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Leaders, institutions convene at first Loss and Damage Fund dialogue to advance climate resilience

Michael Simire
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Leaders, institutions convene at first Loss and Damage Fund dialogue to advance climate resilience

The Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) on Friday, May 2, 2025, held its inaugural High-Level Dialogue on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, convened under the leadership of the FRLD Board and in coordination with the United Nations Secretary-General.

Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
brahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)

Under the theme “Strengthening Response(s) to Loss and Damage through Complementarity, Coherence, and Coordination”, the Dialogue brought together senior representatives of partner governments, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, UN agencies, climate funds, philanthropic organisations, risk financing and insurance entities and civil society actors to foster collective action in response to the growing impacts of climate change.

The Dialogue welcomed high-level speakers, including COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Ministers from Pakistan, South Africa, and Germany, as well as other senior representatives.

In opening remarks, the Co-Chairs of the FRLD Board, Jean-Christophe Donnellier and Richard Sherman, welcomed participants and emphasised the spirit of global solidarity that led to the creation of the Fund. They noted that the Dialogue comes at a critical juncture in the Fund’s development and called for strengthened cooperation to deliver timely and effective support to the most vulnerable nations.

“This Fund was launched to strengthen our global capacity to respond to loss and damage, and this requires a response that is timely, adequate, comprehensive and efficient. It is therefore crucial that we work together to streamline our collective global response,” emphasised Donnellier.

The Minister of Finance of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, added the need for speed in responding to loss and damage: “Climate change is an existential threat; we are living it. Even before the floods of 2022. As the Fund becomes operational, our request is for simplicity and agility. We are dealing with our own internal bureaucracies in our own countries. We can’t have decisions to take years; what we need are speedy disbursements.”

A key milestone of the event was the presentation of “Proposed Actionable Commitments on Accelerating Action on Climate-Induced Loss and Damage” by the Executive Director, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, on behalf of the Fund and peer financial institutions.

He reaffirmed a collective commitment to unify global responses and reduce fragmentation in funding streams: “Today marks the beginning of a new era of coordinated action driven by global solidarity and leadership. We reaffirm our collective commitment with our partners and stakeholders to reduce fragmentation in funding streams and ensure that resources are delivered effectively to those who need them most. Our shared goal is clear: to ensure that the most vulnerable nations affected by climate-induced loss and damage, receive timely and effective support that reflects their priorities and realities.”

This laid the foundation for two roundtables that explored how institutions can better align mandates, close funding gaps, and build strategic partnerships.

Participants discussed opportunities to streamline access to finance, support national readiness and pre-arranged financing mechanisms, and enhance collaboration among funding arrangements such as the Climate Investment Funds, the Adaptation Fund, the Santiago Network and Global Shield. The issue of prevention was brought up, including better use of data and technology. With the gap between the financing available and the needs, prudent and smart approach is necessary.

“The Santiago Network and FRLD are linked by design but also purpose. One of our core functions is to enable access to finance, technology and capacity building. The Santiago Network brings an existing toolbox, technical guidance and technical assistance platform and a regional presence with 15 members ready to provide support. This is a call to expand our collective response to Loss & Damage. We need to collaborate but also act in synchronicity,” said Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director of the Santiago Network Secretariat.

The event concluded with reflections and recommendations on the way forward, highlighting the FRLD’s ambition to begin disbursing an initial $250 million primarily delivered in grants to support bottom-up, country-led and community-driven interventions, with at least 50% of funding earmarked for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Co-Chairs reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to being an inclusive and coordinating force within the climate finance ecosystem.

The full outcomes from this dialogue will be included in the FRLD’s annual report that will be presented at the upcoming COP and CMA, shaping future climate finance policies. The dialogue will set the stage for continuous engagement, ensuring sustainable and inclusive financial mechanisms for affected communities.

Govt advocates urgent flood action

Michael Simire
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Govt advocates urgent flood action

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Saturday, May 3, 2025, called for the promotion of a flood-resilient environment across the country to prevent the dangers associated with flooding.

Kogi State
Flooding in Kogi State

Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, made the call during the 2025 National Flood Awareness Campaign in Nyanya, Abuja.

“Today’s campaign aims to educate citizens on flood risks and strategies for building resilience,” he said.

Kambari, who was represented by Mr. Usman Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management in the ministry, noted that flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most frequent and destructive natural disasters.

He added that floods displace thousands, damage infrastructure, and disrupt economic activities.

