The Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development on Friday partnered the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), Lagos Chapter, in marking the Y2021 World Environment Day with the theme “Ecosystem Restoration”.
In his address at a Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako stated that the theme of the World Environment Day reiterated the relationship of human beings with the ecosystem and the need to urgently moderate the impact to enhance sustainability of the system.
“I urge you all to pay particular attention to the built environment, where scientific and technological advances have produced growing environmental challenges such as wetlands encroachment, reclamation of waterways and other means of expanding urban frontiers”, Dr. Salako noted.
He called for the promotion of responsible and sustainable practices while stressing that the Lagos State Government had prioritised the sustainable physical environment, through adequate and effective regulation, investment in the preparation of various planning instruments, including higher and lower order plans, and relentless compliance enforcement.
In his words: “Other forward-looking measures to enhance the sustainability of the built environment in Lagos State include the ongoing digitisation of the processes of the Ministry and its agencies, through the redefinition of the Mission and Vision statements, in alliance with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda and focus of the State Government, among others.
While urging Lagosians to team up with the State Government in encouraging compliance with the law, he reiterated that the present administration would not go back on its resolve to rein in abandoned property, emphasising that government will invoke the law and demolish abandoned property where necessary.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe, who doubles as the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Lagos Chapter, stated that the Ministry and the Institution have come together as important stakeholders to project the need for restoration of the ecosystem in line with the World Environment Day theme.
“It is a known fact that both the members of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development are co-travellers in the management of the environment. As Engineers, our activities impact directly on the environment, the Ministry stands tall as a regulator of the system”, she said.
Activities lined up by the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Lagos Chapter, for the celebration include tree planting, walk to feel the nature and an Environmental Essay competition for students of tertiary institutions, among others.
