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Sahara GMD expresses confidence in Tinubu’s energy reforms

Michael Simire
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Sahara GMD expresses confidence in Tinubu’s energy reforms

The Managing Director of Sahara Group, Mr. Kola Adesina, has expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s energy sector reforms.

Kola Adesina
Managing Director of Sahara Group, Mr. Kola Adesina

In an interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, Adesina lauded the government’s policies for improving transparency, regulatory consistency, and expanding investment opportunities.

“The most significant shift I have seen – without a doubt – has been the government’s willingness to confront the long-term inefficiencies within the petroleum sector.

“President Bola Tinubu’s courage in removing the fuel subsidy and market distortions hasn’t been rivalled in the history of Nigeria,” he said.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, in a statement on Thursday, May 15, 2025, said Adesina noted that removing subsidies had created a more sustainable energy environment.

He said this has enabled businesses and policymakers to plan more confidently and clearly.

“The energy sector today is stronger and more sustainable. We can now plan.

“The macro and micro elements are beginning to work together, and there’s strong potential for long-term benefits,” Adesina said.

From a business standpoint, he said the reforms had unlocked access to fair competition and significantly boosted investor confidence.

“For us, it’s about the free market, open market, and transparency. Nothing beats that. When there’s no clarity or consistency, investment becomes difficult.

“But now, we know how to price. It’s open to everyone in the market – whether investing or buying – and you know reform is here and guiding every process,” the energy expert added.

He commended the Tinubu administration’s progress in critical infrastructure, particularly in the gas and power sectors, where the Sahara Group was active.

“Lately, there’s been significant momentum. We’re seeing more alignment between public policy and private sector expectations. The bottlenecks we faced are giving way to common sense decisions.

“We can predict what’s happening and where the country is headed,” he noted.

Adesina further applauded the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), describing it as a game-changer for policy clarity.

He said PIA had become easier to relate with – unlike before when policy inconsistencies were the order of the day.

“Private sector players like us want to invest with the confidence that policy won’t change after we’ve committed scarce resources,” he emphasised.

In the power sector, Adesina welcomed recent efforts by the government to resolve long-standing financial obligations.

“We’ve seen movement on the payment of legacy debts, especially in the power sector.

“Once the government clears those debts, new investors will come in, and existing ones – like us – will deepen our investments. There’s life in the business again,” he stated

He also highlighted encouraging developments in Nigeria’s energy transition, driven by President Tinubu’s focus on natural gas and climate-conscious solutions.

“Gas-to-power is gaining ground. We love what’s happening. We’ve invested, and we’re ready to invest more.

“CNG is now the order of the day – the President has made that a focal point. The carbon credit scheme is also expanding,” Adesina said.

He said the Tinubu administration’s efforts in the last two years represented a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future, and that the current energy landscape was anchored on reliability, accessibility and affordability.

“We’ve had a very complex situation, and while the road ahead won’t be easy in the short term, things will improve.

“The foundation has been laid. It’s being worked on and re-engineered to ensure that prosperity can truly be democratised and felt by the last man, at the last mile,” he added.

By Salif Atojoko

Key rules agreed for credible climate project crediting under UN Carbon Market

Michael Simire
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Key rules agreed for credible climate project crediting under UN Carbon Market

A UN Body responsible for setting up a carbon market under the Paris Agreement adopted important new standards to guide how emission-reducing projects measure their impact.

Martin Hession
Martin Hession, Chair of the Supervisory Body

Known as the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), it enables countries and other actors to work together on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by generating high-integrity carbon credits that support global efforts to fight climate change.

Key standards agreed

The rules adopted set out how to measure a project’s actual emission reduction impact under the mechanism. Specifically, two key standards were agreed:

  1. A standard for estimating the emissions that would have happened without a project under the mechanism (known as the “baseline”). The adoption of this standard is a historic step in ensuring that crediting under the mechanism reflects the ambition of the Paris Agreement. It includes a requirement for an initial downward adjustment – for example, setting historic or current baselines at a level 10% below business-as-usual emissions – as well as a minimum 1% downward adjustment over time across all baseline approaches. These features are designed to drive ongoing improvement and help avoid over-crediting by steadily lowering the benchmark against which emission reductions are measured.
     
