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Power outage cripples socio-economic activities in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina

Michael Simire
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Power outage cripples socio-economic activities in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina

The prolonged power outage being experienced in some parts of Nigeria for the past eight days has crippled socio-economic activities in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states.

power grid
A power grid

This is coupled with the recurring failure of the national grid that usually leaves most parts of the country in total darkness.

In Kaduna State, following the ongoing black out, some entrepreneurs have lamented how the lack of power supply affects their businesses.

In a survey, a cross section of the businessmen and women utterly decried that their businesses have gone down due to lack of power.

Augustine Uzor, a bar owner and hotelier said the experience was frustrating as no customer came to lodge or buy drinks from his bar because they were not cold.

“I’ve been running on generator for days now which is making me run at a loss because, sometimes we get the customers and sometimes they don’t come.

“Shortly after I paid a huge amount of money for the light bill, this happened; we are just pushing up in this country to make ends meet but it isn’t encouraging,” he said.

Similarly, a baker, Olowo Oloworanti, said that the event that led to the power outage was tragic, adding that they have been using diesel to produce, which was not sustainable.

He said his business would crumble if electricity was not quickly restored, urging the government to fix the national grid as soon as possible.

According to him, his company has paid for light service but does not get access to it adequately which is disturbing.

He recommended that the government should create alternative power generation and supply which would complement the national grid.

As business owners recount their ordeal, an expert in power and renewable energy, Amina Muhammad, stated that there was a need for the government to harness solar energy for power generation.

She said the country should not be suffering from inefficient power when it’s blessed with solar energy adding that it was high time Nigeria has alternative power generation

In Katsina State, the persistent power being experienced in Katsina, and other Northern states of the federation has also crippled socio-economic activities.

An investigation has revealed that most of the operators of small and medium enterprises have shut down the operations due to power outages.

Some of the businesses affected included, but not limited to welding, tailoring, soft drinks selling, table water production, among others.

The situation has further led to the increase in the cost of services for many businesses.

Audu Muhammad, an expert in welding, said that his business has been stopped due to power outage.

He explained that, hitherto, he used his generator if there was a power outage if he had urgent work.

“We usually charge higher prices for using generators because of the hike in the price of fuel per litre.

“Not everyone can afford to pay higher costs, as such, we are now stranded without work to earn a living,” he said.

On the other hand, operators of mobile phone charging were making a brisk business.

Nura Abubakar, on his part, said that what he gets daily from charging of mobile phones was enough for him to take care of his family.

He said that due to the increase in the price of fuel, they have raised the cost for charging a phone from N100 to N200 and above.

It was observed that the situation has caused almost all businesses to increase their costs.

Checks also revealed that the residents of the state were experiencing acute shortage of water.

A cost of one Jerry can of water, which was sold at N50 before, now cost N150 and above in some parts of the metropolis, and even other local governments in the state.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) on concession of the Windmill Power project at Lambar-Rimi, Rimi local government area.

This is said to be part of efforts to reposition the state as a leader in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.

Gov. Dikko Radda announced a concession plan to restore the wind energy project during a roundtable meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed.

He said, “Signing of the MoU by the government establishes a robust framework for collaboration, aimed at accelerating energy access across communities and businesses in the state.”

Kaula-Mohammed quoted Radda as saying that the state’s geographical location offers exceptional renewable energy potential.

The Governor said, “Our state experiences some of the highest solar irradiation levels in Nigeria, and our wind energy project in Rimi exemplifies our commitment to harnessing these natural advantages for our people’s benefit.”

Radda further disclosed that the state was actively seeking qualified partners to take over the Rimi wind energy project, marking a significant step towards optimizing its efficiency and service delivery.

The REA would provide technical advisory support throughout the concession process, ensuring adherence to international best practices and maximizing the project’s impact on local communities.

To facilitate these renewable energy initiatives, he announced an attractive incentive package for developers, including subsidised land allocation, expedited approval processes through a dedicated renewable energy desk, and comprehensive logistical support.

To further create a sustainable ecosystem for energy investment, the state government expressed its commitment towards facilitating power purchase agreements with local businesses.

Radda emphasised that his administration’s strategy extends beyond mere infrastructure development.

