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Group advocates just transition to promote climate justice

Michael Simire
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Group advocates just transition to promote climate justice

A group of Nigerian environmentalists has called for an immediate end to fossil fuel extraction and a transition to a low-carbon economy in order to address and promote climate justice across the country.

Just Transition
Participants ai the National Dialogue on Just Transition and Climate Justice held in Abuja

The stakeholders said their call aligns with Nigeria’s national climate agenda, policies, and long-term climate goals.

Speaking at a National Dialogue on Just Transition for Climate Justice in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, organised by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, said that justice is required during this transition process because fossil fuels have an uneven impact on communities.

“As we collectively deliberate on synergising efforts for a just transition with tailored discussions on the prospects and challenges for resilience and environmental justice in resource-dependent socio-ecological systems, there’s an urgent need to transition from fossil fuels and stop greenhouse gases immediately. Global economies must transition to low-carbon economies and societies,” Mamedu, who was represented by Dr. Funmi Olukeye, Director of People and Culture, ActionAid Nigeria, stated.

According to him, the discussion is consistent with his organisation’s climate justice idea, which takes into account the nexus with young people, women, and persons with disabilities (PWD), highlighting the importance of specific actions and solutions to address the various concerns.

In closing, he expressed optimism that a just transition involving economic diversification, social inclusion, and strong governance for climate action will boost biodiversity conservation, protect ecosystems, and lessen environmental damage.

In her remarks at the event, Director General of the NCCCS, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, shared the ongoing efforts by the federal government in addressing the rapid climate challenges and intensifying environmental degradation through policies, legislative frameworks and national directives.

Represented by Mr. Bala Rufai, an assistant director with the council, the DG highlighted the Climate Change Act (CCA, 2021), the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2021-2030, and the NCCCs as highly influential and ambitious roadmaps for Nigeria’s sustainability goals.

“Our gathering today is a strategic imperative, a confluence of intellect and action aimed at shaping a climate-resilient and equitable future for all Nigerians,” she said, emphasising that it is a critical platform to deepen understanding of the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of transitioning to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.

In line with her organisation’s focus on addressing the nation’s climate change crisis through nature-based solutions, Dr. Maduekwe went on to say that the council recognises the enormous potential of harnessing the power of ecosystems to address climate change while improving livelihoods and biodiversity.

The project’s national and subnational objectives included reaching important benchmarks like addressing the marginalisation of women and youth in high-value programmes and public services and enhancing sustainable livelihoods for women and youth through climate accountability in the public and private sectors.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

Foundation commissions community seed bank to promote biodiversity preservation

Michael Simire
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Foundation commissions community seed bank to promote biodiversity preservation

The Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF) has launched a Community Seed Bank in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State in Nigeria to encourage sustainable practices in the use of traditional medicine among the Ugbe indigenous people.

Community Seed Bank
Participants in the ceremonial launching of the Community Seed Bank in Benue State, hosted by the Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF) with support from the UNDP Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (UNDP-GEF-SGP).

Speaking about the motivation behind the project, Dr. Eunice Ortom, the founder of the organisation, stated that ESLF collaborated with the UNDP Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (UNDP-GEF-SGP) to implement the initiative as part of its strategic efforts to combat biodiversity loss and inspire ecosystem conservation in the country.

Dr. Ortom, who was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Comfort Abaa, the ESLF Programme Coordinator, added that its goals are to improve value in terms of production and marketing to boost the income of individual practitioners, enhance community prosperity, and improve the economy of both the state and nation at large.

Other stakeholders who commented on the programme applauded the idea and the efforts behind it, urging security in the area to safeguard the scheme and enable it to fulfil its intended purpose.

Timothy Tavershima Ahile, the Ter Kwande and leader Kwande Traditional Council, who commissioned the bank, commended ESLF for launching the project in his area to help preserve medical herbs, which he described as vital to his people’s traditional legacy.

The traditional leader bemoaned the fact that they were losing the majority of their herbs due to indiscriminate bush burning and unrelenting tree felling, a serious issue he admitted the community seed bank would assist in addressing.

“What our forefathers used, which are herbs, for medicinal purposes are fast disappearing. By this intervention, forests will be repopulated with those same herbs that have been assisting our people to address health challenges, and it will go a long way to improve the health of the community,” he said.

Similarly, Tyoor Moon, Chief Gabriel Awua Wende, who traced the project’s origins back to 2021 when he first met ESLF, thanked the foundation and GEF-SGP for constructing the seed bank for his people and raising awareness about biodiversity protection.

