Nigeria’s progress in implementing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and how to effectively channel climate finance to meet these targets were the major points of discussion at a side event hosted by Natural Eco Capital in collaboration with the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change and the Director General/CEO of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Dr. Eugene Itua, CEO of Natural Eco Capital (left), posing a question to one of the panelists during the event on Climate Actions and Finance Flow: Meeting Nigeria’s Needs at COP29, Baku
The event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the critical intersection of climate action and finance in advancing Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.
Key topics included sustainable financing mechanisms, climate governance, and private sector engagement in driving Nigeria’s climate resilience and regional development. Government officials, climate finance experts, development finance institutions, and private sector representatives discussed the successes, challenges, and opportunities in mobilising resources for sustainable development.
The session commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change and Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), who emphasised the importance of integrating climate action with financial strategies to ensure holistic and sustainable progress. Dr. Maduekwe’s insights set the tone for a day of engaging and informative discussions.
Professor Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank (AfDB), in a keynote address highlighted the bank’s role in supporting Nigeria’s climate goals and the broader impact of green growth strategies on regional development.
His presentation delved into Nigeria’s climate goals, the supportive role of the AfDB and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and the transformative potential of green growth strategies on regional development. He emphasised the opportunities in aggregating support for increased climate finance, identifying strategies for mobilising resources, and promoting best practices and innovative financial instruments.
In his conclusion, he generated recommendations for policymakers and international organisations, stressing that, in discussing the carbon market, emphasis must be laid on investment rather than offsetting with the natural resources in the country.
The panel discussions featured:
• Mr. Andrei Chicherin, Climate Finance Director at Evercity UG, shared strategies and mechanisms for mobilising climate finance. • Dr. Mohammad Khokhar, Chairman & CEO of PK2100, Silicon Valley, provided insights on meeting the diverse needs of climate action through international cooperation and partnerships. • Dr. Jubril Adeojo, Climate Finance expert at Natural Eco Capital & SMEFUNDS, assessed the specific climate finance needs for achieving Nigeria’s NDCs and optimising existing mechanisms. • Dr. Bala Yusuf Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser OSSAP-SDGs, Nigeria.
The session and discussions were moderated by Dr. Eugene Itua, CEO of Natural Eco Capital, who explored the topics related to climate finance and actions necessary to meet Nigeria’s needs. He highlighted the commitments and actions required from various stakeholders to enhance climate finance and action in Nigeria.
The side event also featured the presence of the Development Bank of Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, who announced to the audience the official signing of the accreditation of the bank with the Global Climate Fund (GCF), the world’s largest climate fund that accelerates transformative climate action in developing countries through a country-owned partnership approach and uses flexible financing solutions and climate investment expertise.
This positions the bank as the first financial institution in Nigeria to be accredited by GCF, a journey the bank commenced three years ago. It is noteworthy that the Development Bank of Nigeria is just seven years old and stands out amongst its peers in relation to its sustainability journey.
The event concluded with photo and networking sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with the panelists.
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has reaffirmed its commitment to curb land degradation and desertification in Nigeria.
Members of the Nigerian delegation to the UNCCD COP16
Alhaji Sale Abubakar, Director-General of the agency, gave the assurance at the ongoing 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said a statement on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
The Nigerian delegation at the conference is led by Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment.
Abubakar said the convention marked the beginning of critical discussions on combating desertification, promoting sustainable land use and building resilience against droughts that aligned closely with the agency’s mission.
“The conference availed the agency the opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s successes under the Great Green Wall initiative, including the restoration of degraded lands, reforestation efforts, and community empowerment programmes.
“NAGGW is proud to contribute to these efforts and share our experiences in sustainable land management and climate adaptation.
“The convention also served as an opportunity for NAGGW to showcase its role in fostering regional and international partnerships,” Abubakar said.
He said the NAGGW’s delegation participated in key discussions on enhancing global and national policy instruments for proactive drought management.
“The agency’s expertise in implementing early warning systems, sustainable land use practices, and community-driven projects positioned Nigeria as a leader in this critical area.
