Two organisations, Solidaridad and the Sustainable Trade Organisation (IDH), say they are committed to identifying actionable solutions to the traceability gaps in Nigeria’s palm oil supply chain.
Oil palm plantation
Mr Gabriel Fapojuwo, Country Representative, Solidaridad in Nigeria, spoke on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Abuja at a policy dialogue on the National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS).
The dialogue was titled “Nigeria Palm Oil Import – Export Corridor and the Traceability Gaps.’’
Fapojuwo said the dialogue was aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders in the oil palm sector, strengthening regulatory frameworks and upgrading infrastructure and technology in the oil palm sector.
“The dialogue also focuses on the alignment of practices in the oil palm sector in Nigeria with global market standards and ensure that smallholder farmers and local millers benefit equitably from the growth of the oil palm sector.”
Fapojuwo said the NISCOPS programme was building the capacity of smallholder oil palm farmers to bridge the demand and supply gaps.
“The first phase of the programme started in 2019 ended in 2023; we have started the second phase, and the target is to improve the yield and income of smallholder farmers through climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land use.
“We are not stopping at improving the yield; we have to prepare the Nigeria smallholder farmers for the requirements of international markets; hence, we are focusing on issues around traceability of the product,” Fapojuwo said.
Kenechukwu Onukwube, Programme Manager, Oil Palm, Solidaridad in Nigeria, said that the country’s palm oil sector, a vital contributor to its agricultural economy, faced significant challenges in meeting traceability and sustainability standards.
Onukwube said that the sector faced challenges in the context of global regulations like the European Union (EU) deforestation-free supply chain policy.
He said that, in spite of the country’s potential as a major palm oil producer, infrastructural deficiencies, limited digital adoption, weak policy enforcement and fragmented supply chains hindered effective traceability.
According to him, the challenges disproportionately affect smallholder farmers and local millers, limiting their access to lucrative export markets while risking non-compliance with global standards.
“Public-private collaboration and capacity-building initiatives are needed to address these systemic issues and create an inclusive, sustainable palm oil sector,’’ he said.
Mr Abraham Ogwu, Senior Programme Manager, IDH, said integrated approach was required to address the nation’s palm oil traceability gaps.
Ogwu identified such approach as the combination of regulatory reforms, technological advancement and collaborative efforts.
“Public and private sector stakeholders must work together to ensure that smallholder farmers and local millers benefit from the opportunities within the global palm oil market.
“This policy dialogue underscores the urgency of creating a resilient, inclusive and sustainable palm oil sector in Nigeria,” Abraham said.
Participants at the forum included the ministries of agriculture and environment at the federal and state levels and the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR).
Other participants are Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria (POFON), Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN), academics and private investors.
Solidaridad is an international CSO with the mandate of developing solutions to make communities more resilient and fostering more sustainable supply chains.
IDH is an international organisation that brings together public and private stakeholders to make global agricultural markets more sustainable and more inclusive,
IDH collaborates with organisations to develop solutions to critical challenges in global value chains, such as climate change, unfair working conditions and wages, unequal value distribution and gender inequality.
Four men on Friday, November 29, 2024, appeared before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly damaging economic trees worth N50 million.
Trees
The defendants are Bashiru Ige, 60, Abdulahi Bello, 60, Kazeem Folarin, 58 and Raheem Saheed, 45.
The defendants, whose house addresses were not provided, are being tried for charges bordering on land encroachment, malicious damage and conduct likely to cause the breach of peace.
They, however pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, ASP Anthony Igori told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Nov. 19, at Oyo town, Oyo State.
Igori alleged that the defendants encroached on the family estate of the complainant, Mr Adekunle Odunewu, and damaged economic trees worth N50 million.
He listed the damaged economic trees to include palm oil, cocoa, cherry, orange and kola nut trees.
Igori said the defendants also maliciously damaged pillars used for demarcation worth N2 million, belonging to Odunewu’s family.
He alleged that the defendants conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by preventing the Odunewu family from entering their land.
He said the offences contravened Sections 6, 9 of the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2016 and Sections 451 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Magistrate, Mr Olaolu Olanipekun, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N1 million each and one surety each in like sum.
He thereafter adjourned the case until Jan. 9, 2025, for hearing.
