, restore critical infrastructure, strengthen environmental resilience and stimulate economic growth.

8. Furthermore, the Rigasa project complements the broader achievements of ACReSAL in Kaduna State. These include afforestation and reforestation, desilting of drainage systems, support for climate-smart agriculture, the provision of tractors and agricultural inputs, and the installation of solar-powered boreholes. The Project has also supported the development of the Kaduna State Climate Change Policy, the deployment of weather and air quality monitoring equipment, and institutional strengthening for sustainable environmental management.

9. These achievements demonstrate our resolve to build a cleaner, safer and more resilient environment for present and future generations.
10. I urge our traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, and indeed all residents, to take ownership of this project by supporting its successful implementation and protecting the infrastructure. Sustainable environmental restoration requires collective responsibility.

11. Permit me to sincerely appreciate Governor Uba Saniand the Kaduna State Government, the World Bank, the National Project Coordination Office, the Kaduna ACReSAL State Project Management Unit, our engineers, consultants, contractors, traditional institutions and, most importantly, the good people of Rigasa for making today's milestone possible.

12. The Federal Ministry of Environment will continue to ensure that this project is delivered to the highest standards, with full compliance with environmental and social safeguards, so that the people enjoy the lasting benefits of this investment. We look forward to seeing the restored waterways support irrigation agriculture, improve food security, create jobs and drive sustainable development across Rigasa and its environs.

13. Today, we are not just breaking ground—we are restoring hope. We are protecting lives, securing livelihoods and ending over 30 years of environmental devastation.

14. On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Environment, I officially declare the commencement of civil works on the Rigasa Erosion Control Project.

Thank you.
God bless Kaduna State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

18/06/2026

NATIONAL STATEMENT BY H.E. BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE�BERLIN CLIMATE MOBILITY FORUM 2026�TOWARDS A GLOBAL CONSENSUS ON CLIMATE MOBILITY�BERLIN, GERMANY 18TH JUNE, 2026

PROTOCOL

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2. Nigeria appreciates the Governments of Germany and Colombia, the Robert Bosch Stiftung, the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, and all partners for convening this important Forum.

3. Climate mobility is increasingly one of the defining consequences of climate change. Across the world, floods, droughts, desertification, land degradation, coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss are affecting livelihoods, food security, human well-being, and patterns of human movement.

4. For Nigeria, climate mobility is already a reality. In the north, desertification, drought, and land degradation continue to affect agriculture, water resources, and pastoral livelihoods. In the south and coastal regions, flooding, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise threaten communities, infrastructure, ecosystems, and economic activities.

5. Nigeria therefore welcomes efforts towards a Global Consensus on Climate Mobility and supports the Climate Mobility Principles as an important framework for coordinated, people-centred, and forward-looking action.

6. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, climate resilience remains a key pillar of Nigeria's development agenda. Nigeria is implementing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and developing NDC 3.0, with stronger emphasis on adaptation, ecosystem restoration, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience.

7. Nigeria has also developed its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to strengthen resilience across critical sectors and address the growing impacts of climate change on livelihoods, human settlements, migration, and displacement.
8. To tackle the drivers of climate mobility, Nigeria is investing in ecosystem restoration, afforestation and reforestation, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, and the Great Green Wall Initiative. The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is also helping to strengthen pastoral livelihoods, improve productivity, reduce resource-based conflicts, and enhance climate resilience.

9. In addition, Nigeria is strengthening disaster risk management, early warning systems, flood preparedness, humanitarian response mechanisms, circular economy initiatives, clean energy solutions, and nature-based approaches that reduce vulnerability and displacement risks.

Excellencies,
10. Three priorities are critical.
First, adaptation and resilience must remain at the centre of climate mobility responses. Increased investment in livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, water security, and climate-resilient food systems is essential.
Second, climate mobility policies must be inclusive, people-centred, and responsive to the needs of women, youth, children, persons with disabilities, pastoralists, and other vulnerable groups.
Third, developing countries require greater access to climate finance, technology transfer, capacity-building, and technical support to address the drivers of climate mobility and implement durable solutions.

11. Regional cooperation is equally important, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel, where climate change intersects with food insecurity, resource competition, and development challenges.
12. As we work towards a Global Consensus on Climate Mobility, Nigeria calls for stronger international cooperation, climate justice, and sustained support for vulnerable countries and communities.

13. Nigeria remains committed to working with all partners to advance practical, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions that strengthen resilience, address the root causes of climate mobility, and support sustainable development.

I thank you for your attention.

