The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has joined hands with the Environmental and Public Health Practitioners Association of Nigeria (EPHPAN) to address environmental and public health challenges across the country.
The Registrar of EHCON, Dr. Yakubu Baba, announced this during a strategic meeting with the association’s executive officers in Abuja. The meeting was themed “Strengthening Collaboration for Environmental and Public Health in Nigeria.”
Dr. Baba explained that the partnership will improve coordination, promote best practices, and help deliver sustainable environmental and public health services to Nigerians.
He described the collaboration as “a landmark moment,” saying it fits into President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) six, seven, and nine under the One Health framework.
“What we are seeing today is a strong collaboration that will improve how environmental and public health services are delivered to the people. This also follows the amended Act 11 of 2002, which empowers the council to regulate environmental health in all areas,” Dr. Baba said.
He further explained that the engagement involves a three-way arrangement—bringing together researchers, academics for training, and professionals to strengthen the practice.
The President of EPHPAN, Dr. Samuel Akingbehin, also spoke at the event. He noted that environmental and public health workers often operate in isolation, which weakens service delivery.
“With the council’s expanded mandate, we are now bringing practitioners at different levels under one umbrella. This will encourage stronger interaction, cohesion, and teamwork,” he said.
Dr. Akingbehin promised the association’s full support in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda in the public health sector. He also called on practitioners across different levels to work together for better results.
“Let us join hands to protect the ordinary Nigerian and position our country positively among the nations of the world,” he added.