“We have conducted a comprehensive mapping of viable clusters across the state, identifying areas where sustainable energy solutions can have the most significant impact on MSME development and community growth,” he said

The governor noted that the collaboration with REA builds upon their successful track record in Katsina State, including the electrification of multiple healthcare facilities under the COVID-19 and other initiatives.

The new partnership promises to expand these efforts, particularly through the Nigeria Electrification and Support Implementation Programme (NESIP)

In Kano State, it was the same obnoxious development as life was no longer bearable to the residents and business owners alike occasioned by the epileptic power supply and the current eight-day black out.

“Things have gone haywire for us and our life is crumbling. Our businesses are dying, and we have lost our means of livelihood.

“The government should do the needful and urgently redress the ugly situation,” a cross section of the residents appealed.

In a related development, the Kano Electricity Distribution Company KEDCO says its core investor, Future Energies Africa, is investing in renewable energy aimed at improving network capacity, and MiniGrid solutions to eliminate absolute reliance on grid supply.

The Chief Commercial Officer of KEDCO Dr Abubakar Jimeta, said this in an interview in Kano.

According to him, their core investor, Future Energies Africa (FEA), is investing in renewable energy efforts, improving network capacity, and MiniGrid solutions to eliminate absolute reliance on grid supply.

Jimeta said that investing in renewable energy would go a long way in reducing the pressure on the national grid.

He said that the unstable power supply was attributed to disturbances on the national grid and vandalism that damaged two towers along the 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2, saying, ”these lines are the primary sources of bulk power transmission to our area.”

Jimeta said that reports from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), towers T133 and T136, along with their cables, were found badly damaged at several points. Efforts are ongoing to reclose the lines after tripping.

“To mitigate this challenge, we are engaging with the necessary stakeholders, including TCN and NERC, to find a lasting solution to facilitate swift rectification of the vandalised Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines for improved electricity supply,” he explained.

Some of the experts explained that the anomaly was exerting negative impacts on the socio-economic, industrial and business growth in the country.

An energy expert, Mr Adams Aliyu, said energy was a key component of development and canvassed that Nigeria gets its energy right.

He said that to stop grid collapses, Nigeria must invest in power generation, distribution and transmission and at the same time invest in renewable energy.

A university lecturer, Ismael Muhammad, advised the Federal Government to decentralise the grid.

“The problem is once there is failure in one part of the grid, the entire country shuts down. So, we need to decentralise the grid so that we have a stand-alone grid, maybe on a regional basis,” he advised.

A national council member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Sani Hussein, said that many factories could not afford the cost of diesel.

According to him, even those that can are counting losses as they cannot shut down operations because of the incessant black out.

The national council member, who was a former chairman of MAN Kano Jigawa, said maintaining production was a nightmare as 30 percent of operating factories were struggling to meet orders.

Husseini warned that if the situation continues, northern-based industries could lose N500 billion due to the grid disturbances.

The industry chief further said many industries have asked their staff to take temporary leave until power is restored.

He added that if the power issue was not resolved, it could lead to layoffs and serious unemployment.

Mr Mark Ike, one of the residents, said that inconsistent power supply to homes and business areas, especially with the current weather and economic challenges, was too much discomfort.

He added that consistent power outages may cause small businesses to fold up while adding that some businesses that needed constant power might no longer function properly.

Similarly, Ado Shuaibu, a store owner in Singer market, said that it was unfortunate that the situation was happening amid the high cost of fuel.

This, he said, had cost lots of business owners’ losses as some could not afford to switch to their generator sets, while those who could, hiked their prices.

“If I have to buy fuel to power my generator, I may have to increase the price of drinks and people may not buy much because not many can afford it,” he explained.

Indigenous groups from nine countries launch alliance in defence of Amazon, climate

Michael Simire
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Indigenous groups from nine countries launch alliance in defence of Amazon, climate

Indigenous organisations from nine Amazonian countries launched on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at COP16 (UN Convention on Biodiversity) in Cali, Colombia, an unprecedented alliance in defence of the Amazon, traditional peoples, biodiversity and the global climate.

Amazon rainforest
The Amazon rainforest

The Indigenous Amazon G9 will function as a coalition to coordinate actions and strengthen the common demands of Indigenous peoples from all countries where the largest tropical forest in the world is located.

