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ACEP marks WED 2025 with stimulation of youths as eco warriors

Michael Simire
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ACEP marks WED 2025 with stimulation of youths as eco warriors

In celebration of the 2025 World Environmental Day, the African Centre for Environmental Protection (ACEP) held a three-week environmental crusade across five Nigerian states, sparking a revolution in environmental awareness and action.

With an unwavering community support, ACEP’s mission to empower youths as environmental ambassadors took flight, leaving a trail of inspiration and five newly established Eco Clubs in its wake.

ACEP
Participants at one of ACEP’s engagements

Kaduna: Unleashing Eco-Passion on World Environment Day

In Kaduna, ACEP marked World Environment Day with a celebration at Relmas Great Stars International School. Dr. Arziki Zoaka, ACEP’s representative, captivated over 67 students with a session featuring educational presentations, a quiz with prizes, and gift distributions.

Mrs. Jennifer Udeh, the school principal, hailed the event as a catalyst for ongoing environmental engagement, setting the stage for a greener future.

Abuja: Inspiring the Next Generation of Eco-Leaders 

At Al-Noor Academy in Abuja, Sandra Adaobi Esimaje led a World Environment Day 2025 session, engaging over 70 students and six teachers. The interactive lessons tackled plastic pollution, biodiversity, clean air, and water conservation, leaving participants buzzing with ideas.

Books were gifted to fuel their enthusiasm, and discussions to launch a student-led Eco Club gained momentum, promising a legacy of sustainability.

Nasarawa State: Beating Plastic Pollution with Bold Action

In Nasarawa State, ACEP’s awareness session at Epitome Model Islamic School, led by Sandra Adaobi Esimaje, drew over 138 students and jhv  8 teachers. Centred on the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the programme illuminated the devastating impacts of single-use plastics and inspired actionable change.

With educational materials, gifts, and refreshments, students left empowered to champion environmental responsibility at school, home, and beyond.

Rivers State: A Dual Triumph for Sustainability

ACEP’s impact reverberated in Rivers State with two events. At Rivers State University, in collaboration with APWEN and WIEN, ACEP rallied 120 female engineering students to confront the plastic crisis. Dr. Kaine Chinwah, ACEP’s chairperson, delivered a compelling call to action, while Prof. Jackson Akpa, Dean of the Engineering Faculty, championed engineering-driven solutions and collective responsibility.

In partnership with FGGC Abuloma 1994 Set, ACEP also ignited environmental fervor at Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma. The event inspired over 90 students to embrace their roles as environmental trailblazers, proving that young voices can drive monumental change.

Akwa Ibom State: Fostering Eco-Stewardship

The campaign culminated at Trinity Star Model School in Akwa Ibom State, where ACEP representatives Jonah Jason Unwanah and Bassey Abasiofon Sunday led a dynamic session on plastic pollution. Supported by Principal Mr. Mfon Ben, the event energised 61 students and four staff members, fostering a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

ACEP’s says its tour has not only educated but also empowered Nigeria’s youth to lead the charge for a sustainable future.

“With five new Eco Clubs and countless inspired minds, the ripple effect of this campaign promises to reshape Nigeria’s environmental landscape for generations to come,” submitted the group.

NAICE 2025: Renaissance wins top awards, reiterates commitment to boost oil and gas production

Michael Simire
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NAICE 2025: Renaissance wins top awards, reiterates commitment to boost oil and gas production

The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, on Wednesday, August 6 in Lagos, emerged the leading oil and gas company, crowning its first outing at the just-concluded Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) by winning a majority of the conference’s corporate and individual awards, including the coveted Best Indigenous Exhibitor and the conference’s Overall Best Exhibitor awards, and the 2025 Industry Young Executive Award to Renaissance Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Mr. Abdulrahman Mijinyawa.

At the SPE Awards Nite, that rounded off three days of conference and exhibition of the nation’s premier petroleum engineering society, Renaissance’s CTO, Mr. Mijinyawa, received the 2025 Industry Young Executive Award from SPE International President, Mr. Olivier Houze.

Renaissance
Staff of The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, led by the company’s Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Mr. Abdulrahman Mijinyawa (centre) display several of the awards they won at the just-concluded Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE) 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE)… in Lagos

He also received the Overall Best Exhibitor Award from a founding member of the SPE Section in Nigeria, Mr. Egbert Imomoh. That award was presented to Renaissance “for an outstanding display of creativity and technical excellence at the 2025 NAICE SPE Exhibition.”

