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WaterAid, PepsiCo Foundation wrap up transformative WASH project in Lagos

Michael Simire
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WaterAid, PepsiCo Foundation wrap up transformative WASH project in Lagos

WaterAid Nigeria has officially closed out its three-year Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Improvement Project, funded by the PepsiCo Foundation, with a call on beneficiary communities, schools, and government authorities to ensure the sustainability of the interventions across Lagos State.

The event, held as a closeout meeting with key stakeholders, brought together representatives from the Lagos State Government, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), education districts, community development committees (CDCs), and school management authorities.

The project, implemented across three LCDAs, provided sustainable access to clean water, improved sanitation, and hygiene education to thousands of residents and students in underserved communities.

WaterAid
Participants at the WaterAid, PepsiCo Foundation closeout meeting in Lagos

Speaking at the event, Dr. Adebayo Alao, Lagos State Lead of WaterAid, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high standards in all water interventions.

“If you treat to quality, you treat to standard. Once facilities are not built to standard, they fail easily,” Dr. Alao said. “That is why WaterAid has resolved to stop rehabilitating old boreholes we have no history of. Instead, we build new ones that meet required quality standards.”

Dr. Alao explained that the decision was informed by experiences showing that many previously existing boreholes had unknown drilling depths, poor quality materials, or inadequate treatment systems, making maintenance difficult.

“Every community or school deserves facilities that meet the right standards. However, maintenance must be the responsibility of the beneficiaries,” he added. “That’s why we are involving state and local governments, school authorities, and community representatives – to ensure that everyone plays a role in sustaining what we have built.”

He further urged schools to appoint “hygiene champions” to promote proper sanitation practices among students, adding that children should be seen as change agents capable of influencing hygiene culture in society.

Mr. Godfrey Iloha, WaterAid Nigeria’s WASH Manager, outlined the project’s major achievements, highlighting that it had delivered on all four of its primary objectives.

“The PepsiCo-funded project provided access to safe water and sanitation, empowered women, promoted hygiene behavior change, and strengthened systems within the state,” Iloha said.

“We directly reached over 43,000 people through water and sanitation infrastructure, and more than 100,000 others through hygiene behavior campaigns.”

He noted that 35 female local area mechanics were trained to operate and maintain solar-powered water systems – empowering women economically and technically.

The project also supported the Lagos State Government in developing a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework, laying the groundwork for a state-level Management Information System (MIS) for WASH interventions.

“Sustainability is key. Communities must take ownership, protect facilities against vandalism, and continue to engage government for support,” he urged.

Community leaders from beneficiary LCDAs expressed gratitude for the project’s impact on schools and residents.

Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, CDC Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, lauded the transformation brought by the intervention.

“Before WaterAid came, there was nothing to write home about in those schools. Today, the facilities are functional and have brought relief to our communities,” he said.

“We have taken ownership of the projects. The council’s WASH department now monitors the facilities, and our female mechanics are on standby for maintenance.”

Similarly, Comrade Segun Fayemi, CDC Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, said the initiative improved collaboration between schools and communities.

“There’s now better synergy between the schools, administrators, and communities,” Fayemi noted. “The project has raised awareness about hygiene and even changed policies – for instance, principals no longer accept sanitary donations without verification from district authorities” Fayemi noted. 

Dr. Kudirat Olubukunola Adeyemi, Environmental Officer for Education District VI, said the interventions significantly enhanced the learning environment in beneficiary schools.

“The improved toilet and water facilities at Academia Junior Grammar School and Odundu Junior High School have increased punctuality and attendance. Students now have access to clean, functional conveniences, which has boosted concentration and learning outcomes,” she said.

Dr. Adeyemi, delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of District VI, Mrs. Yusuf Mojisola Christiana, also appealed for the continuation and expansion of the partnership.

“While this is a closeout event, we believe the PepsiCo–WaterAid collaboration should be renewed and extended to more schools,” she stated.

Grace Uwadiale, WaterAid’s WASH Officer, emphasised the importance of sustaining the facilities and structures built through the project.

“We’ve established local WASH structures such as community WASH committees and school Environmental Health Clubs. These systems are meant to ensure long-term maintenance and sustainability. We don’t want to take over government’s role. Our goal is to influence policy and encourage government to replicate and scale up these models across other communities and institutions,” she explained.