  2. A standard for accounting for any unintended increases in emissions that might happen elsewhere as a result of a project (known as “leakage”). The leakage standard will help those developing methodologies to identify all potential sources of emissions. It clarifies that project-level REDD+ activities must be included in the host country’s national REDD+ strategy in order to qualify, helping ensure alignment with national climate efforts and reinforcing the credibility of emission reductions.

The agreed standards reflect wide input from experts and stakeholders. They are key to ensuring that carbon credits issued under the PACM are ambitious, real, additional, and verifiable.

Further outcomes

Beyond adopting the baseline and leakage standards, the Supervisory Body also made a number of related decisions to support implementation. These include a process of consultation on how project benefits can be shared equitably with host countries, and a renewed focus on capacity building to help countries build the systems they need to take part in the mechanism – including through clearer roles for host countries.

The Supervisory Body also adopted a decision on the transition of cookstove activities, bringing earlier projects in line with the latest available data and guidance.

“This was a very significant meeting. We finally adopted a groundbreaking decision ensuring crediting levels are set consistently with a pathway to net neutrality, through a process of minimum downward adjustment of crediting levels over time.” said Martin Hession, Chair of the Supervisory Body.

“We are already uniquely placed to support host countries considering crediting, and have decided here to enhance communication with countries, by providing a dedicated channel for them to secure their fair share of mitigation benefits, initiating a dialogue on host country roles and responsibilities, as well as exploring options for enhanced and targeted capacity building. We have also moved to ensure the quality of certain transition projects by requesting the application of the most recent applicable data,” added Hession.

Next steps

The outcome of this meeting paves the way for methodologies under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism to accelerate implementation. While this marks important progress, fewer than anticipated project transitions from the Clean Development Mechanism are expected to result in a short-term funding gap, until a pipeline of new projects using PACM methodologies begins to build from 2026 onward. The Supervisory Body will continue to monitor the funding situation carefully and will be reporting to the Parties to the Paris Agreement on this matter.

With the foundations in place, the Supervisory Body will continue developing other key elements of the mechanism, including additional tools, guidelines, and the mechanism Registry.

The first PACM methodologies are expected to be approved by the Supervisory Body by the end of the year.

CSOs raise alarm over housing crisis in Port Harcourt

Michael Simire
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CSOs raise alarm over housing crisis in Port Harcourt

Civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of the Advisory Forum for Rent (AFR), have raised the alarm over the worsening housing crisis in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas
Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas

Mr. Caesar Enwefah, Convener of the forum, expressed this concern during the inaugural meeting of the newly established group held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Enwefah attributed the crisis to the escalating cost of renting accommodation in the city, which he blamed on arbitrary rent increases imposed by landlords.

According to him, rental costs have risen by over 300 per cent in low-income, middle-income, and affluent neighbourhoods across Port Harcourt within the past year.

“Due to the spiralling rent situation, many residents are now living in squalid and overcrowded conditions.

“This is why CSOs, and other stakeholders have come together to tackle this troubling development in Rivers State, particularly in Port Harcourt,” he stated.

Enwefah, a human rights activist, warned that, with the current rate of arbitrary increase, rent in the city could triple by December.

He cautioned that unless the situation was urgently addressed, thousands of residents may be rendered homeless.

“Previously, a one-room self-contained apartment was rented for between N150,000 and N200,000.

“Currently, the same apartment is being let for between N500,000 and N700,000. By year-end, the cost could rise to N1.2 million,” he said.

He explained that the situation had left existing and prospective tenants frustrated, with many residents relocating from Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor to suburban areas such as Igbo-Etche and Oyigbo.

Enwefah dismissed claims that the high of rent was solely due to economic pressures, population growth, rural-urban migration, and the influx of migrants from neighbouring states.

He claimed that the development was not as if state was suffering from an active shortage of housing since there were sufficient accommodations available.

Enwefah alleged that the situation was as a result of lapses within the Ministry of Urban Development which created an artificial scarcity of housing.

“The ministry continues to issue licences indiscriminately to landlords, allowing them to convert parts of their properties into shops, thereby reducing the availability of affordable rental spaces,” he claimed.

Enwefah, however, called for an urgent review of the unregulated rent increases to ensure that ordinary citizens could access affordable housing.

Dr Mina Aprioku, Chairman of the forum, echoed Enwefah’s concerns and noted that the situation could be mitigated through the provision of affordable and low-cost housing for the populace.