Teseer Ugbor, Member Representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, who was represented by Patrick Pev, Constituency Office Director, praised the project as laudable and asked the community to support and ensure its smooth execution.

Mr. Thaddeus Nyooso, the chairman of the Project Implementation Committee, characterised the project as a predicament eradication, health-boosting, and restoration of domestic and global biodiversity initiative.

He appreciated the series of sensitisation workshops and trainings on sustainable traditional medicine practices carried out under this programme, affirming that traditional medicine is integral to African culture and offers affordable and accessible remedies for all.

“Ugbe is a home of natural resources, and its people are endowed with knowledge of herbs, trees and plant barks that are highly curative for ailments like cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and ulcers, among others,” Nyooso asserted.

On his part, Tine Agernor, manager of the UNDP GEF-SGP project, thanked all of the stakeholders and members of the community for supporting the success of the project, stating that it will have a significant impact on the community both now and in the future.

Other highlights of the occasion included the launch of the community bylaws on natural resources management, the presentation of a certificate of registration to the Ugbe Traditional Medicine Practitioners Cooperative Society, and the inauguration of the Community Forest Guards Group, which would be at the forefront of protecting the community’s biodiversity architecture.

The event concluded with a tour of the Community Seed Bank facility and the official flag-off of planting 1000 indigenous trees in the community to save rare medicinal seed trees from extinction, conserve biodiversity, protect our collective future, and ensure healthier living for all, in line with the ESLF’s vision of “a society without barriers to decent living.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Govt unveils CNG buses, tricycles, conversion services for varsities

Michael Simire
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Govt unveils CNG buses, tricycles, conversion services for varsities

The Federal Government has inaugurated a transport scheme known as “Project CNG-SPROUT” an initiative aimed at promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered transportation in all Nigerian universities.

CNG
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Commissioning the pilot phase of the CNG – SPROUT project at the FEMADEC AutoGas Centre, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said this on Thursday, May 29, 2025, while inaugurating the pilot phase of the project at the FEMADEC AutoGas Centre, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly known as UniAbuja.

the project is the first out of the 20 projects to be delivered across universities in the country, while additional five would be commissioned in June.

It aims to improve mobility and reduce transportation cost for students and lecturers thereby establishing CNG ecosystems, donating CNG-powered buses and tricycles, as well as providing subsidised conversion services for lecturers’ vehicles.

The initiative, which serves as Special Palliative Relief on University Transportation (CNG – SPROUT) Project, aims at deploying CNG buses, tricycles, conversion centres and refueling infrastructure to university campuses nationwide.

Ekpo said there was need to cushion the impact of high cost of transportation on the most vulnerable populations, including students,

“This project remains a key national priority, as Nigeria navigates through economic adjustment and transition to cleaner fuels,” he said.

The minister said that further incentives especially as it concerned CNG vehicle conversion, expanding refueling infrastructure, and supporting local assembly and innovation in the CNG value chain, would be unveiled in the coming months.

“President Bola Tinubu has made a firm commitment to prioritise energy affordability, security and environmental responsibility; today’s commissioning is a direct demonstration of that commitment in action.

“Through the Presidential Compressed Gas Initiative (P-CNGI), we are not only mitigating the impact of recent subsidy reforms but also laying the foundation for a modern, gas-driven transport economy.

“As Nigeria navigates the pathway of energy reform, economic adjustment and transition to cleaner fuels, the need to cushion the impact on the most vulnerable populations, including students, remained a key national priority.

“I will like to specially commend FEMADEC Energy for their vision, commitment and leadership in bringing this project to life. FEMADEC has shown that Nigerian companies have the capacity to be at the forefront of energy innovation.

“Their partnership with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) underlines what is possible when the private and public sectors work hand-in-hand for national development,’’ Ekpo said.

According to the minister, the MDGIF has remained a steadfast partner in the actualisation of Nigeria’s Decade of Gas vision, providing catalytic funding and support to infrastructure projects that directly benefit the Nigerian people.

He commended the collaborative efforts of the P-CNGI, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transportation, university administrators and private sector partners, who have worked tirelessly to make the project a reality.

The minister said that the students voices, challenges and aspirations have shaped the intervention, hence the Federal Government’s continued effort to ensure that affordable transport, clean energy and innovations were never out of students reach.

Ekpo further said that the Federal Government would continue to deepen the Decade of Gas agenda, as it expands similar initiatives, not just to university campuses, but across other public institutions and commercial sectors.