Dr. Alao also revealed that while PepsiCo Foundation’s support has ended, discussions are ongoing with DP World, another global donor, to continue advancing WaterAid’s large-scale water supply initiatives targeting up to 1 million people in the future.

Over the past three years, the WaterAid–PepsiCo partnership has shown that strategic collaboration, community ownership, and system strengthening can drive lasting improvements in public health and education.

As the project closes, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining its legacy – ensuring that every community continues to enjoy the benefits of safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene for all.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Over 600 African faith leaders demand reparations from Gates Foundation

Michael Simire
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Over 600 African faith leaders demand reparations from Gates Foundation

A continental call for justice is rising from Africa’s faith communities. Well over 600 faith leaders from across the continent have signed a renewed open letter to the Gates Foundation, demanding reparations for the ecological and social harm caused by industrial agriculture and urging a just transition toward agroecology.

The milestone marks a surge in support for the campaign, led by the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and supported by networks such as the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA). The letter continues and strengthens the first direct appeal to the Gates Foundation in 2020, to end funding for the failing Green Revolution model in Africa, which seeks to change African seed laws and industrialise farming production.

Gates Foundation
Doreen Badze, a traditional healer and agroecologist, leads the way in restoring Africa’s food sovereignty. From planting seeds to harvesting nutritious crops like spinach and okra, she demonstrates how women farmers are healing the land, empowering communities, and nurturing sustainable, ecologically sound food systems

The updated letter, officially launched at the “Advancing Gender Equity in Climate Leadership” evening event on Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (October 29, 2025), underscores a growing consensus among faith, traditional, and community leaders that Africa’s food future must be locally rooted, ecologically sound, and socially just. Their call comes amid mounting evidence that hunger has risen by over 30% in countries targeted by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), despite more than US$1 billion invested.

“Instead of lifting farmers out of poverty, AGRA’s industrial agriculture model has deepened financial dependency, depleted soil fertility, and undermined the sovereignty and resilience of smallholder communities in Africa. Therefore, as we launch this letter, we call upon the Gates Foundation to pay reparations to the smallholder farmers in Africa who have been affected by the industrial agriculture that the Foundation supports,” said Gabriel Manyangadze, Food and Climate Justice Manager at SAFCEI.

“We have seen a rise in hunger, a decline in nutrient-rich local crops, and a rash of new policies that undermine farmers’ rights over their own seeds. It is time for the Gates Foundation to reconsider its approach, acknowledge the harm caused, and invest in restoring the resilience of Africa’s farmers and ecosystems,” adds Manyangadze, who continues to monitor and track their actions, and engage in a number of different spaces related to their funded efforts.

The movement’s growing momentum underscores the moral and ecological urgency of reimagining food systems in line with the principles of justice, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Women’s leadership stands at the heart of this call for transformation. “Reparations matter now because decades of industrial agriculture-driven harm demand a restorative turn,” said Ulfat Masibo, Executive Director of the Africa Muslim Women Action Network in Kenya. “As faith communities, we have a duty to protect life, dignity, and the land. Funders and policymakers must invest in repair, uplift women’s leadership, and support local, resilient food systems that nurture rather than exploit creation.”

From rural Zimbabwe, traditional healer and agroecologist, Doreen Badze, shared a grounded perspective on what reparations mean for women farmers. She says, “Chemical farming has harmed our soils and communities. Returning to agroecological ways restores the earth, honours the Creator, and reconnects us to our ancestral wisdom. Reparations are not just about money – they are about healing our relationship with the land and each other.”

Faith leaders argue that the continued promotion of industrial farming models by the Gates Foundation, through programmes like AGRA, undermines the very goals of ending hunger and poverty. Independent research from Tufts University and other institutions has revealed that the Green Revolution in Africa has failed to deliver promised yield increases or improve rural livelihoods, while depleting natural resources and reducing biodiversity. Instead, agroecology – a holistic, locally-led approach to farming – has emerged as a proven pathway to food sovereignty, ecological restoration, and climate resilience.

Francesca de Gasparis, SAFCEI’s Executive Director, emphasised that faith communities are not only moral voices but active agents of change. “Across the continent, people of faith and institutions such as churches, mosques, temples, as well as traditional leaders are standing together to defend life and the integrity of the land, and the whole of creation.