He urged both the state and local government authorities to make use of the vast undeveloped lands within the state to initiate mass housing projects.

“For example, if a local government chairman were to reclaim a hectare of land in the creeks each month, imagine how many plots could be made available for housing within a year,” Aprioku suggested.

By Desmond Ejibas

LAWMA reiterates economic value of waste

Michael Simire
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LAWMA reiterates economic value of waste

The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has urged Lagos residents to recognise waste as a valuable economic resource.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin

Gbadegesin said in a statement signed by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Lagos.

He emphasised the importance of embracing recycling and the circular economy as key strategies for sustainable waste management in the state.

“Waste is inevitable – it’s a byproduct of human activity. But what people call waste is actually not waste, but money. We must move towards a circular economy where we reduce, reuse, and recycle,” Gbadegesin said.

He noted LAWMA’s continued advocacy for waste sorting at source, urging every household to use separate bins for general waste and recyclables like paper, PET bottles, cans, and textiles.

He said the materials could be exchanged for money or other incentives through the support of recycling companies.

Gbadegesin highlighted the vital role of the private sector in advancing sustainable waste practices.

“The private sector is already active in waste collection. Now, we want them to participate in the recycling business as well,” he added.

He said that following the planned decommissioning of the Olusosun and Solous landfills, LAWMA would develop Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) at those locations, maximising value extraction from waste.

He added that LAWMA was working with emerging waste-tech companies such as GreenDeall, to build a recycling plant at Abule-Egba to convert specific types of plastic waste into oil for industrial use.

He said the agency would launch a “deal book” later in the year, showcasing investment opportunities within the waste management sector, alongside a digital base map that would allow users to explore areas of interest through  LAWMA website.

Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to youth development through its Academy, which educates students on waste management practices and offers internship programs for undergraduates.

“We want our alumni to become LAWMA ambassadors in their communities.

“We have distributed 2,000 recycling bins to schools and partnered with recycling companies to collect waste from those schools,” Gbadegesin said.

He said that two pilot modern recycling hubs would soon be established in schools in Yaba to serve as learning centres for students across Lagos Mainland.

He added that the hubs would feature sorting systems for various waste fractions – metal, organic, paper – all managed by the students themselves.

“The most pressing challenge in waste management remains human behaviour.

“Infrastructure alone is not enough. We must change the public mindset. That’s why we are investing in the next generation,” he said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Focus Biodiversity Forum: An opportunity to scale up conservation efforts

Michael Simire
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Focus Biodiversity Forum: An opportunity to scale up conservation efforts

Often referred to as “the Galapagos of Africa”, the Island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) is big on biodiversity, with an incredible number of flora and fauna found nowhere else. Despite being the continent’s second smallest country covering just over 1,000 square kilometres, the country is home to various ecosystems ranging from dense forests, mangroves to savannahs, in addition to iconic species like the Dwarf Olive Ibis, Giant Sunbird, and the culturally emblematic African Emerald Cuckoo.

Kariuki Ndang'ang'a
Kariuki Ndang’ang’a, Regional Director for Africa at BirdLife International

Unfortunately like many other places around the world, São Tomé and Príncipe’s biodiversity is under threat from human population growth, deforestation, and climate change among others. According to STP’s Directorate of Forests and Biodiversity, the country has lost 12.2% of its primary forest over the last 20 years.

Thus, protecting this biodiversity jewel is critical. Since 2007, BirdLife International through its Preventing Extinctions Programme, has been supporting conservation efforts in the country aimed at improving knowledge on Critically Endangered species through research and monitoring, training site-based focal points and guides to implement conservation measures for these species, in addition to improving and restoring forest habitats.

Equally important is the need to ensure that resources are sustainably managed. In 2018, BirdLife established a project office in the country, to support management of Natural parks in the archipelago. To date, BirdLife has helped create 21 Special Reserves, an addition to the protected areas network of STP, which now covers over 12,300 hectares.

These reserves are areas adjacent to the Natural Parks with High Conservation Values (HCVs) but were not legally protected before.  Under the Government’s legal recognition through the Decree-Law Nr. 8/2023, the Special Reserves are in the process of becoming sustainably managed while maintaining or improving the conservation status of species.

