Tinubu pledges stronger commitment to environmental, public health policies
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the environment and prioritizing public health through sustainable policies.
Speaking at the inaugural National Environmental Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu—represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume—emphasized the urgency of tackling climate change, environmental degradation, and emerging health risks.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the president stressed that safeguarding the environment requires bold actions, innovation, and collaboration.
“We shall continue to push the boundaries of what is possible to improve our environment and public health. The global challenges before us demand urgent and sustained attention. We cannot afford complacency,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that while the government plays a crucial role, addressing environmental challenges is a shared responsibility. He called on farmers, corporations, and individuals to embrace climate-smart techniques, invest in green technology, and adopt sustainable practices.
“Environmental stewardship is not a burden but an opportunity to redefine progress. Let us leave behind a Nigeria where forests breathe, rivers run clean, and children thrive under skies untainted by pollution,” he added.
Tinubu commended the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) for its efforts in improving environmental health standards across the country.
He also praised environmental health professionals, describing them as the “silent sentinels” protecting communities from preventable diseases, climate threats, and ecological decline.
“Your work is the bedrock for building a healthier Nigeria,” he said.
The event featured the unveiling of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2025 and the inauguration of the Premises-Based National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Monitoring Programme, aimed at strengthening environmental health policies.
In recognition of his commitment to the cause, President Tinubu was conferred with the title of Grand Patron of the National Environment and Public Health Association of Nigeria (NEPHAN) and awarded Life Fellow status by the Society for Environmental and Public Health of Nigeria (SEPHON).
