The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) to foster long term environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Dr Dahiru Hashim, coordinator, ACReSAL
ACReSAL is a World Bank-financed project which aims to address climate change and land degradation in Nigeria’s northern states.
Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, said this on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in Abuja, at a technical session on the presentation and finalisation of the first phase of the developed Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) for ACReSAL states.
“ACReSAL project seeks to impact 3.4 million direct beneficiaries out of which 1.68 million (49.41 per cent) will be women,” Kambari said.
He noted that the 200 micro catchment management plans at the state levels would fit together with the 20 SCMP.
“Some catchment management plans have been developed in Nigeria by various MDAs, but this is the first time Nigeria will be developing catchment management plans covering a large landmass of this extent.
“The Hadejia Jama’are strategic catchment management plan, was selected to be finalised based on the government’s development priority and the promise to restore the Nguru wetland,”Kambari said.
Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, represented by Mr Babatunde Segun, Director, Water Supply and Support Services in the ministry, noted that water was essential in the execution of the project.
“Together, we can make a lasting impact on the Hadeija Jama’are Catchment, ensuring its health, productivity, and viability for years to come,” he said.
Mr Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the workshop was a significant step forward in the collective efforts to enhance resilience in Nigeria’s semi-arid region.
Fashedemi, who was represented by Mr. Lawal Mohammed, Assistant Director Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, added that the workshop would refine strategies and validate collective vision for a resilient agricultural sector.
Dr Joy Agene, Task Team Leader (TTL) for ACReSAL, and the Senior Environment Specialist for the World Bank Catchment, noted the need to enlighten communities against the devastating effects of flooding.
She said the World Bank would always work with the states and community dwellers to finalise the document for efficient delivery.
“Under ACReSAL we have something we call the micro catchment management plans, this is done at the community level, It is site specific, however this can only be done by the state,” Agene said.
She, however, noted that the strategic plan which was being discussed is not done by the state but led by federal government agencies.
Mr Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, said that the project would deliver 20 strategic management catchment plans.
Umar said that the project is a pilot project led by the Ministry of Environment and supported by the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, and Water Resources and Sanitation.
The Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized 2,179 kilogrammes of pangolin scales in a joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC).
Pangolin scales packed in bags
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Saidu Nuruddeen, said one suspect had been arrested in Mubi, Adamawa State, in connection with the matter.
Nuruddeen said the command was supported by Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) in seizing the pangolin scales.
He said the achievement was a testament to the command’s commitment to fight all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Command in a joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) under the leadership of Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana made another significant breakthrough in combating wildlife trafficking on the 5th of December 2024.
“The WJC provided actionable intelligence, supported the investigation with their expertise and followed up with the NCS enforcement operation.
“A trained Customs enforcement team led by Kano/Jigawa Command successfully intercepted and effected the arrest and seizure from two warehouses in Mubi.
“This achievement is a testament to the command’s commitment to fight all forms of crime, supporting global efforts to fight wildlife crime while protecting Nigeria’s wildlife and preserving the country’s biodiversity,” Nuruddeen said.
He said this was the third major seizure of pangolin scales by NCS and WJC in 2024.
He said since the partnership began, 21,582 kilogrammes of pangolin scales had been seized in Nigeria by the Sevice as a result of the NCS and WJC partnership.
The public relations officer said 54 percent of this amount, or 11,673.2 kilogrammes had been seized in 2024 alone, and 4,473.2kg of this is by the NCS Kano /Jigawa command.
He said the perpetrators would be prosecuted accordingly “and the service will leave no stone unturned to further apprehend anyone connected to this criminal network.”
“The CAC commends the bravery and professionalism of the team of officers deployed and expertise of WJC.
“He most importantly appreciates the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team.
“He promises to continue to work tirelessly to prevent the trafficking of endangered species and all non-custom goods.