To ensure sustainable funding for conservation actions in the country, BirdLife and Partners are rolling out the EcoTela Fund, a conservation trust fund aimed at securing 25 million euros over the next decade. The fund will be a financial mechanism designed to ensure a long-term conservation and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources.  Additionally, it will support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration projects, as well as community-based conservation efforts in both islands.

It is in this context that BirdLife is participating in the first edition of STP’s “Focus Biodiversity” Forum from May 19to 22, 2025. The Forum organised by STP’s Ministry of Environment, and Youth and Sustainable Tourism, in collaboration with BirdLife International, Biopolis, the Gulf of Guinea Biodiversity Centre, the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (CE3C), Fauna & Flora International, and the University of Coimbra brings together various conservation organisations in the country, in addition to donors, private sector and the civil society.

This inaugural event will provide a platform to raise STP’s biodiversity profile and underline the need for increased action to prevent biodiversity loss. Further, the event will highlight the importance of scientific research, needed to inform conservation action, in addition to mobilizing funds for conservation.

The “Focus Biodiversity” Forum marks a significant step in promoting environmental conservation in São Tomé and Príncipe. In addition, collaborations and partnerships between various organisations is vital in tackling biodiversity loss in the archipelago. Working through its “local to global” partnership model, BirdLife has achieved significant conservation successes with local communities at the centre of these efforts.

BirdLife is committed to continuing working together with partners and local communities to protect STP’s amazing natural heritage. Together, we can build a greener and more sustainable future for posterity.

By Kariuki Ndang’ang’a, the Regional Director for Africa at BirdLife International

Indigenous peoples, local communities unite to demand action on finance, rights at COP30

Michael Simire
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Indigenous peoples, local communities unite to demand action on finance, rights at COP30

From May 26 to 30, 2025, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from the world’s largest and most vital tropical forest basins – the Amazon, Congo, Southeast Asia and Latin America – will gather in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, for the First Global Congress of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from the Forest Basin with the goal of defining the outcomes COP30 should deliver on to protect the territories they guard.

Brazzaville
Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

The landmark global event will bring together over 400 participants, with Indigenous and local community leaders and government representatives – from around the world – including Norway’s Special Envoy for the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Hans Brattskar, and Harlem Siu Mariño Saavedra with the Ministry of Environment of Peru.

As discussions on COP30 continue to focus on logistics aspects of the conference, the congress hopes to bring depth and urgency to the protection of indigenous territories, with a focus on land titling and direct financing to their communities. 

“Our forests are not just carbon sinks or resources – they are our homes, our histories, and our futures. As the world prepares for COP30, it must centre on the most effective climate solutions: securing Indigenous land rights and enabling us to protect our own territories. This convening will harness the power of the world’s largest rainforests, bringing together governments and our organisations to advance land rights and secure direct funding to defend our lands from growing threats,” said Joseph Itongwa, Indigenous leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo and member of REPALEAC, and Co-chair of the GATC.

Hosted jointly by the Global Alliance for Territorial Communities and its member organisations, along with the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), the Congress builds on major international milestones, from COP26 in Glasgow and COP15 in Montreal to COP29 in Baku, where Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities gained unprecedented visibility.

The focus, according to the organisers, is now on translating pledges into concrete policies, direct financing mechanisms, and legal protections.

Global forest ecosystems are said to be at a critical tipping point. At a time when deforestation is accelerating and biodiversity is collapsing, evidence shows that deforestation rates are significantly lower in territories managed by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

“Recent geo-political setbacks, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and suspension of international climate finance, have only intensified the urgency to amplify the leadership of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in climate and biodiversity action,” submitted the promoters, adding that Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities play a vital role in slowing deforestation and protecting forests.

Nigeria reaffirms commitment to global peace, security at UN

Michael Simire
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Nigeria reaffirms commitment to global peace, security at UN

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations (UN) and the global community in promoting peace and security.

Mohammed Badaru
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru

A statement from the Ministry of Defence on Thursday, May 15, said that Badaru gave the commitment during the second day of the Plenary High-Level Pledging Session of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

He highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in international peacekeeping efforts, with the country’s rotation of the Base Protection Force deployed with the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei.

Badaru also underscored the nation’s role in the Formed Police Unit at the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia.

The minister emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role in sub-regional peace initiatives under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).

He cited Nigeria’s significant contributions to peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and more recently engagements in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau.