This growing alliance of well over 600 faith leader signatories shows the strength in a united call for reparations and a radical shift toward agroecology, with supporting organisations and individuals we are near to 1000 signatories. Now is the time for funders, governments, and policymakers to listen and act.”

The campaign’s timing is strategic. With international funders reviewing climate and agricultural portfolios, ahead of major global summits, African voices are demanding a seat at the table. Development financing must no longer deepen dependency or ecological destruction but should instead nurture community-led, gender-just, and ecologically regenerative farming systems that protect both people and the planet.

SAFCEI is urging all faith-based and community organisations, as well as members of the public to sign the letter and stand in solidarity with African faith leaders and call for reparations and a just transition. The letter will remain open for additional signatures until the end of November 2025, when it will be formally delivered to the Gates Foundation.

IPCC agrees on scientific content of remaining methodology report in seventh assessment cycle 

Michael Simire
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IPCC agrees on scientific content of remaining methodology report in seventh assessment cycle 

The member governments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agreed on the scientific content of the 2027 Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage at the Panel’s 63rd Plenary session, which closed this evening in Lima, Peru.

This is one of two methodology reports of the seventh assessment cycle. Carbon Dioxide Removal refers to anthropogenic activities that remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it durably in geological reservoirs or in products.

The decision opens the next important stage in the report production in which member governments, observer organisations, and IPCC Bureau members will nominate experts to serve as authors.

Jim Skea
Jim Skea, IPCC Chair

With this decision, the entire scientific content of all planned reports for the seventh assessment cycle has been agreed upon, clearing the way for their production.

The Panel also agreed on the 2026 workplan for the three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). The Panel invited the three Working Groups to continue their work by convening Lead Author meetings and other activities planned and budgeted for 2026. The work on the three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report will kick off in Paris already in December this year with the first-ever joint Lead Author meeting.

“Panel’s decisions in Lima give strong impetus to our work on our methodology reports and ensure the continuity of IPCC scientific activities and operations related to the production of the three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report,” said IPCC Chair, Jim Skea.

The three Working Group contributions assess the physical science basis of climate change; impacts, adaptation and vulnerability; and mitigation of climate change.

The Panel also approved IPCC’s overall budget for 2026.

Plateau, Chinese outfit sign N13.5bn contract to rehabilitate water treatment plants

Michael Simire
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Plateau, Chinese outfit sign N13.5bn contract to rehabilitate water treatment plants

The Plateau State Government has signed a N13.5 billion contract with the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) to rehabilitate the Laminga and Yakubu Gowon water treatment plants in the state.

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang signed the contract on behalf of the state government on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Jos, the state capital.

Mutfwang, represented by Mr. Samuel Jatau, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said the move indicated government’s effort towards the provision of potable water to residents of the greater Jos Master Plan.

Caleb Mutfwang
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State

Mutfwang explained that the bidding for contract, which went through due and deligent process, was later awarded to CGC.

The governor, who explained that the rehabilitation of the treatment plants was time bound, said that the projects would be completed in December 2026.

He called on the contractor to execute the projects based on the stipulated guidelines, quality and standards.

Mutfwang assured the contractor of the availability of funds towards err the completion of the projects within the specified timeframe.

Earlier, Mr. Apollos Samchi, the Managing Director of the Jos Water Services Corporation (JWSC), commended the governor for paying the counterpart fund to the French Development Agency (AFD) for the execution of the projects.

Samchi said that the projects, inherited from the previous administration was stalled due to lack of counterpart funding.

“The Yakubu Gowon water treatment plant which provides 80 per cent of the water within Jos and environs has not been rehabilitated in the last 50 years.

“So, we commend our governor for releasing the counterpart funds for these critical projects.

“By the time these treatment plants are rehabilitated it will boost our capacity to ensure effective water circulation within Jos and environs,” he said.

The managing director further commended the governor for providing three water tankers to corporation and for rehabilitating 60 motorised boreholes and 300 wells in areas yet to be reticulated.

Responding, Mr. Ke You Cheng, the Team Lead of CGC, promised to deliver the projects within specification and record time.

By Blessing Odega

GIFSEP seeks urgent action on women inclusion in energy transition

Michael Simire
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GIFSEP seeks urgent action on women inclusion in energy transition

The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), an NGO, has called for urgent action to ensure women’s full and equitable inclusion in energy transition.

