The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged governments and city leaders to transform urban areas into engines of health, equity and sustainability as the world marks World Cities Day.
More than 4.4 billion people – over half the global population – now live in urban areas, a number expected to reach 70% by 2050. WHO warned that while cities offer opportunities for progress, they also concentrate major health risks, especially in slums and informal settlements, where 1.1 billion people face unsafe housing, poor sanitation, and growing exposure to climate threats such as floods and heat.
To address these challenges, WHO launched a new guide titled “Taking a Strategic Approach to Urban Health,” offering practical tools for governments to plan and act more coherently across sectors.
Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care at the World Health Organisation
The framework emphasszes evidence-based policymaking to improve urban health, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainability.
“This is a moment for decision-makers at every level to act together,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care.
“The guide provides a framework for leaders and communities to build fairer, healthier and more resilient futures.”
WHO highlighted stark urban health inequalities, citing a study of 363 cities in Latin America that found life expectancy gaps of up to 14 years for men and 8 years for women between the healthiest and least healthy cities.
Urban residents face multiple overlapping risks – from air pollution, which kills 7 million people annually, to unsafe transport, poor housing, and infectious disease outbreaks.
The organisation stressed that health is not the responsibility of one sector alone, calling for alignment between urban planning, climate action, transport, and digital transformation policies.
“Cities are key to advancing public health,” said Dr. Etienne Krug, WHO Director for Health Determinants, Prevention and Promotion.
“This guide offers governments a roadmap to act strategically, linking urban health with climate, transport, and migration issues.”
Alongside the guide, WHO also unveiled the first three modules of a new Urban Health E-learning Course, hosted by the WHO Academy, to build the capacity of urban policymakers and practitioners worldwide.
As COP30 draws near and countries prepare their positions, a group of over 30 African stakeholders have issued a seven-point communiqué calling for urgent coordinated action that links climate ambition to development needs.
The communiqué, which was issued at the end of a workshop convened by the Society for Planet and Prosperity on Friday, October 31, 2025, to shape Africa’s negotiating position ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, framed Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as practical roadmaps for national development, stressing that, for NDCs to be effective, they must be ambitious, feasible, harmonised with national development plans, and backed by an inclusive process rooted in the continent’s social and economic realities.
Participants at the SPP Pre-COP30 webinar in on Friday, October 31, 2025
The seven-point communiqué set out clear political and operational asks calling on African governments to treat the climate crisis as a developmental emergency that requires sustained effort from states, the private sector and communities; defending the spirit of multilateralism even as some countries seek to evade historical responsibility; using NDCs as a platform for cooperative engagement with developed partners under the Paris Agreement, African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
A central demand of the stakeholders is the importance of continued support from developed countries. They thus called on developed countries to continue providing the “requisite financial (grant and concession-based), technological, and technical support” that African states need to implement NDCs.
They further urged donor and finance institutions to prioritise bankable, community-led projects that scale local innovations into pipelines that will be attractive to investors.
Alongside finance and technology, the statement stressed the need for inclusive processes that integrate gender, youth and community voices at every stage of NDCs development and implementation.
The workshop also featured an expert panel session, with panelists x-raying challenges and proffering possible solutions as we prepare for the COP30 negotiations and its outcomes.
Mrs. Gbemisola Akosa, Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st), provided the gender perspective. Acknowledging that about 85% of African countries have incorporated gender into their NDCs, she emphasised the need for gender-responsive climate actions, gender-disaggregated data, and gender budgeting in NDCs, while noting that current climate finance for gender and women’s issues remains insufficient.
“We need to ensure that, not only that we are putting gender equality in our policies, but also, that we are implementing it on the ground getting the desired result,” she said.
Discussing the challenges and progress of the Paris Agreement’s NDC cycle, Iskander Vernoit, Executive Director, IMAL Initiative for Climate and Development, highlighted the disappointment over finance commitment outcomes at COP29. He emphasised the need for increased ambition, the importance of the global stocktake and the role of finance in NDCs Implementation.
“As much as we don’t bear the responsibility for climate damages, and in a just world, we would not have to pay for them. We are being obliged as African countries to pay for these things because of a lack of justice at the international level, and because the historic polluters from Europe and so on are not fulfilling their climate finance obligations in a way that would ensure equity. But, even in the absence of that international climate finance, as African governments, we have obligations to protect our citizens, which cannot wait,” he said.
Iskander also described Morocco’s NDC development process, which involved a whole-of-government approach and integrated existing climate-related plans. He concluded by addressing the need for legal obligations on rich countries to provide climate finance and the potential for legal action if these obligations are not met.
Representing the youth constituency, Samuel Okorie, Advisory Board Member, Santiago Network, discussed the role of youth in Africa’s climate action and NDC 3.0 implementation, highlighting their potential to drive investment and innovation. He criticised the marginalisation of youth in decision-making processes and called for their strategic inclusion in policy development and implementation.
“There should be a long-term strategic partnership with youth initiatives, with youth businesses. It is that time we stop being afraid of partnering with youth businesses, but then we start embracing them, and also try to see how their models could fit into the climate action plans of Africa or of various countries,” he stated.
With COP30 on the horizon, there have been growing concerns over the slow pace of submission of NDCs – the Paris-Agreement tool through which countries set national mitigation and adaptation commitments.
These demands come against a worrying backdrop as e UNFCCC’s latest NDC synthesis report shows that, between January 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025 only 64 Parties submitted new or updated NDCs, of which 13 are African countries. This underlines a gap between ambition and readiness to implement.
In July, SPP’s Scoping Paper “On the Road to COP30 and Beyond” echoed this urgency, finding persistent gaps in governance frameworks, whole-of-society approach to NDCs development and implementation, access to finance, etc. The Paper therefore recommended that NDCs be reframed into implementable development plans.
