The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has applauded the Edo State governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, for the appointment of Mr. Collins Edomaruse as his Special Adviser, International Development Partners (IDP).
Collins Edomaruse
President of GOCOP and Publisher of RealNews Online, Ms. Maureen Chigbo, has described Edomaruse’s appointment as a welcome development.
Chigbo, in a press statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, also congratulated Edomaruse for the appointment, assuring of support from over 110 members of GOCOP in carrying out his duties.
Until his appointment, Edomaruse who is a founding member of GOCOP and the Secretary General of the body of reputed online publishers, is also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), among others.
Edomaruse doubles as the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of METROWATCH, and has held several senior editorial management positions in THISDAY, including Group News Editor, Group Politics Editor, Deputy Editor, Daily, Saturday and Sunday titles respectively, as well as the Editor, Nation’s Capital/Abuja Bureau.
Also known as “General” because of his mastery of the Defence Beat, his records in THISDAY have reportedly remained unbeaten, where he ranked the best among the editors.
Controversy, confusion and lamentation have trailed the reactions expressed by stakeholders including sachet water dealers and consumers as the Lagos State Government prepares for the total ban on single-use plastics.
Sachet water
They said in separate interview on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Lagos that the ban would aggravate the already economic hardship being experienced by many in the country.
Mrs. Uchenna Martins, a sachet water dealer, said that she depends on the proceeds from the pure water business to support her husband in fending for the family.
According to her, many traders and hawkers depend on her to source for cold sachet water to sell for motorists and the public, especially during heavy traffic.
“The ban on the single-use plastics, including sachet water, will increase poverty in the land as many of us depend on the sale to feed our families.
“Many housewives depend on the sale of sachet water, especially in places with a dense population, for survival.
“I appeal to the Lagos State Government to rethink their decision in the interest of the poor masses,” Martins said.
Also speaking, Mr. Segun Alabi, a resident of Ayobo, a suburb of Lagos, said since the failure of the public water supply system in Lagos, his family and many Lagos residents depend on sachet water.
Alabi wondered what his family would fall back on when the business of pure water dealers and producers are affected by the ban on single-use plastic.
He noted that a bottle of water, which sells for N200, was completely out of the reach of an average family in Lagos to depend on.
Bayo Olamide, a student, said that his parents depend on sachet water to refill his water container before going to school.
Also, Mr Oghenetega Emubor said that sachet water had been a huge source of relief to commuters in Lagos, especially when stuck in traffic.
“It is unimaginable to be stuck in Lagos traffic and feeling thirsty with dry throat without the relief that a cold sachet water gives,” Emubor said.
Speaking on the impending ban on single use plastic, Mr. Taiwo Adewale, the Managing Director, Waste Exchange, said there was the need for proper awareness and orientation by the government.
Adewale said the government should make it clear to the people the constituent of single use plastic.
“They need to know which is single used, which is banned. Although some are phased out already, like styrofoam.”
He noted that Shoprite, for instance, has phased out nylon bags from all their outlets, while some restaurants and hotels have phased out plastic straw.
“Other single-use such as pure water nylon should be in phases, until alternative and cheaper ones are made available.
“So, the various stakeholders must have a round table discussion on gradual phasing out and not immediate and total ban.
Mr. Friday Oku, the President of the Association of Scraps and Waste Pickers of Lagos, said that the association was in support of the total ban on single use plastics by the state government.
Oku said that, though sachet water nylon was recyclable, it did not add sufficient income to them.
“When you pick it, the volume appear so bulky, it does not add value because there is no weight.
“Our members refuse to pick them based on the reasons above,” Oku said.
He added that the association’s total support to the ban was predicated on the environmental nuisance posed by single use plastic.
Meanwhile, at Justright Superstores, at Iyana ipaja axis, the management had boldly placed signages all over the stores in support of the imminent ban on single use plastic.
They have jingles played in the shop appealing to their customers to comply and come with reusable bags for shopping.