“This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration; the NCS and WJC force, and it also reaffirms NCS’ dedication to combating wildlife trafficking,” he said.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency of the World Health Organisation (WHO), in partnership with local partners, will provide data on the health pattern of Ogoniland in 2025.
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator, HYPREP, with some residents of Ogoniland during the medical outreach
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, in Abuja.
He said that the public health study would be conducted by WHO for sustainable health interventions for the residents.
Zabbey said that the unveiling of the free medical outreach was conducted by HYPREP in collaboration with the Association of Ogoni Doctors (AODs) at the Terebor General Hospital, Gokana Local Government Area.
“The project will commence the Public Health Study of Ogoni in 2025.
“Already, the project is constructing the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the Buan Cottage Hospital as part of efforts to provide access to quality healthcare in Ogoni.’’
Zabbey said that the project would be strengthening more primary healthcare facilities in 2025.
According to him, the health centres are in Onne in Eleme LGA, Nonwa in Tai LGA, Taabaa in Khana LGA and Bodo in Gokana LGA.
Zabbey also recalled that the project had strengthened health centres in Bori, Terebor, Kpite and Nchia communities.
He added that, under the project, staff quarters were being constructed along remedial works at the K-Dere Primary Health Centre for doctors and community health workers to improve community medicine and access to healthcare in the community.
He assured of the project’s commitment to prioritising the health of Ogoni people.
“The projects include the provision of potable water, construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration of the Ogoni Power Project, livelihood programmes, among others,’’ Zabbey said.
On her part, Dr Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, commended HYPREP for partnering with the state government in providing health care services to Ogoni people through the free medical outreach and other health interventions.
She also assured of the government’s continuous support to HYPREP in the sustainability of the public health projects.
Dr Nwizor Nkadam, AOD’s President, commended HYPREP for prioritising people-centric programmes like free medical outreach.
He added that the group identified with the project in its quest to address the health challenges affecting the people.
The free medical outreach, scheduled for Dec. 16 to Dec. 27 across the four LGAs of Ogoni, will offer free medical consultations and treatments, health education as well as distribution of essential medications to the people.
The outreach comprises health screenings for common illnesses and conditions, surgeries on hernia, appendicitis, cataract, fibroid and dental care.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, says in this treatise thatcapital expendituretrends all demonstrate that investors won’t limit themselves to mature fields, as eyes are on fresh locations, fresh facilities, and fresh opportunities in Africa
Oil pipelines
I’ve said for years that African energy is a vital investment. Backers clearly agree – to the tune of $47 billion. That’s how much capital expenditure (capex) 2024 saw in African oil and gas, showing a 23% increase from last year. Better yet, we expect growth to continue through the end of the decade.
This capex activity is a welcome sign that energy majors are deepening their long-term interests in Africa. And as our 2025 State of African Energy report details, their momentum has created unique opportunities for local communities, indigenous companies, and national oil companies (NOCs) from other continents.
Emerging Players
While the majority of 2024’s capex was driven by established producers like Angola and Nigeria, emerging players are making noise in the industry. Take Senegal, which saw its first offshore oil production this year. Ghana, following a five-year slump, increased oil output during 2024 by 10% and gas output by 7%.
Exploration hotspot Namibia also deserves a special mention: The Southern African nation aims todrill over 12 offshore wells next year, begin production by 2029, and become one of the top five African producers by the 2030s. Good work for a nation that only discovered its enormous reserves in 2022! I frequently cite Namibia because it proves that a complete newcomer can attract serious foreign investment with smart, swift policy changes – and poise itself to shake up the energy industry.
Increased Exploration
An exciting question remains: Just where will we find the next Namibia? Thanks to a resurgence in exploration, another hotspot may be around the corner. There were 1,060 wells drilled in Africa this year – more than any time since 2015. Africa has also become a global leader in drilling high-impact wells, which have the potential to significantly increase overall reserves. That strategy is already paying off: Notable 2024 finds include Namibia’s Mopane complex, which holds approximately 10 billion barrel of oil equivalent (boe) – “one of the world’s largest offshore finds,” according to Offshore Magazine. Even while global exploration as a whole remains stagnant, Africa is stepping up to meet growing energy demands.
