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Stakeholders explore Nigeria’s Just Transition guideline for sustainable economy

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders explore Nigeria’s Just Transition guideline for sustainable economy

The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, held a stakeholders’ engagement workshop on the development of the Just Transition Guideline for Nigeria.

NCCCS
Participants at the NCCCS workshop in Lagos

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

A Just Transition guideline is crucial to addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy.

It will ensure that the shift to renewable energy and a low-carbon future aligns with this vision by integrating policies that safeguard workers and communities, particularly those dependent on fossil fuel-based industries, anchored on sustainability, economic inclusion and resilience.

In her opening remarks, the Director-General, NCCC, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, said the workshop was a step in shaping an inclusive and equitable transition towards a sustainable, low carbon future for Nigeria.

Maduekwe said the workshop would provide an opportunity to deepen discussions and refine approach to low carbon future.

According to her, the engagement will ensure that the development of a Just Transition Guideline reflects the diverse voices and realities of all stakeholders – government, private sector, labour unions, civil society, development partners, and local communities.

She said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, was committed to economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.

She said Just Transition must align with these priorities by ensuring involvement of all stakeholders to clean energy and climate-resilient solutions.

“Our policies, including the Energy Transition Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions, Climate Change Act, and the National Development Plan, set a strong foundation for a people-centered and economy-driven transition.

“As we engage today, we must recognise that this transition is not just about technology and policy – it is about people, livelihoods, and the future of our workforce.

“It is about creating green jobs, investing in skills development, protecting vulnerable communities, and ensuring economic opportunities for all,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to the unwavering support of the development partners for their invaluable support in shaping the initiative.

“I encourage everyone present to actively contribute, share insights, and collaborate in shaping a Just Transition framework that truly reflects Nigeria’s unique socio-economic and environmental realities.

“Together, we can design a pathway that balances climate ambition with economic sustainability, social justice, and national development,” she said.

Also speaking, Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, a professor of climatology, said Just Transition was important to mitigate the impact of climate change.

“Just Transition requires a change in behaviour that leads to reduction in our carbon footprints,” Oladipo said.

He said the transition should be done in a way and manner that it would not create inequality in the society.

Oladipo stressed that transiting to Just Energy required capacity building and doing things differently.

He noted that for the sustainability of the future, there was the need to move away gradually from the use of fossil fuels in a manner that no one was left behind.

Mr. Steven Aguguo, Climate Action Coordinator for ILO, said moving away from carbon at this time was the right step in the right direction.

Aguguo said the ILO would be committed to inclusive transition without leaving anyone behind.

Dangote Refinery slashes petrol price to N835 per litre

Michael Simire
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Dangote Refinery slashes petrol price to N835 per litre

The Dangote Refinery has announced another reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N865 to N835 per litre.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

Anthony Echiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Lagos.

Echiejina said that the price slash came after the recent decline in global crude oil prices, which have dropped to $64 per barrel from over $70 per barrel in recent weeks.

The new price is now set at N835 per litre, down from N865 per litre, which had been in effect for the past six days, representing a 3.5 per cent reduction.

The company communicated the price adjustment to its customers through an official notice on Wednesday.

The refinery had earlier lowered its gantry price from N880 to N865 per litre; nonetheless, oil marketers did not transfer the savings to consumers.

The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Kwara Assembly urges stricter sanitation enforcement

Michael Simire
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Kwara Assembly urges stricter sanitation enforcement

The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the Ministry of Environment to equip and empower Environmental Health Officers to strictly enforce the provisions of the Environmental Sanitation Law.

Kwara State House of Assembly
Kwara State House of Assembly, Ilorin

This resolution was part of deliberations during plenary on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, following a Matter of General Public Importance raised on the Urgent Need for Awareness on Indiscriminate Dumping of Refuse into Drainages and Mitigation of Flooding in Kwara State.

The motion was moved by Bello Oniboki (APC/Afon) and seconded by Lawal Salihu (APC/Ipaye/Malete/Oloru).

According to the lawmakers, the resolution aims to curb the indiscriminate dumping of refuse across the state.