“With a clear vision for building resilient ecosystems and communities, NAGGW’s participation at COP16 signals Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to combating desertification and promoting sustainable development,” said the D-G.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to achieving large-scale restoration goals, adding that restoring land was not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity.
According to him, investment in land unlocks the potential in agriculture, biodiversity, and resilient communities.
Abubakar, therefore, called for stronger international partnerships to bridge the financing gap, emphasising that climate resilience requires urgent and ambitious funding commitments.
He highlighted how desertification and drought had pushed vulnerable populations to abandon their ancestral homes, leading to a rise in migration and social instability.
He presented Nigeria’s strategic framework under the Great Green Wall initiative, which integrates land restoration with economic empowerment to curb forced migration and improve security.
The NAGGW boss said the agency empowered thousands of youths and women through skills training in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, offering them viable economic alternatives to migration.
He shared success stories of communities in northern Nigeria that had transitioned from despair to prosperity due to these initiatives.
Abubakar also addressed security concerns linked to resource scarcity, which had often fuelled conflicts in fragile regions.
He said during the convention the agency participated in the “Middle East Greening Initiative,” where the agency shared its experience with large-scale greening efforts.
He said NAGGW also hosted a side event on integrating women and youth into land restoration efforts, highlighting grassroots success stories from rural Nigeria.
“The agency’s commitment to inclusive development inspired many stakeholders, positioning NAGGW as a leader in community-driven solutions for land restoration,” Abubakar said.
Over 230 experts from over 70 countries will gather at the Scoping Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 9 to 13, 2024, to draft the outlines of the three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Jim Skea, IPCC Chair
Working Group contributions are the three key pillars of the IPCC’s periodical assessment reports. They include the Working Group I report on the Physical Science Basis, the Working Group II report on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability and the Working Group III report on Mitigation of Climate Change.
“This is the critical first step in shaping the contents of our next report assessing the science related to climate change. In this meeting, experts will consider the scientific substance and draft the overall structure of the three Working Group contributions for governments to consider and agree upon in the Panel’s upcoming Plenary scheduled for February next year,” said IPCC Chair, Jim Skea.
The Panel decided to produce its Seventh Assessment Report in January 2024 during its 60th Plenary Session in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The Seventh Assessment Report comprises the three Working Group contributions and a Synthesis Report which the IPCC decided should be ready in 2029. The Synthesis Report, which will draw together findings from the three Working Group contributions and a Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, will be the subject of a further scoping meeting.
The full set of reports assessing the latest climate change science during the seventh assessment cycle includes the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, a Methodology Report on Short-lived Climate Forcers, a Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage and a revision and an update of the 1994 IPCC Technical Guidelines on Impacts and Adaptation including adaptation indicators, metrics and guidelines. The latter will be developed in conjunction with the Working Group II report and published as a separate product.
The Seventh Assessment Report will assess scientific findings that have been published since the completion of the Sixth Assessment Report in March 2023.
The Sixth Assessment Report clearly stated that in 2020 global warming reached 1.1°C, above pre-industrial level, driven by more than a century of burning fossil fuels as well as unequal and unsustainable energy and land use. This has resulted in more frequent and more intense extreme weather events that have caused increasingly dangerous impacts on nature and people in every region of the world. Impacts are expected to intensify with every fraction of additional warming, particularly for the most vulnerable communities, accounting for 3.3 – 3.6 billion people.
This report underlined the urgency of transformative adaptation and immediate emissions reductions. It also noted that there are tools, such as renewable energy, and options across all sectors to limit warming to 1.5°C, but that progress needs to accelerate as the chances of achieving that goal are becoming increasingly thin.
Following the AR7 Scoping Meeting, IPCC Bureau Members will take part in a symposium on bridging climate science and policy to accelerate climate action organised by the government of Malysia, the British High Commission in Malaysia and the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday, December 4, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, expressed profound gratitude to industry stakeholders, top-ranking vendors and staff of the Board for their contributions to the success of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum 2024.
