Abuja, June 5, 2024 — In a significant move to combat environmental degradation, the Federal Government has announced plans to establish a specialized tribunal to prosecute individuals and organizations responsible for environmental crimes nationwide. This announcement was made by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, during a stakeholder meeting held in Abuja to commemorate World Environment Day.
Minister Lawal expressed deep concern over the widespread unsustainable environmental practices in Nigeria, attributing these issues to the ineffective enforcement of existing environmental regulations.
“Currently, because we are not being strict, you discover that environmental cases are not being treated the way they should be,” Lawal stated. “So, we are working hard and very soon the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) will come out with laws to protect our environment, forest, and our local environment against pollution.”
The proposed tribunal is intended to expedite the legal process for environmental violations, ensuring that offenders are swiftly brought to justice. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws and enhance the country’s legal framework to address ecological issues more effectively.
“So, we are going to establish a tribunal that will try environmental crime very quickly, so we need AGF’s support,” Lawal added. “I urge the stakeholders to help us in enforcing existing environmental laws, and we are going to try to improve on the laws protecting our environment.”
The announcement has been welcomed by environmental advocates and stakeholders who have long called for more stringent measures to address pollution, deforestation, and other forms of environmental harm.
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, serves as a platform to raise awareness and prompt action for the protection of our environment. This year’s theme focuses on ecosystem restoration, emphasizing the urgent need to revive and sustain natural habitats worldwide.
The establishment of the tribunal is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard its natural resources and promote sustainable development. It signals a commitment by the Federal Government to not only address current environmental challenges but also to deter future violations through robust legal mechanisms.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the consequences of environmental neglect, this initiative marks a pivotal step towards fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility towards the environment.