Leading the debate, Oniboki observed that the issue has reached a crisis level in several communities, with refuse regularly dumped into drainage channels.

He described the situation as not only unsightly but also a serious public health risk, emphasising that its environmental consequences cannot be overstated.

“This is particularly concerning during the rainy season when overflowing drainage systems can lead to severe flooding, damaging property and infrastructure, as we have witnessed in recent days,” he said.

Oniboki highlighted that Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has consistently prioritised environmental sanitation, including the annual desilting and clearing of blocked drainage systems across the state.

He stressed the importance of maintaining functional drainage systems, noting that this is a shared responsibility between the government and the citizens.

Oniboki also acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in ensuring that all newly constructed roads in the state are equipped with adequate drainage infrastructure.

“However, it is concerning that despite these efforts, some members of the public continue to indiscriminately dump refuse into drainages, particularly during rainfall.

“This leads to blockages that are a major cause of flooding, stagnant water, road surface damage, increased potholes, and premature road failure across the state.

“Unfortunately, Kwara remains one of the states most vulnerable to flooding, as indicated by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). This calls for a change in public attitude to alter this trend,” Oniboki added.

As part of its resolutions, the Assembly also urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Environment and the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, and community-based organisations.

“This is to enhance public awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal practices and the dangers of occupying flood-prone areas.

“We also call on citizens to desist from dumping refuse into drainage channels during rainfall, to prevent environmental degradation and its associated hazards,” the House resolved.

Meanwhile, the House has screened and confirmed Mr. Fatahi Alayande as the State Auditor-General.

Following the confirmation, the Speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, directed the Clerk, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulkareem, to formally communicate the decision to the governor.

By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

Nigeria, UNEP partner on improper chemicals, waste management

Michael Simire
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Nigeria, UNEP partner on improper chemicals, waste management

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are collaborating against improper chemicals and waste management in Nigeria.

Innocent Barikor
Dr Innocent Barikor, Director-General, NESREA

Speaking at a project inception workshop on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Abuja, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said there are environmental issues caused by improper waste management in the country.

The project, entitled “Strengthening National Infrastructural and Human Capacity for sound Chemicals and Waste Management in Nigeria”, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in chemical and waste management.

Barikor, represented by Dr Christopher Beka, Director, Inspection and Enforcement, NESREA, said Nigeria, as a rapidly industrialising nation, faced escalating risks from improper chemicals and waste management.

He said this was from hazardous industrial effluents to electronic waste and expired chemicals.

“The threats to our environment, public health, and socio-economic stability are undeniable,” he said.

Barikor said the project was not merely a response to these challenges but a proactive step towards building a resilient system that safeguards Nigerians, the ecosystems, and future generations.

“By aligning with global frameworks such as the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, as well as the Global Framework for the Sound Management of Chemicals, and Minamata Convention, we reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices and sustainable development,” he said.

According to him, the project’s objectives were clear and ambitious, aimed at strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks for chemicals and waste management.

Barikor added that it was also to enhance the capacities of regulatory agencies, industry actors, and other stakeholders, as well as improve national infrastructure for monitoring, disposal, and recycling.

He said the project also sought to foster collaboration among government, private sector, civil society, and international partners, while ensuring gender mainstreaming to address the needs of women and marginalised groups.

” Let us use today’s opportunity to critically assess existing policies and propose actionable reforms, design capacity-building programmes that empower regulators, industries, and communities. Also to develop infrastructure plans that are scalable, sustainable, and technologically robust,” he said.

Barikor urged participants to embed gender equality and social inclusion at the core of every activity.

Speaking virtually, UNEP Programme Officer, Nicole Caesar, said the special project sought to support institutional strengthening at the national level for the sound management of chemicals and waste.

She said the project also sought to develop and review the legislative framework and guidelines on chemical management, develop industrial national standards, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.

