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UCLG Africa Climate Task Force launched at COP23

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The 23rd Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP23) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Bonn, Germany from November 6 -17 2017, provided the framework for the launch of the UCLG Africa Climate Task Force and the presentation of its members to the political authorities and the general public.

Barnabé Dassigli
Barnabé Dassigli, Minister of Decentralisation and Local Governance of Benin, Chairman of the Specialised Technical Committee N° 8 of the African Union

The official launch of the UCLG Africa Climate Task Force was held in Bonn on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 under the chairmanship of Mr. Barnabé Dassigli, Minister of Decentralisation and Local Governance of Benin, Chairman of the Specialised Technical Committee N° 8 of the African Union, in the presence of representatives of the first institutions that volunteered to join the Task Force. These were notably:

  • The African Development Bank (AfDB), represented for this purpose by Ms. Louise Helen Brown, Climate Change Task Manager, Coordinator of the AfDB Fund for Climate Change in Africa;
  • The West African Development Bank (BOAD), represented by Mr. Bio Sawe, Director of the  Environment and Climate Finance;
  • The Local Government Capital Investment Fund of Morocco (FEC);
  • The Special Fund for Equipment and Inter-Municipal Intervention of Cameroon (FEICOM), represented by Mr. Côme Awoumou, Deputy Director of Cooperation and Partnership;
  • OECD, represented by Ms Marie Trémolières, Senior Policy Analyst at the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC) of OECD;
  • The Environment Agency for Territorial Development of the Presidency of the Republic of Benin, represented by Mr. Jean Claude Grisoni Niaki, expert in resource mobilisation and structuring of projects for Climate Finance;
  • The 4C Agency of the Ministry of the Environment of Morocco, represented by its Director, Mr. Mohamed Nbou;
  • Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech, represented by Professor Fatima Arib, Sustainable Development and Major Projects Task Manager at the Presidency of the University;
  • The National Associations of Local Governments in Africa, represented by Ms. Florence Radzilani, Mayor of the Municipality of the District of Vhembe (South Africa), Climate and Environmental Planning Officer at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA);
  • NGO ENERGIES 2050, represented by its CEO, Stéphane Pouffary.

Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, stated the intention of the Task Force to bring together, within the same ecosystem, the various stakeholders working with climate issues. This is to enable them to support local governments in Africa in the implementation of NDCs and in the access to climate finance and most notably the Green Climate Fund. This is open to all those who wish to join it who can do so by applying to the General Secretariat of UCLG Africa.

On behalf of the African Ministers of Public Service, Urban Development, Local Governments and Decentralisation, the Minister Barnabé Dassigli of Benin, Chairman of the Specialised Technical Committee N° 8 of the African Union, commended UCLG Africa for its wonderful initiative, supported by STC N° 8.

He expressed confidence that the UCLG Africa’s Climate Task Force would have a significant impact on the engagement of African local governments in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and pointed out that within the same support platform for local governments, development banks, institutions specialising in the financing of local governments, technical support agencies for local governments, academic and research institutions, associations of local governments and NGOs active in the field of climate, was a commitment to the synergy of the different stakeholders around the Climate Agenda.

Dassigli confirmed that the African Union’s STC N° 8 also supports requests made by local and regional elected officials during the preparatory Forum for COP 22 held in Cotonou in September 2016, especially with regard to the urgency of establishing a capacity building and technical assistance program for local governments to enable them to develop climate plans and prepare eligible funding applications for the Green Climate Fund; as well as for the recognition of UCLG Africa as an “Implementing Partner” of the Green Climate Fund.

The role of territories was recognised as essential for the realisation of NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions). Local policy choices in terms of infrastructure, equipment and basic service delivery methods have made an impact on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Priorities for elected officials include giving a climate perspective to the everyday actions they carry out. There is also a need to build their capacities to measure, report and verify the contribution of their actions and policies in the reduction of emissions and adaptation to the effects of climate change.