The following organisations are part of this new political space:

  • Confederación de Naciones y Pueblos Indígenas del Chaco Oriente y Amazonía de Bolivia (CIDOB, from Bolivia)
  • Coordination of Indigenous Organisations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB, from Brazil) Organización Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas de la Amazonía Colombiana (OPIAC, from Colombia)
  • Confederación de Nacionalidades Indígenas de la Amazonía Ecuatoriana (CON FENIAE, from Ecuador)
  • Asociación de Pueblos Ameríndios de Guyana (APA, Guyana)
  • Federación de Organizaciones Amerindias de Guyana Française (FOAG, from French Guiana)
  • Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP, from Peru)
  • Organización de los Pueblos Indígenas de Surinam (OIS, from Suriname)
  • Organización Regional de Pueblos Indígenas de Amazonas (ORPIA, Venezuela)

As it is an alliance with a horizontal structure, and not an organisation, the G9 will not initially have steering groups, headquarters or processes for choosing leaders. All participating organisations will have equal weight in decision-making, which will be made by consensus.

Moral authority

The first demand of the Pan-Amazonian Peoples is that governments around the world recognise that traditional peoples are the main moral authorities when it comes to conserving biomes, protecting species diversity, and regulating the climate.

This moral authority is based on the fact that governments have repeatedly failed to increase their commitments to address the climate and biodiversity crisis’s gravity and fulfil their promises. In contrast, Indigenous peoples have always acted to protect nature and have been the best territorial managers on the planet, even without adequate funding for their actions and despite the insufficient space for participation they have in international negotiations.

Traditional knowledge and the dedication of Indigenous Peoples to protecting the environment have helped to curb the expansion of fossil fuels and the loss of vegetation and species, essential measures to limit the climate crisis. Scientific research has already shown that Indigenous Peoples play a particularly important role in the Amazon, where their territories act as barriers to environmental destruction.

Largely thanks to Indigenous Peoples, around 80% of the Amazon rainforest, one of the largest carbon sinks on a global scale and one of the planet’s most biodiverse areas, remains preserved. Despite “holding up the sky” for all humanity, as Indigenous thinkers have noted, Amazonian peoples continue to suffer persecution and attempts to erase their presence.

They are also among the communities most vulnerable to the climate crisis, as extreme droughts and abnormal temperatures reduce the volume of their rivers, hinder fishing and hunting, and make it difficult to maintain their traditional culture.

Priority Themes

By strengthening the common demands of Indigenous Peoples in the Pan-Amazon region, participating organisations hope to increase pressure on their governments to take action to guarantee the rights of these peoples and preserve their territories.

The main areas of work of the G9 will include:

  • Biodiversity Conservation: Ensure that global policies and decisions respect the territorial rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognise their role in conserving biodiversity.
  • Territorial Rights: Support the legal security of Indigenous territories through titling, demarcation and legal mechanisms to protect the collective ownership of Indigenous Peoples over their territories.
  • Direct Financing: Demand direct financing mechanisms for Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon region, enabling them to manage their resources and conservation and sustainable development projects autonomously, in accordance with their knowledge and governance systems.
  • Protection of Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact: Work to ensure that States respect the principle of “no contact”, ensuring the effective protection of the rights of these peoples and the ecosystems they protect.
  • Unity of the Amazon Indigenous movement: Offer a space for articulation that expands the power of Indigenous Peoples to influence international negotiations, with a focus on defending territorial rights, conserving biodiversity and combating climate change.

Youth advocate seeks integration of climate education into school curricula

Michael Simire
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Youth advocate seeks integration of climate education into school curricula

As the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) approaches in November 2024, the global conversation is centred around how nations can meet their net-zero targets. In this context, Nigeria must actively engage its youth to play a vital role in shaping climate solutions, particularly through education and innovation in renewable energy.

Ayole Idowu
Ayole Idowu, Nguvu Change Leader

The path to net zero, which involves drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions to balance those removed from the atmosphere, requires large-scale efforts across all sectors. However, one of the most important – and often overlooked – resources in this battle is the involvement of young people and students.

Ayole Idowu, a renewable energy expert, educator, and advocate for climate resilience, is leading a youth engagement initiative. A graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University and the University of Lagos, and currently a PhD researcher at the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative and STEM Education (ACEITSE) at Lagos State University, Ayole is spearheading an initiative to establish Climate Change Clubs in public secondary schools throughout Nigeria.

His goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle climate change while fostering a new generation of innovators who can contribute to the country’s net-zero goals.

“Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s an existential challenge that will define the future of today’s youth. If we are serious about reaching net zero by 2060, we need to start by educating the next generation and getting them involved in renewable energy solutions,” says Ayole.

His vision includes integrating solar installation training into school curricula, which would not only provide students with practical skills but also empower them to think about renewable energy as a core solution to climate challenges.

Ayole’s approach aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which set out the country’s roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions. However, achieving these targets will require both public and private sector collaboration, with the active involvement of youth who can drive grassroots innovation and push for the adoption of clean technologies.

In a petition to Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir, Ayole is advocating for the integration of climate education into school curricula.

“By giving students the tools to understand and address climate change, we are fostering a generation of leaders who can think critically about sustainability and develop homegrown solutions for a greener, more resilient Nigeria,” he adds.

The youth play a pivotal role in the global climate conversation, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria. Renewable energy, such as solar power, has the potential to significantly reduce emissions while also creating jobs and ensuring energy access for all. By focusing on youth and student engagement, Nigeria can build a workforce that is not only knowledgeable about the realities of climate change but also equipped with the technical skills to implement renewable energy projects and push for broader policy change.

As COP29 approaches, the push for net-zero emissions and climate resilience in Nigeria is accelerating. The future belongs to those who can innovate and adapt, and Ayole’s initiatives are regarded as a critical step towards ensuring that young Nigerians are part of the solution. By embracing renewable energy education and youth-driven innovation, Nigeria can both meet its climate goals and position itself as a leader in the global transition to a net-zero future.

EnviroNews photographer, Adebote Mayowa, among COP29 photo competition winners

Michael Simire
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EnviroNews photographer, Adebote Mayowa, among COP29 photo competition winners

Nigerian photographer, Adebote Mayowa, has been named among the winners of the international photo competition “Climate Action in Focus”, organised by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company.

Adebote Mayowa
Adebote Mayowa

Mayowa, who freelances for EnviroNews, secured third place for his work “Makoko”.

First place was awarded to Myanmar photographer, So Pyay Lynn, for his image titled “Hard Life”. Hungarian photographer, Adam Fath, earned second place with his evocative piece, “Flowers of the Drying Lake”.

“These images highlight the global impact of climate change, encouraging viewers to consider solutions to this collective challenge and promoting a deeper understanding of the issue,” according to a jury of professional photographers.

Established to raise awareness about climate change and contribute to environmental protection efforts, the competition was launched on August 1, 2024, inviting photographers from around the world to join the climate conversation through visual storytelling, shining a spotlight on urgent climate issues and raising awareness. The project highlighted the significant role of photography and the arts as a catalyst for climate action.

Nearly 20 photographers from around the world submitted their original works to capture the impacts of climate change on various aspects of our lives from different perspectives. Alongside Azerbaijani photographers, artists from the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Russia, India, Argentina, Myanmar, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Nepal, Iraq, and Afghanistan participated in the competition.

An exhibition showcasing selected photographs from the project will take place on November 20 at the Azerbaijan Pavilion within the Green Zone during COP29.

Situated within this hub of climate action, the photo exhibition will provide participants and winners with the opportunity to convey their messages to a global audience through their artworks. Moreover, it will facilitate networking and enhance international awareness of the critical issues showcased.

NiMet predicts three-day haziness, sunshine from Sunday

Michael Simire
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NiMet predicts three-day haziness, sunshine from Sunday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted haziness and sunshine from Sunday, October 27 to Tuesday, October 29, 2024, across the country.

Hazy weather
Hazy weather

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Saturday, October 26, forecast moderate dust haze in the northern region on Sunday with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km.

The agency anticipated localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m during the forecast period.

“In the North central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in the morning hours.

“Later in the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue and Nasarawa states.

“In the southern region, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours,” the outlook read in part.

The agency envisaged thunderstorms with moderate rains over most places later in the day.

According to NiMet, moderate dust haze with a horizontal visibility range of 2km to 5km and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m are anticipated during the forecast period in the northern region on Monday.

The agency forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds in the morning hours in the North Central region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue and Kogi states.

“Morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Lagos states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over most places.”

NiMet envisaged moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km on Tuesday and localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m during the forecast period in the northern region.

