Only President Buhari Approves Ecological Projects For Execution- Lawal

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office (EPO), Dr Habiba Lawal (middle); Deputy Director of Press & Public Relations, EPO, Mrs Eno Olotu (right); Publisher of Benny Okeke's Blog, Chika Okeke (left) and other journalists during the end of tenure media briefing organised by EPO in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY EPO

The Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office (EPO), Dr Habiba Lawal has stated that only President Muhammadu Buhari approves ecological and erosion-control projects at the federal level for execution in any of the six geopolitical zones across the country.

This is coming on the heels of misconception by the elites that requests for ecological intervention in their States were turned down by the Permanent Secretary of EPO.

Lawal, who stated this in Abuja yesterday during her end of tenure media briefing,

alongside the top management staff of EPO, is scheduled to retire next week, having served the country meritoriously in different portfolios.

On her most challenging times, she said, "I have had many challenging times but the most challenge is when some VIP's requests are not approved for execution because its only the President that approves ecological projects for execution."

According to her, "We have over 1900 requests sent by different Nigerians from different professions. Some Nigerians believe that by virtue of their social class, that once they forward a request for ecological intervention, that it must be approved. If the requests are not approved, they believe that I rejected their request."

"Neither the permanent secretary nor Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) can approve request for ecological project except President Buhari", she added.

The permanent secretary kicked against the moves by some Nigerians to serve as the contractor of their ecological requests that were approved by the President, adding that such demand is outlawed in the Procurement Act.

Given the enormity of the challenges associated with the office, Lawal stated that having obtained a first degree (BSc Chemistry) from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, that her profession emboldened her to face challenges and add value to the Office.

She thanked the media for spreading the news of ecological and erosion-control projects executed by the federal government through her office, just as she pleaded with them to proffer critical advise that would strengthen the office.

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