Participants at the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum 2024 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
Speaking at the official closing ceremony of the four-day event at the Conference Centre of the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), he said their active participation enriched discussions as the Board charts a pathway to the next frontier for Nigerian Content implementation.
Ogbe reiterated the Board’s determination to deepen engagements with local communities and oil and gas industry players through sundry schemes newly introduced, such as the Back-to-the-Creeks Initiative, the Revised Nigerian Content Community Contractors Financing Scheme, Nigerian Content Academy, and creation of more conducive and befitting zonal offices to enhance service delivery by the Board.
According to him, the Back-to-the-Creeks policy is “designed to equip youths in our communities with the skills to meet industry demands” through improvement of basic educational facilities and motivation of teachers. In regard to the Contractors Financing Scheme, he explained that the Board has increased the single obligor limit from N20 million to N100 million.
“What that does,” he noted, “is that it gives more opportunities for local contractors to be able to access higher figures” to enable them to secure and execute meaningful contracts in the oil and gas industry. In that way, the Scheme would serve as a mechanism “to bring the benefits of local content to communities.”
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, expressed joy that the Board’s partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) is working well, that “performance is at optimal level,” and that the new funding scheme would be hugely beneficial to local contractors.
On the Nigerian Content Academy, he said NCDMB has the experience, the capacity in-house, and “the understanding of what it means to practise Nigerian Content,” having done that for 14 years, and that he believed the industry would take advantage of what the training facility has to offer.
Acknowledging the invaluable input of experts of diverse backgrounds in various panel discussions that held on Tuesday and Wednesday (December 3 and 4), Ogbe requested the NCDMB partner, DMG Events Limited, “to develop key actionable points” from the PNC Forum “that will guide the industry” as it moves to the next frontier of Nigerian Content implementation.
He assured all industry stakeholders that the Board would continue to collaborate with them to fulfil its mandate as set out in its enabling statute, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010.
Earlier in the day, resource persons made presentations on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and Marine Accelerator Programme (an initiative of the Oil Producers Trade Section, comprising the international oil companies), as well as a Spotlight on ‘Youth Empowerment Pathways.’
The Senior Trade Policy and Law Expert at the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, Abuja, Mr. Olusegun Olutayo, who spoke on the topic “AfCFTA: A Panacea for Africa’s Economic Rebirth,” explained the potential benefits of the Agreement by throwing light on its eight Protocols, namely, Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Rules and Procedures on the Settlement of Disputes, Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), Investment, Competition Policy, Digital Trade, and Women and Youth in Trade.
According to him, “It is within these Eight Protocols that that prosperity, that integration, that economic revolution, that industrialisation, actually comes,” arguing that “AfCFTA is the way to go.” AfCFTA came into force in 2018 after ratification in Rwanda in July 2028, with the aim of facilitating economic integration, trade and investment among African countries.
On the Marine Accelerator Programme (MAP), sponsored by the OPTS in conjunction with the NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) and based in Bonny, Rivers State, the issue, according to the presenter, was: “A Quality Reassessment shows that the challenges in the marine services industry four years ago still persist.” Definite measures were required to make offshore operations in the industry safer through MAP.
The pilot programme, consisting of seven modules, was launched in May 2025 and focused on priority vessels. With the remarkable success of the pilot phase, the OPTS is set to launch the next wave of the marine accelerator training in the first quarter of 2025.
The Spotlight on Youth Empowerment Pathway focused on “The YEP Model: A Unique Approach to Employment,” and was presented by Mr. Tunji Idowu, Executive Director and Managing Trustee, PIND.
It dwelt on Workforce Development, which highlighted the imperative and strategies for bridging skills gaps, among other things, ecosystem strengthening, government engagement and partnerships, as well as YEP’s future vision-scaling for sustainability.
Panel discussions in three different sessions dwelt on “Nigerian Content Beyond Borders,” “Nigerian Content from the Grassroots: Community Capacity Building,” and “From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Domestication for Economic Development.”