However, Mrs. Bola Olatunji, a dealer of nylon bags and packaging materials at Iyana-Ipaja market said that she was not aware of the imminent total ban on single use plastic by the government.
Meanwhile, Dr Agharese Onaghise, the Executive Secretary of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, declined comments on the issue.
Also, Mrs. Clementina Ativie, the President of the Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria, refused comments on the development when contacted.
The Lagos State Government recently restated its commitment to the total ban on single use plastic before the end of January during an inspection of drainage channel within the state.
Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said this while inspecting flood-prone areas and ongoing projects and new ones at Lagos Island.
Rapid growth in solar and wind power in the Netherlands is driving the country’s efforts to reduce emissions and achieve its long-term energy and climate goals, raising the need to address emerging challenges for the next phase of its clean energy transition, according to the IEA’s new Netherlands 2024: Energy Policy Review.
Aerial view of canals and buildings in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Since 2018, the Netherlands has cut its power sector emissions by half as a result of the deployment of renewable energy, which has been complemented by progress on electrification in end-use sectors such as heating and transport.
However, the report identifies several areas where the Netherlands can focus efforts to further the transformation of its energy sector in line with its goals, notably in expanding and upgrading electricity grids and reducing reliance on natural gas through a range of other low-emissions technologies.
Today, fossil fuels remain an important part of the Netherlands’ energy system for power generation, heating and industrial production. Close to half of electricity generation still comes from natural gas and coal while heating in buildings remains highly dependent on natural gas and the transport sector relies mostly on oil products. A timely and well-targeted transition to low-emissions technologies such as nuclear, renewables, heat pumps and district heating can help reduce fossil fuel imports in key sectors and improve long-term energy security, according to the report.
The Netherlands’ National Energy System Plan aims for electricity supply to grow four-fold by 2050. This means greater deployment of renewables will be required, building on the country’s leadership in solar PV and wind power. For offshore wind, the Netherlands has set ambitious targets to increase installed capacity from around 5 gigawatts (GW) today to 70 GW by 2050. This requires a stable framework for long-term offshore wind development in coordination with the building out of hydrogen production, which is expected to account for a large share of new electricity demand.
In order to meet its targets, the Netherlands will need to address grid constraints to unlock projects awaiting grid connection and attract further investment. The government is already making encouraging efforts to work with industry stakeholders through its National Grid Congestion Action Programme, which aims to address existing bottlenecks faced by new projects. Moreover, energy storage and flexibility will become increasingly important in an electricity system in which variable renewables account for a higher share of supply.
The IEA report highlights that further policy clarity is needed on the role of clean hydrogen in serving the Netherlands’ industrial base. Policies to stimulate demand would also have positive knock-on effects for both renewable energy deployment and emissions reductions. While demand for low-emissions hydrogen is potentially large, not only to meet domestic needs but also to export to other markets, more certainty is required to deliver final investment decisions for electrolyser projects.
Alongside renewables, the Netherlands is looking closely at how nuclear power can complement existing technologies in the energy mix, with plans to expand the current fleet by adding four new reactors. Assessing the contribution that nuclear can make to meeting energy and climate targets will be essential, according to the IEA report, in particular its role in providing flexibility and baseload security for the electricity system in the future.
The IEA regularly conducts reviews of the energy and climate related policies of its member countries and provides recommendations – a process that supports energy policy development and encourages the exchange of international best practices and experiences.
Overall, the IEA report concludes that the Netherlands needs a holistic, system-wide approach to address the interwoven challenges its energy transition is facing. The transition requires a comprehensive strategy with coordination across government and sectors to link ambitions to the realities on the ground and a more equitable distribution of costs and benefits.
The 15th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly convened on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the first international energy meeting of the year. Under the theme “Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward”, the two-day meetings will bring together ministers and high-level delegates from IRENA’s 170 Member States, academia, development banks, CEOs and youth to enhance wider, cross-sectoral collaboration on the energy transition.