“The 2025 Flood Awareness Campaign is not merely an event; it is a movement towards a safer and more sustainable future.

“This initiative is a vital part of our collective efforts to protect lives, livelihoods, and the environment from the devastating impact of flooding.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, remains committed to mitigating these risks through proactive measures, public awareness, and community-driven solutions,” Kambari assured.

He explained that, in recent years, climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of floods across Nigeria.

“Unpredictable rainfall patterns, blocked drainage systems, deforestation, and poor urban planning have all increased the vulnerability of communities such as Nyanya.

“The 2024 flood reports recorded significant losses in several states, reflecting the need for early warning systems, effective waste management, and sustainable land-use practices.

“We provide timely flood forecasts to at-risk communities in collaboration with other relevant government agencies,” he added.

Kambari advised Nyanya residents to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, warning that blocked drainages are a major cause of urban flooding.

“Avoid building on waterways and floodplains, comply with town planning regulations, pay attention to early warnings, evacuate when instructed, and report illegal environmental practices.

“Plant trees and preserve green areas, as they serve as natural defences against floods.

“To our traditional leaders, we appeal for your support in enforcing environmental laws within your communities,” he urged.

Earlier, Mr. Bokani reaffirmed that flooding remains one of Nigeria’s most crucial environmental challenges, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and economic setbacks.

“In recent years, urban areas like Nyanya have experienced increasing flood risks due to climate change-induced heavy rainfall, blocked drainage systems from poor waste disposal, unregulated settlements, and construction on floodplains.

He criticised harmful environmental practices, stressing that they must stop.

“We are starting with Nyanya, but we plan to reach other areas such as Kuje, Lugbe, Kubwa, and Bwari from now until July, as the rains continue.

“We are also working with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to prevent indiscriminate refuse dumping by cart pushers.

“The ministry hopes to extend the flood awareness campaign to major cities such as Kaduna, Ibadan, Lagos, and Kano, where high population density and poor waste management culture increase flood risks,” Bokani added.

By Abigael Joshua

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

Michael Simire
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River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

The 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

RBDAs
Officials of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs)

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, May 3, 2025, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future.”

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes.”

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities would continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” Malam added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all 12 RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results.

By Akpan Glory

GIZ inaugurates global climate adaptation alliance network 

Michael Simire
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GIZ inaugurates global climate adaptation alliance network 

The German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) has inaugurated a rebranded Climate Adaptation Business Alliance (CABA), a global network on climate resilience to spur economic growth and social equity.

Suleiman Dikwa
Suleiman Dikwa, Executive Director of CABA

The alliance inaugurated under the GIZ PrivABoo initiative of the National Determined Contribution (NDC) Assist II project, is a landmark move towards private sector-led climate resilience.

A statement by GIZ on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Abuja, said the inauguration held in Nairobi, Kenya, featured climate innovators, investors, policymakers and entrepreneurs that are committed to making climate adaptation a driver of sustainable economic growth.

It stated that, with the inauguration, Fiji, Rwanda and Pakistan have Join Africa-led Initiative.

It noted that “CABA’s global expansion reflects a growing consensus that climate adaptation is not just a necessity but a major economic opportunity.

“With bold leadership, innovative financing and transnational cooperation, CABA seeks to become a global catalyst for transformative action benefiting vulnerable communities and the planet alike.”

Suleiman Dikwa, the inaugural Executive Director of CABA, delivering a keynote address titled “From Local Resilience to Global Transformation”, explained that CABA is built on the success of Green Sahara Farms in climate-stressed regions of Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin.

Dikwa further identified the initiative as promoting proven interventions like flood-resilient infrastructure, drought-tolerant agriculture and nature-based community solutions.

He says “these models illustrate how adaptation efforts can spur both economic growth and social equity.

“This is not the era of incremental change – we are leading the grand transition.

“Africa is not waiting to be rescued; we are actively shaping the economy, the earth needs – resilient, regenerative and just,”.

Dikwa outlined three strategic pillars guiding CABA’s mission as certification, policy reform and investment mobilisation.

He said CABA’s mission was geared towards establishing a globally recognised framework to certify credible climate adaptation enterprises, ensuring transparency, accountability and protection against greenwashing.

“Advocating for policy frameworks that value natural capital, incentivise regenerative practices and embed resilience into national development strategies.

“Inaugurating a climate adaptation deal flow platform to connect innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and community-based projects with impact-driven capital for scalable solutions,” he said.

