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2025 budget: Minister seeks more funds for Renewed Hope Cities, others

Michael Simire
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2025 budget: Minister seeks more funds for Renewed Hope Cities, others

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has sought for more funds for seven critical programmes in the housing sector.

Arc Ahmed Dangiwa
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa

Dangiwa stated this during the budget defence session of the Senate Committee on Housing at the National Assembly complex on Monday, January 20, 2025.

He listed the projects to include: Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme and Slump Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme, among others.

“I wish to request that the distinguished chairman and members of this very important committee use their good offices to increase the budgetary allocation in seven key areas.

“This is in view of the fact that these areas are very critical to the transformative policies and programmes of Mr President to put the economy on the part of recovery and growth.

“It is pertinent to state here that in the 2024 fiscal year, the sum of N162,609 billion
was allocated to our ministry which was considered inadequate.

“Yet, we have been given an envelope of N83.752 billion as the ministry’s capital budget ceiling for 2025, which is a far cry from even the 2024 Appropriation,” he said.

The minister said that the renewed hope cities and estates housing programme was designed to be a catalyst for economic growth.

“The construction and development of these new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and attract investments.

“The 50,000 units planned to deliver under phase I will create 1,250,000 direct and indirect construction jobs for architects, engineers, plumbers, iron benders, masons, etc.

“This is in addition to the value chain effect of purchase, supply of building materials and other businesses.

“Currently, we have covered 12 states and will like to cover 18 states at 250 units per site. The amount needed to achieve this N108 billion at N6 billion per state,” he said.

According to him, the slump upgrading and urban renewal programme also requires increased budgetary allocation.

“Currently, there are ongoing programmes in four states of each geo-political zone, including FCT.

“This means four sites in four states in each geo-political zone, including four sites in the FCT, bringing the total to 100 sites. At least, N100 billion is needed for better result to be achieved,” he said.

Dangiwa further said that the ministry was exposed to huge amounts of liabilities accruing from the projects completed, duly certified for payments before the end of the budgetary year but which were not paid due to limited time.

“There is the need to make adequate provision for liabilities to enable the ministry reduce the amount of liabilities it is exposed to.

“The ministry has over N92 billion liabilities but will need nothing less than N60 billion in the 2025 budget to reduce the exposure,” Dangiwa said.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, assured the minister of support to tackle the liabilities incurred.

“We will support you by making sure that we work together to see how best we can approach the minister of finance, the budget office and even the presidency.

“We’ll see how best we can really get this debt relief on the part of the ministry and on the part of our contractors,” he said.

By Naomi Sharang

Nigeria estimates over $2bn carbon market activation by 2030

Michael Simire
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Nigeria estimates over $2bn carbon market activation by 2030

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) says Nigeria estimated over $2 billion on carbon market activation programme by 2030.

Dr Nnaemeka Chukwuone
Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone

Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, Director, Resource and Environmental Policy Research (REPRC), UNN, Environment for Development (EfD) initiative, Nigeria, disclosed this at a one-day workshop in Abuja on Monday, January 20, 2025.

The workshop, which was tagged “Exploring the Potentials and Voluntary Carbon Market”, was organised by (REPRC/EfD) initiative.

Chukwuone said that a huge of revenue was attached to carbon market, adding that efficient implementation of carbon market would improve job opportunities in the country.

“Under the carbon market activation programme, it is estimated that Nigeria will have over $2 billion by 2030.

“I believe that if things are done well, it will go beyond that because it will generate a lot of revenue. It will also create job opportunities.

“For instance, if we have offsets in the forestry, agriculture or even energy sector, the country will have a lot of money coming from carbon markets.

“It will also help to sustain the environment in terms of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem,” he said.

The director explained that carbon markets were trading systems that allowed governments and non-state actors to buy and sell carbon credits.

Prof. Polycarp Chigbu, Acting Vice Chancellor, UNN, said that REPRC was established to advance interdisciplinary research, capacity building and policy advocacy on different dimensions of environmental and resource economics.