Abdulrahman then dedicated the awards to staff and management of Renaissance, saying: “This is an important reward for the resilience shown by the company’s staff who are working with renewed commitment to excellence and have seen Renaissance as an opportunity for Nigerians to drive the industrialisation that will ultimately translate into job creation and overall economic growth.

“Within this short period of our existence, of about 140 days of taking over Shell’s shares in the defunct SPDC. Renaissance assets and people have increased oil production by about 40 per cent and returned us to a position where we are now fulfilling our contractual gas supply quantities to the NLNG – for the first time in over five years. Hence, winning these awards, given by fellow professionals of the industry, encourages our commitment to the government’s aspiration to grow the nation’s utilisation of our vast hydrocarbon reserves.”

Renaissance staff, with 18 entries, also formed the core number of SPE members who presented technical papers at the conference, showcasing Nigerians’ technical prowess and highlighting opportunities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Also, the Port Harcourt Section 103, which includes Renaissance staff members, won the Young Professionals of the year award.

Earlier, the SPE Council Chairman, Mrs. Amina Danmadami, said: “The Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) is an annual conference organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council and has been held annually since its inception in 1976.”

She said NAICE focuses on connecting a global community of engineers, scientists, and related energy professionals to exchange knowledge, innovate, and advance their technical and professional competence regarding the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas and related energy resources to achieve a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future.

“NAICE provides an Exploration and Production marketplace for sub-Saharan Africa, and, over the years, the conference has grown to become the largest upstream oil and gas event in Africa attracting industry regulators, high-level government officials, petroleum technology professionals and other key oil and gas industry stakeholders,” added Danmadami.

Germany to legalise underground CO2 storage in climate drive

Michael Simire
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Germany to legalise underground CO2 storage in climate drive

The German Government approved on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, draft legislation that would legalise the underground storage of carbon dioxide (C02), a key step in its strategy to meet climate change goals.

The plans include the development of a national CO2 transport network to facilitate carbon capture and storage (CCS), particularly for hard-to-abate industrial sectors.

Katherina Reiche
German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche speaks to the media while visiting the KNDS heavy weapons factory on August 01, 2025, in Kassel, Germany. Photo credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The Cabinet’s decision marks a significant policy shift.

Until now, the use of CCS technologies has been effectively blocked in Germany.

The bill must still be passed by lawmakers in parliament.

Economy Minister, Katherina Reiche, described the package as a “milestone” in decarbonising German industry.

Reiche’s predecessor, Robert Habeck, had also proposed similar legislation, but political disagreements in the previous coalition government derailed those plans.

The legislation would allow CO2 to be captured at industrial sites, transported via pipelines, and stored underground, primarily beneath the seabed in Germany’s exclusive economic zone and on the continental shelf.

Storage in coastal waters and protected areas would be prohibited.

The focus was on sectors where emissions were currently unavoidable, such as cement, lime and aluminium production.

These processes cannot yet be decarbonised via electrification or material substitution.

However, the law would explicitly exclude emissions from coal-fired power plants from being stored via this method.

The government also wants to enable the construction of CO2 pipelines and allow German participation in cross-border storage projects, such as those in Norway.

While permanent CO2 storage on land would not be permitted nationwide, states would have the option to legalise it through regional legislation.

World Decarbonisation Day: Group urges sustainable awareness creation

Michael Simire
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World Decarbonisation Day: Group urges sustainable awareness creation

The Women in Oil and Gas (WEOG) has stressed the need for sustainable awareness creation in promoting climate action ahead of the 2025 World Decarbonisation Day.

The group said this at the Pre-Decarbonisation Day webinar on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Lagos.

Decarbonisation
Decarbonisation

The WEOG is a forum created to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the male dominated energy, oil and gas industry.

It was created to create opportunities for women to step into leadership roles and pursue their careers, businesses and personal goals in line with the SDG goal number 05.

The WEOG National President, Mrs. Tolu Longe, called for the right narrative on climate action.

“It is really an honour for me as we count down to the World Decarbonisation Day (WDD) 2025.

“We started this movement in 2024, when we as women in oil and gas declared the first Decarbonisation Day on September 3.

