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Flooding: NOA identifies, sensitises high risk prone communities in FCT

Michael Simire
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Flooding: NOA identifies, sensitises high risk prone communities in FCT

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on high risk flood prone communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to take precautionary measures to minimise or possibly prevent flood disasters.

Lanre Issa-Onilu
Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu

The Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the call on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Etsu Palace, Paikon-Kore community, Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT.

Issa-Onilu identified the high risk flood prone communities in the FCT to Include, Paikon, Gidan Maiaki, Kaida, Pai, and Pashi.

He said the one-day sensitisation programme titled “Flood Notification and Mitigation in Gwagwalada Area Council” was organised to checkmate flooding as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The DG, represented by the Director of Environment, Climate and Energy, Mr. Emeka Egbugara, said the event was part of NOA’s mandate of communicating government policies, programmes and activities to its citizens.

According to him, flooding is very scary and dangerous to experience, stressing that it does not discriminate or respect age.

Members of the communities were sensitised to early warning signs, promoting environmental stewardship and encouraging grassroots involvement in flood risk management.

“When there’s flooding on the road, it is advisable not to cross, even if your car is high, because the velocity of the water will flood your car. It is better to stay put, don’t cross.

“Please, when you get alert of flooding, move to a higher ground to help avoid being affected by the flood.”

Issa-Onilu recalled that, some months back, NiMet, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDA), all predicted unusual rainfall and flooding in 2025.

“The flooding forecast warned that 27 states, 147 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and thousands of communities are at high risk of flooding from July to September, and from October to November.

“The states to be affected include, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-lbom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Gombe, lmo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

“The NOA as a pacesetter in sensitisation, mobilisation and information dissemination therefore is alerting the prone vulnerable states and communities to take precautionary measures to minimise or possibly prevent any flood disaster,” Issa-Onilu said.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NIHSA, Mr. Umar Mohammed, said Gwagwalada has been identified as one of the LGAs in the 2025 outlook that would experience flooding.

“This is due to a combination of factors, which include intense rainfall patterns, river systems, and rapid urban development.

“NIHSA is committed to ensuring that communities are not only aware of dangers associated with flooding but are also equipped with the knowledge and resources to effectively respond to the challenges.

“We recognise that effective flood management requires collaboration and partnership. Therefore, NIHSA is eager to work closely with the NOA and other stakeholders to enhance flood awareness at all levels,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed was represented at the event by a Deputy Director at NIHSA, Mr. Aliyu Muhammed.

Similarly, the Director-General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the agency foretell what the future weather and climate would look like by using sophisticated technologies and highly skilled manpower.

Anosike, represented by a Deputy Director, Mr. Alao Adesino, added that the agency used emerging communication strategy to reach all Nigerians with the forecast information.

“I am proud to also announce to you that the agency has not only been issuing warnings but have transited to forecasting what the weather will do.

“This is done to promote early action by various governments, stakeholders, and citizens,” he said

Mr. Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director in charge of Erosion, Flood Coastal Zone Management in the Ministry of Environment, appreciated NOA for the sensitisation campaign.

The Etsu Dugo of Paikon-Kore, Mr. Barwa Yusuf, expressed delight over the notification and sensitisation by NOA.

Yusuf said the community annually experienced drowning, destruction of houses and property by flood water.

“Now that the Federal Government has remembered us and come down to talk to us; we will listen and adhere to whatever they are telling us.

“The community members and all the neighbouring villages will be careful and avoid carrying out activities that will cause flood in the area,” Yusuf said.

The event was attended by all the district ward heads and members of the community.

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Pollution: Lagos, stakeholders urge residents to obey environmental laws

Michael Simire
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Pollution: Lagos, stakeholders urge residents to obey environmental laws

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has urged residents to comply with environmental laws by maintaining a clean environment to curtail pollution.

Tokunbo Wahab
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab

The Permanent Secretary, Office of the Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, gave the urge during the environmental Advocacy on Attitudinal Change in Coastal Communities in the state on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Ikorodu.