Chairman of China International Contractors Association (CHINCA), Mr. Fang Qiuchen, has revealed plans for China and Nigeria to collaborate on new energy projects, digital smart cities, and infrastructure development.
Mr Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of China international Contractors Association (CHINCA)
Fang made the announcement in Abuja at a sideline interview with newsmen during the opening of China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) Exhibition in Africa (Nigeria).
He said that the longstanding relationship between China and Nigeria, dating back to 1991, would be leveraged to share China’s advanced technology in various sectors, particularly infrastructure.
According to fang, the partnership would address Nigeria’s energy challenges and promoting sustainable urban development.
“The collaboration will leverage China’s advanced technologies and Nigeria’s vast resources to create a sustainable energy framework that will benefit both nations,” he said.
Fang stated that the projects would enhance energy access in Nigeria and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“Both China and Nigeria are exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data; cloud computing, and Al, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure. “ he said
Fang added that the partnership would facilitate investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy, aligning with global trends towards cleaner energy sources.
Also, the development of smart cities would integrate digital technologies to improve urban management and enhance the quality of life residents.
Mr. Xia Hao, Deputy Dean of the school of Economics and Trade at Hunan University, Changsha, said Nigeria’s large population and strong economic cooperation with china could accelerate its development in sectors like renewable energy and infrastructure.
Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, said the partnership aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that seeks to position Nigeria as a critical hub in West Africa.
Tegbe said the partnership would drive socio-economic growth by leveraging China’s advanced technology and expertise in infrastructure and capacity for investment.
The exhibitors include over 100 companies namely China Communication Construction (CCCC), Power China, China Energy, China Civil Engineering (CCECC), China Harbour Engineering, China Road & Bridge, CGCOC Group, Guangxi LiuGong Machinery and Zoomlion, among others.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria to have a methane tracker to reduce emissions in the oil and gas sector.
Methane emission: Gas flare site
The Executive Director of Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Adam Heal, made this known during a workshop titled “Presentation of the Prototype Methane Tracker” organised by SDN in collaboration with the Federal Government in Abuja.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during oil and gas production, processing, and transportation.
Heal said that methane affected climate change by contributing to increased warming, and reducing its emissions is critical to mitigating it.
He, therefore, said that methane tracker would enable Nigeria to monitor methane emissions, have credible methane emission data from emitters in the oil and gas sector, and help effective regulation.
“The SDN has been supporting the tracking and monitoring of methane emissions in Nigeria.
“The tracker is being developed by SDN in collaboration with the Federal Government and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“This is because we all know that without better identification of major methane sources, it will be difficult for government, relevant regulatory agencies and the private sector to identify and respond accordingly,” he said.
He said that the idea was to try and take more action on methane, getting a better baseline picture where emissions are occurring and staying on top as quickly as possible.
“Identifying new sources of methane is absolutely critical.
“What we are hoping to do is to build on freely available data from sources and integrate it into a platform which is tailored specifically for the needs of Nigerian regulators and industry,” he said.
Heal said that the tracker would serve as a one-stop shop to regulators and others, providing real information.
He said that it would also help to tell which companies were making efforts to reduce methane emissions.
“In some cases, some companies may be making efforts and they may not have the credible data needed to show it,” he said.
Dr Jude Samuelson, Head of Environment, SDN, said that the tracker would make it easy for the government and regulatory agencies to have credible data and help to report emission reduction globally.
According to him, this so that Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions will be correctly reported.
Samuelson said that the tracker was a ground breaking tool that, if well developed, would be useful for the regulatory agencies.
According to him, the workshop is the first phase of presenting the prototype to regulators in the oil and gas sector to get their feedback and recommendations.
Ms Adesola Olatunde, a representative of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, said that the tracker was a significant milestone for Nigeria.
“This is very critical and it is a a very good thing for the country.
“What is needed now is a detailed collaboration and engagement with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the tracker fits into our national priorities and then we can report appropriately,” she said.
Four Nigerian organisations were on Thursday, November 28, 2024, announced by the African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) as part of the winners of the AFSIA Solar Awards 2024, which recognises the most outstanding achievements, projects, and individuals in the solar energy sector across Africa.
Winners of the AFSIA Solar Awards 2024
The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, November 27, celebrated excellence in 14 key categories, highlighting the growing role of solar energy in driving Africa’s sustainable development.
