The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government, has reaffirmed commitment to address oil spills and gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.
Participants at the International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta, held in Abuja
The pledge was made at the International Conference on Petroleum Pollution and Just Transition in the Niger Delta, held in Abuja on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
The conference is themed, “Advancing the Recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission (BSOEC)”.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, represented by Mr. Busari Kamoru, Director, Upstream, highlighted the Niger Delta’s rich resources and potential.
Lokpobiri emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication to reducing pollution and promoting sustainable environmental l practices.
In his address, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa State noted that international oil companies’ unchecked activities have devastated the state’s rivers and soil.
He cited a report from the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, “An Environmental Genocide,” which revealed alarming statistics.
According to Diri, 40 per cent of Bayelsa’s mangroves have been destroyed and toxic spills have contaminated soil and water.
He also said that oil pollution and gas flaring have caused over 16,000 neonatal deaths in 2012 alone.
Diri urged global stakeholders to support the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
Also, Sen. Seriake Dickson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, called for collective action to address environmental pollution.
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reducing gas flaring through initiatives like the Hydrocarbons Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
“We must shift from environmental destruction to restoration,” he said.
Lawal was represented by Mr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director-General, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
Earlier, Nnimmo Bassey, Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), emphasised the critical timing of the conference, citing the devastating impact of extractivism and pollution on Nigeria’s socioecological landscape.
A new partnership between Solidaridad, Kvuno, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Soybean Innovation Lab is bringing hope to smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. The goal is to tackle one of the most serious challenges they face: soybean rust, a disease that can destroy their crops.
Shungu Kanyemba, Managing Director, Solidaridad Southern Africa
As the climate changes, the risk of soybean rust, a destructive fungal disease, is quickly spreading. This disease threatens the food security for many farmers. To help farmers manage the disease, the partnership is promoting an Early Warning System (EWS) to notify farmers in real-time about potential rust outbreaks and provide advice on how to protect their crops.
“Our mission is to create sustainable supply chains that are not only prosperous but also in harmony with nature and inclusive of all stakeholders. By prioritising farmers and workers, we ensure that every step in the supply chain is accountable and drives positive impact from the ground up. As we empower farmers with real-time data and tools to combat diseases like soybean rust, we’re strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers across Southern Africa. This Early Warning System is a crucial step towards sustainable farming practices that protect both livelihoods and food security in our region,” says Shungu Kanyemba, Managing Director, Solidaridad Southern Africa.
What is Soybean Rust?
Soybean rust is a disease caused by a fungus that can reduce crop yields by up to 80% if it is not controlled. Smallholder farmers, who often rely on just one or two crops for their livelihood, are particularly at risk. The EWS will allow farmers to detect the disease early, giving them time to act before it spreads.
“We encourage smallholder farmers across Southern Africa to adopt the Early Warning System. This system, developed by IITA and the Soybean Innovation Lab with support from Kvuno and Solidaridad, uses special ‘sentinel plots’ – small areas of land that are monitored closely to detect signs of rust early. When rust is detected, farmers receive alerts on their mobile phones through a simple app,” said Dr. Harun Murithi, Crop Health Specialist at IITA and Soybean Innovation Lab.
Early Warning System Meets Leading Expertise
The EWS works by planting soybeans in a small plot a few weeks before the main crops. When rust is detected in the small plot, farmers receive alerts and can take action, such as applying fungicides, to protect their main crops before it’s too late.
Farmers in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique are already using these sentinel plots to protect their soybean crops. This early detection system helps prevent devastating crop losses and ensures that farmers can continue to provide food for their families and communities.
With that said, IITA has been working in Africa since 1967 to help farmers grow more food and improve their livelihoods. With decades of experience in farming and research, IITA is working closely with farmers to bring new tools like EWS to Southern Africa.
Similarly, the Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) works to improve food security and nutrition by offering proven solutions, tools, and technologies that help farmers produce soybeans profitably across Sub-Saharan Africa.
“As we expand the use of this Early Warning System, it is essential that farmers receive timely alerts. This system is changing how we fight soybean rust, and we look forward to seeing how it will help farmers across the region,” added Dr Murithi.