Gaji was represented at the event by Mrs Monsurat Banire, the Director, Environmental Education Unit (EEU), Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

The theme of the programme was: “From Awareness to Action: Enhancing Coastal Safety Through Environmental Education.”

“Today’s advocacy on attitudinal change in coastal communities strikes the heart of various environmental challenges that directly affect the flora and the fauna.

“It also focuses on targeted response to growing environmental crisis that threatens the  coastal ecosystem sustainability.

“Lagos, as a low-lying coastal state, is particularly vulnerable to flooding. With increasing rainfall intensity, rising sea levels, and poor waste disposal habits, the coastal zones are at risk more than ever.

“The impacts are visible, the reality demands urgent, coordinated action/s, not just from government institutions, but from every member of the community, a stakeholder ownership,” he said.

He added that community environmental advocacy goes beyond awareness.

“It inspires behavioural change, empowers communities with practical knowledge, and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

“It equips residents with knowledge on flood risk management and early warning systems, promoting environmental best practices such as keeping drains clear.

“Lagos State is actively investing in drainage rehabilitation, shoreline protection, and community sensitisation,” he said.

He called on market associations, artisans and residents to discourage indiscriminate waste disposal, avoid building on floodplains, and embrace sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices.

“As we engage in today’s programme, let us move beyond discussions, let’s all walk the talk, imbibe attitudinal change, commit to sustainable actions in our lifestyle, influence others and be a change agent.

“We all have a role to play in flood prevention and coastal communities’ safety. Let this advocacy serve as a catalyst for ongoing grassroots participation, innovation, and accountability,” he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Olufunke Olaleye, the Deputy Director, EEU, said flooding had become one of the most pressing challenges facing coastal communities across the globe, noting that Lagos State was not exempted.

According to her, in recent times, Lagos has witnessed an alarming increase in the frequency and severity of flood caused by climate change and human-induced activities.

Olaleye highlighted the human-induced activities as poor waste disposals, unplanned urban development, blockage of drainage channels, and disregard for environmental regulation.

“We have enabled our surveillance visit to several coastal communities across the three senatorial districts across the state.

“This exercise is carried out on partnership with the local government officials and the officials of environment health.

“It enables us to identify and document environmental harmful practice that increase the risk of flooding and environmental degradation,” she said.

Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun, Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Marshal, called for more advocacy, continuous sensitisation, and education.

Olatunbosun said these were aimed at informing the public on the hazard and effect of polluting the environment and depleting the air.

In her remark, Princess Busola Isikalu, Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division, who was represented by Alhaja Akasoro Hamzat, said a clean environment was fundamental to human existence and good health.

Isikalu urged the public to work together in ensuring that the environment was made clean to reduce imminent diseases.

She promised to continue the advocacy among market men and women in the division.

Also, Elder Ishola Ogunjimi, Chairman, Community Development Committee, called on the Lagos State Government to employ more environmental sanitation officers for enforcement and compliance to curtail environmental pollution.

Ogunjimi also urged the state government to bring back the monthly environmental exercise.

He called on the government to enforce usage of waste bags or dustbins by all houses and promised to continue the advocacy and reporting of human-induced activities to the ministry.

Mr Kayode Olomo, Secretary, Council of Baales in Ikorodu, urged the ministry to create an emergency direct line where they could report environmental issues.

Olomo also enjoined the council to construct more drainage.

By Olaitan Idris

Climate change: Group plants 100,000 trees in Jigawa

Michael Simire
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Climate change: Group plants 100,000 trees in Jigawa

Partnership for Development Action (PADAC) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has begun planting of 100,000 tree seedlings to mitigate climate change in Jigawa State.

Tree planting
Tree planting

PADAC is a focal group of the Agro-Climate Reselliance in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), implementing tree planting campaign in the state.

Its Executive Director, Aisha Muhammad, said this during the inauguration of the 2025 tree planting campaign, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Dutse, the state capital.

Muhammad said the foundation would plant 1,500 tree seedlings in Dutse metropolis, to signal commencement of the tree planting campaign.