When exploration is successful, new fields follow. We also expect to see African greenfield spending exceed brownfield by 10% by 2030. These capex trends all demonstrate that investors won’t limit themselves to mature fields: Eyes are on fresh locations, fresh facilities, and fresh opportunities in Africa.
A Gas Future
As we highlight in our 2025 report, one of those opportunities is natural gas. Africa holds nearly 18 trillion cubic meters of reserves, which will prove essential for a just energy transition as natural gas can provide significant near-term emissions reductions while fostering energy security and economic development. Global demand for this clean-burning resource is also growing, particularly in Asia.
That’s why I’m glad to see a greater emphasis on developing natural gas resources. In 2023, capex spending on natural gas was about 30%, but this is projected to grow 10% by 2030. It’s another sign that more investors are thinking in the long term about Africa and interested in being part of a just energy transition.
Take Senegal, where the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim gas field will begin production next year. A Final Investment Decision is also expected in 2024 on Yakaar-Teranga. The West African nation is another fantastic example of how operator-friendly policies, political stability, and vast reserves can attract significant foreign investment: I’m excited to see Senegal transform itself from an oil importer to a gas exporter.
M&A Opportunity
The past year saw a huge increase in divestment by O&G majors: Large IOCs are aggressively streamlining their African portfolios. As a rule, they’re selling mature, high-emission, and high-cost assets. While large divestments often signal trouble, they’re actually creating some promising changes for African O&G.
For one, Asian and Middle Eastern nations are purchasing more assets: Dubai, Qatar, the U.A.E., Malaysia, and Chinese NOCs acquired stakes in Egypt, Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa this year. As global demand for energy grows, particularly in Asia, I’m glad to see these nations looking to Africa for long-term solutions.
Foreign divestment also matters because it’s creating opportunities for indigenous companies. Thanks to a recent Shell acquisition, Aradel Holdings became Nigeria’s most valuable oil company (https://apo-opa.co/3ZVzGwh). In Angola, IOC Afentra has acquired Azule’s (a joint BP and Eni venture) assets and plans to dramatically increase the nation’s overall output.
“Having the big players sell to independents is the future,” oil trader Trafigura said in a statement.
It’s a promising pattern: Majors sell off mature assets and use the capital to invest in fresh fields and facilities. Independent foreign or indigenous companies use their acquired assets to expand but are spared the expense of building facilities from the ground up. These smaller companies are also strongly motivated to further develop and reduce emissions from these existing fields — an environmental and financial win for everyone.
The Angolan government clearly agrees, encouraging regional players with tax incentives and reduced government profit shares. It will be truly fascinating to watch this industry shakeup in Nigeria and Angola, which have been dominated for decades by majors.
It’s no secret that Africa needs O&G majors to stay: They drill over half of our exploration wells and hold a quarter of the continent’s equity production. However, I’m thrilled to see indigenous companies growing and harnessing these assets to their fullest extent.
Conclusion
Just what prompted this surge in African capex? A great deal of credit goes to common sense policy changes in nations such as Namibia, Senegal, Mauritania, Egypt, and Angola. We can also point out that the COVID-19 pandemic artificially slowed capex for several years, so an uptick was inevitable once the world opened up again.
However, I believe a lot of it comes down to economic reality: Global energy needs are rising. Africa has vast, untapped resources. I urge all parties to continue building a thriving energy industry that takes Africa – and the world – into the next century.
Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, is to become the newest member of C40 Cities, joining a global network of nearly 100 cities committed to urgent and equitable climate action.
Casablanca, Morocco
According to C40 Cities, Casablanca’s membership reinforces the growing momentum for transformative change to address the climate crisis.