Dr Michael David, the Executive-Director of GIFSEP, made the call on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Abuja while addressing a news conference.

“A just energy transition in Nigeria must prioritise equity, inclusiveness, and community ownership ensuring that no one, especially women and the poor, is left behind.

Dr Michael Terungwa David
Dr Michael Terungwa David

“Energy is not just power, it’s health, education, and opportunity. World leaders must remember that renewable energy access is not charity, it’s a human right

“Recognising this gap, GIFSEP has taken proactive steps to empower women as key drivers of Nigeria’s energy transition through the Women Voices for Renewable Energy in Nigeria initiative with support of Social Change Nest and Urban Movement Innovation Fund,” David explained.

He expressed concern that the persistent energy poverty stifles economic development, worsens inequality, and keeps millions trapped in cycles of hardship.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroad. The country’s dependence on oil, gas, and coal particularly in the Niger Delta and North Central regions continues to fuel greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and severe environmental degradation.

“Gas flaring and fossil fuel combustion release significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, driving both climate change and environmental injustice in host communities.

“For decades, the petroleum industry has caused untold damage to the environment and to the lives and livelihoods of local people especially women, who bear the brunt of poverty, health risks, and loss of livelihoods.

“Meanwhile, inspite of being Africa’s largest economy, over 85 million Nigerians more than 40 per cent of the population still lack access to electricity,” he said.

David further stated that families across rural Nigeria continue to depend on kerosene, firewood, and diesel generators options that are expensive, unsafe, and harmful to human health and the environment.

“The consequences are especially severe for women and girls, who spend hours fetching firewood and are exposed to dangerous indoor smoke, losing valuable time for education, income generation, and rest.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources, especially solar energy, with an average annual solar irradiation of 1,600-2,200 kWh/m².

“This potential can provide clean, affordable, and reliable power for homes, schools, clinics, and small businesses and transform the lives of millions,” he explained.

According to David, progress remains slow, hindered by weak implementation, policy inconsistency, and a growing skill gap in the renewable energy sector.

“Over the past three days, we held a Women for Renewable Energy Boot Camp, where we trained women and girls from fossil fuel-impacted communities to become solar technicians and clean energy advocates.

“Through hands-on sessions and mentorship, participants gained practical skills in solar installation, maintenance, and community energy education, preparing them to return to their communities as both practitioners and change agents for renewable energy adoption.”

He called on government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to invest in women-led renewable energy solutions and scale up climate and adaptation finance that directly reaches local communities as the world prepares for COP 30.

Responding, Mrs. Dorcas Nicarnor, Project Lead, Empowering Women Voices for Renewable Energy commended GIFSEP for the Women for Renewable Energy Boot Camp, saying that the opportunity would help them lend their voices on renewable energy.

By Abigael Joshua

ACReSAL inaugurates waste management facility, hands over 14 tricycles in FCT

Michael Simire
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ACReSAL inaugurates waste management facility, hands over 14 tricycles in FCT

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has inaugurated a waste management facility in Wako community and handed over 14 tricycles to support waste collection in Sheda, both in Kwali Area Council, FCT.

Inaugurating the facility, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Abdullahi Ango, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the facilities to boost economic activities in their areas.

He said the project was not limited only to Kwali Area Council but covers the entire Six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

Abdulhamid Umar
Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL)

Ango stated that the waste management facilities (toilets) provided for some communities in FCT and the tricycles and waste management Community Interest Groups (CIGs) in targeted catchment would improve sanitation and help to curb diseases outbreak.

According to him, the CIGs that benefited were selected because of the need assessment and their continued activities in the respected areas.

The Mandate secretary who is also the chairman of the ACReSAL project committee, revealed that more special projects were underway for some councils.

Mrs Caroline Opara, the FCT ACReSAL project coordinator, said the scheme was  designed to address community challenges under the new initiative and put an end to open defecation.

She said the  tricycles were given to Community Interest Groups (CIGs) that were committed to sustaining sanitation, ensuring that indiscriminate dumping of waste, and boosting of their economic life.

Opara said plans were in the pipeline by ACReSAL to execute a project that would address erosion in Gwagwalada Area Council.

Responding, Etsu Wako, Abdulazeez Usman, commended the ACReSAL and FCT Administration for considering rural dwellers, saying that the initiative was a thing of joy.