She said that drought resistant tree seedlings would be planted to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in the state.

“Today’s exercise is part of our 2025 tree planting campaign, we started with 1,500, trees planted on three selected roads in Dutse metropolis.

“Our target is to plant 100,000 seedlings across the area during the 2025 campaign, we urge the benefiting communities to ensure the seedlings were nurtured to maturity,” she said.

Mr. Hatuna Aliyu, the Speaker, Jigawa State House of Assembly, commended the initiative, adding that trees enhance air purification, biodiversity and prevent erosion.

He said the legislators would support the exercise by replicating it in their respective communities.

Also, Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, a Council Member, Dutse Emirate Council, highlighted that trees serve as windbreakers and improve air quality.

One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Fagge, urged residents of the benefiting communities to safeguard the trees and nurture them to maturity.

“I am a resident of this area, I will do my best to protect these seedlings. Tree planting is one of the best ways to mitigate climate change.

“Therefore, I urge residents to safeguard these seedlings until they reach their optimal height.”

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir 

Climate change: Experts warn of looming impact on women’s health

Michael Simire
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Climate change: Experts warn of looming impact on women’s health

Some health experts have raised alarm over the growing toll of climate-related disasters on public health, particularly on women and vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

Niger Delta women
Niger Delta women affected by oil spills during a meeting in Port Harcourt to highlight the destruction of their livelihoods caused by pollution

The experts called for urgent, data-driven and locally adapted responses to build climate-resilient health systems.

They made the call on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Abuja, during a panel session with the theme, “Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Health”.

The panel explored how Africa could build climate-resilient health systems through policy innovation, local solutions and equity-focused partnerships.

Regional Director, Pathfinder International, Dr Amina Dorayi, painted a sobering picture of how climate-induced disruptions affected women’s access to reproductive and maternal health services.

“During floods and extreme weather events, women face mobility challenges and cannot reach health facilities.

“Worse still, supply chain disruptions during crises like COVID-19 cut off access to essential maternal and family planning commodities,” she said.

Dorayi said that women’s health needs were regular and non-negotiable, saying: “Pregnancy does not pause for climate disasters.”

She said that delays or denials in access, from antenatal care to contraceptives, could have devastating long-term consequences for women’s health and well-being.

According to her, Pathfinder International, with a footprint in over 16 countries, including Nigeria, is prioritising climate-informed programming to ensure sexual and reproductive health services remained accessible during climate crises.

The director called on governments, civil society and the private sector to embed health in all climate policies, scale up early warning systems and localise interventions for real community impact.

She said that climate change disproportionately affected women, not just through disrupted access to reproductive health services, but also because women were often excluded from decision-making processes.

“The missing link is women’s leadership. Our grandmothers and mothers in rural communities have practical solutions, but they are never brought to the table when designing climate adaptation strategies,” she said.

Dorayi advocated for deliberate inclusion of women, both as beneficiaries of interventions and as co-creators of solutions, especially in efforts around solar electrification of health centres and climate-resilient community systems.

Also, Ms. Mashishi Mokgadi, a representative from Africa Access Lead at Organon, a global pharmaceutical company focused on women’s health, said that excluding women from climate-health strategies undermined their effectiveness.

Mokgadi said that the coalition was working to build advocacy and awareness around extreme climate events like flooding and heatwaves, exacerbated diseases including reproductive cancers and emerging climate-sensitive illnesses.

“If women and girls are not part of the climate conversation, how do we know what problems we are solving?

“We must use simple, locally relevant language to demystify climate change so that even grassroots communities can participate,” she said.

She urged governments and development partners to translate policy into accessible community action, ensuring that every girl and woman has a seat, both in the crowd and at the table.

Speaking on climate and health, Dr Edwin Edeh, Coordinator for Public Health and Environment at the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, declared that “health is the face of climate change”.

“Whether it is in Makoko, Lagos, or Mapalo in Malawi, the impact of climate change ultimately shows up at the health facility

“It is time we stop seeing health as just a victim of climate change and start recognising it as part of the solution,” he said.