As Morocco’s largest city (population: 4.2 million) and economic hub, Casablanca is taking bold steps to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement, reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.
Key initiatives instigated by Mayor Nabila Rmili include expanding sustainable transport with new tram lines and high-efficiency buses, restoring public spaces through revegetation and land rehabilitation, and reusing wastewater to sustain urban green areas. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to promote preserving natural resources.
Like many African cities, Casablanca is on the frontline of the climate emergency. Six consecutive years of drought and a rapidly changing climate, causing record temperatures leading to more evaporation, have threatened water supplies across Morocco, endangering public health and the economy.
Casablanca’s membership was approved by the C40 Steering Committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro in November. The city will officially become a C40 member in January 2025.
Casablanca becomes the 14th African city in the C40 network and the first in North Africa. The city, which has already developed a territorial local development plan, is committed to develop a compliant climate action plan that will deliver action consistent with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement, and addresses both the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change.These targets aim to reduce climate risks while delivering social and economic benefits equitably across all communities.
C40 will collaborate closely with Casablanca to mainstream climate action into city planning, share best practices, and support the implementation of its climate action plan.
Nabila Rmili, Mayor of Casablanca said: “Joining the C40 Cities network is an important step for Casablanca, highlighting our dedication to growing sustainably.
“By working together, we aim to become better at tackling the climate crisis, cut down on harmful emissions, and ensure that all our residents benefit fairly from these efforts while collaborating with C40 cities from around the world.”
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown and Co-Chair of C40 Cities said:“I am delighted to welcome Casablanca to the C40 network, further strengthening the voice and leadership of cities in the Global South in taking climate actions.
“Communities across Africa are united by the urgent need to respond to the climate crisis, and it is critical that we work together to implement solutions that address these challenges while fostering equitable development.
“I look forward to supporting Mayor Rmili and the people of Casablanca as they pursue their ambitious climate goals.”
Cisse Bacongo , Minister Governor of the Autonomous District of Abidjan, C40 Vice Chair for Africa said: ‘’We are delighted with the cultural diversity that Casablanca, the largest city in the Maghreb, will bring to the C40 network.
“Africa will then be represented within the C40 network from north to south, east to west, but above all with greater linguistic diversity. We look forward to exchanging views with the city on initiatives that are essential to the fight against climate change in Africa, in particular those relating to resilience and the revegetation of green spaces.”
Mark Watts, C40 Executive Director said: “As we close a pivotal year for climate action, I am delighted to welcome Casablanca as the newest member of the C40 network.
“Under Mayor Rmili’s leadership, Casablanca has already made significant progress in expanding green transportation, water conservation, and climate resilience.
“I look forward to seeing how, together, C40 and Casablanca will drive forward innovative solutions, accelerate climate action, and share knowledge across our global network of cities.”
Dora Modise, C40 Africa Regional Director, said:“We are excited to welcome Casablanca as the 14th African city to join the C40 network.
“The city exemplifies the resilience, ambition, and innovation that characterise our continent’s response to the climate crisis. Casablanca’s membership in C40 Cities is a significant milestone for Africa.”
Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) and the African Union (AU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on addressing Africa’s critical housing and urban development challenges.
Ambassador Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) (right), sign the MoU with Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director of ShafDB
The partnership, which confers Shelter Afrique an Observer Status at the African Union, aligns with Agenda 2063 and underscores a shared commitment to ensuring a high standard of living, quality of life, and well-being for all African citizens.
The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation aimed at tackling Africa’s housing deficit, promoting sustainable urban development, and advancing capacity-building efforts.
With approximately 53 million housing units required across the continent and a $1.4 trillion financing gap, this partnership will leverage innovative solutions, resource mobilisation, and policy development to create lasting impact.
Scope of Collaboration
The MoU emphasises strategic collaboration in the following areas:
Sustainable Housing and Urban Development: Joint initiatives to support environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient communities.