Delegates at IRENA Assembly
Key discussions are focusing on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, enhancing ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), supporting transitions in emerging economies, and leveraging innovative financial flows in developing countries.
“The world is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a shifting geopolitical landscape and technological breakthroughs such as Artificial Intelligence,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. “Amid these changes, renewables must remain a top global priority as the most effective way to keep climate and sustainable development goals within reach. The 15th IRENA Assembly provides a critical platform to navigate the energy transition, explore emerging opportunities, and identify actionable priorities for 2025 and beyond.”
“No country, regardless of its size, can achieve this transition alone. The energy transition is a shared responsibility, requiring unity and collective action,” said Bojan Kumer, Slovenia’s Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy. “Slovenia firmly believes in the potential for collaboration, as we all face common challenges in achieving a just, inclusive, and competitive energy future and enhancing climate ambition. As the 15th IRENA Assembly President, Slovenia is committed to fostering dialogue and partnerships that unlock the vast potential of renewables, ensuring they remain at the heart of decarbonization efforts worldwide.”
“For 15 years, the UAE has proudly hosted IRENA, providing a global platform for the critical dialogues and collaborations needed to drive the energy transition forward at pace and scale,” said Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE. “As a nation at the forefront of driving this transition, we are committed to leading by example, by investing in renewable energy innovations, advancing smarter grid technologies, and championing solutions to address and overcome the unfolding climate crisis. The 15th IRENA General Assembly is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of international cooperation in shaping a sustainable and resilient future, with the UAE remaining a steadfast partner and catalyst for global energy security and sustainability.”
Given the urgent need for political momentum and international cooperation, several Ministerial and High-level were held on Saturday, on Pre-Assembly Day, January 11, 2025, to facilitate interaction among decision-makers and inform the future work of the Agency.
The 15th IRENA Assembly also kick-starts the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), taking place from January 12–18 in Abu Dhabi, where heads of state, ministers, high-level delegates, and experts will meet to accelerate the world’s sustainability efforts.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has denied reports of a national grid collapse on Saturday, January 11, 2025, calling the claims inaccurate.
National grid lines
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
Mbah explained that, earlier on Saturday, at approximately 1:41 p.m., the Osogbo-Ihovour line tripped, followed by the tripping of the Benin-Omotosho line.
She noted that these incidents only affected bulk power supply to the Lagos area.
She further clarified that just before the tripping, total generation on the grid was 4,335.63 Megawatts (MW), and after the trippings, generation dropped to 2,573.23 MW, which indicated the grid did not experience a collapse.
“The transmission line tripping affected Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras,” Mbah stated.
She added that all had been restored except for the Benin-Omotosho 330kV line, which was still being worked on.
Mbah emphasised that TCN was working hard to build a more robust transmission grid in spite of ongoing challenges.
She also urged caution against the spread of misinformation, stressing the importance of disseminating accurate and verifiable facts.
The largest global assessment of freshwater animals on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to date has revealed that 24% of the world’s freshwater fish, dragonfly, damselfly, crab, crayfish and shrimp species are at high risk of extinction, according to an analysis published in Nature on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
A shrimp species
The IUCN co-authored study recommends targeted action to prevent further extinctions and calls for governments and industry to use this data in water management and policy measures.
Catherine Sayer, IUCN’s Freshwater Biodiversity Lead and lead author on the paper, said: “As the IUCN Red List celebrates its 60th anniversary, it is a stronger barometer of life than ever. Lack of data on freshwater biodiversity can no longer be used as an excuse for inaction.
“Freshwater landscapes are home to 10% of all known species on Earth and key for billions of people’s safe drinking water, livelihoods, flood control and climate change mitigation, and must be protected for nature and people alike. The IUCN World Conservation Congress this October will guide conservation for the next four years, as the world works to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets by 2030. This information will enable policy makers and actors on the ground to plan freshwater conservation measures where they are most needed.”