Protecting Soybean Farmers in Southern Africa
As part of this initiative, sentinel plots have been set up in key farming regions in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. These plots are monitored closely to detect rust outbreaks, providing farmers with early warnings so they can protect their crops. This system is a major step forward in managing soybean rust and could soon be expanded to other countries in Southern Africa.
By using digital tools and sending timely alerts, the Early Warning System is helping farmers take control of rust management and improve their crop yields, securing food for their families and communities.
The partnership is inviting smallholder farmers to participate in the Early Warning System and take advantage of the real-time alerts to protect their crops. Agricultural organisations are also encouraged to support the initiative, helping the partnership reach more farmers and protect more crops across the region.
Welcome words by Nnimmo Bassey, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), at the International Oil Pollution and Just Transition Conference held at Abuja on Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Nnimmo Bassey
Extractivism and accompanied pollution has wreaked extensive damage in the physical, socioeconomic and cultural spheres of our national life. They have worked together to build a warped future, which must be deconstructed, and reconstructed.
One of the planks for this rebuilding effort is the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission (BSOEC) report aptly titled “An Environmental Genocide: The Human and Environmental Cost of Big Oil in Bayelsa State, Nigeria”.
The report highlighted the incredible extent of petroleum pollution in Bayelsa State and has given us a vivid picture of the extreme damage that almost seven decades of crude oil exploitation has done to the entire Niger Delta region particularly regarding both environmental and human health. It is pure environmental genocide and there is no way to sugarcoat its horrors.
The report is riddled with facts that are almost unimaginable. For example, it tells us that there is a 1.5 barrels per capita crude oil pollution in Bayelsa State. It affirms an atrocious level of harm visited on the state including that there is the total hydrocarbons pollution of the water in the state at 1 million times above safe or acceptable standards. One million times above safe standards.
We note that the pollution is from both old and active wells, flow stations and pipelines. Indeed, abandoned and decrepit oil infrastructure continue to pose extreme menace to the environment and the people of the State. Some communities have been ripped apart by canalisation; while others face the threat of being washed into the ocean by combined forces of subsidence, sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Our water ways are blatantly and recklessly used as waste dumps for produced water and sundry harmful wastes in disregard to ecological and human safety. Our lands and water bodies are privatised and damaged, through acts of egregious industrial vandalism and systemic environmental racism, emanating from the worst forms of colonial resource extraction and land grabbing.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, often when we talk of climate change, we focus on the carbon in the atmosphere, mostly emanating from the burning of fossil fuels. That is right. However, it is inexcusable that we can ignore routine oil pollution and gas flare furnaces belching a toxic cocktail of greenhouse gases and other noxious chemicals into our environment and the atmosphere.
As will be seen from this conference, the BSOEC report does not only set out the woes of oil pollution but presents a comprehensive roadmap for environmental recovery in Bayelsa State and the restoration of our right to life and dignity. A lesson from this singular effort of the Bayelsa State government and the Commission that produced the report is that there is no time to waste. The harms suffered since the first commercially viable oil wells was drilled in 1956, 68 years ago, are open sores that cannot continue to be disregarded.
We congratulate the governor and people of Bayelsa State for setting up the BSOEC, receiving its report and determining to implement the recommendations of the report.
The world is debating the needed energy transition in the collective fight against climate change. While that is being done, other transitions, socioeconomic, ecological, as well as political transitions will be needed to ensure that justice undergirds every effort being made. We need transition from imaginaries that lock in extractivism and exploitation without responsibility.
We need to ensure that the new energy regime being constructed is not built on the same polluting foundations of the ebbing petroleum civilisation. This requires a bottom up, participatory approach which does not ignore indigenous knowledge and wisdom.
Remediation! Recovery! Restoration! Reparation!
These are key scaffolds for building our way out of the hole the extractivism and accompanying pollution have pushed us into. Now is the time to forge the pathways to the future we desire.
There is a clear need to declare a state of environmental emergency in the oil producing communities of Nigeria. It is time for a comprehensive environmental, social and health audits of the region.