The Nigerian winners include Engie Energy Access, So-Cool Energy, PowerNow and PAM-Ai.
Winner of the “Mini-Grid Project of the Year”, Engie Energy Access has commissioned 15 mini-grids in rural areas located in Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger states in Nigeria, reportedly bringing reliable and affordable solar energy, transforming communities and boosting local economies.
Co-winner of the “Productive Use Application of the Year”, So-Cool Energy offers movable, solar-powered kiosks with refrigeration, designed for SMEs in remote areas. These sustainable kiosks enable businesses to store and sell perishable goods without relying on the grid, promoting efficiency and reducing costs.
Winner of the “Solar Entrepreneur / SME of the Year”, PowerNow is a digital platform that streamlines the process of accessing, installing, and supporting pre-financed commercial and industrial (C&I) solar systems. With a user-friendly interface, it simplifies everything from application submission to installation tracking and ongoing support, making it easier for businesses to adopt solar energy solutions with minimal hassle.
Winner of the “Solar Innovation of the Year”, PAM-Ai has developed an AI-driven platform that tackles inefficiencies in mini-grids by implementing dynamic tariffs. The platform adjusts energy prices in real-time based on demand and customer profiles, making electricity more affordable and accessible while optimising grid performance.
There were also winners from Norway, Ghana, USA, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Germany and Tanzania.
Miss Ismène Ahamide of Benin won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Miss Ismène Ahamide, founder and CEO of Ismast Energy, was recognised for her leadership and dedication to advancing solar technology and energy access in West Africa.
“We are incredibly proud of the winners and all those who have contributed to the solar energy revolution in Africa,” said John van Zuylen, AFSIA’s CEO. “The winners of the AFSIA Solar Awards 2024 embody the innovative spirit, dedication, and impact that are driving the renewable energy transformation across Africa.”
Josée Umugwaneza, Community Director, AFSIA, says: “AFSIA Solar Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the best and brightest in Africa’s solar industry. As the sector grows, the impact of these projects will be felt for generations, accelerating Africa’s transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy.”
The AFSIA Solar Awards have been described as a cornerstone of the continent’s renewable energy industry, offering a platform to celebrate and showcase exceptional contributions to solar energy, from large-scale infrastructure projects to innovative technologies and impactful community solutions.
Some 220 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists registered to participate in the fifth and final scheduled session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, Republic of Korea, to advance a global plastics treaty. The negotiation is expected to develop and deliver the final text of the future treaty before it will be advanced for adoption.
Members of civil society demonstrate outside the venue, drawing attention to the harmful impacts of plastics. Photo credit: Kiara Worth
A new analysis from the Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) – supported by International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Plastics (IIPFP), the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), the Break Free From Plastic movement, the Global Alliance for Incinerators Alternatives (GAIA), Greenpeace, and the Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance (STPA) – and based on the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) provisional list of INC-5 participants, finds that:
• 220 lobbyists are registered to attend INC-5, the highest at any negotiation for the plastics treaty so far analysed by CIEL, more than the previous high of 196 lobbyists identified at INC-4 • Fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists taken together would be the largest single delegation at INC-5, significantly outnumbering the host Republic of Korea’s 140 delegations. Lobbyists also outnumber the delegations from the European Union and all of its member states combined (191). • 16 lobbyists were identified in national delegations, including those from China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia. • Dow (5) and Exxonmobil (4) were among the best-represented fossil fuel and chemical companies with numerous lobbyists attending the talks. • Chemical and fossil fuel industry lobbyists outnumber the Scientists’ Coalition for An Effective Plastic Treaty by three to one.
With each INC, there has been an increase in the number of fossil fuel and petrochemical industry lobbyists, but the efforts to effect the future treaty extend well beyond the negotiations themselves. Reports of intimidation and interference have surfaced, including allegations of industry representatives intimidating independent scientists participating in the negotiations and pressure on country delegations by industry to replace technical experts with industry-friendly representatives.
Civil society organisations, independent scientists, and rights holders – who attend negotiations to advocate for an ambitious treaty that reduces plastic production, upholds human rights, and stays within planetary boundaries – face significant barriers to participation. Unlike the well-funded fossil fuel and chemical industries, these groups often struggle with financial and logistical limitations, reducing their ability to engage in negotiations.