The study, “One quarter of freshwater fauna threatened with extinction”, found that at least 4,294 species out of 23,496 freshwater animals on the IUCN Red List are at high risk of extinction. The greatest number of threatened species are found in Lake Victoria, Lake Titicaca, Sri Lanka’s Wet Zone and the Western Ghats of India, according to the study. These areas are home to some of the highest freshwater biodiversity in the world, including many species found nowhere else on Earth.
Underground water systems around the world have been found to contain more threatened species than expected. For example, North America is home to a high number of threatened crayfish, such as the daisy burrowing crayfish (Fallicambarus jeanae) in Arkansas, which is Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Lakes, oases, and springs are hotspots for extinction. In 2020, fifteen fish species from Lake Lanao in the Philippines were declared Extinct on the IUCN Red List.
Pollution, mainly from agriculture and forestry, impacts over half of all threatened freshwater animals. Freshwater ecosystems are further degraded by land conversion for agricultural use, water extraction and the construction of dams, which also block fish migration routes.
Overfishing and the introduction of invasive alien species have had a particularly strong role in driving extinctions. For example, the carp Squalius palaciosi, last seen in 1999, was declared Extinct this year due to habitat loss through the construction of dams and weirs and the introduction of invasive alien species in southern Spain.
The paper found that although the threatened freshwater animals studied tend to live in the same areas as threatened amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles, they face different threats due to their specific habitats. Conservation action must therefore be targeted to these species.
Dr Rajeev Raghavan, South Asia Chair of the IUCN SSC Freshwater Fish Specialist Group and a co-author on the paper, said: “Although they live side by side in the Western Ghats, conservation action for tigers and elephants will not help the Critically Endangered humpbacked mahseer (Tor remadevii), which is threatened by habitat loss due to river engineering projects and sand and boulder mining, poaching and invasive alien species. Active protection of the river and tributaries where the humpbacked mahseer lives is essential to its survival, in addition to fishing regulations and banning the introduction of further invasive alien species.”
The study also revealed that areas with high water stress (where there is high demand and low supply) and areas with more eutrophication (where an excess of nutrients in the water leads to overgrowth of algae and plants) are not home to higher numbers of threatened species than areas with lower water stress and less eutrophication.
Dr Topiltzin Contreras MacBeath, Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee, said: “This shows that water stress and eutrophication are not good indicators for locating threatened species and should not be used to guide conservation. Instead, it is essential that freshwater species data are actively included in conservation strategies and water use planning and management, to ensure their practices support healthy freshwater ecosystems. Increased investment in measuring and monitoring freshwater species is needed to ensure conservation action and water use planning is based on the latest information.”
Crabs, crayfishes and shrimps are at the highest risk of extinction of the groups studied, with 30% threatened, followed by 26% of freshwater fishes and 16% of dragonflies and damselflies.
The global freshwater fauna assessment is said to be the result of over 20 years of work by more than 1,000 experts from around the world.
Tim Lyons, Director of Conservation at New Mexico BioPark Society, said: “These landmark findings are a rallying cry around freshwater species and the declining habitats that support them. Historically, the important role of freshwaters in safeguarding global biodiversity has been overlooked, and key differences in how these systems should be managed are only now being recognised.
“It is imperative that conservation actors work collaboratively to address the challenges of pollution, shortsighted habitat modification, and the spread of invasive species head on. The solutions to these threats may be novel and innovative, and the data presented here can be used as a roadmap to guide our collective efforts.”
Stephanie Wear, Conservation International senior vice president at the Moore Center for Science, said: “It’s easy to see that freshwater ecosystems have been under extreme stress as drinking water becomes limited, droughts intensify and pollution seeps into these habitats. To learn that a quarter of the world’s freshwater species are at high risk of extinction as a result is a deeply troubling trend. This science shows what we already feared to be true – freshwater ecosystems and the species that live within them need immediate help.