The director said the alliance would establish sectoral working groups, implement a 100-day action plan, and outline a roadmap for onboarding new countries and partners through 2026.

The alliance also has Denis Mijibi as its Executive Secretary, tasked with leading international collaboration, resource mobilisation and strategic partnerships.

By Felicia Imohimi

Climate consensus possible through collaboration – Okereke

Michael Simire
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Climate consensus possible through collaboration – Okereke

The only way to a climate consensus is to ensure we are building bridges and promoting solidarity by fostering equity and justice across the divide. Without this sort of solidarity collaboration, climate consensus would be difficult as climate change is not something that any one country or individual or city can tackle.

Professor Chukwumerije Okereke
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke

Professor Chukwumerije Okeke of the School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol, made this submission in an interactive session with Educational Consultant and Author, Steven Roy Goodman, of Higher Education Today TV on the topic “Is Climate Consensus possible?” He noted that, without education and awareness, achieving the desired result in this regard might be a herculean task.

Prof. Okereke, while highlighting the importance of international conferences in the past years and its impact in addressing climate related issues around the globe noted that “If you imagine where we would have been without these international conferences, maybe things would have been much, much worse.”

In his words: “I am a believer in multilateralism. I think there are things that they could do differently, but I’d like to think that, without all of these COPs and conferences, things would have been worse. Just a few years ago in one of the conferences, the world agreed to triple the amount of renewable energy installations globally by 2030. And sometimes we tell a lot of bad news about climate change, but it’s also a lot of good news that can be told. Just this year, or last year, we now have installed nearly 510 gigawatts of renewable energy. And this is an open increase of 50 percent compared to 2022.

“And it is demanded that have been achieved from this conference that we want to triple the amount of energy installations by 2030. The thing is that that number has now been attained, reached that number. And I can tell you stories of how international solidarity and cooperation has really enabled the world to come together. But let’s not be mistaken. The average emissions rose by 1.9 percent in 2023 compared to the 2022 level.

“And so now we have surpassed the 50 billion metric ton mark. We now have a global total emission of about 53 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. So there is still much more to be done. The curve needs to be bent faster. We need to be going to net zero by 2050. And there is still so much gap in this area,” he stressed.

On the role played by Bristol University in educating people about climate change, Prof. Okereke said: “Many of my colleagues here in Bristol and other higher institutions around the world have played a major role in increasing the awareness of climate change. Many of us, including myself, participate in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC, which comprises global intergovernmental scientists that are really generating knowledge that is powering policy and practices on climate change. So, there is also growing awareness of the need for interdisciplinarity to educate more people, but to educate them in a more qualitative way. 

“We also need to carry out more research to understand how not just the science of climate change can be improved, but also the public policies that are required to drive the climate action and build a consensus, as we’ve talked about. Because, again, we need to emphasize that the problem here is not just about technical numbers and technologies. It’s about culture, it’s about economy, it’s about politics, it’s about policy. And research can add a lot in understanding how we can build consensus, overcome the political and economic barriers that can increase action. But there’s also a third area, which is about service delivery.

“Research has recently shown that there are so many people in the private sector, in the secondary schools, in primary schools, who feel inner whipped to be able to teach climate change at a primary and secondary level practices at the sectoral level in organizations. So here again, universities can play a vital role in educating, equipping and providing service delivery to these kinds of people. And then the next area is actually what we do on campus.

“So the University of Bristol is the number one university in the UK to declare climate emergency in 2019, and one of the first to set a carbon neutral goal by 2030. And there are a range of other initiatives that the University of Bristol has set forth to increase our desire and our pace in reaching that zero. Thus, this year, February, there was an overwhelming vote.

“I asked students to go 100 percent plant-based food on campus. And so at the realm of what we do on campus, service delivery, research, education, but also community engagement, which is the fifth leg, communicating. That’s why the beauty of what we’re doing here, working with grassroots organisations, NGOs, transnational organisations, advocacy groups to promote awareness on what can be done.

“The university can play a major role and I’m glad to say that Bristol University is taking the lead in many of those areas. And what about in terms of advising other universities that perhaps may not be as far along the road as Bristol, whether they’re in the US, the UK or anywhere else in the world? You must find other universities that are doing some things but not as many as any of those universities,” he stressed.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Huzi Mshelia advocates local-led partnerships to bolster climate resilience

Michael Simire
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Huzi Mshelia advocates local-led partnerships to bolster climate resilience

Climate governance expert and legal practitioner, Huzi Mshelia, has called for intensified support for subnational climate action in Nigeria, stressing that inclusive, well-structured partnerships are crucial to building resilience in the face of escalating climate threats. He made this call while delivering a paper titled “Empowering Climate Resilience: Role of Partnership in Subnational Climate Action” at a recent NEST webinar.