Chigbu said that carbon market was recognised as key to transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

“Carbon markets are into two categories, which involve compliance carbon market and Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM).

“The VCM encompasses all transactions of carbon offsets not purchased under a regulated carbon market, while compliance carbon markets are marketplaces through which regulated entities obtain offsets under regulatory regimes,” he said.

Chigbu said that the project was aimed to explore the complexity of carbon markets and focusing on voluntary markets

He said that the outcome of the project would improve the design and implementation protocols for carbon markets creation, and increase capacity and awareness of carbon market in the global south.

Chigbu said that the essence of the project was to reduce carbon emission which causes climate change.

He said that the effort would also help Nigeria to achieve its targets in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which is in line with the Paris Agreement.

Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General, National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, said that the carbon market was an opportunity for Nigeria to address climate change.

“We know that climate change is a serious problem today, and the carbon market is an opportunity to address this issue appropriately.

Maduekwe urged other relevant stakeholders to support the government and REPRC/EfD, initiative, for effective implementation of the project.

According to her, this project will create enormous opportunities for the country, so, all hands are needed on deck to push this to where it needs to be.

“The collaboration of relevant stakeholders will help to achieve these goals,” she said.

By Vivian Emoni

Govt unveils school programme to teach young Nigerians about sustainability

Michael Simire
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Govt unveils school programme to teach young Nigerians about sustainability

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness among young Nigerians and build their capacity on how to live sustainably, the Federal Government has launched the Eco-schools initiative, targeting schoolchildren in Abuja, the country’s capital.

Eco-Schools
Participants at the Eco-Schools project launch in Abuja

This programme, which is being implemented by the Department of Climate Change (DCC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, was unveiled on Thursday, January 16, 2025, during a two-day climate change awareness workshop organised by the department in Abuja. Additionally, a handbook was provided to the students to serve as a guide and promote knowledge sharing.

Environmental education is a critical solution to the global climate crisis; hence its integration into the school system cannot be overstated. This is why a number of organisations, most notably the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), are working to provide technical help to Nigeria’s government and to assist states in developing climate-responsive education sector strategies.

Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the director overseeing the DCC, said it is extremely imperative to empower the next generation with the required skills to help them come up with innovative solutions that address the climate crisis and foster environmental stewardship.

The director, who was represented by Dr. Aliyu Musa Yanure, added that the launch of the scheme represents the government’s commitment to improving climate literacy among students and other citizens across the nation.

“We will empower our students to become champions in their communities, driving initiatives that have a positive impact in their lives,” Dr. Abiola-Awe stated.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Secretary for Health and Environment for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed his satisfaction that his organisation was included in the process due to its connection with the FCT development plan.

According to him, the FCT administration has identified tree planting as a way to promote sustainable environmental management and raise awareness among Nigerians and corporate entities. He noted that secondary schools under the FCT are enlisted as the pivotal drivers of this noble campaign.

“We currently have green champions drawn from 40 schools and hope to expand it further to other schools in the FCT,” Dr. Fasawe said.

This Eco-Schools initiative is being supported by the European Union, UNICEF, Save the Children International, and the FCT secretariat. It is an intervention tool that the DCC aims to cascade not only in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) but also to all the area councils in FCT, namely Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and Abaji.

Students engaged in an interactive session where they learnt about the handbook’s contents, played the Play, Learn, and Act Now (PLAN) game, and asked questions on climate change.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

Concern as Police fails to present environmental activist, Odey Oyama, in court

Michael Simire
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Concern as Police fails to present environmental activist, Odey Oyama, in court

The Cross River State Police Command has failed to arraign the environmental activist, Odey Oyama, in court.

Odey Oyama
Odey Oyama

Odey, the Director of Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), was to appear in Magistrate Court 1 Moore Road in Calabar on Monday, January 20, 2025, by 12 noon but, up until 4pm, there was no information of whether the court was still going to sit.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the environmental activist and six others were arrested by Police officers from the Ikom division of the Cross River State Police Command.