Addressing the Housing Deficit: Development of strategies to reduce Africa’s housing gap and improve urban settlements.
Capacity Building: Training programmes and workshops for policymakers, developers, and stakeholders in housing and urban development.
Resource Mobilisation: Coordinated efforts to secure financial and technical resources, including partnerships with regional and international financial institutions.
Policy Development and Advocacy: Development of conducive policies and advocacy to elevate housing and urban challenges on national, regional, and international agendas.
Research and Technological Innovation: Collaboration on research, data collection, and the adoption of innovative technologies in housing and urban planning.
Environmental Sustainability: Initiatives to enhance climate resilience in housing and urban infrastructure.
The agreement also includes provisions for cooperation with AU sub-bodies such as AUDA-NEPAD and the African Union Peace Fund to harmonise efforts across the continent.
Operationalisation of the MOU
To ensure effective implementation, ShafDB and the AU will develop a Joint Action Plan (JAP) outlining specific activities, timelines, and review mechanisms. The collaboration may also include staff secondment arrangements and supplementary agreements to address emerging areas of mutual concern.
Ambassador Albert Muchanga, the AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), remarked: “We warmly welcome Shelter Afrique Development Bank as one of our strategic collaborators. Together, we shall enhance efforts to unlock Africa’s investable wealth and mobilise it towards meeting the continent’s housing deficit anchored on inclusive and sustainable urbanisation.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director of ShafDB, said: “This MOU marks a significant step forward in our shared vision of sustainable housing and urban development in Africa. As a pan-African multilateral development bank focused on housing and urban development, we are confident that this collaboration with the African Union will scale our ability to create transformative solutions that address the housing deficit and enhance the quality of life for millions.”
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is set to organise a “Train-the-Trainer Workshop on the Interpretation and Application of Climate Prediction and Flood Forecasting Tools for States and NGOs”. A part of the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, the initiative is in partnership with Oxfam and Community Action for Food Security (CAFS).
Sulaimon Arigbabu
The regional workshop, scheduled to take place in Abuja, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Adamawa and Oyo states from December 18 to December 27, 2024, aims to address the persistent challenges associated with the dissemination and understanding of climate-related information in Nigeria.
According to HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, despite the timely and reliable Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and flood forecasts provided by NiMet and NIHSA, there is still a significant gap exists in the interpretation and practical use of this information at the grassroots level.
“Key stakeholders, such as environmental and agricultural development officers, often face difficulties translating these forecasts into actionable plans. This gap increases vulnerabilities in critical areas like agriculture, food security, and disaster preparedness, especially as climate shocks like floods and droughts continue to have severe consequences,” he stated.
Stressing the importance of the training, Arigbabu noted that the workshop aims to bridge this gap by enhancing the technical capacity of environmental and agricultural officers. Participants will learn advanced skills to accurately interpret SCP and flood forecasts and apply this knowledge to guide communities in adopting climate-resilient practices. This capacity-building effort will support decision-making within state ministries of agriculture, environment, and planning, ultimately improving climate-responsive planning and interventions.
The workshop will also address barriers that hinder effective communication of climate forecasts. These barriers include language challenges, technical complexity, and inadequate outreach strategies. By overcoming these obstacles, the project will ensure that climate data reaches and benefits those who need it most, enhancing the resilience of Nigerian communities to climate risks.
“This workshop strengthens collaboration between NiMet, NIHSA, HEDA, and regional stakeholders, aiming to improve access to climate information for frontline communities. The initiative further reflects HEDA’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, environmental justice, and community resilience in the face of climate challenges,” noted Arigbabu.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Microsoft have collaborated to address climate-induced displacement by harnessing artificial intelligence and data insights.
Amy Pope, Director-General of IOM
IOM, in a statement on Monday, December 16, 2024, said the collaboration aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change on migration and enhance resilience among vulnerable communities.