According to the report, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected throughout the forecast period in the central region.

The agency predicted morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over some parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, anticipating thunderstorms with moderate rains over most places later in the day.

“Dust particles are in suspension; the public should take necessary precautions.

“People with asthmatic health conditions and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather conditions.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, the public should take adequate precautions,” the weather outlook stated.

NiMet urged the public to adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities, advising airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

By Gabriel Agbeja

Grid collapse: Makurdi residents advocate strong solar energy, mini grids

Michael Simire
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Grid collapse: Makurdi residents advocate strong solar energy, mini grids

In the wake of incessant National Grid collapse, state governments have been advised to build strong solar energy systems and mini grids as alternative sources of electricity.

Solar mini-grid
A solar mini-grid system

Some residents of Makurdi in Benue State gave the charge in separate interviews on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

According to the residents, the recurring collapse of the national grid is becoming an embarrassing issue to Nigeria.

They, therefore, urged state governments to do everything possible to have alternative sources of energy to mitigate the impact of the persistent collapse of the national grid.

Mrs. Jennifer Tema, a 67-year-old restaurant owner, said that the regular collapse of the national grid had cost so much damage to her business.

Tema said she had been recording losses of her perishable foods worth millions of Naira as a result of the recurring power outage.

“In recent times, we have witnessed a bit of steady power supply, but this issue of the national grid has really cost me a lot of damage.

“My generator cannot take more than two freezers at a time. I lost over N2 million in the recent power outage. This is really affecting my business.

“I just hope that state governments will rise up to the occasion and get alternative energy sources for us to mitigate these losses,” she said.

Another resident, Dennis Tyosula, who operates a computer centre and betting shop in Makurdi, said lack of steady power supply was affecting his businesses.

Tyosula said he was buying fuel between N1,200 and N1,350 to power the generators at his two shops, and as a result was not making any profit, but incurring losses.

According to him, he uses between 16 and 18 litres of PMS daily when there is no power supply.

Meanwhile, a top staff member of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the government was not yet ready to resolve the issue of power outage in the country.

The source noted that top government officials in the power sector who were benefiting from the current system failure did not want the problem to be resolved.

According to the source, most of the officials have secretly acquired shares of the company and are only interested in getting profits on their shares.

“My brother, the problem in the power sector is not solely with us the distribution companies.

“Every new government has its officials in the sector who do not have the interest of the country at heart.

“All of them want the bad system to continue so that they too would benefit from it. There is no end in sight yet.

“The issue of national grid is the most embarrassing of all,” the source said.

The JEDC official also said Nigeria had the technology and manpower to handle its power challenges and curb the incessant power failure as a result of grid collapse.

“The only way forward for now is for states to build their mini grids or establish strong solar energy power sources in the interest of their citizens.

“It is high time we stopped relying on only one source of energy supply,” the source added.

By Emmanuel Antswen

Commonwealth meeting ends with strengthened call from Island States for fossil free future

Michael Simire
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Commonwealth meeting ends with strengthened call from Island States for fossil free future

As the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) ended on Saturday, October 26, in Samoa, calls for a global plan for a fast, fair, and financed phase-out of fossil fuel production continue to escalate.

CHOGM 2024
Delegates at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa

During the meeting, eight Small Island states who have called for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty launched a new report titled “Uncommon Wealth: Fossil Fuel Expansion in the Commonwealth Dominated by Three Wealthy Countries”.

The report reveals the imbalance in fossil fuel extraction across the Commonwealth, highlighting the dominance of three wealthy nations – Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom – in driving fossil fuel expansion and emissions. Despite representing only 6% of the Commonwealth’s population, Australia, Canada, and the UK are responsible for over 60% of emissions generated from extraction across Commonwealth countries since 1990.

In a speech during a press conference, Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Feleti Teo, said: “To put it plainly – it is a death sentence for us if larger nations continue to open new fossil fuel projects. As a Commonwealth family, we have a moral responsibility to uphold the commitments we made under the Paris Agreement, and work toward limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. But if we are to achieve this, we must work collectively. We cannot achieve this if our wealthier partners do not align their actions with their stated commitments. The continued expansion of fossil fuels only fans the flames of the climate crisis, directly contradicting the values we share in our Commonwealth Charter.”

