Exponent News Akure
World Environment Day 2025: House of Reps Pledges Stronger Environmental Laws, Action on Plastic Pollution
By Exponent News, Akure – June 5, 2025
As nations mark World Environment Day 2025, the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate resilience in Nigeria, with a particular focus on tackling plastic pollution, the theme of this year’s observance.
In a press statement released by Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., Spokesman of the House, the 10th Assembly emphasized that environmental legislation remains a key part of its agenda, with 27 out of 899 bills (3%) passed so far directly addressing environmental issues under Agenda 8: Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability of the House’s 2023–2027 Legislative Agenda.
The House highlighted the recent passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, championed by Rep. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, as a milestone in the fight against wildlife crime and biodiversity loss.
In line with efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s environmental governance framework, the House is currently reviewing and amending several critical laws, including:
The Environmental Impact Assessment Act
The National Park Service Act
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Act
The statement also revealed that targeted actions to curb single-use plastics are under consideration, especially in urban areas where plastic waste continues to undermine public health and sanitation systems.
Furthermore, the House pledged to empower NESREA—the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency—to enforce environmental laws more effectively and ensure compliance with international treaties and conventions.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Rep. Mike Etaba, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, stated:
> “Environmental protection is not a matter of convenience but an obligation to future generations. On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s environmental laws and enforcement institutions like NESREA, and to ensure our country meets its obligations under global environmental treaties.”
With a growing urgency to address climate and ecological challenges, the House assured Nigerians of its continued efforts to legislate for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
