The Minister of Environment, John Odey, has urged staff of the ministry to ensure that the goal of sustainable environmental development was achieved.
Odey gave the charge in Abuja at a meeting with top officials of the ministry and heads of parastatal agencies.
A statement issued in Abuja by the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Mr Clement Egbeama, said the meeting was aimed at streamlining the ministry’s activities for the new year.
It said the meeting reviewed the performance of the sector in 2009 while strategies were mapped out on how to tackle the environmental challenges facing the country.
The objective of the ministry, the statement issued on Tuesday evening said, was to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
The statement also said the implementation of the Presidential Initiative on Afforestation for Economic Development and Youth Empowerment would soon commence in the 36 states and the FCT.
It said the programme was aimed at combating climate change and ensuring wealth creation.
The statement said the minister directed all departments in the ministry to submit information on all foreign-assisted projects for proper coordination and implementation.
Two mobile phone lines, it said, have been dedicated to staff of the ministry for easy access to the minister.
“Staff welfare, discipline and work environment will be key emphasis of the ministry this year,” Odey was quoted as saying.
He commended the media for the extensive coverage of the UN Climate Change Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark, last December.
