28.3 C
Lagos
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 18

Model City Plan projects Ibeju-Lekki for industry, tourism, others – Commissioner

Michael Simire
-
0
Model City Plan projects Ibeju-Lekki for industry, tourism, others – Commissioner

The Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan (2024-2044) has projected the fast-developing axis of Ibeju-Lekki for tourism, industrial, residential, and agricultural developments, among others.

Ibeju-Lekki
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, speaking during the final stakeholders’ meeting at the Lekki LCDA Secretariat

This was made known on Friday, April 11, 2025, by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, during the final stakeholders’ meeting in Lekki LCDA Secretariat to ratify the provisions of the Model City Plan.

Olumide, who highlighted the objectives and benefits of the Plan, said that its preparation marked a significant milestone in the development of Ibeju-Lekki, the emerging growth pole of Lagos State.

“The 20-year plan aims to create a sustainable, flexible, and dynamic global community, enhancing the area’s economic potential in Agriculture, Tourism, Blue and Border Economy, and Marine activities,” he said. 

He added that the Lagos State Government, in recognition of the growth potential of the axis, had mandated the review of the Lekki Comprehensive Master Plan and the preparation of separate Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan to pay adequate attention to challenges emerging from the division of entire Lekki corridor project area into two. 

He said that the aim of the Plan was to transform Ibeju-Lekki into a sustainable, flexible, conducive, adaptable and dynamic global community where people could live, work, play, prosper and enjoy a safe decent built environment.

He said that the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan had taken cognisance of the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda and major development projects in the area, including Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lekki Deep Seaport and Alaro City, among others. 

Other projects that have launched Ibeju-Lekki into global prominence include Lekki International Airport, Green-Line Rail Project, and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

He said that, to unlock the full potential of the area and create thriving communities, the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan had prioritised the provision of mass transit of people and goods, youth empowerment, social inclusion, technology, and integrated community development.

He enjoined all stakeholders to embrace the plan and play active role in shaping the future of Ibeju-Lekki through the forward-looking Plan that is part of Lagos State’s broader vision to create well-planned, economically vibrant and sustainable cities, in tandem with the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, said that the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan was presented to the public for final ratification after the Ministry had approved the previous stages from the consultants, MOA Planners Limited, which was awarded the project in line with the blueprint of the State Government. 

He explained that the Plan had earlier gone through different stages, including the inception and baseline report, the draft final Plan and the mandatory 28-day public inspection of the draft Plan, which was carried out from February 26 to April 1, 2024 in five strategic locations, including Ibeju-Lekki Local General Secretariat, Lekki LCDA Secretariat, Epe Local General Secretariat, LASPPPPA Headquarters and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LCDA, Abdulahi Sesan Oluwa, and his Lekki LCDA counterpart, Rasak Kasali, expressed satisfaction with the plan’s boundary capture and requested a one-month grace period to submit a joint input to further enrich the Plan.

The meeting was attended by Obas, Baales, former Council Chairmen, Community leaders, market men and women, and other stakeholders who participated actively and offered suggestions and feedback that would be incorporated into the plan for it to reflect the people’s vision for Ibeju-Lekki’s development.

Lagos seals 13 markets over environmental violations

Michael Simire
-
0
Lagos seals 13 markets over environmental violations

The Lagos State Government has sealed no fewer than 13 markets and commercial facilities, located along the Ketu and Ikorodu Road axis.

Tokunbo Wahab
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab

This is contained in a statement by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Director, Public Affairs, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Lagos.

The statement said the action followed series of unheeded warnings and environmental abuse, by market operators and traders in the affected areas.

The affected markets and facilities are Erukan, Oja Oba, Ketu, Owoseni Tundas, Oba Ogunjobi, Mile 12 and the Ketu Terminal Market (six plazas) as well as Shop Owners at BRT Terminal.
Others are Ifesowapo Shop Owners Market and Demurin Street Plaza Shops, Ketu, Occupant, 6 Demurin Road, Ketu, Ifelodun market in Ketu.

Others include the Ibadan Unit 1 Park (between Babajide Sanwo-Olu Market and Ikosi Fruit Market), Ketu Tipper Garage and Ikosi Fruit Market.

Commenting on the development, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the state’s unwavering stance on its “Zero Tolerance for Waste” campaign.

Wahab warned that any market or commercial outlet that failed to meet the prescribed standards of cleanliness and proper waste disposal, would be shut down indefinitely.

