Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has attributed Nigeria's colossal environmental challenges to the actions of colonial masters. Speaking as the special guest of honor at the 68th annual conference of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) in Lagos, Hamzat highlighted how the colonial era was marked by the exploitation of natural resources, which had detrimental effects on Nigeria's economic and environmental well-being.

Represented by Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Art, Hamzat emphasized the importance of understanding the history of Nigeria's environment in order to make informed decisions regarding the challenges faced in the ecosystem.

He pointed out that the environmental conditions during the pre-colonial era laid the foundation for the challenges Nigeria faces today, including deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. These issues require sustained and combined efforts to address.

During the colonial era, the exploitation of natural resources for the benefit of the colonial powers took precedence over environmental considerations. The consequences of this exploitation were often overlooked or disregarded in favor of economic gains.

Furthermore, Hamzat noted that after Nigeria gained independence, the processes of industrialization and globalization further exacerbated environmental issues. Despite efforts by governments and non-governmental organizations to restore the ecosystem, a multi-faceted approach involving government intervention and community participation is necessary to effectively solve these challenges.

In conclusion, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat highlighted the historical context of Nigeria's environmental challenges, tracing them back to the actions of colonial masters and the subsequent processes of industrialization and globalization. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders to address these issues and restore the ecosystem.

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