By Doris Esa

From risk to resilience by securing wildlife stockpiles in Liberia, Sierra Leone

Michael Simire
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From risk to resilience by securing wildlife stockpiles in Liberia, Sierra Leone

I have recently travelled to Sierra Leone and Liberia as part of an Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) project to help improve the security of wildlife products in government custody and thereby support the conservation of elephants and other species. Funded by the UK government through its Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, our project aims to “Secure Wildlife Product Stockpiles in five West African countries”, including Burkina Faso, Guinea and Togo.

Stockpile
Stockpile currently held in MoECC offices with the Deputy Director of Forestry and CITES and EPI focal point, Mr Sahr Kellie (centre), and the local NGO partner CSSL team

Our project’s objectives are to help all five countries strengthen wildlife product storerooms and improve management procedures, to implement the EPIF Stockpile Management System (SMS) digital inventory tool, and to work with governments to consider the long-term fate of illegal wildlife trade products through policy review. The EPIF already has a decade of experience delivering similar projects in ten other EPI member states.

Sierra Leone and Liberia probably have only a few hundred surviving elephants between them. Still, they are both rich in biodiversity, and it is exciting to have the opportunity to support them in improving their wildlife conservation and law enforcement. My initial visits were in December 2024, with the aim being to conduct a baseline assessment in each country and project planning with our partners. Firstly, I travelled to Sierra Leone, where our government partner is the Forestry Department of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MoECC).

Arriving in Freetown via the international airport for the first time is a wonderful experience, involving a 10-minute bus ride to the ferry terminal in Tulun, followed by a 40-minute ferry across Tagrin Bay to the city itself. With the sun setting across the panoramic views of the nearby forests and waterways, I was immediately struck by the raw beauty and rich biodiversity of the country and felt inspired by my small role in helping to protect them.

I enjoyed three excellent days of meetings and discussion groups with stakeholders in Freetown. Our local NGO partner is the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL), a long-term actor on the local conservation scene, which masterfully supported my visit in all sorts of ways. We visited institutions involved in the handling of wildlife products held by the government in Sierra Leone, including the Forestry Department, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), and the Gola Rainforest National Park conservation authority. We found an urgent need for our project to help improve secure storage and a receptive community of experts to support us in our aims.

I flew from Freetown to Monrovia in Liberia. Monrovia’s airport is nearly 40 miles outside the city, meaning that once again I was treated to views of stunning and awe-inspiring natural beauty on arrival. After a long drive down the highway, which hugs the coastline of the populated Monrovia urban sector, I was set and ready to go for another assessment and planning visit. Our government partner in Liberia is the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the main authority for all land-based conservation projects and initiatives. We had excellent engagement from various conservation stakeholders in Liberia, including various departments in the FDA, the Liberia National Police, Conservation International (CI), and Flora and Fauna International (FFI).

One of the most successful aspects of the trip was an agreement with the Society for the Conservation of Nature of Liberia (SCNL) that they should be our local NGO partner in this project. SCNL has some highly experienced and dedicated conservationists and will be a huge asset in supporting our work to deliver our project. We also held an excellent meeting with the UK Ambassador to Monrovia, Neil Bradley, who gave his wholehearted support to our endeavours and provided some extremely useful context on wider UK and other international conservation support to Liberia.

The highlight of this visit was a day trip with FDA partners to visit their team in the Lake Piso Multiple Sustainable Use Reserve, a potential site for development as a field wildlife storage location. The visit provided useful insights into operating conditions on the ground, as well as a unique and privileged view of one of Liberia’s breathtaking reserves. We developed a work plan with our partners based on the needs identified during the assessment.

In March 2025, we carried out the first activities in each country, two-day workshops to develop management procedures for wildlife products storerooms in both Monrovia and Freetown. My visits went smoothly, except for one hiccup just after I arrived in Liberia. A short way into my journey to Monrovia from the airport, we unfortunately suffered a flat tyre. With darkness falling and the vehicle’s spare tyre being unyielding in our attempts to remove it from its bracket, it looked like being a long night. Fortunately, a passing traveller stopped to give us support and ended up giving me a lift to my hotel.