“Most threatened freshwater animals like shrimps, crayfish and crabs are small, living unseen beneath the surface but no matter their size, they are essential for keeping healthy the ponds, lakes and rivers that billions of people rely on. Environmental degradation is a risk to their survival and our own. We must take this news seriously and rather than despair, invest energy and resources into conserving these environments – our health, nutrition, drinking water and livelihoods depend on them.”
Malin Rivers, Head of Conservation Prioritisation at Botanic Gardens Conservation International, said: “This study underscores the urgent situation of freshwater ecosystems, with biodiversity facing significant risk of extinction and requiring immediate conservation intervention. It is important to address the principal threats and take targeted conservation action to mitigate further decline. Safeguarding the broader freshwater habitat, including both animals and plants, is crucial to ensuring the continued provision of essential ecosystem services for those who rely on these landscapes.”
Anne Bowser, CEO of NatureServe, said: “The finding that one quarter of freshwater animals are at risk of extinction is a stark reminder of the urgent challenges we face in protecting biodiversity. This underscores how essential high-quality, accessible data is for identifying at-risk species and taking action to conserve them. By prioritising data-driven strategies, we can make more informed decisions to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and the species they support.”
Chouly Ou, freshwater fish conservation coordinator at Re:wild, said: “Freshwater ecosystems and the species they support are often taken for granted, but they are critical to preventing biodiversity loss and securing livelihoods. As we learn more about species living in freshwater habitats around the world, it’s clear that we need to scale efforts to protect them. Re:wild is a partner of SHOAL, a global alliance dedicated to supporting local partners across the world to prevent the extinction of freshwater species, which is a great example of what scaling conservation efforts could look like.”
Dr Matthew Gollock, ZSL’s Programme Lead for Aquatic Species and Policy, and Chair of the IUCN Anguillid Eel Specialist Group, said: “This report really drives home just how under threat freshwater species are globally as a result of human activities. The good news is, it’s not too late for us to tackle threats such as habitat loss, pollution and invasive species, to ensure our rivers and lakes are in good condition for the species that call them home.”
The question of fashion sustainability and brand ownership has long been incongruous. Because being eco-friendly is the primary goal of fashion sustainability. Nowadays, designers are expected to include sustainability into their brands.
Sustainable fashion
This article’s goal is to demonstrate how sustainable fashion runs counter to the beliefs of modern fashion firm owners and how designers might contribute to the establishment of an environmentally conscious company that promotes sustainability. I will be concentrating on two topics for this article: the effects on the environment and society.
In terms of environmental impacts, sustainable fashion informs us about the ways that materials and textiles used to make clothing and then discarded have an impact on the environment, leading to waste and needless pollution. It also advises us to cut back on the production of clothing in order to lessen the waste of textile materials.
The environmental effects of the fashion business, which are linked to excessive waste, deforestation, and water pollution, can also be lessened by sustainable fashion. As designers, we are constantly developing, and it is impossible to avoid having elements omitted from production, particularly when we are striving to improve a sample or put out a design.
Using sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and natural fibers like linen and bamboo, allows us to responsibly contribute to the environment. Compared to synthetic materials, these materials are more environmentally friendly and frequently have a less carbon impact.
Simply said, Social Effects advocates ethical manufacture, fair labour methods, local sourcing to boost local economies, and safeguarding the workers who make these clothes by ensuring they are not underpaid and have good working conditions. Following the Rana Plaza tragedy in 2013, the problem of working conditions and the general social impact of the apparel business were brought to light.
We may contribute to society by advocating for improved working conditions for these employees and high-quality clothing production to prevent consumers from being forced to throw away their purchases. As entrepreneurs, the most crucial way to promote sustainable fashion is to have an eco-friendly brand and spread the word through the products we make.
For instance, recycling is a major component of sustainable fashion, so as designers and producers, we need to make sure our final products are long-lasting, use more eco-friendly packaging, and, finally, use designs to spread the word. “Eco-designs” spreads a sustainable message so that customers understand and can do their part.