The communiqué concluded with a call for African countries to speak with one voice and build alliances at COP30:
“Stand together with one voice, build alliances, and ensure that negotiations reflect current African priorities. In that vein, the Baku to Belém Roadmap; Article 6 and Carbon Markets; Global Goal on Adaptation; among others, must be priority areas of focus,” it stated.
African countries negotiate at COPs as a coordinated block through the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), combining technical preparation, ministerial coordination and coalition building with other developing country blocks. This unified position creates continent-wide asks on priority areas.
For negotiators and observers, the communiqué offers a concise advisory and negotiating checklist.
The webinar which was attended by several stakeholders from across Africa was hosted by Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke and moderated by Gboyega Olorunfemi, Team Lead, SPP and Nnaemeka Oruh, Senior Policy Analyst, SPP. Other speakers include: Gbemisola Titilope Akosa, Executive Director, Center for 21st Century Issues, Nigeria; Iskander Erzini Vernoit, Executive Director, IMAL Initiative for Climate and Development, Morrocco; and Samuel Okorie, Advisory Board Member, UNFCCC Santiago Network.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Bello Bawa Bwari, has reaffirmed the agency’s strong commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the promotion of safe and approved biotechnology innovations aimed at achieving food security and sovereignty in Nigeria.
Bello made this known during a courtesy visit by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) team to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
He emphasised that ensuring national food security and sovereignty is a central pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the NBMA under his leadership is fully aligned with this vision.
NBMA and IAR officials during the IAR visit to Bello Bawa Bwari, the MBNA DG
“We are committed to championing and promoting scientifically approved, safe agricultural products across the country,” Bwari stated. “Our goal is to boost agricultural productivity, uplift farmers from poverty, and ensure that Nigeria attains genuine food security and sovereignty.”
While commending the IAR team for meeting global ethical and regulatory standards in biotechnology research, the DG urged them to remain steadfast in complying with biosafety guidelines.
“NBMA is a regulatory agency for everyone and belongs to nobody,” Bwari reiterated. “We are open to all stakeholders, but we will only endorse biotech products that have been scientifically proven to be safe for humans, animals, and the environment.”
Responding, Professor Mohammed Ishiyaku, who led the IAR delegation, expressed appreciation to the DG for his visionary leadership and congratulated him on his appointment. He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to developing improved crop varieties through cutting-edge research aimed at addressing agricultural challenges such as pests, diseases, and low yields.
Professor Ishiyaku added that these efforts would significantly contribute to the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda by enhancing agricultural productivity and securing Nigeria’s food future.
He further assured that the Institute would continue to operate in line with the National Biosafety Management Agency’s regulations to ensure the safe and responsible application of modern biotechnology in the country.
The National Biosafety Management Agency has so far approved the commercial release of three genetically modified crops in Nigeria. Bt Cotton, which is resistant to bollworm pests, was approved in 2016; PBR Cowpea (Pod Borer Resistant Cowpea) also known as GM beans, engineered to resist the Maruca vitrata (pod borer) pest, was approved in 2019; and TELA Maize, which combines insect resistance and drought tolerance, received approval in 2021.
All three crops were developed by Nigerian scientists from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, underscoring Nigeria’s growing capacity in home-grown biotechnology innovations that support food security and economic growth.
On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, TotalEnergies hosted a Health, Safety, Security, Social and Environment (HSSSE) forum for 62 contractors at the TotalEnergies Village in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Themed “The Role of Contractors in Regaining Operational Control and Embedding Safety Culture,” the event aimed to reinforce the company’s commitment to zero incidents and fatalities, introduce the SABI project, and provide a platform for collaboration, feedback, and shared learning.
Welcoming participants, Country Chair and Managing Director, Mr. Matthieu Bouyer, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in achieving safety goals. “The objective of this forum is to share key initiatives, identify improvement actions, and engage in meaningful dialogue around safety, operational risks, and culture. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every person working on our sites returns home safely at the end of each day or shift,” he said.
Matthieu Bouyer, Country Chair and Managing Director, TotalEnergies
Mr. Bouyer reiterated that safety is a core value at TotalEnergies – one that must be upheld consistently across all operations. He noted that the forum’s theme aligns closely with the SABI project, which focuses on strengthening operational control and embedding a proactive safety culture across all sites and offices.
He highlighted the critical role contractors play in the success of Project SABI. “Contractors account for approximately 70% of our manhours and are often more exposed to operational risks. In many cases, serious incidents affect contractor personnel rather than TotalEnergies staff. If we are to sustain the benefits of this project, collaboration between our organizations at every level is essential,” he stated.
Addressing the contractor MDs in attendance, Mr. Bouyer called for leadership and accountability in driving safety performance. He outlined five key pillars of responsibility:
Know and enforce safety rules – even when they exceed industry standards.
Ensure personnel are trained, equipped, and empowered to work safely. Leadership cannot be delegated.
Foster a culture of speaking up. Employees must feel safe to report unsafe acts or conditions without fear of reprimand.
Learn from incidents. Organisations must investigate and act to prevent recurrence.
Implement fair recognition and consequences. A just safety culture rewards safe behavior and addresses lapses constructively.
“SABI is not just a project – it’s a mindset shift,” Mr. Bouyer concluded. “It reflects our commitment to safe, robust operations. I urge you to support and implement SABI-related actions to help us build a workplace where safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Highlights of the event included a syndicate session, a detailed presentation on the SABI project, award recognitions, and the validation of the Safe Driving Charter of Commitment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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
“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.
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, 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.
