The Federal Ministry of Environment has introduced the PBAT Green Heroes Project, a new initiative by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at creating jobs for Nigeria's youth and retirees while addressing the country's climate change challenges.
This project, which is a key component of President Tinubu's environmental agenda, focuses on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
During a recent event in Abuja commemorating the International Day for Combating Sand and Dust Storms, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, highlighted the plan to establish 24 community forests.
These forests will span 240 hectares across 24 local government areas, providing significant opportunities for employment and self-empowerment.
Dr. Salako urged Nigerian youths and retirees to take advantage of this initiative, stressing its potential to reduce unemployment and contribute to sustainable development. He also called on stakeholders, particularly those at the subnational level, to support this critical effort.
In a related announcement, Dr. Salako revealed that the Ministry of Environment is partnering with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to expand plastic recycling plants nationwide.
This collaboration is expected to create 400,000 direct jobs for young Nigerians, with the potential to generate an additional 750,000 jobs in the future.