By chance, this happened to be the Liberian Minister for International Organisations, Hon. Karishma Pelham-Raad. This led to a highly useful conversation about the international development sector in Liberia and a follow-up meeting to discuss our EPIF project. Hon. Karishma Pelham-Raad was highly supportive of our aims and made it clear we have an ally for our project in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In both Liberia and Sierra Leone, with the support of our local NGO and government partners, we brought together a range of wildlife professionals to develop procedures which suit their specific needs. These events were highly successful. In both countries, we enjoyed lively and engaging discussions and were able to develop draft documents for each of them. We will disseminate these drafts to stakeholders for comment before holding a validation meeting later this year to finalise their procedures. This is a vital first step to give a formal foundation for the work to come. 

We are creating the conditions for project implementation over the next 2 years, during which we hope to strengthen wildlife product storerooms, implement the SMS, hold technical meetings on each country’s legal policies, and conduct training and mentoring events for key wildlife staff. It is an exciting year to come as we develop Liberia and Sierra Leone’s capacity to secure wildlife product stockpiles and thereby help to reduce the impact of the illegal wildlife trade across West Africa!

It is an exciting year to come as we develop Liberia and Sierra Leone’s capacity to secure wildlife product stockpiles and thereby help to reduce the impact of the illegal wildlife trade across West Africa!

By Charles Henson, Programme Manager for Stockpiles, EPIF

CGIAR SAAF Programme to reach 1.7m people with sustainable livestock, aquaculture innovations

Michael Simire
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CGIAR SAAF Programme to reach 1.7m people with sustainable livestock, aquaculture innovations

By 2050, the global population will near 10 billion. Ensuring everyone has access to a healthy, sustainable diet is one of the greatest challenges of our time.

CGIAR Science Week
Dignitaries at the CGIAR Science Week. Photo credit: Saleef Nyambok/ILRI

Rising demand for animal and aquatic foods, coupled with climate change, environmental degradation, systemic inequities, productivity gaps, threatens food security and livelihoods particularly in low and middle-income countries, (LMICs).

Small-scale producers, who supply over 70% of Africa’s and Asia’s livestock-derived foods, as well as contributing significantly to the total fish catch – 66% in Africa and 47% in Asia – are crucial to feeding the growing global population. Yet they face mounting challenges: soaring input costs, fragmented policies, and a lack of access to financing and technology. Meanwhile, livestock contributes 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while unsustainable fishing practices endanger biodiversity.

Amid these challenges, the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) Science Programme, part of a Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) 2025-2030 research portfolio, is leading a transformation to make animal and aquatic food systems more nutritious, climate-smart, and inclusive. At a high-level session during CGIAR Science Week, experts, policymakers, investors, and farmers gathered to discuss a way forward, one rooted in science and equity.

“Animal and aquatic food systems are facing unprecedented pressure,” said Dr. Rodrigue Yossa, Interim Director of the SAAF Programme. “We cannot afford business as usual., Demand for animal-source foods will rise by 30% by 2050, LMICs will drive this growth- along with associated emissions. SAAF bridges science with action, ensuring farmers adopt innovations that boost productivity while protecting the planet.”

SAAF directly addresses these challenges through six integrated areas of work that target the complexity of animal and aquatic food systems. These include improving productivity through genetics and animal health; advancing regenerative aquaculture and low-emission livestock systems; ensuring food production is safe and healthy for people, animals, and ecosystems using One Health approaches; and expanding opportunities for women and youth across value chains.

The programme also leverages cutting-edge digital innovations – such as AI and blockchain – to drive smart decisions, while enabling inclusive, data-driven markets that support smallholder producers.

With implementation planned in 17 countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Colombia, and Ghana, SAAF is on track to reach more than 1.7 million people through 18 targeted projects. The program seeks to unlock $84 million in funding, driving high-impact innovations such as methane-reducing tropical forages and carbon-sequestering seaweed farms.

“Policy gaps and high feed costs stifle small-scale fishers. SAAF’s focus on aquaponics, digital tools, and gender equity will revolutionize Kenya’s blue economy,” said Lucy Obungu, Director of Fisheries in Kenya.

