By: Fatou Krubally
National Assembly Members Monday advanced the National Environment Management Bill 2025 to the committee stage for detailed examination after its second reading in Banjul.
The bill, tabled by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, seeks to repeal and replace the National Environment Management Act of 1994 to address gaps and align national laws with current global and local environmental demands.
Tabling the motion, Hon. Manjang says the new bill is designed to strengthen sustainable development and ensure environmental protection for present and future generations. She noted that since the 1994 Act came into force, several local and international conventions, policies and best practices have evolved, leaving gaps that the new legislation must fill.
“The National Environment Management Bill 2025 will introduce clearer regulations on population management, strengthen chemical and pesticide controls, expand climate change mitigation measures, and establish stronger community participation in protecting our environment,” she told lawmakers.
The motion for the second reading was seconded by the Member for Upper Fulladu Constituency Hon. Bakary Kora, who described the bill as timely and comprehensive. He says its objectives, if fully enforced, will unite all stakeholders in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
“It’s clear environmental management should not be left to one ministry alone,” he added, stressing the need for concerted efforts from communities, authorities and citizens to protect The Gambia’s environment for generations to come.
However, during the debate, the Member for Banjul South Constituency Hon. Fatoumatta Njie moved a motion under Standing Order 53K, requesting that the assembly defer further debate on the bill’s general merits and principles until after the relevant committee submits its detailed report.
This sparked clarifications from the Majority Leader Hon. Billay G. Tunkara and other members, who argued that bypassing the general debate might limit opportunities for m
embers to contribute broadly before committee scrutiny. After a brief exchange, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, ruled that the motion was valid and put it to a vote.
The motion to defer the debate passed, clearing the way for the bill to be referred to the Assembly Business Committee for committal to the appropriate committee for detailed study.
In her closing remarks, Minister Manjang thanked lawmakers for the opportunity to move the bill forward, urging continued collaboration to strengthen environmental governance across the country.
The National Environment Management Bill 2025 is expected to return for further debate once the committee submits its report and recommendations for consideration.