Huzi Mshelia
Huzi Mshelia

Mshelia’s presentation spotlighted the growing urgency of decentralised climate governance, noting that the bulk of climate-induced disasters, such as flooding and desertification, affect local communities most severely – where technical and financial capacity for adaptation remains limited.

He stated that effective climate response must engage state and local governments, whose proximity to vulnerable populations makes them best suited to deliver impactful, context-specific solutions.

“The Paris Agreement already recognises the importance of involving all levels of government,” he said, citing recent legal frameworks such as the Nigerian Climate Change Act 2021 and Electricity Act 2023, which empower subnationals.

Speaking on the theme’s central thesis, Mshelia emphasised that “no one can go it alone.” He identified dynamic partnerships – spanning government agencies, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international bodies – as critical to achieving effective and sustainable adaptation at the subnational level.

He stressed that partnerships unlock financing, drive innovation, and deepen community ties. “Adaptation is resource-intensive and complex. Cross-sector collaboration enables impact amplification, while knowledge transfer through North–South and South–South partnerships strengthens technical capacity,” he asserted.

For partnerships to thrive, Mshelia outlined key features that include clear governance structures, mutual trust, legal backing, inclusive planning, flexibility, and a strong emphasis on local ownership. These features, he noted, foster transparency and ensure that interventions align with local realities and evolving climate risks.

On community inclusiveness, he urged devolving decision-making to the lowest effective level and addressing structural inequalities faced by women, youth, persons with disabilities, indigenous groups, and the displaced. Capacity building, joint resource mobilisation, and scaling of successful innovations were also identified as strategic imperatives.

Real-world success stories were cited to illustrate the power of partnerships. These included Nigeria’s BNRCC Project implemented by NEST, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ multi-stakeholder approach, the ClimateWorks Foundation, and the African Adaptation Initiative, among others. Each example, he noted, demonstrated how collective action accelerates local impact.

According to Mshelia, locally led adaptation (LLA) offers unique advantages: it harnesses indigenous knowledge, enables rapid response to shocks, and ensures that the poorest and most vulnerable are central to decision-making.

“LLA strengthens resilience, reduces risk, and catalyses sustainable development,” he added.

However, he acknowledged formidable challenges: misalignment of goals among partners, unequal power dynamics, over-reliance on aid, fragmented policies, lack of enabling legal frameworks, and limited access to international climate finance. He lamented the absence of a pipeline of investment-ready projects at the subnational level.

“Most public-funded climate finance supports large-scale infrastructure,” he explained. “Subnational entities are rarely prioritised, and often have minimal influence over financial allocations despite bearing the brunt of climate impacts.”

Mshelia called for targeted policy reforms and investment in subnational capacity. He urged policymakers to create legal and institutional mechanisms that support local climate governance, encourage innovation, and promote inclusive participation across all strata of society.

He also advocated integrating adaptation into broader development agendas such as health, food security, infrastructure, and livelihoods. “Climate action must be mainstreamed into every aspect of national and subnational development,” he stressed.

Approaches to enhancing local action, according to him, include climate-smart social protection, digital entrepreneurship hubs, local leadership training, and community charters for transparency and accountability. He recommended deeper engagement with research institutions, CSOs, and local agencies to drive awareness and amplify results.

Mshelia reaffirmed the need for adaptive management and flexible programming to allow for continual learning and policy refinement. “Locally-led adaptation must not only be inclusive but also responsive to changing climate realities,” he maintained.

Reflecting on his extensive experience, Mshelia noted that the cost of inaction on climate change in Africa far outweighs the cost of action.

“In 2022 alone, flood-related damages cost Nigeria over $6.6 billion. The economic, environmental, and social consequences of climate inaction are simply too great to ignore,” he warned.

By Einstein Chukwu

Govt inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability

Michael Simire
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Govt inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has inaugurated the newly appointed Governing Boards and Executive Management Teams of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

Boards
The minister with the newly appointed Governing Boards and Executive Management Teams of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs)

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja on Friday, May 2, 2025, Utsev congratulated the appointees and emphasised their role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the appointees to prioritise performance, integrity, and innovation by setting clear strategic directions and fostering collaborative, respectful relationships with executive management to achieve results.