These ambitions are backed by a strong commitment to partnership. National governments, universities, particularly from the Global South, NGOs, and private sector actors are key collaborators in SAAF’s design and execution. Rather than replacing local systems, SAAF boosts national capacity through technical support, extension training, and innovation hubs.

“SMEs are the backbone of food systems,” said Kristen Girvetz, co-founder of AgThrive. “With 75% of agri-SMEs underfunded, SAAF’s investment readiness programs can unlock capital for scalable solutions.”

SAAF’s farmer-first approach ensures on-the-ground impact. “Farmers need affordable, practical technology – not just theories,” said Oliver Mukunza, a dairy farmer from Kakamega. “Simple practices like cow comfort have helped me cut costs and improved my income.”

SAAF directly supports CGIAR’s 2030 agenda – ensuring that food systems are climate-resilient, inclusive, nutrition-driven and powered by innovation. The programme’s ultimate vision is to sustainably transform animal and aquatic food systems into sources of nutrient-dense, low-emission foods that improve lives, health, and the environment across low- and middle-income countries.

“SAAF is more than a programme; it’s a platform for systemic change. By uniting research, policy, and private sector action, we can ensure nutritious, sustainable foods for all,” said Ishmahane Elouafi, CGIAR Executive Managing Director.

Chubb becomes 30th major insurer to reject EACOP

Michael Simire
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Chubb becomes 30th major insurer to reject EACOP

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) faces more challenges as Chubb, one of the world’s largest fossil fuel insurers, confirmed it will not provide insurance coverage for the controversial project. This decision follows Chubb’s updated conservation policy from April 2024.

Chubb Insurance
Chubb Insurance

With this announcement, Chubb becomes the 30th major global insurer to refuse EACOP, joining a growing list of 43 banks and 29 other insurance firms who have also rejected financing the pipeline. The insurer’s updated conservation policy restricts underwriting new oil and gas projects in globally recognized protected areas—a category under which EACOP falls. This decision is the right step towards climate responsibility in an industry that has long avoided accountability in the fight against climate change.

“Chubb’s decision to exclude EACOP from its coverage is a win for people and the planet,” said Zaki Mamdoo, StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator. “Under the threat of climate and systems collapse, insurance should serve to protect communities from extreme weather events and should support resilient, locally rooted economies powered by socially owned renewables.”

EACOP is a 1,443-kilometre crude oil pipeline stretching from Uganda’s Kabaale and Hoima districts to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. It has been widely condemned for its devastating social and environmental impacts. These include the displacement of over 100,000 people, destruction of livelihoods, forced evictions, and alarming biodiversity loss – particularly in Murchison Falls National Park, a protected area where TotalEnergies is actively drilling.

“As someone who lost land and livelihood to this controversial project, I welcome this news from Chubb,” said Rachel Tugume, one of the EACOP-Project Affected People. “EACOP has brought only suffering – forced evictions, destroyed farms, and broken futures for our children. No amount of money can replace what we’ve lost, but seeing global companies reject this project gives us hope. The world is finally listening to our cries.”

Chubb’s decision means it will no longer underwrite projects in Murchison Falls or any of the conservation areas listed in the World Database of Protected Areas. This aligns with mounting international pressure on financial institutions to move away from high-risk, high-impact fossil fuel projects.

“We celebrate Chubb’s move to rule out insuring EACOP as a response to the serious community and climate risks associated with the controversial project,” added Ethan Nuss, Senior Campaigner with Rainforest Action Network. “Chubb has the potential to be a true climate leader by strengthening its policies to protect other frontline communities, like those on the US Gulf Coast, from the devastation of industrial fossil fuel projects.”

The #StopEACOP campaign is now challenging other major insurers – AIG, Liberty Mutual, Tokio Marine, Brit, and Chaucer – to follow Chubb’s lead. The firms were asked to choose between short-term fossil fuel profits and a just, climate-resilient future.

The campaign stated: “This is a pivotal moment for the insurance sector to step up. Across the EACOP route, communities are rallying behind the REpower Afrika campaign’s call for socially owned, decentralised renewable energy systems that meet people’s real needs.