“We believe that women are not just participants in the energy transition. We believe that we are a powerful catalyst and today’s conversation underscores a truth we must embrace.

“Which is that decarbonisation is not just a technical thing, it is not just for the western world, it is something about you, it is something about me and it is something about the human race and our story as a whole.

“It is important we tell the truth about climate change and decarbonisation in a bold manner, while making sure it is not embellished. The media are great tools in helping us tell our story and efforts on climate change.

“As we unite in the journey toward decarbonisation, I urge everyone that let us tell the stories that matters and creat a change. Let us tell the truth that will sting the right places,” Longe said.

She reiterated that the objective of the webinar was aimed at exploring the critical role of climate communication in accelerating public awareness, driving behaviour change, and influencing global and local climate policies.

On her part, Mrs. Toyin Alozie, the Chairperson, Women in Oil and Gas/ Future Energy Renewable and Climate Action Committee (WEOG/FERCA), noted that the group is set to take leadership role in Nigeria’s decarbonisation journey.

“FERCA is committed to taking leadership roles and responsibilities in Nigeria’s energy transition towards sustainability.

“Sustainable energy access as well as action to mitigate climate change is our drive.

“WEOG/FERCA are part of the World Decarbonisation Day and we stand with it,” Alozie said.

Also, Mrs. Toyin Yusuff, Chairperson, World Decarbonisation Day 2025 (WDD), also called for the communication of the right narrative on Nigeria’s fossil fuels.

“We are in the fossil fuels sector, and we are aware that there are nature-based technologies and solutions that can be engaged and used sustainably to meet the net zero emissions target.

“In climate change, there are problems and there are opportunities. We should not be climate victims but climate leaders because we have all it takes to handle our energy poverty issues.

“With the narrative of demonising fossil fuels is not to our advantage. Not everyone can afford solar energy and the likes; by embracing decarbonisation, we can embrace our local technology, we can also attract green investments.

“When we take leadership in decarbonisation, the world will look to us for decarbonisation.

“We cannot decarbonise behind closed doors, we need the media to take positive action and choose to report the positives and the opportunities of decarbonisation and not just the disasters,” Yusuff said.

On his part, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, a renowned environmentalist activist and founder of Lufasi Nature Park and board member at the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, called for joint responsibility in the addressing climate action.

“Climate change action is a massive responsibility today’s journalists need to bear.

“The role of journalists in climate change discuss is very key. We need to bring the reality of the situation out there because the time is running short

“Some of the calculations as regards the rapid decline of climate change is at a tipping point. We need to leave a good legacy for our children and not a basket of problems.

“We also need religious leaders to speak to their followers on the need to protect and preserve the earth,” Majekodunmi said.

A climate change advocate and speaker at the webinar, Mr. Olumide Idowu, urged the mass media to go the extra mile in the promotion of climate action.

“The media need to understand the role it plays. Decarbonisation begins with awareness and it’s the media that can tell this story better.

“Journalism is one of the ways we can bridge the gaps between innovation and action.

“Climate change is a time bomb that will affect everyone, if necessary, actions are not taken.

“Journalism is the bedrock of how the story of climate change is told, it will help influence policies,” Idowu said.

The WEOG in 2024 declared September 3 as the WDD.

The declaration was borne as an African global initiative dedicated to accelerating climate action through inclusive, innovative, and sustainable pathways.

The WDD 2025 summit slated for September 3–4, in Abuja, Nigeria, will convene 3,000+ stakeholders to spotlight Africa’s leadership in global decarbonisation and sustainable development.

By Mercy Omoike

Vehicular emissions responsible for 70% of Lagos choking smog – LASEPA

Michael Simire
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Vehicular emissions responsible for 70% of Lagos choking smog – LASEPA

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has revealed that vehicle emissions are responsible for approximately 70 per cent of choking smog affecting the state.

General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, said this on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, on his verified X handle.

vehicular pollution
Vehicular pollution

“We are tackling this invisible threat head-on,” Ajayi said.

Ajayi said the agency had checked over 12,000 vehicles in 2025 in its emissions crackdown.

“Every compliant vehicle means cleaner air for all of us,” he said.

He added that LASEPA enforces strict annual vehicular emissions inspection to reduce pollution from transportation sources.

LASEPA on Monday released its latest Air Quality Index, indicating parts of the state with highest air pollution.