This, the organisation said, is through innovative pilot projects with Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab in the Maldives, Ethiopia, and Libya.
According to IOM, climate change is a growing driver of displacement, with 26.4 million internal displacements recorded in 2023 alone.
Amy Pope, Director-General of IOM, was quoted to have said the world could no longer simply reacts to climate change.
“This collaboration with Microsoft empowers IOM with data and insights that enable us to proactively address the impact of climate change on migration so we can better protect vulnerable communities.
“IOM and Microsoft have combined advanced AI tools, local expertise, and data-driven insights to support communities impacted by climate-related risks and strengthen their resilience to future challenges.”
Dr Juan Ferres, Chief Data Scientist and Director of Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, said the collaboration demonstrates how AI helps address the urgent challenges posed by climate-driven displacement.
According to him, the projects show how local teams on the ground can unlock insights with AI to anticipate risks and respond with solutions that improve the resilience of communities.
IOM said in Ethiopia, data analysis revealed that 700,000 people and 1.5 per cent of the country’s croplands are at risk of flooding.
“This information enables IOM to plan more effective interventions, supporting displaced populations and reducing the likelihood of future displacement.”
The statement noted that both organisations would showcase the outcomes of the partnership through the Climate Action Portal, a platform that will offer key insights on climate change and migration.
“The portal will present pilot results through interactive maps and dynamic data visualisations to empower policymakers and humanitarians with actionable insights.
“By combining the power of AI with local expertise, IOM and Microsoft are setting a new standard for identifying vulnerable populations, and predicting displacement hotspots.
“Equipping decision-makers and humanitarian actors with the tools needed to mitigate risks and support at-risk communities.”
The Director-General, National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke, has urged the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to mitigate the impact of oil leaks from its facilities on local communities.
Director-General, National Oil Spillage Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke
Woke made the call on Monday, December 16, 2024, when he led the agency’s management team on an emergency evaluation tour of oil spill sites from an SPDC facility in Bonny Island, Rivers State.
He said that the emergency visit was aimed to evaluate SPDC’s efforts in managing the recent oil spill which had already affected the Oyorokoto community in Andoni Local Government Area.
During the visit, discussions centered around the effectiveness of SPDC’s initial intervention and ongoing measures to contain and mitigate the spill
The NOSDRA helmsman commended SPDC for its proactive steps towards containing the incident, and reiterated the importance of preventing further spread.
“Our presence here ahead of the Joint Investigation meeting underscores our commitment towards addressing the containment strategies.
“It is imperative to assess both the immediate measures and the long-term plans to manage and remediate the effects of the spill,” he said.
Woke restated NOSDRA’s dual roles of environmental stewardship and rapid response capability.
He highlighted the agency’s recent provisional approval for the use of dispersants to control the spill, and emphasised its dedication to minimise ecological damage through collaborations with industry partners.
Also speaking, Dr Sola Oladipo, the Director, Planning, Policy Analysis and Research, said that NOSDRA was focused on preventing further environmental degradation and safeguarding national interests.
In response, Abatam Nwosu, the Commander, Emergency Response at Shell Nigeria, reiterated SPDC’s commitment towards prioritising community safety and environmental protection.
“Our protocols are stringent, focusing first on human safety and environmental integrity. We have begun multiple responsive actions, including containment via maritime vessels.
“Although pinpointing leak origins in open waters is complex, we are working in alignment with NOSDRA, especially in conducting source analysis,” he said.
Nwosu said that there was need for analytical sampling on the spill to ascertain its true origin because of multiple operational activities offshore.
In the next 12 months, the Nigerian youths answering the clarion call across the country will benefit from a mentorship programme in technical and leadership support aimed at ensuring that they go back to their various communities and implement the WASH Innovative Challenge to promote a healthy environment.