“Insurance should enable this shift by prioritising development rooted in the region’s vast renewable energy potential – underwriting projects that expand access to clean healthcare, education, nutrition, decent work, and shelter.”

In a related development, over 70 civil society organisations (CSOs) from Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond have published an open letter urging the Government of Oman to refrain from providing financial or diplomatic support for EACOP.

The letter comes amid reports that the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) is actively engaged in discussions with the Omani government to secure critical investment for the EACOP project, which has struggled to plug major funding gaps. The 1,443-kilometre pipeline, stretching from Uganda to Tanzania, has become a lightning rod for international criticism due to its links to ongoing human rights violations, widespread environmental damage, threats to water, food security and local economies, and its role in exacerbating the global climate crisis.

In their appeal to His Majesty, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, and the Government of Oman, the CSOs highlight the opportunity for Oman to take a principled stand in line with its Vision 2040 strategy. They point to the Oman East Africa Trade and Investment Expo as a platform to advance responsible and future-focused partnerships, noting that the event “presents valuable opportunities for trade in key industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, clean energy, construction, technology, and consumer goods.”

The letter urges the Omani government “to engage with the Ugandan government and companies on these ethical and valuable opportunities, and to refrain from engaging with the oil sector.” The CSOs warn that supporting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) would not only undermine global climate goals but also contradict the foundational principles of Islamic finance, which uphold justice, social welfare, and the protection of life, wealth, and the environment.

“It would be a betrayal of trust and the strong historical ties between the government of Oman and the people of Uganda and the region if Omani financial institutions were to support this controversial project,” the letter states.

The signatories call on the Omani government to use its influence and investment capacity to champion a just energy transition in Africa — one that respects human rights, safeguards ecosystems, and enables lasting prosperity for communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. 

Specifically, the CSOs urge the Government of Oman to: publicly commit to refraining from financially or diplomatically supporting EACOP and related oil projects; redirect investments toward sustainable sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly infrastructure; and engage with East African nations on mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities that align with global climate goals and uphold human rights. 

They stress that, by prioritising ethical and sustainable investment, Oman can strengthen its global reputation and help foster long-term, climate-conscious economic partnerships with East Africa. A formal response from the Government of Oman is requested by April 20, 2025.

Building resilience through nature: Ghana’s high-level engagement on nature-based solutions

Michael Simire
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Building resilience through nature: Ghana’s high-level engagement on nature-based solutions

Last month, a diverse group of stakeholders – including Ghanaian policymakers, members of the diplomatic corps, biodiversity conservation activists, experts in forestry, wildlife, water, and land management from public institutions, NGOs, civil society, academia, and the media – gathered in Accra, Ghana for a high-level policy dialogue on Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
A session at the a high-level policy dialogue on Nature-based Solutions (NbS)

Initially, NbS focused on actions like tree planting to rehabilitate degraded forest ecosystems. However, the concept has since evolved. Not all nature-related actions qualify as NbS – for instance, planting tree species that deplete underground water resources and disrupt the water cycle cannot be considered NbS.

Today, NbS is defined as actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore ecosystems while effectively addressing societal challenges and improving human well-being. This approach, championed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for over two decades, has gained global traction as a vital tool for climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and building community resilience.

This understanding informed the two-day high-level policy engagement to improve capacity of participants to mainstream NbS into national development planning and budgeting processes. It was organized by IUCN in partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).

In a statement, the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, said the NbS project aligns with the national development objectives and is crucial in helping the country achieve its targets outlined in her Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

The statement, which was read on his behalf by MEST’s Director in-charge of Environment, Dr. Peter Dery said the engagement was of national significance as it would contribute directly to the realization of the national and global targets.

On the matter of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, the Minister’s message specified that his Ministry’s priority was to incorporate NbS into the nation’s development framework in alignment with policies including Ghana’s National Land Policy and the National Climate Change Policy.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling environmental degradation through initiatives like the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, aimed at restoring millions of hectares of forest. This initiative is seen as central to enhancing biodiversity, combating climate change, and supporting local livelihoods.