He pledged his leadership commitment to protecting the facility to serve the purpose that was constructed for.

The representative of the National project coordinator, Amina Mustapha, said the project would improve healthy environment across the FCT.

By Angela Atabo

Farmer arraigned over alleged destruction of crops, economic trees worth N3m

Michael Simire
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Farmer arraigned over alleged destruction of crops, economic trees worth N3m

A 55-year-old farmer, Sunday Olowosoga, on Friday, October 31, 2025, appeared before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, over alleged malicious damage of some crops and palm trees worth N3 million.

The defendant, whose address was not given, was facing a two-count charge bordering on misdemeanor and malicious damage.

The Police prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant and one other at large, on Sept. 11 at about 10.00 a.m at Lurere village in Ode-Irele, Ode-Irele magisterial district, conspired to commit misdemeanor.

Court
The farmer appeared in court over alleged malicious damage of some crops and palm trees worth N3 million

Orogbemi said the defendant, and one other at large, took a bulldozer to Lurere Village and destroyed some crops and young palm trees valued at N3 million.

According to the prosecutor, the destruction is over an undisclosed arguement with one Samuel Oyedele, the owner of the farmland.

He also said the defendant committed offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 517 and 457, Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Olarenwaju Adelegan, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1.2 million and one surety in like sum.

Adelegan added that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and also present evidence of two years tax payment to the state government.

He adjourned the case until Nov.10 for further hearing.

By Aderemi Bamgbose

Nigerian rivers face pollution challenges — Environmentalist

Michael Simire
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Nigerian rivers face pollution challenges — Environmentalist

An environmentalist with the Lower Niger River Basin Authority (LNRBA), Dr Olabisi Awoniyi, has warned that Nigerian rivers continue to face serious pollution challenges.

In an interview on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Awoniyi described rivers as synonymous with life, noting that they remained vital sources of sustenance for humans, animals, and plants.

He observed that Nigerian rivers suffered from significant pollution, mainly caused by industrial waste, poor sewage management, and agricultural runoff, among other factors.

River Niger
The River Niger

Awoniyi, who is an instructor and environmental scientist at the LNRBA, said rivers provide water, food, transportation, and energy, and in some areas have become cultural symbols – such as in the Argungu Fishing Festival.

“Through the rivers, we have our drinking water, it supports agriculture through irrigation, and fisheries,” he said.

According to him, rivers provide transport, generate energy through hydropower and support biodiversity; aquatic plants and animals.

He, however, lamented that there were many challenges facing our rivers and that all livelihoods that rally round them were under serious threats, saying this was detrimental to the existence of man.

He described pollution as the introduction of harmful or contaminating substances, or even excess natural materials into the environment at a rate faster than it could disperse, dilute, or decompose.

According to Awoniyi, the result is a negative effects on ecosystems and human health.

“So when harmful substances such as industrial waste, human waste in form of sewage, chemicals and plastics are introduced into our rivers, they become polluted and the effects are better imagined,” he said.

The environmental scientist explained that the Asa River in Ilorin serves as a confluence where other rivers and streams emptied their waters, adding that Asa is a tributary of the River Niger.

“Research findings have shown bacteriological contamination, high faecal coliform counts, and elevated physicochemical parameters downstream of urban and industrial discharges recorded in the river,” he said.

He noted that a healthy community thrived when its rivers were protected and appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in gutters and channeling sewage into rivers.

“Whatever you do to the rivers have a way of coming back to you. Let us organise community clean-ups to remove plastics and waste from the rivers.

“Plant trees along riverbanks to reduce erosion and organise community education and advocacy programmes to raise awareness in rural and urban areas on the need to protect our rivers,” he advised.

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

COP30: Tinubu approves national carbon market framework

Michael Simire
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COP30: Tinubu approves national carbon market framework

President Bola Tinubu has approved the adoption of National Carbon Market Framework, the operationalisation of the Climate Change Fund and the restoration of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to the budget line.

The approvals followed a presentation by the Director-General of NCCC, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, at the second meeting of the council held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said the approvals were part of measures by his administration to position Nigeria to leverage opportunities in the global carbon market.

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

The Nigerian leader also said that the measure would enable the country to be more active in climate change ecosystem.

