By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources and Overseer of the Ministry of Women Affairs in Nasarawa State, Princess Margret Elayo, alongside the State Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Dr. Napoleon Elias Gyobe, on Wednesday paid a strategic visit to the Nasarawa State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Brah Samson Umoru, at the Command Headquarters in Lafia.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation and the NSCDC leadership to discuss issues of common interest, particularly environmental protection, natural resource management, climate resilience, community safety and the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding the state’s environmental and natural assets.
Welcoming the visitors, Commandant Umoru expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening cooperation among key government institutions responsible for environmental sustainability and public safety.
He noted that effective environmental management requires collective responsibility and close collaboration among government agencies, security organisations, traditional institutions, host communities and other critical stakeholders.
The Commandant reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC Nasarawa State Command to supporting government initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and preserving critical natural resources across the state.
According to him, the Corps will continue to provide the necessary security support for legitimate environmental programmes while taking decisive action against activities that threaten ecological stability, environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources.
He further emphasized the importance of continuous intelligence sharing and coordinated operations in tackling environmental degradation, illegal exploitation of natural resources, activities capable of undermining agricultural productivity and other emerging threats to sustainable development.
Earlier, Princess Elayo commended the NSCDC Commandant for his leadership and lauded the Corps for its contributions to maintaining peace and security, protecting lives and property, and supporting government programmes throughout Nasarawa State.
She stressed that environmental protection, security and sustainable development are closely linked, noting that stronger collaboration between the Ministry, ACReSAL and the NSCDC would enhance the achievement of the state’s environmental and socio-economic goals.
Also speaking, the ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Gyobe, highlighted the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in achieving the objectives of the ACReSAL programme.
He explained that effective collaboration would strengthen efforts aimed at promoting climate resilience, sustainable land management, restoration of degraded landscapes and the capacity of communities to cope with environmental challenges.
Dr. Gyobe further noted that the success of environmental interventions depends largely on the active support of security agencies and other relevant stakeholders working towards shared development goals.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to deepening existing partnerships and exploring additional areas of cooperation for the benefit of environmental sustainability, community resilience, peace and security in Nasarawa State.
The NSCDC Nasarawa State Command reiterated its resolve to continue discharging its statutory responsibilities of protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development across the state. :::