Edeh said that the health sector must be placed at the centre of climate action.

He said that WHO and the Federal Ministry of Health had conducted a nationwide assessment showing that 21 per cent of Nigeria’s national disease burden was linked to climate change.

According to him, this translates to one in five Nigerian deaths in the next five years, but preventable if climate risks are adequately addressed.

He stressed the need for high-level political commitment, the generation of local evidence, and integration of climate strategies into Nigeria’s health system.

He said that those could be done through a National Health Adaptation Plan developed using WHO’s climate-resilient health system framework.

“We have piloted solar-powered health facilities that now save over five litres of fuel daily and have reduced over 44,000 kg of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

The coordinator said that Nigeria had also commenced training a climate-smart health workforce.

He said that beyond infrastructure and emissions, the human cost, especially for women, was significant.

“Climate resilience must be built with the people, not just for the people.

“Without engaging communities, plans will fail. Data and innovation must meet the realities on the ground,” Edeh said.

Dr Morires Atiko, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African Business Coalition for Health, spotlighted the critical role of the private sector in climate and health financing.

“The private sector must go beyond corporate social responsibility and fully embed sustainability into business reporting.

“Right now, climate activities are buried in social reporting and disconnected from health,” she said.

Atiko called for greater awareness and direct linkage between climate change and health impacts, urging businesses to align their operations with environmental responsibility.

She said that it included measuring carbon footprints, shifting to eco-friendly production and transportation, and investing in climate-resilient health systems.

The CEO stressed the need for multi-sector partnerships, including innovation hubs, policy think-tanks and financial institutions to co-create sustainable solutions.

“Health is everybody’s business, and so is climate change. If we continue to work in silos, we will all lose,” she said.

As the climate crisis deepens, Nigeria faces the choices of adapting its health systems now or bearing the rising cost in lives and livelihoods.

By Abujah Racheal

SAGLEV, Dongfeng unveil electric SUV to boost govt’s green initiative

Michael Simire
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SAGLEV, Dongfeng unveil electric SUV to boost govt’s green initiative

SAGLEV Electromobility Co Nig. Ltd. and Dongfeng Motor Corporation Ltd., have unveiled a flagship, luxury, ultra-modern, and offloading electric Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to support the Federal Government’s green environment initiative.

SUV M-Hero 917,
The unveiling of the SUV M-Hero 917,

The SUV M-Hero 917, a full-size off-road luxury SUV built for extreme performance and control, was unveiled on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Lagos.

Speaking at the unveiling, Dr Olugbenga Faleye, the Chief Executive Officer/Chairman, SAGLEV Electromobility, noted that Electric Vehicles (EVs) had comparative advantage over other vehicles, thus the need to assemble one in Nigeria.

“EV is the future, and it is here. There is no trial, it is in our DNA, and we are here to stay.

“SAGLEV is the first and only assembly plant in Sub-saharan Africa that exclusively manufactures electric vehicle, and we are happy to have partnered Dongfeng to actualise this.

“Dongfeng is the second largest automotive manufacturer in Asia and all our vehicles are Dongfeng vehicles.

“We think that the electric vehicle story is a story where Nigeria deserves to play appropriately. We don’t need to be importing cars.

“We are able to assemble vehicles here 100 per cent and that is what SAGLEV is here to show, that it can be done in Nigeria,” he said.

He said the company also assembles Bus Rapid Transit buses, and into e-hailing and corporate fleet.

He noted that assembling locally was very critical for economic growth and development because it creates jobs.

Faleye added that thw Federal Government zero import duties would boost adoption of local assembling of vehicles.

“SAGLEV currently has an assembly capacity of 2,500 cars per annum. We can assemble 10 daily.

“But what’s interesting is that we have excess capacity to go up to 10,000 cars per annum, because we can go two and a half shifts, six days a week,” he said.

Also speaking, the representative of Dongfeng, Ms Cherry Cao, said MHERO 917 was the first production model architecture and the world’s first premium electric of rotors available, both in pure electric and extended range versions.