Meanwhile, the fossil fuel and chemicals industry mobilises significant financial and human resources not only to influence negotiations, but to privately lobby leaders and discreetly back positions held by petrostate allies who openly defend their shared financial interests.
“From the moment the gavel came down at UNEA-5.2 to now, we have watched industry lobbyists flooding the negotiations with sadly well-known tactics of obstruction, distraction, intimidation, and misinformation,” says Delphine Levi Alvares, Global Petrochemical Campaign Coordinator at the Centre for International Environmental Law.
“Their strategy – lifted straight from the climate negotiations playbook – is designed to preserve the financial interests of countries and companies who are putting their fossil-fueled profits above human health and the future of the planet. The mandate for this Treaty is very clear: ending plastic pollution. We have an ever-growing amount of health, economic, and empirical evidence from frontline communities, Indigenous Peoples, and independent scientists that clearly states we need to reduce plastic production in order to address plastic pollution. The choice is clear – our lives or their bottom line,” adds Alvares.
At INC-4 in Ottawa, the surroundings of the negotiation room were flooded with pro-plastic ads claiming its essential value for human life and well-being. The negotiation rooms were no different – with petrostates proclaiming plastics’ contributions to economic and social development. However, the numbers tell a different story: plastic production accounts for a mere 0.6% ($627 billion) of the global economy and reducing our dependence on plastics is unlikely to impact economic growth. Ahead of INC-5, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged that plastic pollution is incompatible with the enjoyment of the rights to development and a healthy environment.
“Plastic markets are already oversupplied. The world simply cannot afford to continue producing more plastics as a means of sustaining fossil fuel dependency,” says Daniela Duran Gonzalez, Senior Legal Campaigner at the Centre for International Environmental Law. “Shrinking demand, closing facilities, diminishing profit margins – expanding plastic production is bad business. If member states are truly committed to fair and equitable development, they would support mandatory rules to reduce production, starting with a halt to the construction of new production facilities. This is a moment for courage – for our economy, our planet, our climate, and the rights of present and future generations.”
The stakes at INC-5 are particularly high, following faltering progress in biological diversity and climate talks, where some of the same industry-friendly players have delayed meaningful action. These negotiations, like many Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), are hamstrung by consensus-only rules and the lack of robust conflict-of-interest safeguards.
At the opening plenary of INC-5, the same states that championed consensus requirements in earlier conventions lined up on the floor to oppose the idea of making decisions by voting, rather than consensus. Thirty years of evidence show that consensus-based MEAs allow the most obstructive actors to dictate outcomes, undermining ambition and leaving frontline communities to bear the brunt of the climate and biodiversity crises. Unless addressed in the treaty text, these same issues will carry over into meetings of the future Conferences of the Parties, which will operate under its own rulebook.
The parallels are evident in Busan, with powerful actors seeking a weak plastics treaty working to embed failure into the very structure of the treaty. And UNEP, the very body tasked with delivering an ambitious agreement, is not immune to corporate capture, raising serious concerns about its ability to protect public and environmental interests.
“We must not let the failures of other negotiations doom the plastics treaty,” concludes Rachel.
Radvany, Environmental Health Campaigner at the Centre for International Environmental Law, says: “This week we have the chance to chart a better course. Countries must seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and use every tool at their disposal to prevent obstructionism and end corporate capture of this negotiation. We must secure a treaty that includes strong conflict of interest protections, lobbying disclosures, and the option to vote at future meetings of the Conference of the Parties.”
Juressa Lee, Co-Chair, International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Plastics (IIPFP), says: “Indigenous Peoples already experience barriers to full and meaningful participation in these talks, from registration to attendance to speaking rights to recognising us as Rights Holders. As a caucus, we’ve had to backfill needs where we believe UNEP has shirked their responsibilities to facilitate procedural justice. For us to be competing with Industry representatives in and outside of Member State delegations for space is a cruelty. For polluters’ attendance to be marginalising Indigenous Rights is a contradiction of the entire purpose of this meeting.