This requirement for the Measurement, Reporting and Verification of climate actions (MRV) is one of the requirements of the Paris Agreement and one of the conditions to be met in order to access the Green Climate Fund. The National Associations of Local Governments will be required to advocate with the representatives of the NDC Partnership and the focal points of Green Climate Fund in their respective countries.

Gov Akeredolu to deliver 2nd SAFFGLIA African Leadership Lecture

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All is sets for the 2nd Annual SAFFGLIA African Leadership Lecture to be delivered by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, the Executive Governor, Ondo State, at the University of Lagos on Thursday, December 7, 2017.

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu
Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State

The theme of the lecture, under the chairmanship of Professor Yemi  Ogunbiyi, Pro Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is: “The Youth and the Challenge of Bridging Credible Leadership Gap in Africa”.

Discussants at the lecture, which will attract top diplomats and chief executives of public and private organisations, include Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Executive Director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP); Barrister Jide Ologun, former Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos and Lead Convener of Great Leadership Attitude Development (GLAD); and Mr Omololu Ogunmade, a Public Speaker and author of ‘MindShift’, among others.

Segun Adeleye Foundation For Good Leadership In Africa (www.saffglia.org) was founded by Mr Segun Adeleye, a journalist/media entrepreneur, author and operator of WorldStage Newsonline (www.worldstagegroup.com) to carry out activities and projects that will encourage/compel governments across Africa to embrace good leadership in order to uplift the standard of living of the people.

The foundation was officially inaugurated on March 10, 2016 with the inaugural lecture delivered by the Honourable Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

According to Adeleye, “Looking into history at the tragedy of Africa, it’s sensible to say that the exploits of leaders like Dr. Nelson Mandela and few others should be adequate to guide the current and future leaders on the path to progressive leadership, but reality still shows a trend of inadequate understanding of the essence of leadership in many African countries.

“Africa will be better off when people continue to speak out and remind those privileged to be at the helm of affairs that we cannot go far if our destiny is left to be decided by others.”

How US played the spoilsport at COP23, by CSE

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According to the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the United States ensured that the COP23 results were neither ‘further’, nor ‘faster’, and certainly not ‘together’

Chandra Bhushan
Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director General, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

The 23rd Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP23) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ended in Bonn, Germany on Friday, November 17, 2017 with noreal headway in resolving the outstanding issues on the agenda – says an analysis of the results by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). A CSE team had been stationed in Bonn through the duration of the conference to follow the negotiations.

“The US’ srogue and obstructionist attitude in the COP process ensured that progress was extremely slow and hampered on several occasions and the old divide between developed and developing nations remained,” says the CSE analysis.

Ahead of the COP, the US had signaled that it would engage in the negotiations process to secure its interests and had talked of a possible re-negotiation of the Paris Agreement to enable it to rejoin the Agreement. As per the provisions of the Paris Agreement, the US withdrawal will only take effect in late 2020.

“Instead of working together and standing united against the US intransigence, the old bickering between developed and developing nations continued at Bonn,” remarked Chandra Bhushan, deputy director general, CSE.

“This meant that the US continued with its business-as-usual obstructionist agenda in the negotiations and hampered meaningful progress on equity and finance issues across a range of agenda items including stocktake, accounting, enhanced transparency framework, adaptation, technology transfer,” he added.

“The US announcement is only a political decision with no legal bearing on the Paris Agreement and Paris Agreement has almost no legal options to contain the US. Ideally, the US, having made its anti-climate agenda clear,should not have been allowed under any circumstances to determine the course of negotiations. Unfortunately, that did not happen,” said Vijeta Rattani, climate analyst, CSE.