The minister emphasised the importance of ethical leadership, adherence to regulations, and a thorough understanding of the River Basin Act and Water Resources Master Plan.

He stressed that effective management of water resources and the expansion of irrigated farming are key to achieving national food security.

“Appointees have been urged to fully understand the ethical rules and regulations guiding public office in order to promote integrity, accountability, and respect in their conduct.

“They are also expected to familiarise themselves with the River Basin Act, the Water Resources Master Plan, and relevant policies to help shape strategic direction and introduce innovative ideas that will transform the sector.

“Furthermore, the Federal Government emphasised the need for a strong commitment to expanding irrigated agriculture across all River Basin Development Authorities, with the goal of supporting all-season farming and enhancing national food production.”

Utsev also highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as the partial commercialisation of RBDAs and youth empowerment programmes, aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

He encouraged the new leadership to explore alternative funding sources and public-private partnerships to enhance financial sustainability.

“As a strategic extension of the ministry, you must uphold high standards to deliver on national priorities. Synergy, innovation, and commitment will be crucial to your success,” the minister said.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, described the induction retreat organised for the board members as crucial in repositioning the sector for national development.

Pheelangwah congratulated the appointees and stressed the need for strategic leadership, collaboration, and financial discipline to achieve core mandates in food security, irrigation, clean water access, and rural development.

He noted that the retreat would foster synergy and deepen governance understanding, urging participants to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

Abubakar Malam, Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, responded on behalf of all 12 River Basin Managing Directors and management teams.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for their appointments as key actors in the nation’s food security and rural development efforts.

Malam also praised Utsev for his leadership and acknowledged the support of the ministry’s permanent secretary and directors.

He reaffirmed the river basins’ commitment to promoting food security, rural development, and economic empowerment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the agencies’ collective role in grassroots transformation through agriculture, infrastructure, and poverty reduction will strengthen the sector.

Malam assured stakeholders that the river basins would work collaboratively to fulfil their mandates and justify the confidence placed in them.

By Akpan Glory

World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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0
World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria

The World Bank has reiterated its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Nigeria through its $700 million Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

WASH
Participants at the roundtable discussion on disability inclusion in WASH

This reaffirmation came during a roundtable discussion on disability inclusion in WASH on Friday, May 2, 2025, in Abuja in collaboration with sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and representatives of persons with disabilities.

The session was aimed at assessing progress, identifying gaps, and proposing inclusive solutions within the SURWASH implementation framework.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Awa Diagne, the World Bank’s Task Team Lead for SURWASH, stressed that the programme is not a one-off intervention, but a systemic performance-based platform designed to strengthen national delivery systems across the country.

“SURWASH is not a project, it is a programme that aims to strengthen national systems to deliver WASH services to everyone, with special consideration for people living with disabilities,” she said.

Diagne explained that SURWASH integrates disability inclusion into its performance-based financing model and supports the development of context-specific policies and guidelines to improve service delivery.

“We are not just financing infrastructure; we are helping states design policies that embed inclusion and resilience from the start, a major focus of the discussion was the importance of inclusive design that goes beyond physical infrastructure.

“Accessibility must go beyond ramps and handrails, it must reflect the full spectrum of disabilities, mobility, visual, hearing, cognitive, and must begin with meaningful engagement of stakeholders from the outset.”

She added that disability inclusion must be viewed not as an add-on, but as an essential part of design, planning, and implementation.

She further called on state-level implementers to take the outcomes of the roundtable back to their respective regions and translate discussions into action.

“We need to be more conscious of who we consult, and what we mean by disability inclusion,” she urged, adding that monitoring, evaluation, and accountability must be strengthened to ensure inclusive outcomes.

Also speaking, Cindy Ikeaka, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, noted challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing essential services in Nigeria.

She cited statistics indicating that more than 25 million Nigerians live with disabilities, many of whom are excluded from public services due to inaccessible infrastructure and weak enforcement of inclusion policies.

“We have children with disabilities who cannot go to school simply because the buildings are not designed to accommodate them,” she said.

Ikeaka underscored the need for stronger implementation of Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2019.

“While some states have domesticated the law, enforcement remains inconsistent, it is not enough to pass a law, there must be mechanisms to ensure it is enforced,” she said.