Under “Nigerian Content Beyond Borders,” sub-topics were “Examining the major barriers hindering cross-border value chains – regulations, documentation, logistics and supply chain, costs, etc.,” “What steps are being taken to enforce standardization? How Can we prove that Nigeria meets global standards,” “What incentives exist to further encourage the export of local capacity and enhance Nigeria’s presence in international markets?”
The panellists were Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation in NCDMB, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr. Paul Clement Pankes, Group Head – Chemical Technology, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Dr. Doyle Edeni, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Seal Energy Group Inc. Moderator was Mrs. Bukola Adubi, Chief Executive Officer, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited, and President, Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
The second panel discussion, which centred on “Nigerian Content from the Grassroots: Community Capacity Development,” had as subtopics “Assessing the socio-economic impact of local content on host communities,” “What enabling structures have been built by the NCDMB to support the growth of community contractors? What gaps remain?” “Can shared asset responsibility within host communities be structured to achieve increased production levels?” and “How can research-based initiatives increase the impact of CSR on local content implementation?”
Panellists were Dr Ama Ikuru, Director, Corporate Services of NCDMB, Mr. Gorah Adams Ayuba, Deputy Director, Community Development and Education, Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Mr. Charles Epelle, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Mr. Enar Otuks, Oilserv, Mr. Tunji Idowu, PIND, and Engr. Obidike Uzu, Vice Chairman, PETAN, and Managing Director, Global Process Pipeline Services Limited. The moderator was Mr. Olanrewaju Olawuyi, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Shell.
The final panel discussion, titled “From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Domestication for Economic Development,” had as subtopics “Outlining the limitations of the local supply chain, what funding and capacity building strategies are required?” “What are the main barriers to entry for manufacturers in the oil and gas space? How can the government develop an enabling environment for local manufacturers to thrive?” “What opportunities have the NCDMB’s R&D initiatives unlocked for the oil and gas sector over the years?” “What local content opportunities exist in the national adoption of CNG utilisation? How can indigenous companies tap in
Panellists were Mr. Ene Ette, General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics, NCDMB, George Onafowokan, Managing Director, Coleman Cables and Wires, Engr. Tari Mayor-Bright, Sovereign and Subnational Coordinator, Presidential CNG Initiative, Mrs. Iroghama Ogbeifun, Managing Director and CEO, Starz Investments Company Limited, and Ms. Patience Ranami Abah, Director-General, Bayelsa Investment Promotion Agency. The Moderator was Dr. Timi Austen-Peters, Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering Limited.
The PNC 2024, ended on Thursday, December 5, with site visit by oil and gas industry captains to First Marine and Engineering Services Limited (FMES) shore base facility in Yenagoa. It is the 13th edition of the annual event, which is dedicated to deepening Nigerian Content across the energy sector to support the country’s energy sufficiency goals.
Tantita Security Services Ltd. says it is targeting a $320 million carbon credit scheme for the Niger-Delta region, as part of efforts to drive community development and sustainable environment.
Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal
Capt. Waredi Enisuoh, Executive Director Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Service, said this at a lecture organised by Highstone Global University (HGU) Texas, USA, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State.
Enisuoh, who received an honorary doctorate degree at the event, spoke on the theme, “Sustainability Through Good Governance and Community Development”.
He explained that the carbon credit initiative would present a groundbreaking opportunity for communities within the maritime area.
According to him, many parts of the maritime area remain rich in vegetation, in spite of years of environmental degradation.
Enisuoh added that the goal of the company was to make the communities economically independent of oil and gas, by engaging them in carbon credit generation and carbon capture programme.
He said, according to research conducted in the region, mapped areas with approximately 50,000 trees could generate $320 million annually, providing a sustainable alternative income stream for the people.
However, he cautioned that the figure would require scientific validation and alignment with Nigeria’s Climate Change Act of 2021 to ensure long-term success.
“Our commitment is 100 per cent because we are in a contract, we are not just in it for the money but because it’s all about our environment.
“We do not want a situation where our future generation has nothing to fall back on in terms of the environment,” he said.