Badaru announced Nigeria’s renewed pledges to the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, adding five additional commitments aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s readiness to support global peacekeeping efforts.

He further reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to fostering stability and security, both regionally and globally.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Morocco on the frontlines of climate extremes, experts warn

Michael Simire
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Morocco on the frontlines of climate extremes, experts warn

Morocco has emerged as one of North Africa’s most climate-vulnerable countries, according to the World Meteorological Organisation’s 2024 “State of the Climate in Africa” report. 

Drought
Morocco has experienced seven consecutive years of drought and destructive floods

The kingdom faces escalating threats, including prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and flash floods that have caused heavy human and material losses.

Environmental expert, Mostapha Aissat, described recent climate events in Morocco as “unprecedented in the country’s history,” citing seven consecutive years of drought and destructive floods across the south and southeast, he told Hespress EN.

He also recalled the 2022 wildfires that devoured over 20,000 hectares of forest, severely impacting biodiversity and agriculture.

Aissat warned that two global indicators suggest worsening conditions: global warming and the continued failure of major polluting nations to halve CO₂ emissions by 2030, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. 

He also noted the rising risk of natural disasters beyond climate change, such as earthquakes,  referencing Morocco’s 2023 Al Haouz quake.

He praised Morocco’s strategic move to create regional stockpile platforms as a “preventive and effective” response to recurring disasters. “Recovery from one catastrophe often begins under the shadow of the next,” he said.

Climate expert, Ali Cherroud, added that Morocco’s geography, from mountains to coasts to deserts, makes it uniquely exposed to a wide spectrum of seasonal and non-seasonal disasters. The country’s position at the intersection of cold, humid northern currents and hot, dry southern flows intensifies its susceptibility to extremes.

Cherroud welcomed the newly announced National Natural Disaster Centre in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, calling it a “proactive shift” in disaster management and urging its replication across Morocco.

 He emphasised the need for a national roadmap based on early warning, rapid response, and risk forecasting to shield lives and assets.

With converging international assessments and on-the-ground observations, experts say climate preparedness is no longer optional – it is Morocco’s new strategic imperative.

Gloria Bulus: Urgent action needed to tackle Kaduna pollution crisis in Gujeni community

Michael Simire
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0
Gloria Bulus: Urgent action needed to tackle Kaduna pollution crisis in Gujeni community

The Gujeni community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, situated along the busy Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, is facing a severe pollution crisis that threatens the health and livelihoods of its residents. This urgent public health and environmental issue has garnered the attention of local authorities, yet immediate action is necessary to address the ongoing challenges.

Gloria Bulus
Executive Director of Bridge That Gap Initiative, Gloria Kasang Bulus, led the delegation of Network of Civil Society in Environment to the Kaduna State House of Assembly to support a petition as it relates to the environmental and health hazard faced by Gujeni community, Kagarko LGA, host community of Kaduna Steel Plant

The Source of Pollution

The primary culprits behind this environmental disaster are emissions from a nearby steel company, along with black soot from a quarry site in Gujeni and an iron smelting factory in neighboring Sabon-Wuse, Niger State. The result has been alarming levels of soot accumulation, which not only tarnishes the community’s aesthetic but also poses significant health risks.

Health Risks and Environmental Degradation

Residents have reported increasing respiratory issues and other health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The continuous emission of pollutants has led to a blackening of the environment, indicating excessive pollution and degradation of local ecosystems.

The local flora and fauna are also suffering, with biodiversity at risk due to the harmful effects of soot and emissions. Moreover, the economic impact on local agriculture and livestock farming threatens the livelihoods of community members who depend on these activities.

Advocacy Efforts and Legislative Response

In response to this crisis, the Network of Civil Society in Environment, led by its coordinator, Gloria Kasang Bulus, reached out to the Kaduna State House of Assembly. Henry Zachariah Marah, representing Jaba Constituency, presented a petition tagged as “Motion of urgent public importance” calling on the House to take immediate action to address the plight of the people of Gujeni.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Speaker of the House constituted a joint committee, which comprises the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, led by Danlami Stingo Usman (member representing Kajuru LGA), and the House Committee on Health, led by Barnabas Haruna (member representing Kauru LGA). The committee is tasked with investigating the pollution levels and is expected to report back to the House within one week.