The index showed that Egbeda, Alimosho and NiMet, Oshodi, had the best rating, indicating less pollution on the index.

The index also indicated that Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kosofe and Victoria Island came last on the index.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Stakeholders advocate GMO technology for improved food security

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders advocate GMO technology for improved food security

Stakeholders have emphasised that Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) technology offers huge benefits to African farmers in boosting food production and achieving food security in Nigeria.

They made this known on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, during a field visit to two GMO demonstration farms within Abuja, led by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).

GMO
Field visit to a GMO demonstration farm in Abuja

Mr. Yarama Ndirpaya, Programme Manager for Tela Nigeria at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), said the goal of GMO technology is to provide innovative agricultural solutions tailored to the needs and ecological contexts of African farmers.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that farmers have access to agricultural technologies that will increase their productivity,” Ndirpaya said.

He stressed the importance of farmers understanding the technology, using it effectively, and benefiting from improved yields and profitability, especially for smallholder farmers.

“Tela maize, for instance, is a conventional maize variety enhanced through scientific innovation to resist pests, tolerate drought, and boost overall productivity,” he said.

Ndirpaya expressed concern over the growing challenge of food insecurity, worsened by climate change.

He noted that providing farmers with climate-resilient technologies like GMO crops is crucial to addressing these issues.

“AATF operates in over 24 African countries. But for Nigeria to maximise productivity, the government must support farmers by developing credible seed systems,” he added.

The farms visited showcased two GMO crops: Tela maize and the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea.

The PBR cowpea, also known as SAMPEA 20-T or Bt cowpea, is a genetically modified variety designed to resist the legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata), a major pest affecting cowpea production.

The resistance is achieved by incorporating a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.

Dr Rose Gidado, Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), commended the adoption of PBR cowpea, noting that Nigeria remains the largest producer and consumer of cowpea globally.

She expressed optimism about GMO technology, stating that over 45 countries, including the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, and Ghana, have adopted it.

“Nigeria was the first African country to commercialise a food crop, the PBR cowpea in 2019.

“Today, only Nigeria and Ghana have commercialised the cowpea, making Nigeria a pioneer in this breakthrough,” she said.

Dr Charles Ogunremi, Farm Manager at NABDA, stated that the PBR cowpea is a climate-smart crop that can thrive under changing climate conditions.

He said the variety is also replantable, providing more flexibility for farmers.

Also speaking, Mr. Andrew Nanfwang, a GMO farmer, testified to the effectiveness of the technology, stating that Tela maize has significantly improved his yield and farming outcomes.

By Abigael Joshua

Inger Andersen: Securing a treaty to beat plastic pollution

Michael Simire
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0
Inger Andersen: Securing a treaty to beat plastic pollution

Presentation by Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at the INC-5.2 Opening Plenary in Geneva, Switzerland

Almost three and a half years have passed since the historic adoption of the UN Environment Assembly Resolution 5/14. It is now high time for Member States to get the deal over the line. And, today, this means rolling up the sleeves and getting into Contact Groups. I will therefore be brief.

Inger Andersen
Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

You face 10 days of intensive negotiations. You know that you will have to work hard and with determination, as you have done before. You know that you will have to work in the spirt of solidarity and compromise, as you have done before. But I believe you can leave Geneva with a treaty.

Since Busan, you have enabled a real surge in diplomacy. You have been engaging with one another in informal settings, in bilaterals, regional consultation groups and across regions, as well as across viewpoints, to forge approaches, ideas and solutions. This engagement has been critical to getting us where we are today and is the most intense, I have seen yet during this process, demonstrating that you want this treaty.

I thank you for this productive diplomacy, which has begun to carve out a path to a possible agreement. Now, I do accept that this path is narrow and precarious, with a steep drop on either side. But we are here in the alps and when you walk a precarious path, you walk together. And indeed, you are bound together as you navigate this path. Because the only way to reach the destination is by going together.

I am always inspired when I enter these halls here in Geneva. This city is the birthplace of modern multilateralism. While the set-up of the League of Nations was far from ideal, and while many voices were excluded and unrepresented, this city saw the setting in motion the noble notion that countries can problem solve together. And as we look out on the soaring height of the alps, let us reach for those heights as we take inspiration from the past, but build and shape for the future.