04/06/2026

FULL STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL, AT THE EIGHTH GEF ASSEMBELY AND ASSOCIATED MEETINGS (8TH GEF ASSEMBLY) 3rd JUNE, 2026 IN SILK ROAD SAMARKAND CONGRESS CENTRE, UZBEKISTAN SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN


The GEF Interim CEO and Chairperson,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Nigeria congratulates the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on the successful convening of its Eighth Assembly and associated meetings. We also express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Uzbekistan for their warm hospitality and for hosting us in the historic city of Samarkand.

2.​Nigeria deeply appreciates the invaluable support provided by the GEF over the years. The Facility has remained a trusted partner in strengthening our efforts to address pressing environmental challenges through critical financial and technical assistance. This support has significantly enhanced our capacity to meet our obligations under various Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Conventions while advancing sustainable development and environmental resilience.

3.​As one of Africa’s leading recipients of environmental finance, Nigeria regards the Ninth Replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) as a vital opportunity to strengthen global action in addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, pollution, and ecosystem decline. We therefore welcome and fully support the GEF-9 replenishment process.

4.​Nigeria remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as both a beneficiary and contributor to the GEF. As we look ahead to the GEF-9 cycle, we seek enhanced support to address key environmental priorities, including desertification in the northern region, coastal erosion and flooding in the south, pollution, and the conservation of biodiversity across our terrestrial and transboundary ecosystems. We are equally committed to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through our newly adopted National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), with a focus on expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and strengthening the role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as custodians of biodiversity.

5.​Nigeria also advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to resource allocation under GEF-9. We encourage further refinement of the System for Transparent Allocation of Resources (STAR) to better reflect population pressures, environmental vulnerability, and the scale of ecological challenges facing developing countries, particularly in Africa. Such an approach will ensure that resources reach those countries and communities most in need.

6.​Furthermore, we call for enhanced capitalization and accessibility of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) to support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and community-led initiatives that generate both environmental and socio-economic benefits.

7.​Nigeria aligns fully with the strategic programming directions of GEF-9 and strongly supports integrated approaches that address multiple environmental challenges simultaneously. Our experience has shown that programmes linking sustainable agriculture, land restoration, forest conservation, climate resilience, and pollution control deliver greater and more sustainable impacts. We also underscore the importance of scaling up support for efforts to eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining and other industrial processes, given their significant implications for environmental and public health.

8.​Given our strategic location in West Africa, Nigeria places great importance on regional cooperation in the management of shared ecosystems and natural resources. We therefore encourage GEF-9 to strengthen support for transboundary initiatives within the Lake Chad Basin, the Niger and Benue River systems, and the Gulf of Guinea. Such investments are essential for protecting ecosystem services, enhancing climate resilience, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering regional stability.

9.​In conclusion, Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working with the GEF, development partners, and the international community to advance environmental sustainability and sustainable development. Together, we can accelerate action towards a more resilient, prosperous, and environmentally secure future for all.

I thank you for your kind attention.

27/05/2026

Eid Mubarak.

26/05/2026

Keynote Address
by
Balarabe Abbas Lawal
Minister of Environment
At the
A Conference on Donor Facilitation and
Diplomatic Support Engagement for HYPREP
@
Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

26 May 2026


Protocol.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this Conference on Donor Facilitation and Diplomatic Support for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

2. First and foremost, I wish to express the Federal Government of Nigeria's profound appreciation to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for its visionary leadership and invaluable contribution to the environmental restoration of Ogoniland. The landmark UNEP Environmental Assessment of Ogonilandprovided the scientific foundation and roadmap for what has become one of the world’s most ambitious environmental remediation programmesWe remaingrateful for UNEP's technical guidance, partnership, and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and justice.

3. Today, we gather not only to review progress in implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland, but also to strengthen partnerships and mobilize the support needed to complete and sustain one of the world’s most significant environmental restoration programmes.

4. Since its establishment, HYPREP has achieved remarkable results. Hundreds of hectares of hydrocarbon-polluted land have been remediated, with additional sites currently undergoing remediation. Potable water schemes have been delivered to affected communities, restoring access to safe drinking water. Large-scale mangrove restoration initiatives are reviving fragile ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. Modern healthcare facilities are being constructed to improve access to quality healthcare services, while livelihood programmes have empowered thousands of beneficiaries through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment initiatives. In addition, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration is steadily taking shape as a premier hub for environmental research, innovation, and capacity building in Africa.

5. These accomplishments underscore the Federal Government of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to environmental justice, ecological restoration, and sustainable development. More importantly, they offer renewed hope to the people of Ogoniland and beyond that, decades of environmental degradation can be reversed through collective action, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment.