Cao said it had over 1,000 horsepower and a zero to 100 kilometers per hour range of just 4.2 seconds.

“MHERO 917 delivers breathtaking performance key innovations such as mega power, electric joint train, all terrain intelligence system and rear wheel steer.

“This allows it to move seamlessly from city streets to any green weather scrolling 45-degree rock faces, 4,090 centimeters of water, or powering straight up to 1,000 metre heavily lit in the tender desert.

“The MHERO 917 have accomplished these once reserved one for the world’s most legendary of brooders,” she said.

It features over 1000 horsepower, a four-motor all-wheel-drive system and advanced off-road capability.

The body is built for strength and utility, the cabin designed for comfort and technology. It handles rough terrain, deep water, steep slopes and city roads with the same power and stability.

The vehicle combines electrical performance, rugged design and smart features in one solid package.

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Customs seizes 420kg Pangolin scales in Kano

Michael Simire
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Customs seizes 420kg Pangolin scales in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted 420 kilograms of Pangolin scales during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in a suburb of the Kano metropolis.

Pangolin scales
Customs officials conducting a press briefing in Kano

Disclosing this on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during a press briefing in Kano, the Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, said the seizure was made on Wednesday, at about 7 p.m.

He said that the seizure followed a joint operation by officers from the Customs Special Wildlife Office, Customs Intelligence Unit, and the Customs Police Unit.

Abubakar said one male suspect was arrested in connection with the illegal wildlife trade and he was currently in custody for further investigation.

“The operation was aimed at combating illicit international trade in wildlife and related crimes, as well as protecting our irreplaceable natural resources for current and future generations,” he said.

According to Abubukar, the successful interception of the pangolin scales represented a significant disruption to transnational criminal networks involved in the trafficking of endangered species.

“This seizure sends a strong message to traffickers that wildlife crimes will not be tolerated in Kano State, Nigeria, or anywhere else in the world,” he added.

Abubakar said the action was in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, particularly Section 55(c), which mandates the Service to enforce laws related to the protection of endangered species and biodiversity conservation.

The comptroller also acknowledged the support of international partners, including the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) and Focus Conservation, for their continued collaboration in the fight against wildlife crime.

“I wish to commend the relentless efforts of our officers, especially the Special Wildlife Office, for their professionalism and dedication to duty.

“I also express deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, whose leadership continues to empower our operations,” he said.

Abubakar assured that the service would intensify surveillance and deploy technological tools to combat wildlife trafficking effectively.

“It is our collective responsibility to protect these endangered species for future generations,” the NCS official added.

According to Abubakar, the suspect will be charged in accordance with extant relevant national and international laws once investigations are concluded.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

South Africa: Group frowns at Shell’s Northern Cape oil exploration project

Michael Simire
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South Africa: Group frowns at Shell’s Northern Cape oil exploration project

Climate awareness, change and conservation organisation, The Green Connection, has expressed concern over the recent approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Shell’s proposed Northern Cape Ultra Deep (NCUD) oil and gas exploration project in South Africa. The approval, according to the organisation, comes despite repeated objections raised by coastal communities and civil society, including detailed submissions by The Green Connection and Natural Justice in August and December 2024.

Shell
Shell

Advocacy Officer at The Green Connection, Lisa Makaula, says: “This EIA authorisation is a slap in the face of the small-scale fishers and communities who have consistently raised concerns about the project and its potential impact on their livelihoods.”

Walter Steenkamp, a small-scale fisher from Port Nolloth, adds: “We’ve said before – these oceans are our life. We need a healthy ocean to survive. How can they approve something that could destroy our future? This is why we will not back down.”

Small-scale fisher from Doorn Bay, Deborah de Wee, says: “We are deeply disappointed by this decision. We believe that it’s a huge mistake that puts our ocean – and our future – at risk. We don’t want harmful activities like oil and gas drilling in our waters because we depend on the ocean for our daily bread. This is how we survive, and how our people have survived for generations.