“The zero tolerance for waste initiative is still fully in force. We are not going back on it.

“The only acceptable path for all markets and traders is to adopt and maintain decent waste management practices, as outlined LAWMA.

“The markets under closure will remain shut until these standards are met and sustained,” Wahab said.

He stressed that the closures would remain in place indefinitely, until all affected markets implemented comprehensive sanitation measures, procure appropriate waste bins and engage with LAWMA-licensed PSP operators.

He added that the affected markets and facilities must  demonstrate sustained compliance through monitoring and enforcement.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged market leaders to take full responsibility for the environmental conditions of their domains, by ensuring that all traders complied with existing waste management protocols.

“The expectations are clear: use the double dino bins, avoid dumping waste on road medians and roadsides, thereby obstructing traffic, activate internal waste policing, to monitor compliance within your markets.

“Pay your waste bills. Markets that continue to defy these basic regulations will face stiff sanctions,” Gbadegesin said.

He warned that the enforcement drive would be intensified in the coming weeks and that no facility would be spared, if found wanting in its environmental responsibility.

Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s commitment to working with all stakeholders in building a cleaner Lagos.

He noted that the cooperation of market associations, traders and residents, was critical to achieving lasting results.

“LAWMA continues to deploy massive resources daily to evacuate market waste across the city. But these efforts are often undermined by poor internal waste practices.

“This has to change. Market leaders must do more to ensure their members operate within the bounds of the law,” Gbadegesin said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Indigenous leaders demand COP30 Presidency ends fossil fuel era

Michael Simire
-
0
Indigenous leaders demand COP30 Presidency ends fossil fuel era

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, during what looks like the largest mobilisation of Indigenous peoples in Brazil, a strongly worded letter from civil society was handed to the COP30 Presidency, emphasising demands for the end of fossil fuels and a just energy transition. 

Andre Correa do Lago
COP30 President, Andre Correa do Lago

Ahead of the UN climate negotiations in Brazil in November, the letter was received by COP30 President, André Corrêa do Lago, and Brazil’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Marina Silva, who attended the Acampamento Terra Livre (ATL), or Free Land Camp in Brasília. Sonia Guajajara, from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI), was also present at the event with Indigenous Leaders.

Over 180 Indigenous, youth, and environmental organisations from across the world have signed on to the letter, coordinated by 350.org, to urgently demand that COP30 reaffirms the global commitment, and supports the implementation of a fair and equitable transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.

A declaration of alliance between Indigenous peoples from the Amazon, the Pacific and Australia towards COP30 was also announced at the beginning of the event. The actions are part of the Indigenous movement’s global campaign “We Are the Answer”, which affirms that Indigenous peoples and the demarcation of Indigenous Lands are essential in the fight against the climate crisis – and central to the demand for an end to the fossil fuel era. 

George Nacewa, Pacific Climate Warrior and 350.org community organiser from Fiji, said: “This is a critical time for our people; the age of deliberation is long past. We need this COP to be the one that spearheads the Just Energy Transition from words to action. This week, I’ve heard the wisdom of the custodians of this land and shared the wisdom of our own oceans. It is now up to the Brazil COP presidency if they heed this Indigenous climate leadership, or lock us into climate catastrophe.”

Toya Manchineri, COIAB General Coordinator, said: “We demand an end to the era of fossil fuels and a just energy transition. The COP30 president said that the conference must be a turning point – this will only happen when the climate authority of Indigenous peoples is heard and incorporated into decisions. The answer is us, all of us!”

Melina Laboucan-Massimo, Founder & Executive Director of Sacred Earth, said: “Sacred Earth is proud to be in solidarity with our kin at the Acampamento Terra Livre as we collectively call on the COP30 President-designate to take urgent, transformative climate action. COP30 represents a unique opportunity to encourage global cooperation on a fossil fuel phase-out and renewable energy uptake. In this energy transition, we must ensure that our communities are not further excluded by climate policies or harmed by extractivism.

“We stand with our relatives who are fighting for their rights, defending the land, and leading the way forward. As we witness the climate crisis escalating, Indigenous sovereignty, rights, and leadership create powerful pathways to a Just Transition – it is imperative that Indigenous wisdom and voices are respected at COP30 and beyond.”

UN agrees global carbon tax on maritime shipping, deal fails to address developing nations’ climate finance needs

Michael Simire
-
0
UN agrees global carbon tax on maritime shipping, deal fails to address developing nations’ climate finance needs

Diplomats at the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have agreed to the world’s first-ever carbon pricing mechanism applied to a major polluting industry – global shipping.