He explained that the goal was to establish and manage Nigeria’s participation in carbon markets, enabling the nation to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade to help meet climate goals.

Tinubu also set the agenda for Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) scheduled for Belem, Brazil.

He said that  the focus was to harness all of the opportunities for financing climate resilient projects and related interventions, particularly from the global carbon market.

Tinubu said his administration recognises the fact that addressing climate change is not just an environment imperative but an opportunity to unlock new investments, jobs and innovations across the nation’s energy, agriculture and industrial sectors.

He said, “Nigeria stands ready to take its rightful place as a global leader in climate action, ensuring that our voice and our reality are heard and respected in international negotiations.

“We have demonstrated this commitment through our active participation in the UNFCCC process.

“Our progress towards implementing our nationally determined contributions and our efforts to mobilise climate finance for adaption and mitigation across all levels of government.”

The president assured that as the Chairman of the council, Climate action would continue to be prioritized in his administration’s development agenda.

“We will continue to champion policies that protect our people, strengthen our economy and position Nigeria as a destination for green investment and innovation.’

Earlier, Majekodunmi informed the council chaired by vice-president that the meeting was timely ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) scheduled to hold in Brazil.

She said the deliberations and decisions of the council would shape how Nigeria is perceived globally and determine how effectively the country can mobilise support to achieve its climate goals.

The director-general expressed its commitment to providing the technical leadership and coordination needed to translate Nigeria’s climate goals into measurable results.

Presenting the council’s progress report, Majekodunmi disclosed that Nigeria is now eligible to access new rounds of climate finance from multilateral funds.

Highlighting the Secretariat’s key requests, she said the council sought the adoption of the National Carbon Market Framework to enable Nigeria unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade.

The council also requested the operationalisation of the Climate Change Fund to ensure immediate readiness for fund mobilisation and utilisation.

The final request was for the council to restore the NCCC budget line within the annual FAAC allocation to guarantee the financial stability of the Climate Change Fund.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, backed the couuncil Secretariat’s recommendations, noting that Nigeria must secure a strong position within the carbon framework.

He assured the council of his ministry’s support, including coordination with the ministry’s economic department to host a quarterly Climate Finance Tracking Dashboard.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Kunming Biodiversity Fund endorses first full-size projects to support global action on biodiversity

Michael Simire
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Kunming Biodiversity Fund endorses first full-size projects to support global action on biodiversity

The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) has announced the endorsement of 22 projects as the Fund’s first full-size projects. These projects will support 34 countries across all the regions and diverse ecosystems to achieve the global biodiversity commitments. 

Since its launch in May 2024, the Kunming Biodiversity Fund has been rapidly developing as a full-fledged fund. The Fund aims to support countries to accelerate implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (the KMGBF). The Fund prioritises implementing a whole-of-society approach to address nature and biodiversity loss, improving polices for biodiversity across all national and subnational levels, strengthening capacities and cooperation, and mobilizing additional resources. 

Inger Andersen
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, Inger Andersen. Photo credit: Eric Bridiers

“China has consistently advanced the global biodiversity conservation agenda with the strongest determination and most proactive approach. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund should adhere to the principles of international operation and multilateralism, uphold fairness, openness and transparency, strengthen the supervision and management of project implementation, and continuously monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of approved projects.” said Hiang Runqiu, Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China. 

According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), one million species are at risk of extinction largely due to human activities. Ecosystems on land and in the ocean have declined dramatically with three-quarters of the land-based environment and two-thirds of the marine environment significantly altered. This accelerating loss of biodiversity threatens the foundation of economies, livelihoods, food security, and health. The KMGBF provides the roadmap to halt and reverse this decline. 

“Globally, biodiversity is vanishing at an alarming pace. For this reason, the Kunming Biodiversity Fund is moving quickly – approving projects and channelling finance to developing countries that need it most. The 22 newly approved projects, that will benefit at least 34 countries, will fast-track efforts to halt and reverse nature loss in line with global goals. It is a strong start, but with much more to do, we invite other partners to join us and help mobilize additional funding,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. 

“The endorsement of these first full-size projects represents a significant step in implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Through the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, countries will be better equipped to align their national strategies and strengthen implementation to turn commitments into action. Continued investment and support will be vital to sustain momentum and tackle biodiversity loss,” said Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

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