 

Key Outcomes

  • Talanoa Dialogue: Earlier referred to as the Facilitative Dialogue, it is about stocktake of the collective efforts,the outcome of which would determine the next round of NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) in 2020. The Dialogue would contain a technical phase where Parties would provide the inputs and a political phase in which the outcome would inform improving of NDCs in 2020. The final decision of the COP, however, does not provide the details of the content and scope of the NDCs.
  • Pre-2020 Action: Developing countries succeeded in bringing immediate actions and pre-2020 commitments into the limelight. India was leading the demand on pre-2020 action. Parties agreed that there will be two stocktakes to discuss pre-2020 commitments – in 2018 and 2019 – before the Paris Agreement becomes operative in 2020.
  • Agriculture: After six years, a decision was finally taken on how to deal with climate actions in agriculture. Parties are now required to submit the following – reporting on climate actions in agriculture; adaptation assessment methods for improvement of soil health, soil carbon and soil quality, as well as considerations for the improvement of nutrient use and manure management; and reporting on socio-economic and food security dimensions. A stocktake has been planned for COP26 in 2020.
  • Gender Action Plan: After being included in the Lima work programme, a decision was arrived at during COP23 on how to include gender in climate actions. The outcome decision talks of building capacity and improving participation and representation of women in climate negotiations and actions. A review has been planned in 2019.
  • Local communities and indigenous people’s platform: The platform to include indigenous people’s voices in the implementation of the Paris Agreement has been operationalised. The platform shall undertake activities to educate, build capacity and facilitate the incorporation of the diverse and traditional knowledge systems in international and national climate action policies. Afull operationalisation is slated for April-May 2018, during the inter-sessional COP.
  • Loss and damage: Although a text was passed on the critical issue of loss and damage, it was a weak one with no financial commitments being agreed upon.
  • Slow progress in all procedural issues: Global stocktake, accounting, transparency etc.
  • Unofficial US delegation: The US Climate Alliance, a delegation of mayors, elected officials, business leaders and activists, built their own separate pavilion outside the negotiation zone,pledging their commitment to climate change. The delegation drew interest but had no political clout.

“India’s stress on pre-2020 actions is encouraging, but it is more in the nature of procedure than action. It will require more than the ratification of the Doha amendment to make developed countries raise ambition and support commitments,” said Bhushan.

“The big question now is how to ensure that the rulebook for Paris Agreement is fair , equitable and ambitious,keeping in mind the fact that the US remains active and obstructionist in negotiations,” he added.

Cross River community lauds NEWMAP for executing erosion control project

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Some residents of Ikot Ekpo, Calabar Municipality Local Government Area in Cross River State have commended the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) for completing the gully erosion control project in the area.

Nigeria COP23
National Project Coordinator, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Salisu Dahiru

The residents gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, the state capital, on Sunday, November 19, 2017.

They said NEWMAP’s intervention on the erosion site was timely and pointed out that the gully was a threat to their lives.

A leader in the community, Mr Okon Nyong-Etim, said that many of the residents relocated from the area when the state of the gully became worse.

Nyong-Etim recalled that the gully erosion destroyed many buildings including shops in the area which resulted in economic loss.

He noted that the community assisted NEWMAP by providing security for the contractors and cooperating with them.

“Before now, this area used to be a death trap. It was so deep and threatening such that some houses were pulled down for the safety of the occupants.

“I must commend NEWMAP for delivering this job on time.

“The most important aspect of its policy is that all the owners of the houses that were affected were paid full compensation for their loss,’’ he said.

Mrs Patience Okwa told NAN that she lost her father due to the shock he had when their building collapsed.

She, however, lauded NEWMAP for enrolling her and her siblings in a skill acquisition programme.

Okwa, who was trained in catering and given financial assistant to start up the business, said she now had a shop with two employees on her pay roll.

“When my father received the bad news that erosion had pulled down our house, he immediately had a stroke and later died.

“But NEWMAP compensated us and trained some of us insome trades,” she said.

Dr Fidelis Anukwa, State Project Coordinator, NEWMAP, said that 12 houses were brought down in the area to make way for the contractors to work on the site.

Anukwu confirmed to NAN that full compensation was paid to all the victims.

“NEWMAP has come to do things differently. What we are doing in Cross River is of international best standard.

Just last week, a team from Zimbabwe came in to look at the good work we are doing.

“The committed effort of the Federal and Cross River Government toward the funding of the project had helped in addressing the problem.

“The gully was already pulling down houses before we intervened,’’ he said.

The state project coordinator said the agency had also completed work at other erosion sites in the state.