IMO
A session at the IMO global talks in London aimed at securing net-zero deal for shipping

On Friday, April 11, 2025, at IMO headquarters in London, countries voted during the closing plenary to adopt a global framework that will put a carbon price on shipping emissions that will help the industry decarbonise and encourage the use of cleaner technologies. The overall policy is expected to be formally adopted in October 2025, though several technical details remain unresolved.

Top lines 

  • The tax will generate $30–40 billion in revenues by 2030 roughly $10 billion annually. 
  • The agreement is projected to deliver at best 10% absolute emissions reduction in the shipping sector by 2030- far short of the IMO’s own targets set in their 2023 revised strategy, which calls for at least a 20% cut by 2030, with a stretch goal of 30%.

The funds will be ringfenced for decarbonising the maritime sector alone and not go towards climate financing for developing countries.

Starting in 2028, ships will be required either to transition to lower-carbon fuel mixes or pay for the excess emissions they generate. Vessels that continue to burn conventional fossil fuels will face a $380 per tonne fee on the most intensive portion of their emissions, and $100 per tonne on remaining emissions above a certain threshold.

The policy, which was backed by 63 countries including Brazil, China, the EU, South Africa, Kenya, Senegal and Namibia, sets a global precedent: Despite objections from petro-states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Russia, and Venezuela – who opposed both the substance and the procedure of the agreement – Norway’s compromise proposal, as the Chair of the IMO, passed in the final vote.

At UN climate talks in Baku in November 2024, countries agreed to a post-2025 $1.3 trillion climate finance deal to support developing countries in the energy transition. Countries are looking to public, private and innovative sources of finance to close the climate finance gap.

Votes breakdown:
*63 in favor: including the EU, China, India, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Singapore, Norway, Kenya, Namibia and Senegal
*16 against: including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Algeria and Morocco
*25 abstentions: including Pacific Island states (such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji), Seychelles, Egypt, Ghana, Liberia, Madagascar, and Uganda

The US delegation was not present at the time of the vote and stuck to its principle of not engaging in negotiations, after circulating a text encouraging delegations to walk out from negotiations as revealed earlier on Wednesday, April 9.

Tuvalu, speaking on behalf of Pacific nations, voiced disappointment in the plenary, raising concerns about the lack of transparency in the process, exclusion of vulnerable nations from negotiations, and raised the point that the new plan will fail to incentivise the use of cleaner fuels.

A group of 60+ countries led by the Pacific had pushed for the revenue to go towards broader climate finance use beyond the shipping industry.

The carbon pricing mechanism, based on emissions intensity, will initially allow the use of fossil liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, the regulation will progressively penalise the use of gas by the shipping industry.

Minister Antony Derjacques of the Seychelles said: “The developing countries with the greatest need came here and offered a solution. How can the other major economies ask us to take a weak deal home to our people, who are suffering as a result of the climate crisis? And how can they take it back to their constituents?”

Maria Ogbugo, Senior Associate, African Future Policies Hub, said: “In the end, the best possible outcome was achieved. The shipping industry has taken the lead in showing other hard-to-abate sectors that climate action is possible. African delegations must be commended, including Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, and others who rose to the occasion and supported the compromise.

“Now that the IMO has agreed on measures that would apply on a global level, it is key that the various regional emissions schemes start seriously considering pulling back on their unilateral measures to avoid multiplicity of schemes piling up layer after layer of costs on African consumers.”

Faten Aggad, Executive Director, African Futures Policies Hub, said: “Reaching consensus on decarbonisation measures was bound to be difficult. But what we clearly saw is a consensus outcome that was supported by many nations including African states like Kenya, Senegal, Namibia, and South Africa. What we have now is a measure that still puts a price on the shipping sector’s emissions, which is an important starting point on which more ambition could be further built, without creating shocks on economically vulnerable countries.”

Eldine Glees, Maritime Policy Advisor at the Micronesian Centre for Sustainable Transport, said: “A universal carbon levy represents a rare opportunity to transform climate risks into sustainable development investment. Several African delegations demonstrated exceptional leadership in the technical negotiations by connecting the levy directly to critical priorities of food security, climate resilience, and equitable revenue distribution. Maintaining this united approach will be essential as implementation discussions begin.”

Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, Energy, and Disaster Management of Vanuatu, said: “Let us be clear about who has abandoned 1.5°C. Saudi Arabia, the US and fossil fuel allies pushed down the numbers to an untenable level and blocked progress at every turn. These countries – and others – failed to support a set of measures that would have gotten the shipping industry onto a 1.5°C pathway. And they turned away a proposal for a reliable source of revenue for those of us in dire need of finance to help with climate impacts.”

Ambassador Albon Ishoda, Marshall Islands Special Envoy for Maritime Decarbonisation, said: “We are not done. We will be back. Alongside our friends from the Caribbean, the Pacific, Africa, Central America, and the UK. Still standing. Still steering.”

Humphrey Ukeaja: Nigerian children at risk from junk food marketing

Michael Simire
-
0
Humphrey Ukeaja: Nigerian children at risk from junk food marketing

Across Nigeria, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet neighbourhoods of Enugu and the vibrant markets of Kano, ultra-processed food (UPF) companies are saturating the country with flashy adverts for sugary drinks, snacks and products targeted at children. These items are everywhere – in schools, churches, and on social media – and they are cheap.

Sugar-sweetened beverages
Sugar-sweetened beverages

Yet behind the bright colours and sweet flavours lies a growing threat to children’s health. Global health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), have repeatedly warned that the widespread consumption of these unhealthy diets is driving a surge in poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term health risks worldwide, a trend now clearly visible among Nigeria’s youngest.

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made with little to no whole foods. They are typically loaded with additives, preservatives, artificial flavours, and excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Common examples include sugary cereals, carbonated drinks, instant noodles, and packaged snacks.

According to a 2021 report by the Global Nutrition Report, Nigeria is experiencing a rapid increase in the consumption of UPFs, with children emerging as the main targets. The tactics employed by food companies to reach this demographic are both calculated and manipulative.

Brightly coloured packaging featuring popular cartoon characters, free toys, and school-based promotions are just a few of the carefully crafted strategies adopted to capture and captivate young minds. Celebrities and influencers often viewed as role models are also paid to normalise and endorse these products, making them appear desirable, aspirational, and harmless.

For instance, a recent campaign by a leading carbonated drink brand featured a popular Nigerian musician encouraging children to “share the joy” by consuming the product. Even institutions that should serve as protective and nurturing spaces for children, such as schools and religious centres, have become conduits for these aggressive marketing campaigns.

The consequences of this unchecked exposure are dire. A 2023 study published in The Lancet revealed that children who consume high amounts of UPFs are 45 percent more likely to develop obesity and related health complications. In Nigeria, the statistics are equally grim. A 2022 report by the Nigerian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare found that childhood obesity rates have tripled in the past decade, with UPFs identified as a key contributor. Type 2 diabetes, once rare among children, is now on the rise and has a become a growing concern for many.

What makes these commercial bombardments by the ultra-processed foods industry particularly insidious is how they tap into children’s psychological vulnerabilities. By linking their products to happiness, fun, and social belonging, they create powerful emotional associations.

Schools, often underfunded and under-resourced, have become prime targets. Companies sponsor school events, provide free samples, and even distribute branded educational materials.

Online, the problem is even more pervasive. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with advertisements featuring influencers who glamorise the consumption of UPFs. A study by Ada Mac -Ozibgo found that 70 percent of food advertisements targeting children on social media are for unhealthy products.

Given the scale and urgency of this challenge, regulatory action could not be more urgent. Countries like Mexico and Chile have already taken bold steps by banning the advertisement of UPFs within school environments and during children’s television programmes. These policies reflect a clear understanding of the long-term health costs of inaction. Nigeria must follow suit. The federal government, alongside public health authorities, must enact and enforce similar restrictions to shield children from a health crisis that is both preventable and rapidly worsening.

Parents, caregivers, and guardians also have a critical role to play. By educating the children in their care about healthy eating habits and limiting their exposure to UPFs, they can help foster healthier choices and build resilience against the overwhelming pressure of corporate marketing. Likewise, schools and religious institutions must prioritise the health of children by rejecting exploitative sponsorships from food companies.

After all, every time a child reaches for a sugary drink or a packet of instant noodles, they are not just consuming empty calories, but also ingesting a future fraught with health complications. No child should be left to navigate a food environment deliberately engineered to hook them early and keep them hooked. Nigeria’s children deserve better than a lifetime of diet-related illnesses packaged in glossy wrappers. They deserve protection, accountability, and a food system built around their healthy development.