Enisuoh said that there was so much degradation in the past but added that work was being done to recapture the environment.
He also appreciated the Federal Government for giving the company the opportunity.
“We are not in anyway going to abrogate the responsibility towards our own environment. We will continue to sensitise the community to take their eyes off nefarious activities in the area.
“We will try as much as possible to change the behavioral activities of the community to ensure that investors come to the place with peace of mind and jobs to create,” he said.
Acknowledging the progress made in restoring the Niger Delta’s ecosystem, Enisuoh credited the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC) Pipeline Protection Programme, and the continuity of environmental policies from the previous administration to the current government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, these efforts have led to a resurgence of marine life in previously degraded waters, with fish, crayfish, and other aquatic species gradually returning.
In spite of the achievements, Enisuoh emphasised on the challenges posed by illegal ships entering Nigerian waters and advised on the need for stricter maritime security.
Prof. Jasper Ikpesu, a lecturer/HSE Manager at Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, said that the path to sustainability was deeply intertwined with good governance, human development, and active community participation.
“By fostering transparent governance, empowering individuals through education and health, and leveraging the strength of communities, we can create a sustainable future for all.
“It requires a concerted effort and commitment from governments, institutions, and individuals to work collaboratively towards shared sustainable goals,” he said.
The High Global University is an online university based in Texas, USA, founded in 2019 with the mission to empower working adults by providing accessible, high quality and affordable education.
Its wide range of flexible degree programme is designed to cater to the unique needs of students whether as an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate qualification, or professional development.
Enisuoh and 17 others were given HGU Lifetime Achievement/Sustainable Development Award, while 16 other persons were given Excellence Leadership Award.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has dismissed reports of the presence of the COVID-19 variant known as XEC in Nigeria, urging citizens to disregard misinformation circulating on social media.
Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare
The ministry said this in a statement signed by Mr. Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Abuja.
Balogun reassured the public that no evidence supported the detection of the XEC variant within the country.
The XEC variant of COVID-19, first identified in Australia, has reportedly spread to 29 countries.
It is noted for its increased virulence. While the global spread has raised concerns, the ministry clarified that Nigeria remained unaffected.
“We urge the public to stay calm and maintain universal health precautions, including regular hand washing,” he said.
To strengthen preparedness, said that the ministry was talking measures to safeguard public health.
He listed the measures as enhanced through intensified monitoring efforts, improved healthcare facilities, and public resources.
Balogun also addressed a letter with reference number DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, dated Dec. 5, which has been widely shared online.
He described the letter as fake and urged the public to disregard its content.
“As part of our responsibility to coordinate, monitor and evaluate response activities, the Federal Ministry of Health remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services in the event of any outbreak,” he said.
He emphasised the ministry’s proactive approach to monitoring emerging infectious diseases and reaffirmed its dedication to protecting public health. Regular updates will be provided to keep Nigerians informed of any developments.
The XEC variant of COVID-19 is a recombinant strain.
It results from the combination of genetic material from two or more existing variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Recombinant variants can emerge when different strains infect the same individual and exchange genetic material during replication.
This process may lead to new variants with unique properties, such as increased transmissibility, virulence, or resistance to immunity.
In the case of XEC, it was reportedly first detected in Australia and has been identified in multiple countries globally.
According to experts, it has raised concerns due to its potentially increased virulence, which could strain healthcare systems if not managed effectively.
Although it has spread to 29 countries, there is no evidence of its presence in Nigeria, as confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Authorities globally are monitoring the variant closely to assess its impact and ensure that public health measures remain effective.
The Lagos State Government, through its relevant agencies, on Friday, December 6, 2024, issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of Lagos Island to clean up their environment.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
The move aims at addressing growing environmental concerns, including blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and illegal constructions.
The agencies are Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), office of drainage services and water resources and office of environment services, both from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
Speaking at a sensitisation forum with the residents, the General Manager, LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki, said there would be strict enforcement on illegal and unauthorised building activities, particularly those encroaching on drainage channels.