He listed them as Atakpa, Ikot Anwatim, and Nyagasang and added that work in three others were at various stages of completion.

By George Odok

World Toilet Day: Environmentalist calls for new technology to manage wastewater

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The former Chairman, Nigeria Environmental Society,  Lagos Island Chapter (NESLIC), Mr John Ekoko, on Sunday, November 19, 2017 called for a new technology in the management of wastewater in the country.

World Toilet Day
The World Toilet Day tea cup

Ekoko made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos during the commemoration of  the 2017 World Toilet Day, which is celebrated on Nov. 19 yearly.

NAN reports that the United Nations (UN) designated Nov. 19 as World Toilet Day to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle sanitation crisis.

According to the UN, sanitation has always been a topic shrouded in taboos worldwide. Today, 2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services, such as toilets or latrines.

The theme for the 2017 World Toilet Day is: “Wastewater’’.

Ekoko said that 60 per cent of Nigerians lacked clean toilets, adding that even the waste system and evacuation of the septic tanks were a huge problem.

“The traditional system of evacuating septic tanks once it is full is to call the evacuation truck and while this is being done; the air in the environment is fouled.

“Also, the cost of evacuating is escalating, while the system of disposing the wastewater is not hygienic.

“’Nigeria should be looking at treating the wastewater where it is generated.

“This way, many of the problems of evacuating and moving wastewater will be  eliminated and the materials turned to economic use,” he said.

Ekoko said that treating wastewater where it was generated would encourage making manure and fertiliser from the waste, while the water would be  treated and recycled  for use.

While commending the Lagos State Government for building public toilets, he said that the local governments should come up with master plans to build more public toilets in strategic places.

Ekoko said that efforts should be made to keep the public toilets clean as well as educate the public on how to use them properly.

He said that those defecating in open places should be arrested and penalised.

“It is an eyesore seeing able-bodied men defecating openly and shamelessly under the bridges and inside the Lagoon.

“These are daily sights in Lagos, government should do something about it,’’ the ex-NESLIC chairman said.

Ekoko said that government should also create massive awareness on how clean toileting would help drive away most diseases caused by dirty toilets.

By Chidinma Agu 

MOSOP clears air on meeting with oil operator

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The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has said that it is not receptive to discussions on the resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoniland. Publicity Secretary of the movement, Fegalo Nsuke, in Bori while answering questions on the recent meeting between a new oil operator for Ogoni oilfield, RoboMichael Limited, and MOSOP in Port Harcourt on Friday, November 17, 2017.

pyagbara2
MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara

“The position of the Ogoni people is not for oil production to resume on the land at this time, Nsuke said,” even as he acknowledged that “the meeting with RoboMicheal was turned down thrice but was allowed on Friday since some elders of the movement felt we should meet them and get the opportunity to know them, learn about their mission and let them now the position of the Ogoni people on oil resumption in the area at the moment.”

He noted that discussions with RoboMichael was not likely to resolve the Ogoni problem as it encompasses political, economic and environmental issues far beyond the capacity of any oil operator to resolve.

“The Ogoni question is not just about oil. It is about the survival of the Ogoni people in Nigeria. It is about a case of discrimination which is driving us into extinction. It is a problem revolving around government persecution and Shell’s unfair business practices that is dangerous and killing us. So, to resolve this, the government and oil operators must talk with us and we come to a mutually beneficial agreement,” he said.

Nsuke added that any attempt for government to force its way into Ogoni “will be dangerous and could lead to conflicts and death of our people who are certainly going to protest such actions.”

Shell companies emerge best in sustainability innovation in Africa

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Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN) have emerged the 2017 Best Nigerian companies in Sustainability Innovation in Africa, beating two other finalists at the 11th edition of the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAs) for Corporate Social Responsibility held in Lagos on Friday, November 17, 2017.

Shell Nigeria
L-R: Social Performance and Social Investment Discipline Lead, Shell Nigeria, Hope Nuka; Partnerships Coordinator, Anike Kakayor; Strategy and Value Assurance Manager, Godwin Ikuwe; and Clinical Health Adviser, Dr. Olayinka Mosuro at the 2017 SERAs-CSR awards in Lagos

Shell companies also defeated three other contestants to win as the Best Company in Affordable and Clean Energy, and got the second runner-up prize for the Most Socially Responsible Nigerian Company for the year.