I also invite you to draw inspiration from the establishment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution, which could provide important science for the treaty on plastic pollution. By agreeing on this panel just two months’ ago, Member States proved yet again that environmental multilateralism delivers. Now it is your turn.

As you get down to negotiating, I remind you that the world wants and needs to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. People are outraged. They are worried. They are watching. And rightly so.

Plastic pollution is already in nature, in our oceans and even in our bodies. And plastic leakage to the environment is predicted to grow 50 per cent by 2040. If we continue on the current trajectory the world will be drowning in plastic pollution – with massive consequences for planetary, economic and human health.

I know that you know that it is in your hands to make sure that this does not happen. It is in your hands to protect us all, the environment and future generations. That it is in your hand to turn the plastic pollution challenge into an opportunity of solutions and new beginnings. We at UNEP will be there to support you. Ultimately, of course, the path is paved by you.

So, I ask you to reach across the aisle and start crafting the Chair’s text into a final agreement. One that draws on the many areas of convergence. One that starts with strength but also includes the hooks for further development. And one that sets the world on the path to ending plastic pollution forever.

SEED CO promotes certified seeds for better yields

Michael Simire
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0
SEED CO promotes certified seeds for better yields

SEED CO is urging farmers to adopt certified seeds and proper farming practices to achieve higher crop yields and combat persistent hunger, despite government fertiliser subsidies.

During the SEED CO Open Field Day on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Lilongwe, Malawi, the company’s agronomists showcased products and techniques at a demonstration plot, engaging directly with farmers.

Dennis Mdzalimbo
SEED CO Sales and Marketing Manager, Dennis Mdzalimbo

The event aimed to bridge the gap between expected and actual yields by demonstrating effective farming methods.

SEED CO Sales and Marketing Manager, Dennis Mdzalimbo, emphasised the importance of good practices for optimal harvests.

“We demonstrate to our farmers that with good farming practices, one should be able to get or exceed what we tell them,” Mdzalimbo said.

“They should replicate these practices to get 50 bags and above per acre.”

Mdzalimbo identified two key issues affecting yields: seed choice and crop management.

“Our farmers have been facing hunger year in, year out, despite government fertiliser subsidies,” he said.

“Most use recycled seeds instead of certified seeds bought in that particular year.”

He urged farmers to purchase certified seeds from SEED CO and avoid recycling seeds from previous seasons. Mdzalimbo also highlighted improper crop spacing as a significant problem, advocating for the Sasakawa planting method.

“In so doing, they will even exceed what we tell them,” he said, encouraging farmers to follow advice from government extension workers and SEED CO’s technical team.

Farmer Besina Chikapamba, who attended the event, said the demonstration transformed her approach to farming.

“For many years, I was not following proper farming methods,” she said.

“When it comes to maize, I was planting three seedlings per station, not knowing that this affected the yields.”

Chikapamba embraced the lessons learned, particularly the Sasakawa method.

“Now I know proper farming methods like Sasakawa are the best for planting crops,” she said.

“Going forward, I will not be recycling my seeds because I know certified seeds give a bumper harvest.”

SEED CO’s initiative seeks to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools to replicate these practices, ensuring improved yields and greater food security across the region.

By Ireen Kayira, AfricaBrief

Nature study on economic damages from climate change revised

Michael Simire
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0
Nature study on economic damages from climate change revised

In response to feedback from other scientists, the authors of the paper “The economic commitment of climate change” at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) have revised their analysis and are making it open access for the wider scientific community to engage with.

PIK welcomes the critical scrutiny published as a “Matters Arising” in Nature as an important part of the scientific debate and is committed to continuing to uphold the highest standards of research integrity and transparency.

Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

The core findings hold: economic damages from climate change till mid-century are substantial and outweigh the costs of mitigation, they are mainly driven by temperature changes and affect regions with low incomes and low historical emissions most. These findings are broadly consistent with wider evidence (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) on the magnitude of economic impacts from climate change and the benefits of emission reductions.

In the study, the research team used historical data to project how changes in temperature and precipitation will affect economic growth. The analysis extended prior work in three innovative ways: by estimating climate impacts at the sub-national rather than the country level, by exploring the effects of daily weather variability in addition to average conditions, and by assessing the duration of climate impacts on economic growth rates. Prior to publication in April 2024, the paper and data underwent peer review, to ensure that data analysis and methodology were sound.