Yuyun Ismawati, Co-chair, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), says: “IPEN continues to be concerned about the overly influential role that the plastics, petrochemicals, and fossil fuels industries play at the Plastics Treaty talks. As the recent California lawsuit shows, these industries have lied for decades about plastic recycling. As another recent report notes, the companies allied to ‘solve’ plastic pollution have produced 1,000 times more plastic than they cleaned up. We must eliminate industry conflicts of interest from these proceedings. It’s time for delegates to understand that we cannot trust these industries – their only agenda is to maintain their profits at any cost.”
Deborah Sy, Head of Global Public Policy and Strategy at GGTC, Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance (STPA), says: “It’s no surprise the plastics treaty struggles with corporate influence, given the tobacco industry’s continued role as an observer – despite clear FCTC guidelines against such interference. This disregard for established rules signals a deeper lack of integrity, allowing corporate interests to corrupt decision-making processes.
“The Conference of the Parties to the FCTC, in noting the INC’s work on the plastics treaty, emphasised the need to protect tobacco-related environmental policies from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry. Cigarette butts, one of the most littered and harmful forms of avoidable plastic waste, must be banned immediately as part of any serious effort to combat plastic pollution. To advance a plastics treaty that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, the INC must adopt integrity principles and commit to upholding existing rules and to developing sector-specific measures to prevent corporate capture.”
Ana Rocha, Director of Global Plastics Program, Global Alliance for Incinerators Alternatives (GAIA), says: “Waste pickers, Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and frontline community members have left their families to travel thousands of miles to be here, not to protect their business interests, but because they are fighting for survival. The fact that they are forced to compete for the ear of their representatives with the very industry that is poisoning their communities is a serious injustice.”
Von Hernandez, Global Coordinator, Break Free From Plastic (BFFP), says: “Allowing fossil fuel and petrochemical companies to exert their influence in these negotiations is like letting foxes guard the henhouse. Their oversized presence threatens to turn a critical environmental agreement into a charade, undermining serious efforts to curb plastic production and pollution. Government negotiators must stand firm and ensure these talks are not hijacked by those with vested interests in maintaining the status quo.”
Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Campaign Lead for Greenpeace USA, says: “The analysis exposes a desperate industry willing to sacrifice our planet and poison our children to protect its profits. Fossil fuel and petrochemical lobbyists, aided by a handful of member states, must not dictate the outcome of these critical negotiations. The moral, economic, and scientific imperatives are clear: by the end of the week, member states must deliver a Global Plastics Treaty that prioritises human health and a liveable planet over CEO payouts. The global majority demands a strong agreement that cuts plastic production and ends single-use plastics.”
The Alfe City Institution, a leading promoter of Nigeria’s blue economy ecosystem, has called for the construction of 10 new ports to sustain the country’s blue economy.
Tin Can Island Port
The Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Mr. Soji Adeleye, made the call during a three-day ecosystem summit, organised by the group in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Adeleye said that the conference theme, “Sustainable Nigerian Blue Eonomy Ecosystem”, emphasises the need for policies that could bring about change, developing human capacity and influencing a large number of people.
He also said that the efficiency of a port directly affects the economies of the countries it serves, since more than 90 per cent of global trade is carried out by sea.
According to him, ports constitute an important economic activity in coastal areas, in addition to serving as economic drivers and transportation hubs.
“Ports also play an important role in national defence.
“Ports are significant sources of local employment. They are employers and also support employment in related sectors, such as trucking and rail transportation.
“Our policy advocacy is a rare and unique opportunity to use a Nigerian blue economy to build a sustainable foundation for an economy that has none,” he said.
Adeleye further said that maximising the interpretation of Nigeria’s own blue economy was crucial to meeting the exigencies of the moment.
“This informed the bringing of all elements of the blue economy together for this ecosystem conference to drive the policy formulation and legislation.
“We believe a potential construction of 10 new ports, port cities as part of this broad engineering, in effect 10 new leagues, would accelerate coastal development.
“It would also create new centers of economic growth, create avenue for new transportation infrastructure development, provide millions of employment opportunities.
“Nigeria must not only rely on the institutions on ground to sustain its blue economy,” Adeleye said.
Also, the Assistant General Manager, Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Makanjuola Teslim, said that the states that were able to provide good infrastructure for a port to run would help to sustain blue economy ecosystem.
Teslim called for synergy among the existing maritime institutions to reduce some challenges and stress from different maritime sectors clashing with one another on duty roles.