He had been in Police custody before being speedily charged to court, he was arraigned on January 16, 2025, but his bail was denied. It was gathered that he is being charged for promoting communal strife.

When contacted on phone on why the accused was not presented in court by the Police, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, simply said, “it could be that the papers were not ready, I am going to check.”

It will be recalled that, in recent times, Oyama has been engaged in a fierce campaign against Chinese business concerns working with indigenous collaborators who are logging the Effi Rainforest, a trend that has resulted in massive deforestation, dissipation of wildlife and loss of biodiversity.

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have however called for the immediate release of Oyama, saying his arrest and detention by the Nigerian Police signifies a rising trend of abuse and repression.

The Executive Director of PADIC, formally known as Development Concerns (DEVCON), Dr. Martins Egot,  and  Director of PeacePoint Development Foundation (PPDF), Mr. Umo Isuaiko, described his arrest and detention as deliberate to keep him incommunicado.

In a statement by the Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Comrade NnimmoBassey, Egot of DEVCON, Isuaiko of PPDF, Executive Director of We the People (WTP), Mr. Ken Henshaw, and 28 others said it was against the law for Odey to be detained beyond 24 hours without trial and “the action of the Nigeria Police has once again demonstrated flagrant disregard for due process and their role in stifling dissenting voices, especially when vested business interests are at stake”.

They said: “This instance, Odey Oyama a conscientious objector to the destruction of the environment, rather than enjoy the protection of the government, is being systematically persecuted.”

HYPREP to restore bloody cockles in Ogoni creeks

Michael Simire
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HYPREP to restore bloody cockles in Ogoni creeks

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) says it will restore bloody cockles in Ogoni creeks as measures to alleviate the plight of the people of the area.

HYPREP
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP Project Coordinator, visits Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area

Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the HYPREP Project Coordinator, announced this in a statement on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Abuja.

The development is a follow up to Zabbey’s visit to the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area, where the project is funding a research to carry out the culturing of the bloody cockles.

Bloody cockles (Senilla senilis) are bivalve molluscs commonly found in muddy areas in the intertidal zone and are vital for sustaining the economy and livelihood of people living around coastal communities.

“Bloody cockle has a high nutritional value as it is a complete source of protein and contains high levels of essential amino acids of about (85 per cent to 95 per cent).

“Due to the spills in Ogoni and other human factors, cockles have become critically endangered and have been completely wiped out in most of its shoreline areas.’’

According to him, HYPREP aims to restore bloody cockles by artificially propagating them in the lab and reintroducing them to the Ogoni shoreline.

“Understanding the species’ reproductive biology is essential to determining the renewal capacity of natural stocks,’’ he said.

Zabbey said the initiative was in line with HYPREP’s mandate to restore the environment, including keystone species like the bloody cockle, oyster and other seafood in Ogoni creeks.

He said that the species of seafood had supported the livelihood of the people for centuries, particularly women and children.

The projector coordinator said that the adoption of culturing the bloody cockle at the moment was more sustainable given certain environmental conditions that could affect natural reproduction in large numbers as envisaged.

He expressed optimism that the effort would benefit both Ogoni and other coastal communities in the Niger Delta and beyond.

Zabbey expressed satisfaction over the early successes recorded in the research and said the visit was to encourage the team sustain the efforts to restock the bloody cockle.

He donated microscope and other items to enhance research at the centre and commended the Institute for the initial laboratory cultures which were successful.

By Abigael Joshua

EU Commission to present plan of complete abandonment of Russian energy

Michael Simire
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EU Commission to present plan of complete abandonment of Russian energy

The European Commission will soon present a plan for the EU’s complete abandonment of Russian fossil energy resources, spokesperson for climate action and energy, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, said on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Anna-Kaisa Itkonen
European Commission spokesperson for climate action and energy, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen

“The roadmap to wean the European Union off Russian fossil fuels is being crafted.

“It was announced as something that the Energy Commissioner will present within the first hundred days.

“There is still presence of Russian gas in the EU market, and this is something that we rather not see, and this is one of the issues that will be addressed in this roadmap.

