The Members of the House Committee on Environment and Climate Change have expressed deep satisfaction with the enormous achievements witnessed in the Ministry during their official visit. Led by the member representing Nsukka East Constituency in the House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Pius Ezugwu. The team aimed to ascertain the Ministry’s activities, achievements, and challenges in the last fiscal year.
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Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam C Ugwu, commended the committee for their efforts towards ensuring the passage of the Environmental and Climate Protection Law 2024. He also applauded Governor His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba for signing the bill into law and his huge support to the Ministry, adding that history will not forget the governor’s outstanding leadership qualities.
Prof. Ugwu enumerated some of the Ministry’s notable achievements, including the identification and streamlining of mining activities, as well as sealing of illegal mining sites. This has led to miners aligning with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between them and the state government. Other achievements include regular supervision of companies in the state, such as Saphire Ceramics and construction companies.
Additionally, the Ministry has undertaken urban beautification initiatives through planting trees and flowers and trimming trees within Enugu metropolis. Routine mowing of grasses and road sweeping have also been emphasized. Prof. Ugwu highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in desilting and clearing drainages to prevent flooding and destruction of existing and newly constructed roads in the state.
Regarding revenue generation, the Commissioner stated that the Ministry has improved tremendously due to the migration from manual to automated systems. The signing of the Environmental and Climate Protection Law 2024 has also initiated new revenue lines.
However, Prof. Ugwu noted that the Ministry faces challenges, including lack of working tools and relevant personnel in some departments, which the government is currently addressing.
The head of the Climate Change department, Mr. Nnamdi Arum, reiterated that serious efforts are being made to develop a climate change policy for the state. He emphasized that the Ministry is working to create awareness through training and workshops to mitigate the impact of climate change.
In their separate speeches, committee members commended the Ministry’s progress. Hon. Williams Amuka, representing Igbo-Etiti West in the House of Assembly, praised the Ministry for planting ornamental trees and flowers and offered advice on further tree planting and maintenance culture.
Chairman Hon. Ezugwu commended the Commissioner, management team, and entire staff, urging them to sustain the tempo. He assured that the Hon. Members would not hesitate to provide necessary support to the Ministry to achieve the desired impacts. Hon. Ezugwu also applauded Governor Dr. Peter Mba, stating that his exemplary leadership qualities should be emulated.
In a vote of thanks, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mathew Abia, appreciated the Hon. Members for the oversight visit and pleaded for continuous collaboration to ensure the Ministry’s success.