“If all the bodies under maritime collaborate, with every sector knowing their duties, not repeating the same function as others, there won’t be challenge or conflict of roles.
“If the coastal line is properly harnessed, it will bring more revenue to the country.
“With blue economy ecosystem there will be massive job creation and reduction of social vices,” Teslim said.
Chairperson, National Agric Show Youth and Women in Agriculture Committee, Mrs. Nkiruka Okonkwo, says closing gender gap in agriculture can contribute $1 billion annually to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Nkiruka Stella Okonkwo speaking at an event
Okonkwo spoke on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the National Agric Show Youth and Women in Agriculture Seminar at the Show Ground in Tudun Wada, Nasarawa State.
She presented the keynote paper titled “Incentivising Women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Young Smallholder Farmers Towards Attaining Food Security in Nigeria.’’
Okonkwo said it was imperative for the country to target investment towards boosting women farmers’ participation.
She is also the Chief Executive Officer, Fresh and Young Brains Development Initiative (FBIN).
Okonkwo said that the gesture would, as well, boost the farmers’ productivity as they would capitalise on the potential economic gains.
The chairperson said that the country’ s agriculture sector held immense potential for growth, employment and food security.
Okonkwo said that empowering women, youth and PWDs smallholder farmers was critical to the nation’s food security.
She said that such could be done by providing targeted incentives, strategic interventions, multi-stakeholders collaboration, policy support and innovation solutions as well as an enabling environment.
Okonkwo said through such initiatives or efforts, the country could unlock their potential; enhance their productivity and contributions to national food security.
“Women play a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector; contributing 70 per cent of the agricultural workforce and 60 per cent of smallholder farmers; however, they face numerous challenges.
“These challenges include limited access to land, finance, gender-friendly and affordable technology and markets, poor training, social and cultural barriers, climate change and environmental degradation
“On their part, young people constitute about 60 per cent of Nigeria population and 30 per cent of agricultural workforce; bringing energy and innovation technological savviness and entrepreneurial spirit to the sector.
“Nigeria can advance further in agriculture if women, youth, PWDs are freed from socioeconomic constraints.’’
She said it was pertinent for the government and stakeholders to invest in gender-disagregated data collection, especially budget and expenditure data to facilitate analytics and evidence-based policy making
According to her, the gesture will enhance women and empowerment in the sector.
She recommended separate budget lines in the annual budgets for women, youth and PWDs.
“Let us collectively commit to empowering women, PWDs and youth small holder farmers; together, we can improve food security, enhance livelihoods and drive economic growth.
“Women, PWDs and young smallholder farmers are critical in achieving food security in Nigeria.
“So, it is necessary to enhance their access or capabilities, participation and quality of influence through financial incentives, technical assistance, market access, technology adoption and social protection.
“Enabling women and youth to thrive in the sector requires two main categories of incentives targeted and strategic–women-focused incentives which include land ownership, tenure security, access to finance and social protection and safety nets.
“Youth-focused incentives include agricultural entrepreneurship training, access to innovative finance, youth-friendly technology and digitalisation.
“Others are apprenticeship, volunteerism, mentoring and agribusiness incubation, market and linkages, policy support and advocacy” she said.
Okonkwo said that the seminar was a key component of the annual Agric Show aimed at creating opportunities for visibility.
Nigerian women have been urged to unite and empower themselves to take up leadership roles in various sectors of the society in spite of challenges.
Women. Photo credit: UN Women/Joe Saade
The call was made by stakeholders at the Women In Leadership and Entrepreneurship (WOILEN) conference, themed “Empowered to lead, inspired to succeed, women shaping the future”.
Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Isma’il, in a keynote address, said that women must work to break societal limitations and take leadership roles in major sectors of the society.
“In human endeavors, have we aspired for excellence? Are we inspiring? Are women positive absolutely? And if we inspire, how come we are not in leadership? In the political, financial, economic and social scenes?”
She further stated that Nigerian men have failed in governance, development and peace and it’s up to women to take action and create positive change.
“It is up to us for the sake of our children and now our grandchildren, to wake up and use that small space given to us and explore.”
On her part, Mrs Adedayo Laniyi, Pioneer Mandate Secretary, Women and Children Affairs, FCTA, emphasised the importance of women in embracing their power and excellence.