“Roadmap framework for moving away from Russian fossil fuels that it will be presented in the coming weeks,’’ Itkonen told reporters.

NOA campaigns against harmful chemicals in food preservation

Michael Simire
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NOA campaigns against harmful chemicals in food preservation

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ebonyi has launched a campaign against the use of harmful chemicals in food preservation, urging foodstuff dealers in the state to avoid this dangerous practice.

NOA
NOA, food stuff dealers during the awareness campaign

Mr. Theophilus Nwokpor, the State Director of the Agency, made the remark on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Abakaliki during an awareness campaign on the use of toxic chemicals for food preservation.

Nwokpor emphasised the serious health risks associated with these chemicals, warning food dealers to refrain from using them.

He pointed out that while the harmful effects of such chemicals may not be immediately apparent, continuous consumption of food preserved with them could lead to serious health issues in the future, including terminal ailments.

He encouraged traders and grain dealers to stop using chemicals to preserve and store grains and instead adopt traditional, safer methods of food preservation.

“We are sensitising traders to the dangers of preserving foods with harmful chemicals. As grain dealers, especially wholesalers who supply markets within and outside the state, you must be cautious.

“The effects of these chemicals are detrimental to health. We cannot compromise human health for material gain.

“Our responsibility is to provide food that nourishes and sustains life, not one that endangers it,” Nwokpor said.

Mr Emeka Orajaka, the State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also warned against the use of such chemicals.

Represented by Mr Obinna Okonkwo, Principal Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC, Orajaka stated that offenders would face legal action.

He also highlighted that innocent consumers have lost their lives due to food preservation with dangerous chemicals.

Mr Francis Nworie, Secretary of the Foodstuffs Dealers Association, called on the government to reduce the price of special storage bags, known as “Purdue Improved Crop Storage Bags,” from N3,000 to N500 to encourage compliance with safer practices.

In support, Mr Chidi Oduma, Chairman of the Association, emphasised that reducing the price of these bags would encourage food safety and help control harmful food preservation practices.

Oduma also commended the organisers of the programme for addressing this critical issue.

The event included an interactive session with traders and an inspection of food storage practices by officials.

By Uchenna Ugwu

Kwara orders temporary closure of forests for regeneration

Michael Simire
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Kwara orders temporary closure of forests for regeneration

Kwara State Government has directed the temporary closure of forests in the state in order to facilitate the natural regeneration of the forests which had been severely impacted by human interference.

Hajia Nafisat Buge
Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge

This is contained in a statement signed by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Shakirat Muritala, on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Ilorin, the state capital.

The directive was issued after a top management meeting of the Ministry of Environment, Chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge.

The Commissioner said that the temporary closure was a necessary step to protect the environment and public health.

“Apart from illegal tree-falling for charcoal production, the saw millers also cause distortion by cutting various kinds of trees without regard for regeneration process thereby disrupting the ecosystem.

“The closure will also ensure implementation of laid down procedures for reforestation.

“The Forestry Directorate will partner with stakeholders for various levels of engagements to restore normalcy and ensure that forests were not depleted without regard,” she said.

Buge implored members of the public who deal in forestry related products to cooperate with the Ministry and entrench compliance with laws of the state and restrictions during the period of closure.

She warned that anyone who contravened the directive would face penalties in accordance with the law.

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Shell, NOSDRA urged to address borehole facility oil spill in Bayelsa community

Michael Simire
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Shell, NOSDRA urged to address borehole facility oil spill in Bayelsa community

The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has called on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the National Oil Spill Detection and Remediation Agency (NOSDRA) and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate action on a reported strange chemical leakage from a domestic borehole facility in Agudama Community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which is in close proximity to an SPDC owned facility in the area.

EDEN
Deputy Executive Director of EDEN, Alagoa Morris (left), with the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ben Ololo (middle), accompanied by members of the State sanitation Authority on an investigative visit to see the strange spilling chemical

Following a distress call from a resident of the community, Beatrice Mieye, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, about a strange liquid which looks like crude oil obtained from her borehole, the EDEN field monitoring team led by the Deputy Executive Director of EDEN, Alagoa Morris, visited the site on the same day to investigate the complaint.