NbS is at the core of the work of the Forestry Commission (FC), which manages about 3.6 million hectares – 15% of Ghana’s forest reserves and protected areas.  FC’s Acting CEO, Huges Brown, noted that the Commission’s strategies and operations align with NbS principles and extend across the country, including off-reserve areas.

He cited key programmes such as the Ghana REDD+ Strategy (2016–2035) and the Forest Plantation Strategy (2016–2040), which are helping to protect and restore forests, while safeguarding communities and their livelihoods.

Touching on the significance of the high-level engagement, Country Director for WUSC in Ghana, Appiah Wiafe Adofo, said it provided an opportunity to critically examine the role of NbS in addressing social challenges while safeguarding biodiversity, ecosystem services, and overall ecosystem health in Ghana.

This is being done through the Nature-based Climate Adaptation in the Guinean Forests of West Africa’s Project (NbS Project) designed by IUCN, World Agroforestry, A Rocha Ghana and ABANTU for Development in collaboration with WUSC and the Canada based Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI). This was in response to the significant climate change induced challenges including: reduced annual rainfall, rising local temperatures and frequent heatwaves, worsened by human-induced environmental degradation facing the project area, which is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot.

Appiah noted that since its inception in April 2023 in Ghana, Côte d’ivoire, and Guinea, the Project has seen a lot of progress especially in effective partnerships and meaningful stakeholder engagements with public-sector institutions at local and national levels as well as with civil society organizations working to promote environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and gender equality.

He said that, in Ghana, the team has collaborated closely with traditional authorities and over 50 women’s groups across 17 communities in the Bosomtwe and Wassa Amenfi landscapes in the Ashanti and Western Regions.

Key outcomes of the policy dialogue included identifying opportunities to integrate NbS into sector-specific policies. These include incorporating NbS into Ghana’s Riparian Buffer Zone Policy to promote inclusive water resource management and revising the National Water Policy to use NbS in addressing flood risks and coastal degradation. There was also broad support for expanding green infrastructure and urban green spaces as sustainable alternatives to conventional infrastructure.

Earlier, the technical capacities of 56 industry experts and policymakers were enhanced through an in-depth exploration of the NbS concept, its development process, and its foundational principles. A key component of this session was practical guidance on using the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), which enables participants to determine whether case study initiatives qualify as NbS. Additionally, the tool empowers stakeholders to assess if projects truly represent nature-based solutions, ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of NbS interventions.

By Ama Kudom-Agyemang

EfD Nigeria seeks review of Fisheries Act, underscores need for institutional framework

Michael Simire
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0
EfD Nigeria seeks review of Fisheries Act, underscores need for institutional framework

The Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre (REPRC) has declared that constituting an institutional framework will not only go a long way to develop the Fisheries and Aquaticulture sector of Marine and Blue Economy, but it will also ensure the sustainability of the sector for the coming generation.

Fisheries Act
Participants at the Review of Sea Fisheries Bill and Fisheries Management Plan Workshop in Lagos

Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, Director, REPRC, of the Environment for Development (EfD Nigeria), University of Nigeria Nsukka, who made this submission on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, while speaking to journalists in Lagos during the Review of Sea Fisheries Bill and Fisheries Management Plan Workshop, said there is need to review the Fisheries Act 1992.

He said: “After 32 years, this Act needs to be reviewed and updated so that Nigeria will have a fisheries law that is in tandem with the global standard.”

In his speech, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, noted: “It is a fact that the Sea Fisheries Act of 1992, though instrumental in its time, no longer reflects the contemporary realities, technological advancements, ecological concerns, or economic complexities of today’s marine environment.”

The Minister, who was represented by Mr. Paul Opuama, Director of Fisheries Support Services, Abuja, added: “The Sea Fisheries Act lacks provisions to fully address critical issues such as climate change, ecosystem-based management, traceability, monitoring and surveillance technologies, and global trade compliance.

“This is why the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under my leadership and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fully committed to ensuring that the reviewed Bill is enacted by the Federal Executive Council.