She defined an empowered woman as one who acknowledges her potential, resilience and ingenuity.
Laniyi said that an empowered woman is one that embraces the power at her disposal to effect life changing initiatives.
She said that women in Nigeria must exploit their full potential by being original, exponential, and deliberate in their actions and deed.
Stella George, author and convener of the WOILEN Conference, explained that the conference was organised to connect women for collaboration, to inspire them with top speakers and entrepreneurs, and provide valuable insights for success.
“We want to see that their businesses thrive. We want to see that they get the full support. We want to see that they have everything that they need to have in order to move their businesses forward.
“We believe that women have so much potential. The leadership capacity of women cannot be overemphasised.”
She also called for further collaboration among stakeholders towards supporting women’s empowerment in the country.
“But we intend to see partners, government agencies, individuals, and businesses come together to support us, because we need to support women. The women need support.”
At COP29, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement commanded significant attention, as nations grappled with refining mechanisms to operationalise global carbon markets. These markets, designed to facilitate international cooperation on emissions reductions, have immense potential to accelerate climate action.
COP29, Baku, Azerbaijan
However, their success depends on addressing critical concerns about transparency, equity, and environmental integrity. For Africa, the stakes are especially high: the continent faces both unprecedented opportunities to drive sustainable development and grave risks of exploitation.
Understanding Article 6
Understanding Article 6 requires delving into its dual mechanisms designed to facilitate international cooperation in reducing emissions and creating global carbon markets. At its core, Article 6 provides a framework for countries to engage in voluntary collaboration to meet their climate goals, but its implementation poses distinct opportunities and challenges. The first mechanism, Article 6.2, enables bilateral agreements through the trade of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).
This flexibility allows countries to meet national emissions targets by recognising carbon credits derived from domestic systems or linked markets. While the mechanism offers promise, it relies heavily on transparency and civil society oversight instead of direct supervision by the UN. This reliance has raised concerns about accountability and the quality of traded credits, as inconsistencies in standards and enforcement could lead to the proliferation of dubious transactions.
The second mechanism, Article 6.4, establishes a centralized system supervised by the UN to generate and trade carbon credits. Unlike the bilateral nature of Article 6.2, this standardised approach prioritises environmental integrity and sustainable development. It aims to address many criticisms directed at the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which was plagued by concerns over weak additionality criteria and social inequities. However, the decision to transition discredited CDM credits into the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) threatens to erode the credibility of the new system, as these credits often fail to represent genuine emissions reductions.
Challenges
Despite these mechanisms aimed at unlocking finance, incentivise emissions reductions, and enabling countries to meet their climate commitments, their operationalisation is fraught with challenges that threaten their effectiveness and credibility. A major hurdle is the lack of uniform standards for measuring, reporting, and verifying emissions reductions. Different countries and entities adopt varying methodologies, which can lead to discrepancies in the quality and credibility of carbon credits. This inconsistency undermines trust in the system and raises concerns about whether these credits represent genuine climate benefits. Without standardized protocols, the risk of double counting – where the same emissions reduction is claimed by multiple parties – further complicates the integrity of carbon markets.
Effective governance is essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in carbon markets, but the current frameworks often lack the institutional capacity or political will to enforce these principles. For example, Article 6.2 relies heavily on bilateral agreements, where the absence of centralised oversight creates opportunities for manipulation. Countries with weaker regulatory systems may struggle to implement or monitor these agreements, potentially allowing low-quality or fraudulent credits to enter the market.
Their success hinges on addressing underlying governance issues including issues of authorisation, permanence and additionality. These issues will ensure that the framework upholds its environmental and social promises. But with weak governance gap instead of upholding social promises will rather erode confidence in the system and may deter meaningful participation.
Moreso as the presence of loopholes in both Article 6.2 and 6.4 mechanisms presents significant risks of exploitation. For instance, the transition of outdated and often-questionable credits from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to the Article 6.4 framework has raised alarms about the credibility of the new system. These legacy credits, which may no longer represent real or additional emissions reductions, threaten to dilute the environmental integrity of carbon markets.
Furthermore, the potential for speculative trading and the prioritization of profit over climate impact by private actors could skew the markets away from their intended purpose. Weak enforcement of benefit-sharing provisions also risks marginalising vulnerable communities, particularly in regions like Africa, where land-use projects could displace Indigenous Peoples or smallholder farmers without adequate compensation or consultation.