Speaking to the EDEN team, Mieye revealed that she had been using water from the borehole for about six years without experiencing such chemicals. She, however, stated that due to some careless handling of the submersible pump, the pump could not be accessed and had been lying fallow for about six to seven months until she acquired a new surface pump and tried to get water on that same Sunday when the strange liquid was seen inside the water.

Morris reported the issue to the Commissioner for Environment in Bayelsa State, Ebi Ben Ololo, which prompted another visit of the site by Morris, the Commissioner for Environment and the State Sanitation Authority on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

While Ololo has expressed the determination of the Ministry of Environment to follow up on the matter, EDEN on its part is seeking a swift intervention by SPDC and all related government agencies, to detect the cause and source of the spill for prompt resolution.

Meanwhile, EDEN has applauded the Bayelsa State Government and the state Ministry of Environment on its move against indiscriminate logging, implementing a forest closure in the state and meeting timber dealers in the state. 

“We commend the Bayelsa State Government for such environmentally friendly move, as the forest closure will protect the biodiversity of the environment,” said the group.

Chinese firm expresses support for $20b Ogidigben gas project

Michael Simire
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0
Chinese firm expresses support for $20b Ogidigben gas project

China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC) has expressed its readiness to support the development of the Federal Government’s $20 billion Ogidigben gas project in Delta State.

Joseph Tegbe
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP)

The CNCEC President, Li Zhenyi, stated this in Beijing when he received a delegation of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), led by the Director-General, Joseph Tegbe.

A statement made on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Abuja by the NCSP media team, said Zhenyi expressed the company’s desire to support the project.

He said that the support would be through partnership with other Nigerian stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.

Zhenyi expressed CNCEC’s commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth through construction and industrialisation.

He also reiterated his support to President Bola Tinubu on the ongoing development projects across the country to fast track his administration’s move toward industrialisation.

The NCSP delegation is currently in China for strategic engagement with key Chinese stakeholders.

The visit aims to deepen the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria, as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) projects coordination and investment drive.

The statement said that the visit would also ensure a review of priority FOCAC projects, explore innovative funding options and attract major Chinese investments into Nigeria.

Tegbe said that his delegation had also met with representatives from China Exim Bank and China Development Bank to discuss accelerated delivery of priority projects.

He said that the delegation also visited the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) headquarters, where they toured a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm.

Tegbe said that his delegation also held strategic sessions with renowned economist and former World Bank Director, Prof. Justin Yifu, where he (Yifu) pledged support for NCSP in areas of policy implementation, reforms and attraction of Chinese investments.

The director-general further stated that the NCSP team visited TBEA, a leading electricity corporation in China and leading power transmission enterprise, located at Xinjiang.

He said that during the visit, the delegation discussed the status of TBEA project and explored investment options and opportunities in mini and micro-grid solutions to enhance Nigeria’s power sector.

Tegbe said that the delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Nigerian consulate in Shanghai, engaging in productive discussions about trade and investment opportunities in the region.

The conversations, according to him, focused on facilitating growth in key areas and exploring ways of enhancing cooperation between the consulate’s trade mission and his office.

The delegation, he said, thereafter visited Yangshan Deep-Water Port, also known as Shanghai Port.

“This massive port, which is currently the largest in the world, was constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company, which also constructed the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria.

During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity of crossing the 35-kilometer bridge, specifically designed for the evacuation of men and materials from the port.

“This bridge is a testament to China’s impressive engineering capabilities,” he said.

Before leaving China, the delegation is expected to engage key players in Chinese economy in Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

This, according to the statement, is to facilitate and fast-track FOCAC project implementation through familiarisation and feedback sessions with the relevant participating companies.

“This visit is part of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation between the two countries.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, technology transfer and job creation,” Tegbe said.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

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