“These projects don’t just threaten our food security – they potentially threaten our entire way of life. If this goes ahead, our children may never experience the ocean the way we did. With this decision, it feels like we are being robbed of our fishing culture. How will we teach the next generation to make a living from the sea when the risks are so high?”

As the climate crisis appears to intensify, and with mounting evidence of the potential harm oil and gas activities pose to marine biodiversity and small-scale fishers who rely on a healthy ocean, this decision by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) is said to be troubling. The targeted area, it was gathered, forms part of South Africa’s precious ocean heritage and sustains the livelihoods of numerous coastal communities – especially in the Northern Cape, where many already face social and economic vulnerability. 

“Furthermore, despite industry claims, gas is not a transition fuel – it is a fossil fuel that contributes to the climate crisis. Climate scientists confirm that new oil and gas projects are incompatible with limiting warming to 1.5°C. Approving this kind of development now, actively undermines climate action and endangers the very communities it claims to benefit, especially since gas poses more climate risks – due to methane emissions that have 80 times the heating potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period,” adds Makaula.

The Green Connection says it is currently reviewing the decision and will consider appealing it within the stipulated timeframe.

UN Climate Change calls for urgent action to scale up climate finance at African Ministerial Dialogue

Michael Simire
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UN Climate Change calls for urgent action to scale up climate finance at African Ministerial Dialogue

UN Climate Change director, Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, has reiterated the urgency of scaling up climate finance to support Africa’s adaptation and resilience efforts.

Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga
UN Climate Change director, Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga

Speaking on the margins of the 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), she underscored that “Climate finance is not just a political choice – it is a matter of survival, of development, of dignity and of equity.”

At last year’s COP29 Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, all nations reached an agreement on a new climate finance goal of $300 billion annually by 2030 to flow to developing countries, to be scaled up to $1.3 trillion by 2035.

“The $300 billion must be a floor, not a ceiling – and it must translate into predictable, accessible finance for those who need it most,” stressed Kinuthia-Njenga.

According to her, the UNFCCC is working to strengthen institutional frameworks that can help African countries access sustainable climate finance.

“We are working to ensure that climate finance architecture responds to African priorities,” she said.

Africa is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, losing up to 9% of its GDP annually to climate impacts, while trillions of dollars are needed to meet energy, adaptation, and resilience goals. This challenge is compounded by a constrained fiscal environment where, in many countries, more is spent on debt servicing than on climate or health.

Leaders and stakeholders gathered at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, in Kenya, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord that has shaped global climate policy for the past decade.

Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, who is director at the UNFCCC Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division, stressed that “the Paris Agreement is delivering real progress, even if it has not yet solved the climate crisis.  But it has changed the course of human history. It has proved that climate cooperation can deliver when it matters most.”

Over the past decade, the Paris Agreement has guided unprecedented climate action, yet the world remains off track to limit warming to 1.5°C, but “without Paris, we’d still be heading for over 5 degrees of warming.”

The impacts of the rising temperature, extreme weather, droughts, floods, and loss of livelihoods are still a reality, particularly in Africa, the region most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing the least to the problem.

“Because African countries are not just on the frontlines of climate impacts: they are also on the frontlines of climate solutions,” Cecilia told the AMCEN Ministerial Dialogue.

The event concluded with a call to strengthen collaboration ahead of COP30, ensuring Africa’s priorities shape global climate action and the next Global Stocktake.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

UNN provides evidence-informed policy advice to guide carbon markets framework

Michael Simire
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UNN provides evidence-informed policy advice to guide carbon markets framework

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in collaboration with other stakeholders, has demonstrated commitment by providing evidence-informed policy advice to guide in developing regulatory framework for carbon market.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, Acting Vice-Chancellor, UNN, disclosed this on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Abuja, at a Dissemination and Stakeholders’ Workshop on Potential and Challenges of Voluntary Carbon Market in Nigeria.

Ujam said the university, through the Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC-EfD) Nigeria, has demonstrated capacity in providing evidence-informed policy advice to guide policymakers in developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for carbon market.

