The Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Nnimmo Bassey has alleged that there is no bright future for the Nigerian environment as President Bola Tinubu-led administration has no Environment minister.
This was made known in a statement by HOMEF Media/Communications Lead, Kome Odhomer.
The Foundation boss expressed shock as Environment has no ministry, stating that it is a clear signal of a bright future for the Nigerian environment, according to Daily Post.
He noted that the Tinubu-led administration should not neglect the sector that is so fundamental to their survival.
“It is shocking to see that the Environment has no minister, not appointing a minister for the environment sends a signal to Nigerians about the concern of the President to a sector that is so fundamental to their survival.
“We do not see a bright future for the Nigerian environment, people, and the economy with the President as minister of the twin petroleum ministries, and with the creation of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy”, he said.
He also pointed out that the creation of new ministries will worsen the plight of some communities.
He explained, “The three ministries will pose unique problems for our aquatic ecosystems and will inevitably worsen the plight of communities whose interests are once more set to be sacrificed.
“The concept of Blue Economy, like the Green Economy, is aimed at massive exploitation and commodification of nature with deleterious consequences.
“Developing the marine and blue economy sectors will lead to industrial fishing, pollution, habitat destruction, marine biotechnology, deep sea mining and other activities that are ecologically harmful. With a hugely unpoliced continental shelf, this focus will pose special threats to our communities and others in the entire Gulf of Guinea.
“HOMEF believes that by prioritising gas, other renewable energy sources will be neglected. This lack of diversification will hinder a country’s ability to adapt to future energy demands.
“It portends continuous disruption of our ecosystems with attendant health and safety risks. At a time when health and environmental audits should be conducted in the oil field communities, the government is poised to ramp up the horrors. This is unacceptable!
“It should also be noted that our inland water, coastal and marine environment have been subjected to violent exploitation that has led to the degradation that the environment suffers from; creating this ministry will lead to the intensification of such violent exploitation.
“Most adjacent communities and coastal communities where exploitation is taking place, there’s no portable water there as a result of pollution. This ministry will legalise such pollution. Artisanal fishing will be no more as well.”
He advised the government to always consider the potential repercussions when setting priorities for energy policies, noting that finding the right balance between economic interests, environmental health, and social well-being was crucial.
However, President Tinubu on Sunday approved the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management as the Federal Ministry of Environment.