The process must now be put in place to expand the work of the Hydrocarbons Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to cover the entire Niger Delta. The UNEP on the “Assessment of the Environment of Ogoniland” and the BSOEC reports have laid very strong foundations for this effort. We cannot wait any longer.
This conference provides an excellent platform for harnessing ideas and building support for the next steps going forward. We have sufficient expertise, knowledge and wisdom in the house and it is clear that we are in for very productive engagements.
Small-scale fishers and coastal communities along South Africa’s West Coast stand united, opposing offshore drilling that threatens their livelihoods, marine ecosystems, and food security. They demand that the government protect the ocean that sustains their communities
The eco-justice organisations, along with small-scale fishers and fishing co-operatives – Environmental Traits, Spirit of Endeavour Fisherfolk Women, Moeggesukkel Visserye Cooperative Ltd, West Coast indigenous Movement, Eastern Cape Environmental Network, Aukwotowa Fisheries Co-Op, Lamberts Bay Fishers Primary Co-Op Limited – have filed their appeals against the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s approval for this project because it undermines South Africa’s climate goals and does not fully account for all its environmental and socio-economic impacts.
These appeals against the project – by Africa Oil South Africa Corp (AOSAC) and its partners, Ricocure (Pty) Limited and Azinam Limited – follow rising concerns from civil society organisations and coastal communities over the project’s threat to South Africa’s marine ecosystems, which support biodiversity and the livelihoods of many coastal residents. Despite these concerns, the Department of Energy has authorised the project, with TotalEnergies set to take over operations when drilling begins.
The Green Connection’s Strategic Lead, Liz McDaid, says: “From a climate perspective, this exploration should never begin. Our focus must be on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as outlined in South Africa’s Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) legislation. How can we justify new fossil fuel projects that contradict our climate commitments under agreements like the Paris Agreement?”
McDaid warns of the dangers of methane emissions, noting: “Methane, the main component of natural gas, is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over 20 years, accelerating climate change. Continuing oil and gas exploration risks locking us into decades of high emissions, undermining global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.”
Key concerns highlighted in the various appeals include inadequate oil spill risk assessments, potential harm to marine life, threats to food security, and a lack of meaningful consultation with affected communities.
David Mtshali from Natural Justice says: “A healthy ocean is vital for marine ecosystems, small-scale fisheries, and eco-tourism – industries that could be devastated by oil spills, habitat disruption, and long-term environmental damage. These industries support thousands of livelihoods, which are now at risk.”
McDaid argues that the economic benefits of exploration are overstated. “Exploration licenses offer no immediate economic benefits and claims of job creation and energy security are speculative. The long-term environmental and economic impacts far outweigh any short-term gains.”
Deborah De Wee Chair of Spirit of Endeavour Fisher Folk says: “We are opposed to any sort of mining because our cultural heritage and health safety we as women organisation unanimously agree that our livelihoods come from this ocean, Doring Bay is 90% unemployed and we cannot allow this in our ocean. The community voice in the 3B/4B area is not considered. At the end of the day, if our oceans are destroyed, this will result in more poverty for our community.”
Melisa Pullen from Moegesukkel says: “I appealed against this oil exploration in 3b/4b. As a fisherwoman, I am concerned. Environmental concerns, such as risks of oil spills & pollution could affect marine life and impact on our livelihoods. As we as fishing communities who depend on fishing. What about climate change? These extractions will contribute to climate change, which will have devasting effects on the environment and our societies. These explorations can lead to air pollution and water pollution. Which could affect our fish population, which could affect our livelihoods, income, culture and heritage. We are never properly consulted when it comes to these decisions relating to our livelihoods.”
Claudine Jansen from Doringbaai, Northern Cape says: “I have put an appeal for AOSAC 3b/4b. I do not support this application, as it will have a disastrous effect on the people staying here. The drilling in the ocean will cause pollution, which will affect the food security of coastal communities. The disruption of the mining will affect the movement of the fish and result in much shorter fishing season. It will lead to less fish, less catch, less money in a town that already is in poverty. Less food to feed in households. People are dependent on catching fish and can live off the sea. The destruction of the seabed will affect marine life.