In conclusion, the concept of “buying less” is the most contradictory because, as designers and brand owners, we are always creating, producing, and selling, but we must also continue to work to promote sustainability – and, most importantly, play our part by working with manufacturers, media outlets, and other designers to effectively address the effects of production processes and consumption patterns.
As designers, we must satisfy consumer demands for comfort, style, quality, and value while minimising environmental and social impacts.
The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) says plans are underway to engage in mangrove restoration for climate solution in 2025.
Coastal wetlands and mangrove
Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director-General of NCCCS, disclosed this at an interactive session with media stakeholders on Friday, January 10, 2025, in Abuja.
According to her, the theme of NCCCS agenda in 2025 is “Amplifying Nature Based Climate Solution.’’
She said that the theme gained alignment from the mangrove initiative at COP27, where the mangrove breakthrough initiative was unveiled to raise $4 billion.
According to her, mangroves are essential to improve livelihoods.
The director-general explained that the initiatives were aimed at protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems which were important for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
She added that the initiative would halt mangrove losses, restore half of recent mangrove losses, double global mangrove protection and secure $4 billion in investment by 2030.
Maduekwe said that the secretariat would develop a roadmap for the mangrove conservation and preservation which would in turn provide accelerated reduction in climate cover.
She promised to network with financiers for mangrove conservation at the Abu Dhabi week coming up soon.
“Mangrove afforestation and protection is not a one year event; it takes a long time so it must have a community engagement and ownership.
“The community must buy into the activity to enhance a headway in the mangrove conservation plan,” Maduekwe said.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its obligations to the payment of full compensation to communities displaced as a result of the construction of the 700 megawatts, hydroelectric power project in Zungeru, Niger State.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu
The government however emphasised the need for genuine identity of the affected communities as over 300 communities have come out to lay claims for compensation and resettlement after the initial agreed figure.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made the position of the Federal Government known on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, when he met with the Compensation and Resettlement Committee of the Zungeru power plant in his office in Abuja.
While appreciating the gesture of the host communities and that of the Niger State government in locating the power project, Adelabu decried a situation where communities within the location of the power project will all come to make claim for compensation over the location.
According to the Minister, there were only 133 communities that were identified by the Ministry of Power when the Zungeru power project was to be sited. He expressed surprise during the engagement when over 200 communities were however added to those originally slated for compensation and resettlement.
He admonished the committee, led by the Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Minna, to prevail on the people of the area to cooperate with the Federal Government as the details of the outstanding payments were being worked out.
“Let me welcome you all to this all important meeting. At the same time let me welcome my people from the Power Ministry to this meeting as this is the first in the new year. Let me also appreciate my brother and the governor of Niger State, Hon. Bago, for his wonderful positive intervention on this issue. The fact that he has asked his Deputy to take charge shows and demonstrates a high level of commitment to resolving the issue.
“The Federal Government is fully appreciative of your commitment and efforts at resolving the issues around the payment of the balance of the compensation for the host communities on the Zungeru power site. Let me reemphasise the determination of the Federal Government in the resettlement and compensation of those displaced by the project. This is paramount to us and I’m happy to note that ninety percent of those affected have been settled and to say also that even if it is only one person that is left to be so compensated and resettled, we are committed to that figure.
“The Federal Government is grateful to the Niger State Government over the role the state has played in restraining the affected communities from taking laws into their hands and assuring them of the readiness of the government to meet this obligation to them.
“We appreciate the fact that Jebba, Kainji, Shiroro and now Zungeru are all located in Niger State and this is to say that 80 percent of our hydro power stations are located in Niger State.
“In the same manner, I want to appreciate the role played by the committee and its cooperation with our ministry and the Federal Government. Let me single out the Deputy Governor of Niger State, who took it upon himself to lead this committee here for this important interaction today.
“However, I want to plead with the committee, the host communities and all other interested parties that we should realise that this is a national asset for all of us and in as much as the Federal Government is willing and ready to meet its obligations to the affected communities, they must also be ready and be sincere, in their demands and claims,” the Minister said.
