Environment Ministry to audit environmental degradation — Minister designate
The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology designate, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has said he will undertake a national audit on environmental degradation to ascertain the percentage of destruction to the environment when approved.
The audit, he said, would help to determine the extent of damage to lands as a result of activities such as illegal mining and the cutting down of trees.
He added that he would work with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to protect lands that had been destroyed.
“I will also embark on an every child per tree policy to encourage tree planting to protect the environment,” he said.
He further stated that he would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to increase education on good environmental practices at all levels of education.
“I will work on a comprehensive policy to build the capacity of young people in the country,” he added.
Additionally, he said, he would advocate a fast-track court to deal with environmental issues and land litigation cases.
Research
To promote research, he said he would appeal to President John Dramani Mahama for an increase in budgetary allocation to institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) that undertake research.
He expressed the commitment to engage private businesses to commercialise research output to generate funds for the CSIR, adding that he would advocate more than one per cent of funding to be encouraged for research.
Mr Mohammed added that he would also work with the Minister for the Interior to follow up on encroachment of lands and unaccounted for acres of land of research institutions such as the CSIR.
He added that he would grant research institutions the freedom to operate.
To protect the environment, he said he would also monitor and supervise the issuance of permits by the EPA in accordance with the law.
“If you want to operate in the mining industry, you must have the EPA permit which should be preconditioned before any other permit is given to be able to operate,” he said.
Collaboration
Mr Mohammed said ministries needed to deepen collaboration to fight illegal mining as a collective responsibility to protect the environment.
He stated that he would also work with sector ministries to tackle noise pollution.
Tackling environmental challenges
Mr Mohammed highlighted waste segregation as a key component of effective environmental management.
He pointed out that in advanced economies, waste separation began at the household level, significantly improving disposal efficiency.
"If approved, I will work on policies that educate the public on proper waste disposal and segregation while ensuring government intervention in providing appropriate waste bins for households," he stated.
On plastic waste management, he cautioned against an outright ban on plastics without viable alternatives.
"A comprehensive feasibility study is necessary to assess the socio-economic impact of a ban and explore sustainable alternatives," he noted.
He called for government support for local industries to invest in biodegradable materials before introducing restrictive policies.
Addressing noise pollution, the minister designate proposed strengthening collaboration between ministries, local authorities and traditional leaders to develop effective regulations.
"The EPA law needs a review to incorporate noise pollution control measures," he suggested, indicating possible amendments to existing legislation.
The minister designate also underscored the moral obligation to protect the environment, citing religious texts as a foundation for conservation.
"Genesis 2:15 in the Bible and Quran 2:30 both emphasise our duty to safeguard the environment. It is not just a policy matter but a collective responsibility," he remarked.