Ukeaja is a healthy food advocate and Industry Monitoring Officer at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)

Health disruptions in 70% of countries due to aid cuts – WHO

Michael Simire
-
0
Health disruptions in 70% of countries due to aid cuts – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning following reports of health service disruptions in 70 per cent of its surveyed country offices, citing sudden suspensions and reductions in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for health.

Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO)

In a statement released on Friday, April 11, 2025, WHO said the findings based on a rapid assessment conducted between March and April 2025 with 108 WHO country offices raised serious concerns.

The assessment, which focused mostly on low- and lower-middle-income countries, highlighted significant challenges facing global health systems.

The organisation warned of the potentially prolonged effects these issues could have on health services worldwide.

The results underscore the urgent need for coordinated international support to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, especially in the most vulnerable regions.

“Many countries are attempting to increase or reallocate funding from domestic and alternative external sources to address the funding gaps.

“However, up to 24 per cent of WHO country office responses suggest that budget cuts are already leading to increased out-of-pocket payments, disproportionately affecting the poor and vulnerable,” the report stated.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the results painted a worrying picture of the consequences of sudden and unplanned aid cuts on the health of millions.

“Although these cuts are a shock, they are also accelerating the transition from aid dependency to more sustainable self-reliance based on domestic resources.

“Many countries are asking for WHO’s support, and we are working with them to identify and tailor the most effective measures,” he said.

Ghebreyesus noted that the stocktake offered early insights from WHO country offices, which work closely with national ministries of health and provide regular support on health systems policy and planning.

The goal, he added, was to identify the urgent support countries needed to avoid catastrophic impacts on population health and to monitor the rapidly evolving situation.

According to the WHO, suspensions and reductions in ODA are affecting all health system functions.

“The most frequently reported impacts include: Health emergency preparedness and response 70 per cent. Public health surveillance 66 per cent, Service provision 58 per cent, Humanitarian aid 56 per cent and Health and care workforce 54 per cent.

“At least one-third of responding countries reported disruptions across all health services, with severe impacts on outbreak detection and response, as well as services related to malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, family planning, and maternal and child health.

“The scale of the disruptions in some regions is reportedly comparable to the peak periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. One-third of responding countries reported critical shortages of medicines and health products for major service areas.

“Additionally, over half of the countries reported job losses among health and care workers and significant disruptions to training programmes.

“Information systems have also been hit hard. More than 40 per cent of countries reported disruptions to essential health data systems, including emergency and surveillance systems, health management information systems, lab networks, and household and population surveys.”

Ghebreyesus said 81 of the 108 WHO country offices expressed the need for support across various health areas, including innovative funding mechanisms, technical assistance, and capacity building.

He concluded by stressing that, in light of the rapidly evolving situation, WHO would continue to track developments closely and collaborate with global health partners and donor agencies to support immediate response efforts and promote long-term sustainability.

By Franca Ofili

Govt moves to alleviate Lagos Island flooding

Michael Simire
-
0
Govt moves to alleviate Lagos Island flooding

The Lagos State Government has set up an ad-hoc pumping station at Adeniji Adele underbridge to alleviate flooding in Aroloya Street, Ojo-Giwa, Binuyo, Oroyinyin, and surrounding areas.

Tokunbo Wahab
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Lagos.

Wahab said the move was part of the state’s efforts to address the temporary blockage of drains caused by ongoing construction work on Lagos Island.

He added that the choice of Adeniji Adele underbridge for the pumping station was informed by the need not to disrupt the ongoing construction works in the listed areas.

He said the measure would provide relief to the affected residents and business owners.

He said: “The flooding was caused by a temporary blockage of the drains in the area as a result of the ongoing constructions, which was part of the total regeneration of Lagos island.

“I urge business owners and residents to be patient with the state government as we work to complete this crucial regeneration project, which will ultimately benefit the community.”

The commissioner added that the construction would be completed in a very short time and urged  stakeholders to contribute to the success of the project.

He encouraged residents to properly dispose of their waste according to guidelines set by the Lagos State Government.

“It should be noted that the state government has approved a total regeneration of Lagos Island; to include improving and expanding the drainage infrastructures.

“These are primary and secondary channels, constructing pumping stations with smart sensors for flood control,” he said.

He said the project also included promoting sustainable urban regeneration by reconstructing major roads within the area to address tidal challenges.

“We appeal for the cooperation of the residents and business owners with the contractors.

“However, while efforts are being made to minimise inconveniences, occasional disruptions may occur.