At CHOGM 2024, Commonwealth Heads of Government have selected the Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The demand for the incoming Commonwealth Secretary-General is that she must champion greater international cooperation across the Commonwealth on the need for a fast, fair and financed transition away from fossil fuel extraction.

In particular, the Commonwealth’s majority low- and middle-income countries require support to transition as they face insurmountable debt exacerbated by colonial legacies and climate-induced losses. Without adequate financial support and debt alleviation from wealthier member states, these nations will struggle to fund climate resilience and a just energy transition.

In the final official communique, following increased pressure from Caribbean nations, Commonwealth leaders recognised the urgent need for meaningful discussions on reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impacts. This commitment signals a pivotal step forward, with heads of government pledging to support initiatives that address these historical harms.

Gillian Cooper, Political Director at the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “As we confront the ongoing impacts of climate change, we must recognize the historical injustices that have contributed to the vulnerabilities faced by many nations today. The call for reparations stemming from the transatlantic slave trade is intrinsically linked to our fight against expansion of fossil fuel extraction. Former colonial states have benefited from historical and current fossil fuel extraction for their development, taking up more than their fair share of the ‘carbon budget.’

“The unjust burden of climate change, caused by fossil fuels, falls disproportionately on those who have suffered from colonial exploitation. A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is vital to dismantle this cycle of injustice and support the transition to a sustainable future.”

While Commonwealth states issued a major declaration on protecting the ocean, it was silent on one of the greatest threats to life under the sea – fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are fundamentally altering the chemistry of the oceans, with acidification and extreme heat stress threatening marine life and ecosystems. Fossil fuel production processes are also proven to disrupt key feeding and breeding areas, having huge implications for global populations of marine species.

The communique was released as Australian businessman Dr Andrew Forrest put out a statement showing support for the climate leadership of Pacific Island nations, calling on other countries to join them in seeking to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Treaty.

Attention now turns to the UN COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan next month, where the urgent need for a transition away from fossil fuels will be a central theme. Following the recognition of this necessity at COP28 and in the Pact for the Future in September in New York, it is crucial that parties at COP29 not only commit to ending fossil fuel extraction but also outline a clear, actionable plan for financing this transition.

Adequate climate finance under the New Collective Quantified Goal is essential for supporting developing nations in their shift away from fossil fuels. A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a vital mechanism to complement the Paris Agreement by ensuring global cooperation to phase out fossil fuel production equitably and sustainably.

Shell gas pipeline leaking in Bayelsa community – EDEN

Michael Simire
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Shell gas pipeline leaking in Bayelsa community – EDEN

The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has disclosed that, upon receiving a call from an indigene of Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa State at about 1pm on Thursday, October 24, 2024, about an ongoing gas leak along Shell’s EPU 3&4 Bulk Line, it promptly responded by visiting the environment of interest.

EDEN
Officials of Shell and other stakeholders at the leakage site

“Incidentally, Shell and other stakeholders were on ground for Joint Investigation Visit and actually visited the bubbling spot through canoe as the environment was flooded,” EDEN disclosed.

The Joint Investigation Team (JIT), being observed by EDEN, concluded that they can only ascertain exactly what is causing the bubbling or leak after the flood recedes and the spot is excavated to expose the pipe and properly identify what is the situation.

Representatives of NOSDRA and Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment and community representatives were part of the JIT including the Community Trust Board Chairman, Panebi George Inoru.

EDEN stated that it visited the spot immediately after the JIT concluded and left the environment.

EDEN submitted: “Irrespective of the flood, Shell ought to mobilise relevant equipment and ensure the sailing leakage and pollution stops. If this happened in the middle of the Nun River (because the gas pipeline runs across the Nun River), would they wait until the river dries up before doing the needful?

“EDEN demands immediate action and not later.”

Players rally against FIFA, Saudi Aramco partnership over climate concerns, women’s rights

Michael Simire
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Players rally against FIFA, Saudi Aramco partnership over climate concerns, women’s rights

In what looks like a bold move, over 100 professional female footballers from across five continents have called for FIFA to sever ties with Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest oil companies, as its primary sponsor.

Gianni Infantino
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino

Representing 24 countries, including captains and former captains from national teams like Canada, Italy, Croatia, the United States, and Afghanistan, these players collectively hold over 2,300 international caps.