Bearpark, Hogan and Hsiang, the authors of the Matters Arising, highlight errors in the underlying economic data from Uzbekistan in the period 1995-1999, which had a disproportionate influence on the results. They further argue that correlations across regions imply larger statistical uncertainties, an issue also raised with the authors independently by a colleague. The authors’ revised version corrects the underlying economic data, introduces additional controls to limit the influence of data anomalies and accounts for correlations across regions.

The revised analysis in response to the critique indicates that:

•    Global economic output in the middle of this century could be 17 percent lower than without further climate change, instead of the 19 percent found in the original calculation (populated-weighted average of the percentage losses in all regions worldwide).
•    The unequal distribution of damages across the globe is now found to be even more pronounced, with poorer regions suffering more in percentage terms. This results in lower global damages when expressed in dollar terms: 32 trillion 2005 purchasing power adjusted “international” US dollars – instead of 38 trillion as found in the original calculation.
•    Annual global climate damages in dollars in the middle of this century are about five times higher – instead of six times as found in the original calculation – than the abatement costs associated with limiting global warming to 2°C.

The revised results and data are online for others to engage with, though the authors emphasise they have not yet undergone peer review.

The authors and PIK welcome and appreciate the feedback from the wider scientific community and take responsibility for the oversights that led to this critique.

Flood preparedness: HEDA charges govt on accountability in ₦125.5bn intervention fund, warns against repeat of Ecological Fund failures

Michael Simire
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0
Flood preparedness: HEDA charges govt on accountability in ₦125.5bn intervention fund, warns against repeat of Ecological Fund failures

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Federal Government to ensure that the recently approved ₦125.5 billion flood intervention fund to state governors, federal ministries, departments and agencies is subjected to the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and coordination, warning against a repeat of the ecological fund’s history of poor oversight and opaque disbursement.

In a statement signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, the civil society organisation commended the government for the initiative. However, it warned that, unless properly managed, this intervention risks going the way of the ecological funds, largely disbursed without effective monitoring, results, or accountability.

Flooding
Flooding in Nigeria

Arigbabu said, “Nigerians cannot afford to repeat the ecological fund debacle. This ₦125.5 billion must not be treated as business as usual. It must be treated as an exceptional emergency fund, ring-fenced and dedicated solely to flood prevention, mitigation, and disaster response. Anything short of full transparency will further undermine both public trust and the fund’s impact.

“In 2012, the Jonathan-led administration approved ₦17.6 billion for states affected by flooding to help mitigate the suffering of victims. However, reports showed that some direct beneficiaries received as little as ₦500, while many others got nothing at all. The funds were largely cornered by politicians, and such mismanagement must be avoided with the newly approved allocation by the Federal Government.”

HEDA further demand that a robust framework be established to coordinate and track the utilisation of the funds at both federal and state levels. The group called for the publication of detailed breakdowns showing how funds will be used, who the implementing agencies are, and the specific communities or infrastructure projects being targeted.

It further argued that the ₦10 billion allocated to NEMA is insufficient given its national mandate as Nigeria’s lead disaster responder.

“We recognise NEMA’s vital role and HEDA’s experience with NEMA as partners show that many flood-hit communities remain unreached, it cannot be everywhere at once as they are the ones flood victims are hoping on, especially in states where SEMAs are inactive or ineffective, which is why State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) must be empowered and held accountable in supporting victims within their jurisdictions,” Arigbabu said.

The group also called on Governor Babagana Zulum for a comprehensive report on the massive flooding of September 10, 2024, triggered by the Alau Dam in Borno State, and stressed that such information should be made public.

“Beyond Governor Babagana Zulum’s assurances on the dam’s structural integrity, the public deserves transparency and reassurance of their safety.

“Similarly, the recent Mokwa flood incident in Niger State, which killed hundreds, and displaced thousands should be thoroughly investigated, with the findings made public, so that appropriate support can be provided to the affected victims and avert such incidents,” Arigbabu added.

“Flooding is no longer a seasonal surprise. It is a predictable disaster that requires institutional discipline, not token gestures. The success of this intervention will depend not on the size of the fund, but on strategic use of its intervention the integrity of its use,” the statement added.

HEDA called on all stakeholders including MDAs, state governments, and emergency agencies to prioritise real, people-centered actions such as functional early warning systems, evacuation infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems, and grassroots sensitisation.

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