Oki said, “The nonchalant attitude of some Lagos Island residents towards environmental issues is unacceptable. We are issuing a two-week ultimatum for immediate improvement.
“We have observed numerous instances of illegal constructions, such as shops built on top of drainage systems and shops spilling onto roads.
“Additionally, many residents use their cars as makeshift shops, causing traffic congestion and obstructing pedestrian walkways.
“The Lagos State Government will no longer tolerate such disregard for environmental regulations. We have issued a stern warning to all offenders and will take necessary enforcement actions.’’
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mr Mahmood Adegbite, urged residents of Lagos Island to have a change of attitude toward infrastructure, particularly regarding waste disposal.
He urged them to clear their drains and avoid dumping waste into them, adding that the government planned to expand roads and drainage channels.
Adegbite called on the community to work together with the government to improve the local environment and maintain the new infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment Services, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, also urged the residents to cooperate and change their behaviours, particularly regarding waste disposal.
He told the people that the government would be implementing projects to mitigate flooding risks and enhance the overall environment.
He encouraged the residents to work with the government and ensure responsible waste disposal, using authorised disposal services, and avoid littering drainage systems.
Tajudeen emphasised the importance of these measures for public health and safety, saying that improper waste disposal could contribute to waterborne diseases and other health issues.
The Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr Folawiyo Muibi, appealed to residents to refrain from dumping refuse into the drainages and maintain a clean environment.
He urged them to also seek assistance from the council if they needed help with waste disposal or other related issues.
Muibi expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the planned road infrastructure improvements on Lagos Island East LCDA.
He highlighted the significance of these projects for the community and emphasised the importance of community cooperation to ensure their successful implementation.
The Community Development Committee Chairman, Lagos Island, Chief Elemoro Martins, expressed support for the government’s initiative to improve the environment on Lagos Island.
He also recognised the importance of community engagement in achieving this goal and pledged to convey the message to residents.
The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Baku, Azerbaijan from Monday, November 11 to 22, 2024.
EnviroNews photographer, Mayowa Adebote, captured some colourful details of the global summit.
Welcome to the COP: COP29 entrance. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS STUDIOS
Corridor between the Blue Zone and Green Zone adorned with flags. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS-STUDIOS
A side event at the Brazil Pavilion. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote
Representatives of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment at the Nigerian Pavilion during COP29. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS STUDIOS
Protesters demonstrating in the corridor during the COP29 conference. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS STUDIOS
A side event organised by Nurses Across the Borders, an NGO. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS STUDIOS
A side event featuring the environment minister, Balarabe, Abbas Lawal, at the Nigeria Pavilion. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS STUDIOS
Panel discussants at a side event at the Nigeria Pavilion. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS-STUDIOS
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, being interviewed by members of the press at the Nigerian Pavilion during COP29 in Baku. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote / MARQUESS STUDIOS
Cross-cutting experts in the environmental community have called for urgent changes in Nigeria’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act to tackle its inadequacies.
Participants at the stakeholders’ national dialogue on the EIA Act in Abuja
Giving the charge at a one-day stakeholders’ national dialogue on the EIA Act hosted by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) in partnership with OXFAM in Nigeria and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Abuja, the group emphasises that the proposed amendments should reflect current ecological and socioeconomic realities.
The talk, themed “Engaging Stakeholders on Nigeria’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act,” brought together environmental specialists, policymakers, civil society organisations, and corporate sector representatives to brainstorm about the Act, which was last amended in 2004.
Significant flaws in the present legislation were noted by the participants, including its outdated provisions, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate attention to new problems like biodiversity loss and climate change.
The absence of meaningful participation of local people in environmental decision-making processes was also spotted by the stakeholders as another important problem that the legislative framework must take into consideration.
In his keynote speech, GIFSEP Executive Director, Dr. David Michael Terungwa, underlined how important it is for Nigeria to bring its environmental regulations into line with international best practices.