“Everyone must be rest assured that the welfare of Lagosians is paramount to the government,” he said.

By Olaitan Idris

Eko, Carter bridges: We’re not responsible for poor state – Dredgers

Michael Simire
-
0
Eko, Carter bridges: We’re not responsible for poor state – Dredgers

The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) says its members are not responsible for the poor state of Eko and Carter bridges in Lagos State.

Carter Bridge
Carter Bridge

The association’s General Secretary, Mr. Richard Ntan, said this in a statement on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Lagos.

“The association, after an emergency deliberation on the bedlam generated by the minister of works accusation that dredgers are  responsible for the poor infrastructural state of Eko and Carter bridges, disagree with the minister’s position.

“We submit that there is no direct interaction between our dredging activities and bridge infrastructure.

“We wish to clarify that industrial dredging is highly regulated, focusing on areas in the creeks and centre of the Lagos lagoon far away from the bridges,” he said.

According to him, industrial dredging helps on maintaining navigable waterways and smooth movement of vessels in and out of Lagos.

“Industrial dredging is not harmful to infrastructure like bridges, and the process is driven through a well-articulated environmental ecosystem which ensures deeper waterways for large vessels.

“It is regulated through precession methods and strictly supervised to minimise any negative impact,” he said.

He added that the association was calling for a thorough investigation of reclamation dredging ongoing near the Third Mainland Bridge.

“It is time to truly know the status of those who do reclamation dredging activities as against industrial dredging which only members of DAN are known for.

“The association supports the minister that reclamation dredging activities should not take place near bridges and, it is important that the minister finds out those dredging near bridges.

“Our association remains committed to responsible conduct of dredging activities in Lagos and across Nigeria and is in full compliance with national regulations to ensure that operations and activities do not harm the environment or vital national infrastructure,” he said.

By Chiazo Ogbolu

World Health Day: Biodiversity crucial for a healthy planet – Schomaker

Michael Simire
-
0
World Health Day: Biodiversity crucial for a healthy planet – Schomaker

Ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths is crucial for human well-being and prosperous societies. The morbidity and loss of life that biodiversity loss, land degradation and desertification, climate change and pollution and waste are inflicting on humanity illustrate the importance of the universal right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Astrid Schomaker
CBD Executive Secretary, Astrid Schomaker

The symptoms of the crisis are unequivocal. The diagnosis is clear: human-induced pressure is
pushing Earth’s biophysical systems towards dangerous tipping points. The treatment is well known: transformative change that fundamentally alters prevailing production and consumption patterns. For some, change on that scale may feel like a hard pill to swallow, but economies will adapt and the natural foundation that sustains all life on Earth will thrive.

Biodiversity is crucial for human well-being, a healthy planet and economic prosperity for all people. We depend on it for food, medicine, energy, clean air and water, protection from natural disasters as well as recreation and cultural inspiration. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) sets out an ambitious blueprint for the transformation of our societies’ relationship with nature.

The 23 action targets of the KMGBF are aligned with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to their achievement. The streams of national implementation of the KMGBF and the SDGs must reflect this alignment through greater integration and synergies, including for the health and wellbeing of all.

The Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health that Parties to the Convention on Biological
Diversity adopted at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, embraces a holistic “One Health” approach that
recognises the health of ecosystems, animals, and humans as interconnected. The Action Plan sets out measures to prevent zoonotic and non-communicable diseases and promote healthy ecosystems.

Ultimately, the goal is to foster policies that facilitate the realisation of biodiversity and health co-benefits from the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the KMGBF.

Halting biodiversity loss lies at the core of the best health insurance policy the world can elect. Today is an opportunity to reflect and plan action to treat the ailments afflicting the planet and taking a hefty toll on people.

By Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Dangote Refinery puts price of petrol at N865 per litre

Michael Simire
-
0
Dangote Refinery puts price of petrol at N865 per litre

Dangote Refinery has started selling petrol at N865 per liter, a N50 increase from its previous price of N815 per liter.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

This move comes after the suspension of the Naira for crude deal with the federal government.

Oil marketers, including MRS, have begun lifting petrol from the refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

The refinery had previously reduced its price to N815 per liter, its third reduction in 2025.

Despite the fall in crude oil prices to $59 per barrel, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the cost of refining remains high due to increased costs of importing crude oil in dollars.

Experts had expected lower petrol prices following the decline in crude oil prices, but the high refining costs have offset the benefits.

1...171819...2,204Page 18 of 2,204

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×