The players’ letter highlights Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations, particularly concerning the rights of women, and calls into question FIFA’s commitment to sustainability, given Aramco’s record of contributing to global pollution and lobbying against climate action.

“As we all suffer from the consequences of climate change, Saudi Arabia profits, and FIFA is enabling this,” the letter states, pointing to the recent floods, wildfires, and extreme heat impacting the world of football and beyond.

The players argue that FIFA’s decision to partner with Aramco is incompatible with the sport’s equality, inclusion, and sustainability values.

The letter was released alongside polling data from fans across the UK, Spain, Brazil, the US, and Australia, showing that 72% of women’s football supporters believe FIFA should drop the Aramco sponsorship.

Fans are calling for FIFA to seek alternative sponsors whose values align more closely with those of women’s football, even if it results in less financial support for the next four years.

This protest also arrives just two months before Saudi Arabia is expected to announce its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, raising the stakes even further.

Prominent footballers have spoken out in support of the letter.

Ayisat Yusuf-Aromire, a retired Nigerian female football player who now lives in Finland, said, “As a woman who had to overcome countless obstacles to play football, I deeply value the freedoms many of us in the game now enjoy. We must speak up for those who don’t have these same freedoms. Aramco, one of the world’s biggest polluters, is making the planet unsafe.

“We must stand in solidarity with the women of Saudi Arabia, who are imprisoned for peacefully advocating for their rights, and call on FIFA to drop this sponsorship — for the sake of women’s rights and our planet.”

Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen also stated, “FIFA’s choice to partner with Aramco allows the Saudi regime to distract from their harmful treatment of women and the environment. We as players refuse to be part of that distraction.”

Former US National Team captain Becky Sauerbrunn, added, “We stand with women like Manahel al-Otaibi and Salma al-Shehab, whom the Saudi regime has imprisoned for simply advocating for their rights. FIFA’s alignment with such a regime is unacceptable.”

Canadian national team captain Jessie Fleming, underscored the sport’s power to unite people: “Football can bring people together. This partnership, however, only divides and prioritizes profit over human rights and environmental responsibility.”

The global unity among these players appears to send a clear message: the values of women’s football cannot be compromised for financial gain. As the world watches, FIFA must now decide where it stands on human rights, women’s rights, and the planet’s future.

UN pledges to support Nigeria achieve SDGs

Michael Simire
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UN pledges to support Nigeria achieve SDGs

The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, has restated the body’s commitment to support the country in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mohamed Malick Fall
Mohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria

Fall gave the assurance on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the UN Day.

He described Nigeria as a very important country, adding that the organisation would not achieve SDGs if Nigeria did not achieve it.

Fall said, “In less than five years, we have to achieve Agenda 2030, the Summit of the Future and its landmark outcome.

“The ‘Pact for the Future’ has highlighted enough of these goals.

“The pact highlights five strategic priorities: SDG financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation; youth and future generation; and global governance.

“’The Nigeria we want’ is also reflected in the pact. At the UN, our focus is to ensure Nigeria achieves the SDG.

“This is why we work closely with the government at all levels. We work with all the development partners and the civil society to put the SDGs on track in Nigeria.”

He noted that humanitarian assistance alone could not substitute a solution to people’s problems, adding that there should be collective efforts to tackle such problems.

Also speaking, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, said that the future of development would focus on science, technology, innovation and digitalisation.

According to her, the programme will support the ecosystem of Nigeria, in a special way.

“We have, for the very first time, established what we call university ports, 10 of them by the end of this year and where when you go into a university, you will have a space to create such prototype.

“This development means we will have space where young people in universities and communities can test the ideas and hopefully, we create some unicorns.

“We believe that, in the next 36 months, we will also establish 36 of them,” she said.

She added that the programme would support Nigeria in mitigating the impact of climate change by reducing emissions and linking it to the country’s development.

On her part, Vaneessa Phala-Moyo, the Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, pledged to promote social justice in the country.

Phala-Moyo said: “ILO, as an organisation, is charged basically with promoting social justice.

“We have been doing a lot of work, since 1960 when Nigeria joined the ILO, and we are working within the country’s decent work programme.

“This articulated priorities that Nigeria, including our social partners like Nigeria Labour Congress, TUC, NECA and Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, as tripartite partners, work on developing the country’s programme that gives attention to key priorities to partners.”

By Fortune Abeng

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