“I believe we have voted for a government that is supposed to look after us, in rural areas, towns and cities. I believe there should be alternatives to lack of oil. It is unacceptable to enrich already rich companies. People around the coast will not benefit from this project. There will be no real job opportunities. The only effect is more social economic problems. If there is no money, there is no food. Some people may turn to crime.”
A fisherman for 45 years from Lamberts Bay, Ernest Titus, says: “It was a terrible moment for me to hear about the approval for 3b/4b. These projects could eradicate our fish stocks and harm local tourism, and the reason that proper consultation is vital, but it does not seem like our voices are being fully heard. I am glad that I could submit my comment to help get rid of these oil tycoons. This is how I do my part, for my fellow fishers and for future generations because the decisions that are taken today could affect their legacy.”
Bronwyn Van Neel from Environmental Traits Port Nolloth says: “How much longer do we have to live in fear of big oil and gas projects that benefit no one? How much long do we have to plead and see this is our ocean, our livelihood, our culture, our pride and joy. Oil and water don’t mix. Stop oil and gas explorations.”
As the Minister of Environmental Affairs reviews the appeal, the eco-justice groups and coastal communities urge for greater accountability and consideration of the long-term consequences of offshore oil and gas exploration in the region.
The surge in global plastic production, now exceeding 430 million tons annually, has led to a corresponding rise in plastic waste, placing plastic pollution among the most urgent environmental challenges of the 21st century.
A group picture of participants at the EPPIC Inception Workshop in Accra
Dubbed as “The Plastic Pollution Crisis” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is threatening marine ecosystems, endangering wildlife, accelerating climate change, and will eventually jeopardise both human health and the environment. Experts warn that without decisive intervention, plastic pollution could triple in the next 30 years, with severe consequences for ecosystems and human well-being.
In response to this growing threat, the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) was launched in September 2023 as a public-private partnership aimed at addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. Led by IUCN, in partnership with The Ocean Foundation, Aspen Institute, and Searious Business, with support from the U.S. Department of State, EPPIC is focused on generating concrete actions to advance solutions worldwide.
EPPIC’s Strategic Focus
EPPIC’s mission is to drive targeted interventions across countries in Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Its strategy centres on raising awareness of upstream and midstream solutions that promote circular approaches to plastic management. The initiative also seeks to align policy frameworks with science-based solutions, while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in eliminating single-use plastics, while, fostering circular designs for products, materials, and business models.
In Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa have been selected as beneficiary countries. In line with this, EPPIC collaborated with Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) to host an inception workshop in Accra. The workshop introduced stakeholders to the EPPIC package that can boost the country’s efforts in addressing plastic pollution.
Driving Collaboration and Innovation
Speaking virtually from Washington, D.C., IUCN Senior Programme Coordinator, Janaka De Silva, explained that EPPIC would adopt several strategies to achieve its goals. One key approach is establishing a collaborative platform that brings together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. This platform aims to align efforts, foster cooperation, and bridge the gap between global policy-making and local implementation for a new plastics economy.
The initiative will also support the development of public policies informed by scientific data, helping countries transition to circular economic models in the plastic management. Moreover, EPPIC will provide direct support to SMEs to promote plastic circularity through innovative business models such as reuse and refill systems. Engaging civil society and NGOs is another critical component, ensuring that vulnerable populations and gender considerations are integrated into plastic management strategies.
Ghana’s Role and Challenges in Plastic Management
In Ghana, EPPIC will work closely with government agencies, businesses, and civil society to develop action plans, foster partnerships, and provide grants to drive change. The initiative seeks to attract partners committed to ending plastic pollution and advancing innovative solutions. De Silva emphasised that participating organisations can contribute by changing business policies or practices that reduce plastic waste, sharing knowledge through national and regional dialogues, and influencing consumer behavior through communication campaigns.
MESTI’s Director in-charge of Environment, Dr. Peter Dery, welcomed EPPIC as a vital addition to national efforts in tackling plastic pollution. He noted that while some pilot initiatives have been undertaken, they have not yet achieved the transformational impact needed in the sector.
“This initiative is building on on-going activities and reminds us to stay focused on this important development, especially as we negotiate an international agreement on plastics,” Dery stated.