“We understand the urgency of this matter and will work diligently to expedite the process toward establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework. This framework will align with international obligations such as the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the Port State Measures Agreement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals – particularly Goal 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use ocean and marine resources, holding immense promise for our nation” he stressed.

Mr. Omoragbon Wellington, Director Fisheries and Aquaculture, highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration and the successful implementation of the reviewed Act and the Fisheries Management Plan, adding that it will require a unified approach, involving not only the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, but also the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), and various state agencies.

“The revised Fisheries Management Plan must integrate local knowledge systems and traditional governance practices that have sustained coastal communities for generations,” he stressed.

On his part, Mr. Babatunde John Olusegun, retired Director, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, opined that reviewing the Bill would go a long way in managing the marine resources.

“The resources will be conserved, even the foreigners coming into the country will be cautioned especially when they see that our laws are deterrent,” he added.

Associations that were represented at the workshop include Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria, Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria, and Association of Indigenous Fish Importers, among others.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Activists demand fair Renewable Energy Transition in Brazil ahead of COP30

Michael Simire
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Activists demand fair Renewable Energy Transition in Brazil ahead of COP30

Dozens of people from around the world, including Indigenous leaders, climate activists, and community leaders on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, brought solar panels and a giant banner created by renowned Brazilian artist Mundano to the doors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) in Brasília. Ashes from the wildfires in the Amazon were used to create the 30ft artwork banner with the words “Brazil, lead the just energy transition at COP30.”

COP30
The 30ft artwork banner with the words “Brazil, lead the just energy transition at COP30”

The action called for a direct response to a letter delivered to the COP30 presidency during the Free Land Camp (Acampamento Terra Livre, in Portuguese), signed by over 180 organisations from around the world and thousands of individuals from 98 countries in an online petition. The letter demands that ending fossil fuels, ensuring a just energy transition, and centering Indigenous and traditional leadership be core priorities at COP30.

Participants in the action are attending the event “Renew Our Power” this week, organised by 350.org, an international climate activism and community organising group advocating for a just energy transition. The gathering brings together over 200 climate leaders from more than 70 countries in Brazil, aiming to boost community renewable energy projects – a strategic milestone on the road to COP30.

Cacique Jonas Mura, Indigenous leader from the Amazon, said: “At this COP30 in our home, the Amazon, Brazil needs to show that it is the climate leader it wants to be. Instead of wanting to exploit oil, and instead of continuing to be one of the world’s main oil exporters, Brazil needs to lead the way towards the end of the fossil era and the beginning of a just and popular energy transition.

“We Indigenous people are the guardians of the planet. We need our lands demarcated, respect and space to speak and decide, but we know that as long as there is oil, we won’t have that. As long as we keep burning the planet with fossil fuels, there will be no real solution.”

Mundano, Brazilian artivist, said: “Artivism is an essential tool for tackling the climate emergency, because numbers and data no longer seem to impact people. Neither do collapsing landscapes or even extreme weather events such as heatwaves, severe droughts or unprecedented floods seem to be awakening the collective conscience.

“Artivism comes in as another language – sometimes more playful, sometimes more direct – capable of reaching people in other ways, generating reflection on the seriousness of the climate crisis and the urgency of action.”

Savio Carvalho, 350.org Head of Regions, said: “We’re here representing not only the hundreds of people gathered in Brazil to build a renewable future but those all over the world demanding climate justice. As COP30 hosts, Brazil has the opportunity to lead and implement the commitments made at previous UN climate negotiations – transition rapidly away from fossil fuels and triple renewable energy by 2030.”

COP30
Participants in the action

Portia Adu Mensah, 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (GROC), said: “Communities on the frontline of the climate crisis need guaranteed access to safe, clean and reliable renewable energy. We need an urgent halt of fossil fuel projects like the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline which is destroying the planet and people’s communities.”

Serena Mendizábal, Sacred Earth Canada, said: “When envisioning new energy systems, we must ensure that our communities are not further excluded by climate policies or harmed by extractivism. We stand with our relatives who are fighting for their rights, defending the land, and leading the way forward. Indigenous wisdom and ingenuity are critical for combatting the climate crisis at COP30 and beyond.” 

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