The Federal Government has unveiled the 2025 National Environmental Health Practice Regulation (NEHRP) framework to strengthen environmental health governance in the country.
The Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr Yakubu Baba described the 2016 regulation as long overdue.
He made this statement on Tuesday at the maiden National Environment Health Excellence Award (NEHEA) in Abuja.
The NEHEA was organised by EHCON in collaboration with other partners.
Baba further explained that the 2025 regulation aims to address various environmental health practices, particularly in relation to climate change.
It also seeks to delineate the roles of practitioners to reduce conflicts between public and private sector professionals.
“This regulation will also streamline policy direction in terms of its implementation, ensuring that local governments understand their responsibilities, states know their roles, and the Federal Government is clear on its duties.
“With this, there will not be any conflict of interest,” he said.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, stated that the event was not just about recognising outstanding achievements but also reaffirming “our collective commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and resilience”.
According to him, “We celebrate individuals, organisations, and institutions that have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in promoting environmental health across the country”.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to advancing environmental health in Nigeria.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, we have witnessed a new era of environmental health consciousness and commitment to sustainable practices.
“The foresight of the president has brought us closer to achieving a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental protection, which is crucial for the well-being of both present and future generations.
“Our environment is the foundation upon which we build our communities, industries, and future aspirations.
“Therefore, ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is not just a responsibility but a duty we owe to ourselves and generations yet unborn,” he said.
Lawal noted that the occasion was an opportunity to highlight the tremendous strides Nigeria has made in its national journey towards environmental health sustainability.
According to him, “It is also an avenue to pay tribute to our heroes who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in safeguarding our environment, as well as the health of our citizens across the country.”
He stated that the administration had made progress in fostering a cleaner and healthier environment through policies promoting renewable energy, waste management, air and water quality standards, and enhanced public health initiatives.
“We have made significant strides in enhancing environmental sanitation, enforcing regulations against hazardous waste, and promoting sustainable practices in industries and communities.
“However, more work needs to be done. We must continue to build partnerships, encourage private sector involvement, and enhance the capacity of our environmental health professionals,” he said.
A former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi described the removal of EHCON from government funding over a year ago as a mistake.
He commended the government for reinstating its budgetary allocation.
He emphasised that EHCON is a regulatory institution that the government should prioritise, given its role in maintaining environmental standards and public health.
“Government should revisit the functions of ministries to enable them to focus on their original mandates and allow parastatals to serve as the implementing institutions.
“By design, ministries are meant to develop policies, conduct monitoring, enforce regulations, and provide advisory services to the government, while parastatals are supposed to be the implementers,” he said.
NAN