He stressed that plastic pollution is not just a national challenge but also a transboundary issue, requiring integrated efforts across countries. “Plastic pollution cannot be addressed in isolation. We need synergies and coordination in implementing multilateral environmental agreements,” he added.
Dery also highlighted that plastics are linked to biodiversity challenges, citing Target 7 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which recognizes plastics as a biodiversity threat.
National Policy Update and the Way Forward
Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PPMED) at MESTI, Mrs. Lydia Essuah, provided an update on Ghana’s National Plastic Management Policy. The policy’s vision is to promote sustainable plastics management through science, technology, and innovation. It aims to address environmental challenges while driving sustainable development.
The policy’s key objectives include raising awareness, building capacity for plastic management, promoting innovative technologies, identifying financing options, and enhancing institutional coordination and governance. However, Mrs. Essuah also highlighted several challenges, including the abolishment of the Plastic Waste Recycling Fund under the Environmental Tax Act of 2013 and low awareness of the economic potential of plastic recycling.
To address these challenges, Mrs. Essuah called for the development of a legal framework for plastic management, a review of the existing policy to reflect emerging trends, and increased investments in infrastructure and public education.
Situational Analysis of Plastic Pollution in Ghana
Local consultant, Ebenezer Appah-Sampong, presented a situational analysis of Ghana’s plastic pollution landscape. He noted that plastic pollution remains a significant issue, with efforts fragmented across various stages of the value chain. Challenges include inefficient waste collection systems, lack of formalised roles for informal waste collectors, and limited infrastructure and investment.
Appah-Sampong noted that NGOs and civil society organisations play a critical role in filling gaps through public education and grassroots action, particularly in coastal and urban areas. He said innovative recycling initiatives, such as Coliba Ghana and Nelplast Ghana, have emerged, though these efforts require more support to scale up.
During open discussions, participants stressed the need for an integrated approach to plastic management to avoid duplication of efforts. They also called for an immediate review of the National Plastic Management Policy, which has been in place since 1994, and called for urgent support to assist the Ministry to explore additional funding sources for strategic actions.
A Collaborative Path Forward
In her opening remarks, IUCN’s Ghana representative, Mrs. Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei, described EPPIC as a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together government, businesses, and civil society to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. She acknowledged that, like many countries, Ghana faces significant challenges from plastics, but expressed confidence that EPPIC could help transform the situation.
“EPPIC aligns with IUCN’s vision of creating a just world that values and conserves nature. By addressing plastic pollution, the initiative will contribute to a future where both people and nature thrive,” she said.
Owusuaa Adjei further emphasised that the project would protect biodiversity and ecosystems, promote a circular economy, and support sustainable consumption patterns, ultimately reducing the impacts of climate change.
Conclusion
EPPIC’s launch marks a significant step toward combating plastic pollution through innovation, collaboration, and policy alignment. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, fostering sustainable business models, and supporting the circular economy, EPPIC aims to create lasting solutions that protect both people and the planet.
As Ghana and other beneficiary countries embrace this initiative, the hope is that collective efforts will pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) is gearing up to launch new Contracting Cycle Guidelines for the oil and gas industry in compliance with the Presidential Directives on Local Content announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March 2024 to accelerate oil and gas contract timelines, incentivise investments in the sector and increase Nigeria’s crude oil production.
Participants at the two-day Contracting Cycle Guidelines Sensitisation Workshop held in Lagos
Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, announced this at the two-day Contracting Cycle Guidelines Sensitisation Workshop organised in Lagos by the Project Certification and Authorisation Directorate (PCAD) of the Board for international and indigenous operating oil and gas companies and their service counterparts.
The workshop provided a platform for NCDMB to explain the provisions of the Guidelines and how it would implement them in alignment with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act and the Presidential Directives.
Represented by the Director, Project Certification and Authorisation, Abayomi Bamidele, the Executive Secretary emphasised that NCDMB is a business enabler hence the decision to get stakeholders’ feedback before finalising and launching the guidelines at the forthcoming Practical Nigerian Content Workshop slated for December 3 to 5, 2024, at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
To further assist the companies, he promised that NCDMB would convene a technical workshop in the first quarter of 2025 to train personnel of operating and service oil and gas companies on how to efficiently complete various technical documents utilised in oil and gas contracting process.