6. Ladies and Gentlemen, while substantial progress has been made, the journey is not yet complete. Full implementation of the UNEP recommendations requires long-term commitment, sustained financial and technical support, continuous environmental monitoring, infrastructure operation and maintenance, ecosystem management, and sustained community development interventions.

7. The resources that have driven much of the progress achieved to date, particularly under the UNEP-supported framework and related funding arrangements, are nearing exhaustion. At this critical stage, additional support is essential to consolidate existing gains, complete outstanding projects, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of remediation outcomes.

8. We therefore call on development partners, donor agencies, international financial institutions, philanthropic foundations, private-sector organizations, and members of the diplomatic community to deepen their engagement with HYPREP. Your support—whether financial, technical, scientific, technological, or strategic—will be crucial to ensuring the successful completion and sustainability of this landmark project and to realizing the full promise of environmental restoration, improved livelihoods, public health, and sustainable development in Ogoniland.

9. The restoration of Ogoniland is not merely a Nigerian undertaking; it is a global model forenvironmental recovery, climate resilience, and international cooperation. Its success will demonstrate what can be achieved when governments, communities, development partners, and the private sector unite around a shared vision of environmental stewardship and human development.

10. I am confident that the deliberations at this conference will foster meaningful partnerships, inspire renewed commitments, and unlock opportunities for innovative financing and technical cooperation to accelerate the successful completion of this important programme. Together, we can realize what UNEP envisioned, sustain the gains already achieved, and leave an enduring legacy for future generations.

11. On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I express our profound appreciation to all our partners for their continued support and invite new stakeholders to join us in securing a cleaner environment, healthier communities, and a more prosperous future for the people of Ogoniland and for Nigeria as a whole.

Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

26/05/2026

16/04/2026

OPENING REMARKS AT THE ACRESAL PROJECT MID-TERM REVIEW (MTR)

DATE: 16TH APRIL 2026


Protocol

It is my honour and privilege to warmly welcome you all to the Mid-Term Review of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project, ACReSAL. Your presence here today, in such strength and shared purpose, reflects the collective commitment that has brought this project to this important milestone.

2.​ I would like to specially commend the Kaduna State Government, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani CON, for providing an enabling and supportive environment for hosting this important event. Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your leadership, your hospitality, and your commitment to advancing initiatives that promote resilience and sustainable development.

3​ This Mid-Term Review is not a ceremonial gathering. It is a moment of reflection and accountability — a time to take an honest look at where we started, how far we have come, and what still lies ahead. It has been convened with one clear objective: to ensure that when ACReSAL concludes, it delivers real and lasting transformation for the people and landscapes of northern Nigeria.

4.​ Since the launch of ACReSAL, we have made commendable progress. Across participating states and the FCT, implementation is well underway. We have seen advances in land restoration, agroforestry and afforestation efforts, the rehabilitation of degraded watersheds, and the provision of livelihood support to vulnerable communities. Institutional frameworks are in place, procurement processes have progressed, and thousands of beneficiaries are already beginning to feel the positive impact of this investment. These achievements deserve recognition, as they are the result of the dedication and hard work of our state teams, technical experts, and communities.

5.​ Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now at the midpoint — not the finish line. The vision of ACReSAL is ambitious, and the targets before us are significant. There is still much work to be done. We must accelerate implementation, deepen community engagement, strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems, and ensure that every Naira and every Dollar committed delivers maximum value and impact.

6.​ This review provides us with an opportunity to take a serious and honest look at existing gaps, to adjust our strategies where necessary, and to renew our collective energy for the second phase of the project. I urge all participating states and the FCT to approach this process with sincerity and patriotism. Share your successes, but also be open about your challenges. This is not a platform for performance — it is a space for practical, solution-driven dialogue.

7.​ On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend sincere appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership, technical support, and financial commitment. Your involvement in ACReSAL reflects a shared recognition that building climate resilience in the Sahel is not only a national priority, but a global responsibility. We value your expertise and oversight, and we look forward to the insights your team will contribute during this review.

8.​ There is still important work ahead for all of us. The second half of this project will require even stronger collaboration, innovation, and accountability. We rely on your continued support to ensure that ACReSAL achieves its full potential and delivers meaningful impact.
9.​Your Excellency, Honourable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, the people and landscapes of northern Nigeria depend on our actions. Desertification and land degradation will not wait, and neither should we. Let us use this opportunity wisely — to speak honestly, listen carefully, and act decisively.

10.​ Welcome once again to the ACReSAL Mid-Term Review. Let us make it count.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.