Naomi Gabriel —

The Nigerian Government yesterday expressed concerns over the spread of unhealthy practices and degenerating human activities in the country that impact the environment negatively, which it said had led to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, flooding and other environmental challenges in Nigeria.

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The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Hassan Musa, representing the Minister, Sharon Ikeazor, made this observation at the National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting in Abuja.

Musa said that the situation had set the topography of the environment on a downward spiral.

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The theme of the National Council on Environment meeting was: “Appraisal of the emerging challenges and opportunities in the Environment sector: A call for Action towards the environment of our dream”.

Ikeazor described the theme of this year’s council meeting as apt, considering the enormous challenges and opportunities that had been thrown up by the debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic she said was also a wake-up call for all to lay out a blueprint for a transformative recovery towards greater sustainability, a greener and more inclusive economy.

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“The transformative recovery will inadvertently steer the economy unto the path of visible growth and development, Ikeazor said.

“However, the trajectory of growth we envision can only be achieved through the efficient discharge of our roles and obligations with utmost responsibility. As we are all aware, the widespread practices of unhealthy and degenerating human activities have led to deforestation, unprecedented global warming and loss of biodiversity.

“Also, climate change, flooding, plastic and air pollution, among others, have set the topography of our environment on a downward spiral’’, she added.