The three Presidential Directives are the Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance, Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Cost and Timelines, and Presidential Directive on Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc).
Commenting on the objectives of the Presidential Directives, Ogbe canvassed that for Nigeria to deepen local content practice and grow the sector, it must eliminate premium margins charged by some service companies, stop frequent policy changes and ensure that final investment decisions (FIDs) are signed regularly, to catalyse new projects. He recommended that at least one or two FIDs should be signed at the annual oil and gas conferences, to create activities in the sector.
The Executive Secretary provided further details on the Presidential Directives and the Board’s actions, noting that the PD on Local Content Compliance addressed issues pertaining to NCDMB, while the PD on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Cost and Timelines referred to NCDMB and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and its investment arm, the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIS).
He added that NCDMB is working to support oil firms to accelerate their projects and take advantage of the incentives provided by the PD on Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc).
He informed that the PDs reduced the period for concluding oil and gas contracts from 180 days to six months, while it also revised the Contracting Timelines in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the Board had signed with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and international operating companies in September 2023 and reduced the number of days allotted to NCDMB on the cycle.
He pointed out that the Board was mandated to develop templates to collapse its touchpoints on the contracting cycle to enhance the business environment within the provisions of the law. Accordingly, the Board has reduced its touchpoints from nine to five for open tenders and selective tenders, while retaining only four touchpoints for single source contract.
He stated that another goal of the Presidential Directive is to eliminate intermediaries with no demonstrable capacity and to develop structured processes to determine, verify and document in-country capacities and capabilities. He added that the Board has adopted robust pre-qualification and technical evaluation process, policy revisions to provide clarity on in-country value addition for OEM representatives and in-country capacity audit every two years.
Another objective of the PD is to target global benchmarks. For this, he noted that NCDMB is proposing the co-creation of tender cost templates/tariffs, the promotion of joint venture of local/foreign service companies, the adoption of robust waiver management system by the Board and conveyor belt of at least two final investment decision (FID) per year.
The workshop featured technical presentations and interactions, and the participants thanked NCDMB for providing a platform for stakeholders to make constructive inputs into the industry’s operating guidelines.
Stakeholders have demanded the adoption of key green practices in schools across the country.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the Stakeholders Review and Validation Meetings on the Draft National Framework of the National Green Schools Project held recently.
The communique was signed by the National Project Co-ordinator, National Green Schools Project, Unyime Robinson; Deputy Director, Federal Ministry Environment, Musa Yauri; and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Environment, National Universities Commission, Universal Basic Education, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Sufficiency, FCT Education Resource Centre, Nigeria Police Force Education Unit, Federal Department of Forestry, National Commission for Colleges of Education, school administrators, teachers, environmental experts, and civil society organisations.
The meetings were convened with the objective of reviewing, discussing, and validating the draft framework, which seeks to promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and green practices in schools across the country.
According to the communique, the meetings endorsed the inclusion of critical environmental initiatives such as establishment of orchards in school’s environment, waste management, renewable energy use, water conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices as part of the school activities through institutionalisation of Green Clubs known as Green Schools Champions.
“It was resolved that teachers, school administrators, and relevant stakeholders will undergo capacity-building programmes to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement the National Green Schools Project.
“The stakeholders acknowledged the importance of partnerships with the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and international development partners in mobilizing resources, sharing best practices, and scaling up the project for sustainability.
“A robust monitoring and evaluation framework will be established to track progress, assess the impact of the Green Schools Project, and ensure continuous improvement in environmental sustainability practices in schools.
“Stakeholders agreed that although they are existing environmental education in school’s curriculum in Nigeria, more needs to be done in the integration of environmental education into the existing school curriculum to foster a culture of sustainability among students. This will include the development of IECs materials on climate change, biodiversity, and eco-friendly practices.
“Schools will actively engage local communities in environmental sustainability activities to create broader awareness and participation in green initiatives at the grassroots level.