He explained that the carbon markets were mechanisms that created financial incentives for reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

He said the carbon markets were being recognised as key to transitioning to a low-carbon economy, particularly with article 6 of the Paris Agreement allowing countries to trade carbon credits to meet their emission reduction targets.

The acting V-C said that as part of the engagements, the centre held an inception workshop on Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) research project in January 2025.

He noted that globally, the VCM was valued at $2 billion in 2022.

“Meanwhile, analysts place Africa’s potential VCM value at up to 1.5 trillion dollars by 2050, provided integrity and equity are safeguarded.

“Nigeria is positioning itself to capture a sizeable share, the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Policy, yet to be approved, targets 2.5 billion dollars in high-integrity carbon-credit investment by 2030.

“Also, establishes a national registry aligned with article 6.

Ujam said that VCM can help reduce emissions and serve as a source of revenue to countries in the global South.

He added that in Nigeria especially,  without proper analysis to support efficient implementation, there might be a risk of significant carbon leakages and severe impacts on marginalised members of society.

“Without a robust governance system, there could be substantial emission leakage, which can have negative distributional implications.

“Hence, to harness the potential benefit of carbon markets in Nigeria, it is critical to generate and advance knowledge among stakeholders, including government, businesses, and local actors, on these challenges and uncertainties.

“Thus, I consider today’s event very significant because it offers us an opportunity to present fresh empirical evidence on the potential and challenges of the VCM in Nigeria.

“It presents a platform for all stakeholders to interrogate the emerging issues and challenges in Nigeria’s emerging carbon-market architecture,” he said.

Ujam thanked all the stakeholders partnering and supporting the project, adding that their efforts would help in building a carbon market that would strongly work for Nigeria.

Speaking, Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, Director, REPRC EfD, Nigeria, said that carbon markets could be used as a means of reducing carbon emissions and also reducing the rate of carbon emissions.

He said that scientists were using carbon markets for carbon storage to mitigate climate change, urging relevant stakeholders to support in ensuring effective implementation of the project to achieve climate goals.

Mr. Jamani Ejiro, Commissioner for Environment, Delta, noted challenges being associated with the carbon markets, adding that it was important to take cognisance of such challenges.

Ejiro said that such challenges which included the need for clear regulatory frameworks, establishment of carbon registry, robust monitoring, transparency, among others required effective collaborative.

Ejiro was represented by Mrs. Briggs Doye, Director, Climate Change Department, Ministry of Environment of the state.

By Vivian Emoni

Africa’s solar riches undermined by low investment – Gatete

Michael Simire
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Africa’s solar riches undermined by low investment – Gatete

UN under-secretary and Executive-Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr. Claver Gatete, has called for urgent reforms to energy financing in Africa.

Claver Gatete
Claver Gatete, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

Gatete made the call in a statement on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, following his presentation at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.

He noted that Africa possesses 60 per cent of the world’s solar energy potential but received less than 3 per cent of global energy financing, experts say.

Gatete said over 600 million Africans still lack electricity, even as demand grows from rising populations, urbanisation, and industrial ambition.

Gatete added that while global leaders discuss energy transition, much of Africa remains trapped in chronic energy deprivation.

He said many rural children study by candlelight or kerosene lamps, breathing toxic fumes and limiting learning time.

Health clinics often lack reliable electricity, and local economies are hampered by irregular or non-existent power supply.

“We need a new deal on energy finance. One that supports innovation and strengthens grids for people and planet,” Gatete said.

He described Africa as a “paradox of potential and neglect”, with vast renewable resources but little international investment.

“Africa isn’t just asking for help, it’s offering answers,” he said, stressing energy’s role in job creation and transformation.

Gatete urged backing for regional power networks, local manufacturing, and policies that attract private investment.

ECA is supporting countries with integrated energy plans, cross-border trade, and improved energy infrastructure.

The session added to wider HLPF discussions on achieving SDG-7 and the Agenda 2063 energy goals.

Gatete emphasised that Africa’s energy future must be central to global climate and development strategies.

The HLPF remains the UN’s key platform for reviewing global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

By Adebola Adegoke

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