“We’re delighted at the continued recognition of our modest support to Nigeria and Nigerians to make life better and to create opportunities to individuals and institutions, particularly in our host communities,” said the Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and country Chair, SCiN, Mr. Osagie Okunbor.

“We are challenged by these laurels to do even more as CSR remains part of the DNA of the Shell business, and we are striving to improve our partnership with NGOs, government and communities to ensure our people participate more in the execution of programmes and own them for greater sustainability,” he added.

Leveraging its support for entrepreneurs for bright energy ideas through the globally acclaimed Shell LiveWIRE programme, SPDC showcased its numerous social intervention programmes including the training and empowerment of hundreds of youths particularly in its host communities to clinch the prize as the best company in affordable and clean energy.

The sustainability innovation award resulted from the renewable energy solution as an alternative for powering the Shell-supported Obio cottage hospital, Port Harcourt which led to significant cost savings in energy consumed and enabled the hospital to focus its resources on its core aspiration of providing quality healthcare for the people. Due to its success, the solution has been replicated in seven other Shell-supported health facilities in the Niger Delta.

The SERA–CSR Awards is an annual event to celebrate organisations investing resources in the improvement of lives of stakeholders and contributing to the development of Africa through their social performance and investment programmes.

A total of twenty-six awards were won by corporate organisations and individuals in recognition of their sustainable development and social investment efforts in Africa.

Apart from their three winning entries, Shell companies also got nominated in four other categories: Best Company in Poverty Eradication; Best Company in Provision of Clean Water and Sanitation; Best Company in Partnership for Development; and Best Company in Support of SMEs.

Shell Companies in Nigeria – SPDC, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), and Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) – work with government, communities and civil society to implement programmes that have a lasting impact on lives in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as whole. Social investment activities focus on community and enterprise development, education, health, access-to-energy and since 2016, road safety. This, however, excludes community-driven development programmes and initiatives delivered through the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) which focuses on various themes as determined by benefiting communities.

In 2016 alone, Shell Companies in Nigeria spent $29.8 million on social investment projects and awarded 94 percent of their contracts valued at over $0.74 billion to Nigeria companies while $1.4 billion was paid to the Nigerian government in royalties and corporate taxes, and another $106.8 million contributions made to the NDDC as required by law.

Since 2003, SPDC and SNEPCo have trained over 6,550 Niger Delta youths in enterprise development and have awarded scholarship grants to over 7,652 secondary school students and 4,435 university students in the last six years.

Solid minerals sector generated N69.2b in 2015, says NEITI

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Nigeria earned N69.2 billion from the solid minerals sector in 2015, an increase of 24% on the N55.8 billion earned from the sector in 2014.

Waziri-Adio
Executive Secretary of NEITI, Waziri Adio

This disclosure is contained in the latest independent audit report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) released on Sunday, November 19, 2017 following the approval of the report by the National Stakeholders Working Group, which is the board of NEITI.

The audit report disclosed that the total production of solid minerals in the country stood at 39.27 million tons. This represents a reduction of 17% from the 47.1 million tons produced in 2014. The drop in 2015’s production was attributed to insecurity in parts of the country and more stringent approval process for explosives used in mining.

However, while mineral production reduced, government revenues went up in the same year.  “This increase in revenue was due to the growth in taxes collected from the sector and review of royalty rates paid by companies which came into effect within the year under review,” the report stated. NEITI’s previous solid minerals audit reports had recommended upward review of Nigeria’s royalty rates to align with prevailing industry and present day realities.

The report also disclosed that the value of solid minerals exports in 2015 stood at $9.733 million, which was 1.45% of non-oil exports for the year. Lead and zinc topped the chart with 79% valued at $7.7 million, while 175 ounces of gold valued at only $122,000 were exported during the period.