“The stakeholders expressed their commitment to the successful implementation of the National Green Schools Project and recognised the critical role it will play in fostering an environmentally conscious and responsible generation.
“With the validated framework of the Green Schools Project, the National Launch of the Project is therefore proposed for October 29, 2024, subject for approval by respective authorities.
The meetings commended all stakeholders especial the National Implementation Committee which has now been transformed to National Steering Committee for the Project as recommended in the framework for their active engagement and contributions throughout the stakeholder’s review and validation process and look forward to the positive transformation of our schools into hubs of environmental sustainability.
“The stakeholders commend the Federal Ministry of Environment, Department of Climate Change for the coordination role, the NGO Partner, African Centre for Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development and the internation partners, Zenaga Foundation and Sports For Future for providing the resources and piloting the implementation of Green Schools Project in Nigeria.”
Nigeria is participating in the 36th Meeting of the Parties (MOP36) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which commenced from October 28, 2024, through to November 1, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Delegates at the 36th Meeting of the Parties (MOP36) to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, in Bangkok, Thailand
The Montreal Protocol is a landmark Global Treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and very powerful greenhouse gases.
The ongoing MOP36 meeting is crucial as it will address the latest scientific findings, policy developments, and strategies to further reduce ODS and fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-gases), which are potent contributors to global warming. There are nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ODS contained in refrigerators and air-conditioners production and consumption.
The MOP36 meeting comes at a critical time when the world is grappling with the dual challenges of ozone layer depletion and climate change. The meeting has provided a platform for parties to review progress, share best practices, and adopt new measures to accelerate the phase-out of harmful substances. This is essential for safeguarding both the environment and public health, as well as for achieving global climate goals.
“As delegates gather in Bangkok for the 36th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol, the need for Nigerian Government to act faster and go further in our climate ambitions at a time that the state of climate is now critical, with year 2023 as the hottest year in record,” said Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director, SRADev Nigeria.
SRADev Nigeria’s participation in MOP36 (NGO Observer) is considered a major kick-off activity in the one-year project on “Promoting Fast Action to Reduce Emissions of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depleting Substances in Nigeria”, recently launched in Abuja.
The project aims to support the Nigerian Government to, mitigate the environmental impact of these substances through awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and the promotion of sustainable alternatives.
The project, which officially started on October 1, 2024, is being funded by the Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA, UK), an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in 1984 in the United Kingdom.
Looking ahead, SRADev Nigeria is committed to expanding the impact of its project with the following goals:
Increase Emission Reductions: Advocacy support to achieve a 25% reduction in fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions and Nitrous oxide gases by 2027.
Broaden Community Outreach: Expand educational programmes to reach an additional 10,000 individuals, focusing on youth and women to ensure inclusive participation.
Enhance Policy Advocacy: Work closely with policymakers to implement stricter regulations and promote the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Foster Innovation: Support research and development of alternative substances and technologies that are environmentally friendly and economically viable.
SRADev Nigeria has in the past played similar but vital roles in the implementation of international multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). This ensures that the voices of local communities are heard and that grassroots perspectives are integrated into global policies. It continues to bring on-the-ground experience and innovative solutions that are crucial for the successful implementation of MEAs.
Participation in MOP36 therefore, underscores our commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
“We believe that by engaging with global experts and sharing our experiences, we can contribute significantly to the global efforts to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.” “This meeting is a pivotal moment for us to strengthen our programme strategies and partnerships, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for Nigeria and the world”, said Mr. Jeremiah Ato, Technical and Policy Officer, SRADev Nigeria.
As a foremost NGO group on chemical and wastes clusters, SRADev Nigeria disclosed that its involvement in MOP36 will enable it to:
Engage with Global Experts: Gain insights from leading scientists and policymakers on the latest advancements and strategies for ODS and F-gas reduction in Nigeria.
Share our Experiences: Present our project outcomes and challenges, contributing to the global dialogue on effective mitigation strategies.
Strengthen Partnerships: Forge new collaborations with international stakeholders to enhance our efforts in Nigeria.