According to Adelabu, at the commencement of the Zungeru power project, 133 communities were identified for compensation and/or resettlement.
“However, it is a big surprise here to me that some communities are being added afresh to those who should be compensated or resettled. We are looking forward to how we can resettle this matter.
“Those who are yet to be paid are agitated and are putting pressure on the state government and the Committee. We can no longer keep them assured and so, let me say that whatever we have will be paid in the shortest possible time. I’m happy that we have been able to pay N22 billion out of the compensation and from our records, we haveN2.2 billion remaining for payment. Some new figures have been presented here today, but we will have to go back as a ministry, to verify these claims.
“Let us all bear it in mind that the Federal Government is facing paucity of funds. There are very many issues competing for government attention and we have to address them according to what is available to us in terms of revenue.
“Let us face the reality here and now. When the issue of compensation and resettlement came at the commencement of the Zungeru power project, 133 communities were identified. However, now, we are being informed of new communities. We cannot continue on this trend and let me tell you that this thing has a time line and an end,” the Minister said.
He also called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Bureau of Public Enterprise (PBE) to come to the aid of the Power Ministry in addressing the compensation and resettlement issues as they affect the Zungeru power project host communities’ issues.
The State Deputy Governor expressed the appreciation of his governor and the entire people of the state for the project and their readiness to cooperate with the Federal Government to ensure its success.
“Hon. Minister, I want to let you know that because of the interest of the governor in ensuring that this project succeeds, he has asked me to take on the Chairmanship of the Committee. We report to him regularly and he has committed the state government in ensuring that these communities are restrained from taking laws into their own hands.
“We are happy that we are taking a positive report back home to our people and we promise that those that have gone to court, were misled and those cases would be withdrawn,” the Deputy Governor said.
Greenhouse gas emissions in German agriculture could be significantly reduced in a socially equitable way through a climate fee on food, combined with climate dividends. This is the key finding of a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).
Julian Schaper, guest scientist at PIK
The study suggests that pricing greenhouse gas-intensive foods could help meet climate targets for agriculture while generating over €8.2 billion annually. If these funds were redistributed to households through a lump-sum compensation scheme, it would ease the financial burden on households, especially those with lower incomes and at the same time encourage sustainable consumption.
Agriculture accounts for 8 percent of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Germany.
“However, emissions within this sector, could be reduced by 22.5 percent or over 15 million tonnes of GHG annually, if the social cost of carbon were reflected in food prices,” says Julian Schaper, guest scientist at PIK and lead author of the study published in the journal Food Policy.
In the Federal Climate Change Act passed in 2019, the government set itself the goal of reducing annual emissions from the current 62 million tonnes to 56 Mt GHG by 2030.
The social cost of carbon is an estimate of the economic damages that would result from emitting one additional tonne of carbon into the atmosphere in the future. Emission-intensive products such as meat and dairy would be most affected by such a climate fee of around €200 per tonne GHG, while prices for more sustainable products would rise less: Yoghurt and milk would increase by about 25 cents per kilogramme, while beef prices could rise by over €4/kg.
Using a demand model that provides a detailed and representative picture of how German households respond to price changes, the researchers assessed the effects of GHG pricing on consumption and associated emissions.
“Households would tend to buy more food that is less carbon-intensive on average, such as vegetables. A climate fee would not only directly benefit climate protection, but could also encourage sustainable consumption,” explains PIK scientist Max Franks, author of the study.
In the researchers’ model, the €8.2 billion generated by the climate fee are returned to consumers as a climate dividend, providing substantial relief to lower-income households, while wealthier households would bear slightly higher costs.
“This form of redistribution helps to create a social balance that can promote the acceptance of such measures,” Franks continues.
The authors of the study also see significant potential for broad public acceptance in the combination of a climate fee and dividend. It is crucial to clearly communicate that the measures effectively reduce emissions, that all revenues are returned to the public and that lower-income households are specifically supported.