The report showed that the solid minerals sector contributed 0.12% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015, a marginal increase of 0.01% on the 0.11% contribution of the sector to GDP in 2014.

Waziri Adio, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, said: “This report shows evidence that the contribution of the solid minerals sector to government revenues and macro-economic indicators is beginning to improve, even if marginally. The sector could definitely contribute more to revenues, job and wealth creation, exports, imports substitution, industrial development and overall national growth.

“But there is a sign of progress already. What we need to do is to build on, deepen and sustain this early promise to ensure that the country returns to being a major mining destination and maximises the abundant opportunities offered by the sector.

“Faithful and sustained implementation of the roadmap developed by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and of the recommendations in this report will be necessary.”

The report highlighted the specific contributions by companies and states to the sector revenue growth and development. “Cement manufacturing companies were the major revenue contributors to the sector, accounting for over 60%, while construction companies and real mining companies contribute about 31% and 8% respectively. For instance, three states- Ogun, Kogi and Cross River and the FCT accounted for about 70% of the production volumes in 2015. However, Ogun state topped the table with 36%,” the report noted.

According to the report, a total of 4,305 mineral titles were valid in 2015. Of this figure, 204 were mining leases, 657 were for small scale mining, 1,865 were for quarrying licenses while exploration licenses accounted for the remaining 1579.  It noted that 1,220 of the 4,305 mining titles were issued in 2015 alone.

Adio disclosed that the NEITI 2015 Oil and Gas report would be released next month. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Board to ensuring that its reports are timelier.

Adio said: “Resources and processes permitting, NEITI plans to clear the backlog of reports by the middle of 2018. Our goal is not just to make our reports timelier but also to make them as real-time as possible to enhance their utility and relevance.

“We are finalising the procurement process of the 2016 reports and will soon commence the procurement for the 2017 reports. We are also working hard to automate our data collection and to mainstream the EITI process.

“Once we achieve this, we hope to then concentrate more on adding extra value to the country through cutting-edge analyses, modelling and forecasting, and setting agenda for more prudent and accountable application of natural resources for the benefits of all Nigerians.”

The just released 2015 solid minerals audit report recognised the progress being made by the government towards repositioning the sector to be a major driver of the economic and revenue diversification agenda of the present administration.

To sustain this growth and further enhance the capacity of the sector to contribute to the economy, the report called for “the speedy release of the N30 billion solid minerals development fund recently approved by the Federal Executive Council to the intended beneficiaries in order to support some of the activities already stipulated in the Roadmap for the sector”.

The report also called for the improvement of the economic value of Nigeria’s minerals across the value chain before export in order to maximize their potentials and contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy, while a ban should be placed on the importation of some minerals like gypsum, barite and kaolin which Nigeria has in good quality and quantity.

As part of measures to curb the activities of illegal miners resulting in loss of revenues to government and ensure the security of field officers, the NEITI report recommended the “re-introduction of mines police to protect the officers, reduce the activities of illegal miners and subsequently increase production and investments in the sector. Government should also build the capacity and equip the states’ mines officers and surveillance teams so they can effectively verify production figures and accurately calculate royalty payments.”

The report underscored the need for synergy between relevant government agencies to ensure that all minerals export including samples have permits duly issued by the Mining Inspectorate Department while urgent measures should be taken by government to curb multiple taxation in the sector in line with its policy on Ease of Doing Business in the country.

NEITI’s first intervention in the solid minerals sector began with the conduct of a scoping study in 2011, followed by an independent audit of the sector in 2012 which covered the years 2007-2010.

The six cycles of audit so far conducted by NEITI in the sector show that Nigeria earned a total of N271.77 billion from 2007 to 2015.

The breakdown is contained in the table below:

S/N YEAR EARNINGS (N)
1 2007 8.19 billion
2 2008  9.58 billion
3 2009 19.42 billion
4 2010 17.36 billion
5 2011 26.92 billion
6 2012 31.44 billion
7 2013 33.86 billion
8 2014 55.80 billion
9 2015 69.2 billion
  Total N271.77 Billion

 

The NEITI 2015 solid minerals audit was conducted by Amedu Onekpe & Co., a Nigerian audit firm selected through international competitive procurement process.