According to the environmental rights advocate, the alignment is critical since the EIA Act, as it currently stands, has struggled to keep up with evolving problems, despite the fact that environmental sustainability is at the heart of sustainable growth.
This is why, he continued, the conversation marks a key step by his organisation in contributing to tackling the issue and ensuring that development projects in the country do not harm the environment, biodiversity, or future generations.
He drew the participants’ attention to the Act’s recent extensive media coverage, particularly in view of the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which he acknowledged is essential to accomplishing the country’s economic goals since it promotes trade, transportation, and general socioeconomic development.
“However, it is imperative that such development does not come at the expense of crucial social and environmental considerations that underpin sustainable development,” he stated.
In an exclusive interview with Professor Jude Nduka Omeje from the University of Abuja, at the sideline of the event, he said there is a need for a more effective EIA Act that will be holistic in adapting to emerging issues.
“When this Act was enacted, there were some issues that are challenging to us today that were not there before,” he observed, adding that when the act was promulgated, “emphasis was made on developmental issues, oil and gas, and mining, but today, there are direct impacts of activities that may not be developmental activities but projects.”
The academia hinted that several government projects, such as mass housing, have unintended consequences on the environment, such as deforestation. “When you build two houses, you replant trees there so that it will cushion the effects of climate change,” he advised.
Prof. Omeje’s submission underscored the importance of scaling up data collection as part of actions to reduce environmental risks.
The event’s discussions focused on crucial areas that require transformation in the Act. Stakeholders, including officials from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja Geographic Information Service, Department of Climate Change, and others, stressed the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent ecologically hazardous projects from skipping due procedure.
They also argued for the inclusion of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in the EIA framework to ensure its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world, as well as the inclusion of host communities’ perspectives and interests in the environmental assessment process.
To solve these problems, numerous recommendations were made. These include amending the Act to require frequent environmental audits, imposing stiffer fines for noncompliance, and strengthening regulatory agencies’ capabilities to increase oversight and enforcement. Public awareness programs were also proposed to educate stakeholders on the need of following EIA protocols.
At the end of the exercise, everyone agreed that modernising the EIA Act is essential to reaching Nigeria’s sustainability objectives. By fixing its present hitches, the nation can better safeguard its ecosystems, manage its natural resources, and slow down environmental deterioration.
The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) on Friday, December 6, 2024, trained locals in the Niger Delta on how to transit from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Participants at one of HOMEF training sessions
The training, which was held in Benin, brought together community leaders, youths, and women from various Niger Delta communities, particularly from the oil producing communities.
Babawale Obayanju, a renowned environmentalist, delivered the first lecture, which focused on understanding the concept of just energy transition and the need to defund fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy.
Obayanju emphasised that a just energy transition was crucial for addressing climate change and ensuring energy justice for all.
According to him, the current energy system, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, was unsustainable and has devastating impacts on the environment and local communities.
Obayanju stressed that a transition to renewable energy sources was necessary to mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future.
The activist, who described just energy transition as shift in energy source to more sustainable forms in a morally right and fair manner, said the locals must restrict any transition, which did not take them into consideration.
“Just energy transition is not just about ending the era of fossil fuels, it is about doing it in a fair way that benefits the community.
“As local communities, you will need to build your knowledge. If any energy project is brought to your communities and you need to donate land, you must first assess what can be the environmental impact of such.
“Position yourself in a right place and ask good questions. Access necessary knowledge before taking a decision on such project,” he said.
He enlightened the participants to always consider their means of livelihood, their women and children and to be more circumspect.
On his part, Cadmus Atake-Enade, another environmental expert, centred his lecture on the use of cultural tools for resistance.
Atake-Enade underscored the importance of cultural heritage in the struggle for environmental justice.
According to him, cultural tools, such as traditional music, dance, and art, can be effective instruments for resistance against environmental degradation and injustice.
Atake-Enade encouraged the participants to harness their cultural heritage to mobilise their communities against environmental threats, without resorting to violence.
The training encouraged the participants to demand inclusive and participatory approaches to energy transition and the need to ensure their rights and interests are respected.