Call for Immediate Action

The proposed actions include:

  1. Investigation: Initiating an investigation into pollution levels and the compliance of the steel company with environmental regulations.
  2. Environmental Assessments: Conducting thorough environmental assessments to evaluate the extent of pollution and its impacts on health and the ecosystem.
  3. Collaboration: Engaging with the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive remediation plan.
  4. Health Assessments: Conducting health assessments for residents to address pollution-related health concerns.
  5. Policy Reforms: Advocating for stricter regulations on industrial emissions to prevent future environmental crises.
  6. Community Engagement: Organising visits to Gujeni for lawmakers, civil society organisations (CSOs), and media to gain firsthand insight into the community’s struggles and to involve residents in the decision-making process.

Conclusion

The plight of the Gujeni community cannot be overlooked. We must ensure the health and the environment of the people are protected. Therefore, urgent intervention is needed to address this critical issue and restore the well-being of the Gujeni community.

Gloria Kasang Bulus is the Executive Director of Bridge That Gap Initiative and Coordinator, Network of Civil Society in Environment

NEMA unveils grassroots disaster preparedness for 2025 flooding

Michael Simire
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0
NEMA unveils grassroots disaster preparedness for 2025 flooding

The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has announced a nationwide awareness and grassroots engagement campaigns reoccurring of disasters in the country

Zubaida Umar
Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar

Umar announced this at a stakeholder’s workshop on the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Abuja on Thursday, May 15.

She said that downscaling the prediction to the grassroots was necessary.

The DG stressed that disaster response should not be seen solely as NEMA’s responsibility but should be seen as everybody’s business.

“All disaster is local. We should be able to say that when there is a disaster in a particular place, the community should be able to take charge.

“NEMA is deploying teams to all states to take the early warning message to the grassroots.

“I call for the support of traditional institutions, religious groups, women, youth, and the media in spreading awareness. Ensure that no one is left behind in the campaign against floods,” she said.

Umar painted a vivid picture of the devastating impact of annual floods in Nigeria –loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure worth billions, and shattered livelihoods.

She emphasised that these recurring disasters were a wake-up call for collective action.

The NEMA boss detailed the disaster risk management implications for 2025 to include unpredictable rainfall patterns, severe dry spells, and above-average temperatures.

She said that they all threatened key sectors from agriculture and healthcare to transportation and energy.

On the latest rainfall and flood forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Umar outlined NEMA’s comprehensive preparedness plan.

This, according to her, includes vulnerability mapping, early warning systems, and targeted communication to at-risk communities.

“We have produced vulnerability maps for all communities at risk to guide governments at all levels.

“NEMA is rolling out mitigation strategies such as capacity building for local responders, rainwater harvesting, infrastructure integrity tests, and community-based information sharing.”

The D-G expressed hope that the collaborative efforts launched would help reduce the impact of annual floods and safeguard the livelihoods of millions.

She said that these would align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu

Responding to questions by participants, Umar emphasised that NEMA’s relationship with NiMet was not just about following directives but about a robust, collaborative partnership.

She explained that preparations for potential disasters didn’t begin with the recent report from the Nigerian Space Agency (NISA), but rather, it had been ongoing since NiMet’s early warnings.

“The agency has translated emergency messages into various local languages and, in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has broadcasted jingles on local radio stations to raise awareness and preparedness.

Umar also highlighted recent successes, such as the establishment of functional local emergency management committees in Kaduna State, with plans to replicate this model nationwide.

She called on the media and state governments to play active roles in disaster preparedness.

This, she said, would be by ensuring that communities were not left waiting for national intervention but ready to respond effectively at the grassroots level.

Mr. Idris Mohammed, Director, Disaster Risk Reduction Department, NEMA, said the occasion, was not just a meeting but a call to action.

He added that it was a call to collective effort to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, the threat of flood disasters and related hazards.

Mohammed highlighted the critical need for effective preparedness and response strategies to safeguard communities, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of floods.

“The focus today is clear. It is to enhance Nigeria’s flood preparedness and response capabilities through collaboration and innovation.

“The room echoed with ideas and experiences, as experts and stakeholders worked together to develop a roadmap for reducing risks and building resilience,” he said.

Mohammed expressed deep gratitude to all participants for their expertise and commitment.

“Your contributions to disaster risk reduction and the building of national resilience in the face of multi-hazard outlook in Nigeria are extremely invaluable,” he added.

By Philomina Attah

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