Re: New national policy on environment

The timing of the new national policy on environment is great, especially as Nigeria is facing many environmental challenges. However, my concern is that this policy, as good as it is, might not be implemented fully as a result of poor coordination and rivalry among bodies that are directly or indirectly related to the policy. […]

The timing of the new national policy on environment is great, especially as Nigeria is facing many environmental challenges. However, my concern is that this policy, as good as it is, might not be implemented fully as a result of poor coordination and rivalry among bodies that are directly or indirectly related to the policy.

From the federal ministries of environment, health, water and agriculture and their agencies, we have not less than 40 policies on different aspects of environment, but how far have we gone in implementing them? The questions to be asked are; how do we relate with other ministries, what are the challenges, what, why and when can we get it right? 

For us to get it right, relevant parties have to go to the grassroots and generate data which will guide them in executing their duties. This can be done by utilising environmental health practitioners, environmental scientists, engineers, etc., across the three tiers of government.  But for the policy to be fully implemented, emphasis must be placed on collaboration. 

Mohammed Sani Garba wrote from Karaye Local Government Area, Kano State.