She also pointed to other inclusive development efforts by the World Bank, such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which promotes inclusive education, including for girls living with disabilities.

She stressed the importance of participatory engagement in all phases of development programmes.

“A person with a disability understands the barriers better than someone without one. If we want to ensure accessibility in schools, water points, or health centres, we must engage those directly affected.

“Inclusion is not optional but essential to achieving sustainable development and equitable service delivery,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr. Abdulhamid Gwaram, SURWASH National Programme Coordinator, reiterated that disability inclusion in Nigeria’s WASH sector is both a development priority and a legal obligation.

He referenced the 2019 disability rights law, which mandates inclusive public services and infrastructure.

“Disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative, it is enshrined in Nigerian law,” he stated.

Gwaram noted that inadequate planning and design continue to limit access to water and sanitation for persons with disabilities, undermining their dignity and well-being.

He explained that the SURWASH framework incorporates inclusive principles to address this gap, but stressed the need to decentralise the initiative.

“We now have partnerships with key stakeholders like the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, but we must take these conversations to the states and local governments to ensure real impact,” he said.

Also contributing, Mr. Tony Agwuna, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, called for greater disability inclusion in WASH programming across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said inclusive WASH must encompass participation, non-discrimination, gender sensitivity, accessibility, staff training, and effective monitoring.

He recommended the disaggregation of programme data to reflect the experiences of people with disabilities and ensure their inclusion from planning through to implementation.

“All MDAs should institutionalise the needs of people with disabilities in their programmes,” Agwuna added.

“Inclusive WASH is a human rights issue and is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

The SURWASH programme is being implemented in seven states of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Katsina.

By Akpan Glory

Botswana launches five-year strategy to combat wildlife poaching

Michael Simire
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0
Botswana launches five-year strategy to combat wildlife poaching

Botswana’s government unveiled a comprehensive five-year anti-poaching strategy on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, aimed at protecting the country’s wildlife through enhanced law enforcement collaboration and community involvement.

Botswana
Dignitaries at the launch of the 2025-2030 National Anti-Poaching Strategy

The 2025-2030 National Anti-Poaching Strategy, launched by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, establishes joint operational centres to coordinate intelligence and response to wildlife crime at national and district levels.

“This strategy is critically important for the conservation and sustainability of our biodiversity, our economy, and the interests of future generations,” said Environment and Tourism Minister, Wynter Mmolotsi, during the launch in Gaborone.

Botswana houses the world’s largest population of African elephants and has positioned itself as a conservation leader on the continent.

The initiative comes amid growing global concern over declining wildlife populations threatened by poaching, habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict.

Balázs Horváth, UNDP Resident Representative in Botswana, pledged continued support through “resource mobilisation, policy dialogue, and institutional capacity building.”

Horváth highlighted the Kgalagadi-Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project as an example of integrated conservation, describing its four strategic pillars, including “strengthening law enforcement coordination, increasing community participation, promoting sustainable land use, and embedding gender equality.”

The strategy emphasises multi-sectoral coordination between government agencies, law enforcement, civil society organisations and local communities.

Conservation group seeks end to elephant trophy hunting

Michael Simire
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0
Conservation group seeks end to elephant trophy hunting

A wildlife conservation organisation in Botswana has called for the permanent prohibition of elephant trophy hunting and stronger anti-poaching legislation throughout the country.

Elephants
Elephants

The Elephant Protection Society argues that hunting undermines conservation efforts and damages Botswana’s standing as a conservation leader, according to statements made to Africa Brief News.

“Elephant hunting weakens public support for broader conservation efforts and sends the wrong message about the value of living wildlife,” said organisation representative Oaitse Nawa.

“Even the loss of a few key elephants can disrupt herd movements, breeding patterns, and increase human-wildlife conflict.”

Botswana reinstated trophy hunting in 2020 after a five-year ban.

The current system allows local hunting license holders to sell trophies, though ivory remains regulated under international agreements.

The society disputes claims that hunting effectively manages elephant populations or provides significant community benefits, calling elephant overpopulation “a myth propagated by hunting companies.”

The organisation advocates for eco-tourism alternatives, community-led conservation initiatives and non-lethal population management strategies.

Government officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism have expanded hunting quotas in several regions, including area NG35, citing large elephant populations.

The conservation group warned residents near Maun to remain vigilant in areas where hunting takes place, suggesting that recent elephant-related incidents may be connected to hunting activities.

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