Arewa Initiative for Good Governance (AIGG) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing former State Secretary to the Government (SSG), Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, as the Minister of Environment.
According to the group, the Ministry of Environment is a key department with responsibilities that include reclaiming and rehabilitating degraded land, conserving biodiversity, promoting eco-tourism, effective and efficient waste material management, mitigating the dangerous impact of climate change, among others.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna, Salisu Tanko Wusono, Convener of the group, described the appointment of Mallam Lawal as an unprecedented development for the management, members of staff of the Environment Ministry, and Nigerians in general.
He said, “Considering Abbas’s academic credentials, personal integrity, transparent leadership, patriotism, and a history of public service, his appointment can be seen as a round peg in a round hole.
“As the former Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State from 2015-2023, serving multiple terms, Mallam Abbas has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the rule of law and public service conditions in the course of discharging his administrative responsibilities.
“We have no doubt whatsoever that Mallam Lawal’s wealth of experience in governance and administration positions him well for his new role as the Minister of Environment, who will steer the affairs of the Ministry in formulating and implementing environmental policies, protecting and conserving the nation’s natural resources, addressing challenges related to climate change, and ensuring proper waste management practices,” he said.
Wusono added that with his proven leadership skills and deep understanding of environmental issues, Mallam Lawal is well-equipped to tackle the pressing challenges faced by Nigeria in terms of environmental sustainability.
He added that ‘His appointment comes at a critical time when the world is grappling with climate change and its adverse effects on ecosystems and human well-being.
“As a front-line advocate for good governance, we in Arewa Initiative for Good Governance wish to use this medium to applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his astute decision in appointing Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal as the Honorable Minister of Environment.
“We believe that this appointment is evidence of the President’s commitment to ensuring competent and capable individuals are entrusted with key positions in his administration,” he said.
He also explained that as an organization committed to promoting good governance and sustainable development in Northern Nigeria, Arewa Initiative for Good Governance pledges its support to Mallam Lawal and his team at the Ministry of Environment.
He said they are confident that his leadership will bring about positive change and contribute to the sustainable development of our nation.