“At MoP36, all Parties should embody the spirit of the Montreal Protocol once again and to demonstrate it truly is the world’s most successful environmental treaty,” said Clare Perry, Climate Campaigner Leader, Environmental Investigation Agency, UK.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd) through NNPC Foundation, its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, is set to launch a free cancer screening campaign to address Nigeria’s rising cancer cases.
NNPC Foundation Cancer Screening Campaign
The campaign, tagged “Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening”, will provide not just free cancer screening to indigent Nigerians but also health education, workshops, and consultations with healthcare professionals aimed at empowering individuals to recognise early symptoms, adopt preventive health measures, and better understand the importance of regular screenings.
The campaign, which will be organised in collaboration with local health authorities and expert healthcare providers, is targeted at reaching about 3,000 individuals across the six geo-political zones with screening centres in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe states. The initiative will focus on breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, offering critical early detection support for at-risk populations.
Shedding more light on the objectives of the campaign, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said: “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most.
“In a country of over 200 million people, too many still lack access to the early detection tools that could make a life-saving difference. NNPC Foundation is dedicated to addressing this critical gap by bringing cancer screenings directly to communities. Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates, and this campaign is a vital step towards that goal.”
Cancer remains one of the most formidable health challenges in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths annually, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The most common cancers affecting Nigerian men include prostate and liver cancer, while women are predominantly impacted by breast and cervical cancers.
The campaign seeks to counter the trend of late-stage diagnoses, which occur frequently due to limited access to screening facilities, cultural stigmas, and insufficient awareness.
This initiative follows the success of a screening drive in February 2024, where over 200 Abuja residents received free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings.
These free cancer screening campaigns reflect NNPC Ltd.’s broader mission to promote health equity and enhance the well-being of Nigerians across the country through its Foundation.
The Kano State Government says it is working in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to draft final climate change policy document and development implementation plan.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State
The Commissioner for Environment, Nasiru Garo, said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, in Kano, the state capital.
He said the measure was a critical step towards confronting the existential threat posed by climate change.
According to him, the validation of the draft Kano State Climate Change Policy marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of sustainable development and climate resilience in the state and the sub region.
“The realities of climate change are no longer distant or abstract across the Sahel and northern Nigeria.
“Frequent droughts that threaten agricultural productivity causing food insecurity and unpredictable rainfall patterns that disrupt the planting season.
“Desertification encroaching on fertile lands and forcing communities to migrate, heatwave and flooding, leading to severe health risks, displacement and destruction of infrastructure,” he said.
He warned that, if left unaddressed, its impact would not only undermine livelihoods and economic progress, but worsen poverty, and increase conflicts over natural resources and strain the social systems.
The commissioner highlighted that the policy would serve as a guiding framework to stimulate concrete action to protect the environment and secure the future of the state.
Stella Terver, UNICEF WASH Programme Officer, Kano Field Office, reiterated the commitment of the UN agency to partner with Kano government in tackling the impact of climate change on children and promote their wellbeing.
Terver emphasised the organisation’s mission, to ensure that children not only survive but also thrive and realise their rights.
She called for implementation of specific policies within Nigeria’s climate plans, to address the vulnerabilities, urging for a collective commitment to foster a safer, healthier environment for children.
According to her, UNICEF has been supporting Kano government through viable interventions, adding that the organisation stands for children.
“Each time we talk about climate change, we talk about how it impacts on the children in Kano State.
“All we do is targeted at children, be it WASH, education, health, policy, child protection, all of them are targeted at that one child,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Muhammad Khalil, Executive Secretary, Kano Watershed, Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA), restated commitment towards building a climate resilient environment.
He pledged to ensure sustainable development and promote the wellbeing of the citizens, saying that the process adopted in developing the Kano Climate Change Policy, involved engagements with various stakeholders.
Khalil said the engagement was to generate inputs from all sections of society that could impacted by climate change.
On his part, Musa Kachako, Chairman, Kano State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, expressed satisfaction with the stakeholder’s engagement and policy making processes.
“The occasion is to address the issues bothering people for long, not only in Kano or Nigeria but worldwide.
“Environment plays a vital role in people’s health, what they eat and the issue of climate change. If addressed, it will assist ordinary people and not only farmers.”