Winners of the WASH Innovative Challenge
Mr. Shadrack Guusu, Head of Water Sanitation & Hygiene Programmes, gave this submission in a chat with journalists at the 2024 WASH Innovative Challenge which took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Lagos on Saturday, December 14.
Guusu, while speaking on behalf of the Country Director of Self Help Africa, disclosed that “there will also be funding because the Youth Corps members have sought the funding that will go into the initiatives they have picked, so the winners will have that support to ensure that they go back and implement programmes.”
Talking about the rationale behind the move, Guusu opined that “the initiative is part of our water, sanitation and hygiene programme. We are doing this engagemenr programme with Corps members as a result of support to the implementation of National Youth Strategy which was launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation as well as the Ministry of Youth Development.
“The essence of the strategy is to increase youth involvement in solving the sanitation and water hygiene challenges in Nigeria.”
He added: “Over 48 million Nigerians still defecate in the open, it means they don’t have access to basic sanitation services which simply means that many Nigerians do not have access to potable water supply and as well handwashing behaviour is very poor. So, the youth strategy is leveraging the power of the youth population in Nigeria, the innovative, energetic features of the young person to launch innovative equitable solutions to water sanitation and hygiene services in ensuring that the SDG Goal 6 is achieved in due time.”
In his remarks, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, said: “I want to reiterate our commitment to aligning the mission of the NYSC scheme with the objectives of the Youth WASH Strategy. Our Corps members are uniquely positioned, serving in communities across the country, including remote and underserved areas. They are invaluable agents of change, capable of driving public health initiatives like this campaign to the grassroots level.
The D-G, represented by Mrs. Christy Salmwang, Lagos State NYSC Camp Coordinator, stressed: “The NYSC remains fully committed to collaborating with all stakeholders – government ministries, development partners, and private organisations to ensure the success of this campaign. Together, we will leverage the passion, innovation, and reach of our Corps members to create lasting behavioural change and improve sanitation and hygiene practices nationwide.”
In his remarks, Dr Jamila Ibrahim Bio, the Minister of Youth Development, submitted: “This is a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and the remarkable potential of our youth in driving solutions to critical challenges facing our nation.
“The essence of WASH are not just buzzwords. They are cornerstones of public health, economic stability, and community resilience. Clean hands save lives, and improved sanitation ensures dignity.
“Access to safe water is not just a human need; it is a human right. These principles underline why this campaign is so significant and why we, as a nation, must rally together to champion this cause. This campaign is about more than hygiene practices. It is about equipping our young people – our Corps members – with the tools, knowledge, and leadership skills to become ambassadors of change.
“The Heartbeat of This Campaign – the NYSC – has always been a symbol of hope and unity. As you take on an even greater role through initiatives like the WASH Hackathon, we are witnessing your creativity, problem-solving skills, and passion for driving meaningful change,” he stressed.
In a goodwill message, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, said: “Clean hands represent one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to break the cycle of disease and poverty. As we commemorate the Global Handwashing Day 2024, we are reminded that over 1.5 million children globally still lose their lives annually to preventable diseases like diarrhoea and pneumonia, many of which could be averted through the simplest act of handwashing with soap.
“This year’s theme, ‘Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?’, highlights the urgent need to address hygiene challenges, particularly in Nigeria, where over 70 million people lack access to basic handwashing facilities. Poor hygiene not only endangers health but also affects school attendance, economic productivity, and community resilience.
“Our partnership with Self Help Africa reinforces our dedication to addressing these challenges. By engaging thousands of NYSC members as WASH Ambassadors, we are equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to champion sustainable WASH solutions in schools, homes, and communities. These efforts align with the Federal Government’s National Action Plan for the Revitalisation of Nigeria’s Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (2019–2030), as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6), aimed at ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.”
Dignitaries at the events include the National Coordinator of Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign, Mrs. Chizoba Opara; the Minister of Youth Development, Olawande Wisdom Ayodele, represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, represented by Director of Reform, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Moses Jo-Medugu, among others.