The audit covered 481 companies that made royalty payments in that year.  The process specifically reconciled the payments made by 42 companies to government receipts. These 42 companies met the materiality threshold of N3 million royalty payment set by NEITI which accounted for about 87% of the total royalty payments made in the sector.

The report also has comprehensive information on financial flows in the sector, governance and process issues and the implications for revenues tracking, computation and management.

Images: NCF fetes partners at 2017 Green Ball

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Foremost environment watchdog, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), on Saturday, November 18, 2017 held a charity fundraising dinner. The annual dance dinner was tagged the “Green Ball”.

The event was used to raise funds for the organisation’s numerous conservation projects and programmes nationwide, officials disclosed, adding that, in pursuance of its vision of “a Nigeria where people prosper while living in harmony with nature”, the funds generated together with other grants would be used to mitigate environmental challenges.

NCF Green Ball
L-R: Chief Ede Dafinone, Chairman, National Executive Council of NCF; Mrs. Yetunde Emanuel, Board of Trustees Member; Izoma Philip Asiodu, President, Board of Trustees; Chief (Mrs.) Cordelia Agboti, Member, National Executive Council of NCF; Dr. Ade Alakija, Member, National Executive Council of NCF; and Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi, DG of NCF, at the charity fundraiser for Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Lagos Oriental Hotels
NCF Green Ball
Mrs. Yetunde Emanuel, NCF BoT Member, presenting an award of recognition in the honour of late Ambassador Aduke Alakija for her contributions to NCF​; Mr. Alakija receiving the award on behalf of the Alakija family; with them is Chief Ede Dafinone, Chairman, NCF and Mr. Adeniyi Karunwi DG of NCF
NCF Green Ball
Dr. Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross Rivers State and his wife, Onari, at the NCF Green Ball dinner 2017 held on saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Lagos Oriental Hotels

 

Group urges increased climate action, solidarity with the vulnerable

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As the world comes to terms with what is widely considered a weak outcome of COP23, ACT Alliance has called for a recommitment to the need for ambitious action and solidarity with climate vulnerable people.

Rudelmar Bueno de Faria
Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, ACT Alliance’s General Secretary

“COP23 has fallen short of the main expectations we had: we had hoped that the cry of people of the Pacific and other vulnerable parts of the world would be heard and translated into urgent and ambitious action,“ said Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, ACT Alliance’s General Secretary.

COP23 is ended on Friday, November 17, 2017 after two weeks of tough negotiations. While the adoption of the Gender Action Plan which aims to enhance gender equality throughout all processes and bodies of the UNFCCC may be one of the most significant milestones to be remembered from COP23, other important agenda items have not had particularly successful outcomes.

According to the ACT, the COP has shown that it is the needs of the vulnerable countries who need support that continue to fall into the line of fire, instead of the shortcomings of the big emitters of the world.

“As a global community we need to figure out quickly how to address the weak and slow responsiveness of our policy making systems. The UNFCCC cannot continue to deliver painstakingly small steps forward, when the world needs decisive action. We must act now to ensure that no one is left behind,” Bueno de Faria continued.

Loss and damage is an issue that lies close to the hearts and realities of the least developed countries and small island states who are at this moment threatened by rising sea levels and other climate-influenced disasters. Despite a Fijian presidency at COP23, the support for Loss and Damage in Bonn did not deliver on the ambition required to truly stand in solidarity with climate vulnerable communities.

“We applaud the commitment and continued push of the most vulnerable countries, who never fail to raise the voices and the concerns of the populations already affected by climate change, and who match their vision for a better world with higher ambition than their developed country counterparts,” said Martin Vogel, Climate Policy Adviser to the Church of Sweden and co-chair of the ACT Alliance Climate Change Group.

“ACT Alliance will continue to fight for the needs of the most vulnerable communities. We shall increase our voice, action and solidarity as we respond to humanitarian crises, in our development programmes and in our advocacy at all levels,” Bueno de Faria concluded.

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