Weak Governance and Accountability Gaps
At the heart of the issue is the governance vacuum surrounding Article 6. While the Paris Agreement emphasizes transparency and environmental integrity, COP29 failed to establish clear accountability structures to enforce these principles. For instance, countries engaging in ITMO trading under Article 6.2 are required to submit information about their transactions, but delays in reporting and lack of detail about credit quality leave room for abuse. Critics argue that the reliance on “naming and shaming” as a primary enforcement tool is insufficient to deter bad actors, particularly in the absence of tangible penalties for non-compliance.
Moreover, the supervisory body for Article 6.4 has yet to develop comprehensive methodologies for high-integrity projects, particularly those involving emission removals through forestry or carbon capture. The rules currently allow for speculative credits, further eroding trust in the system and risking long-term damage to the global climate regime.
The governance vacuum surrounding Article 6 is particularly detrimental to Africa. COP29’s reliance on bilateral agreements (Article 6.2) without robust oversight undermines trust. unfortunately the COP29 has relegated this roel to COP30. Weak reporting standards and the absence of enforcement tools make it easy for low-quality or fraudulent credits to flood the market. Similarly, transitioning dubious Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) credits into the new framework (Article 6.4) erodes the credibility of the system, allowing for speculative trading that prioritizes profits over genuine emissions reductions.
For African nations, this lack of accountability is disastrous. Countries with limited regulatory capacity face significant challenges in monitoring transactions or ensuring environmental and social integrity. The result is a system skewed toward wealthier, more powerful actors, sidelining African interests and diluting the continent’s capacity to leverage carbon markets for sustainable development.
The Stakes for Africa
For Africa, the stakes could not be higher. The continent’s vast natural resources, including forests and grasslands, make it a critical player in global carbon markets. Yet, the weak safeguards established at COP29 leave African nations vulnerable to exploitation. Land-use projects, a significant focus of carbon credit generation in Africa, often result in displacement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, who see little to no benefit from the profits generated.
This mirrors historical patterns of resource exploitation and perpetuates inequalities rather than addressing them. Furthermore, the lack of capacity to influence negotiations or enforce rigorous standards means that African nations risk being marginalised in a system that prioritises profit over equity and sustainability. The decisions at COP29 failed to address these asymmetries, leaving African countries exposed to the detrimental impacts of unchecked carbon trading.
COP29: Progress and Limitations
Negotiations at COP29 delivered mixed results. Positive developments included a recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ role in carbon market governance and progress in defining methodologies for emissions removals. These steps signal a growing acknowledgment of the need for inclusivity and environmental integrity in Article 6 implementation. Yet, significant shortcomings remain. The decision to allow CDM credits to transition into the new system without rigorous reassessment undermines trust in the framework’s effectiveness.
Additionally, the lack of robust oversight for ITMO transactions and delays in disclosure requirements create transparency gaps, enabling potential exploitation. Again, issues of authorisation and permeance is till loosely cast enabling different interpretations. Mores, its interpretation has been outsourced to another body there by outsourcing responsibility. These weaknesses threaten to erode confidence in the integrity of carbon markets and reduce their impact on global emissions reductions.
Reclaiming Article 6 from Carbon Cowboy
To ensure Article 6 mechanisms achieve their potential, urgent reforms are needed. African nations must play a proactive role in advocating for stronger governance, enhanced transparency, and equitable benefit-sharing. Real-time disclosure of ITMO trades, stringent penalties for non-compliance, and a commitment to high-quality credits are essential to build trust in the system.
Capacity building for African governments and institutions is also crucial. Technical and financial support will enable better participation in carbon markets, allowing African nations to negotiate effectively and implement projects that align with their development priorities. Developing domestic carbon markets can further reduce reliance on international systems and retain financial benefits within the continent.
A Call to Action
COP29 has highlighted both the potential and the peril of Article 6. As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the need for decisive action to reclaim this critical framework has never been more urgent. By addressing its shortcomings, the international community can transform Article 6 into a powerful tool for climate ambition, sustainable development, and global equity. The alternative is a world dominated by Carbon Cowboys which is a future the world cannot afford.