“In the coming months, we will be unveiling further incentives for CNG vehicle conversion, expanding refueling infrastructure, and supporting local assembly and innovation in the CNG value chain.”

In his address, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, lauded the project, saying that it would enable staff and students of the institution to have their cars converted and refilled with CNG for affordable transportation.

He expressed satisfaction with the recent reforms and programmes of government to energise education in various universities across the country.

Prof. Patricia Lar, Acting Vice Chancellor, Yakubu Gowon University (former UniAbuja), who was excited over the project, commended the Federal Government and the project facilitators for the initiative.

Lar lauded the facilitators for providing five 18-seater buses and many tricycles for the pilot scheme.

She decried the difficulties faced by students in transporting themselves to school, noting that the initiative would bring immediate relief to the them and their lecturers.

The MDGIF which is domiciled in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is a fund established to improve gas infrastructure and utilisation.

The CNG-SPROUT project is being delivered through the collaboration of the MDGIF, P-CNGI and FEMADEC Energy.

By Emmanuella Anokam

New $15m initiative launched to catalyse sustainable investment in the Congo Basin

Michael Simire
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New $15m initiative launched to catalyse sustainable investment in the Congo Basin

A new initiative in one of the world’s most vital ecosystems – the Congo Basin – aims to unlock nature-positive, climate-resilient business opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across critical green sectors. 

Congo Basin rainforest
Congo Basin rainforest

The partnership between the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), will initially invest $15 million, which will serve as a catalyst to raise additional public and private finance, ultimately targeting a total investment of $30 million in the region.

By fostering local entrepreneurship and pioneering blended finance opportunities, Pro-Congo aims to demonstrate that businesses – whose model does not depend on deforestation – can develop, raise capital and sell products to market intermediaries thereby reducing carbon emissions, combatting deforestation, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices in one of the world’s most climate-critical regions. 

The Congo Basin rainforest is one of the world’s largest carbon sinks. It is home to over 75 million people, including Indigenous Peoples whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the forest. Despite its importance and the ongoing threat of deforestation and unsustainable land use, this critical ecosystem has not received the same level of attention compared to tropical forests in Southeast Asia or the Amazon basin.

The Pro-Congo initiative, which supports four countries in the region – Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo – is designed to contribute to reversing these trends by empowering local entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to lead the transition to a green economy and crowd in third party capital from impact investors and development banks.

“UNCDF is proud to unlock finance where it is needed most, supporting MSMEs in the Congo Basin to become nature-positive while creating jobs and driving sustainable growth. Our unique capital mandate within the UN development system allows us to address gaps in fragile contexts where traditional financial mechanisms often fall short. Through blended finance solutions we can unlock public and private capital and de-risk investments, while augmenting the development impact of our UN partners like UNEP,” said Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, the Executive Secretary of UNCDF.

UNCDF will support a pipeline of investment-ready enterprises able to absorb blended capital and create long-term value, deploying an initial $6.2 million in concessional finance, including loans and reimbursable grants to MSMEs with the potential to scale, while UNEP will lead on technical assistance, ensuring enterprises adopt robust environmental and social safeguards, providing seed funding, and building investment-ready business models through incubation and acceleration programmes. 

“The Congo Basin, with its unique biodiversity and above and below ground carbon stores, is critical to advance on international environmental targets. UNEP is therefore pleased to work with UNCDF and CAFI to support enterprises in the region to ‘decouple’ deforestation from economic activities,” said Rose Mwebaza, Director of UNEP’s Regional Office for Africa.

The Pro-Congo Initiative is supported by a dynamic coalition of CAFI donors – including Germany, Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden, the European Union, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom – alongside the six Central African partner countries in the Congo Basin. 

UNCDF and UNEP are working closely with impact investors, development finance institutions, and national stakeholders to build a robust pipeline of investable, inclusive, and sustainable enterprises. By creating a scalable ecosystem for green finance, the initiative will contribute to the foundation for long-term resilience, climate action, and inclusive economic development in the Congo Basin. 

WHO, Africa CDC, RKI expand partnership to strengthen collaborative surveillance

Michael Simire
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WHO, Africa CDC, RKI expand partnership to strengthen collaborative surveillance

The World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the expansion of the successful Health Security Partnership to Strengthen Disease Surveillance in Africa (HSPA) to seven countries on the continent.

Chikwe Ihekweazu
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa

Africa experiences more disease outbreaks than any other part of the world. While significant progress has been made in strengthening disease surveillance over the past decade, no country can tackle today’s complex health threats alone.

The Health Security Partnership strengthens disease surveillance and epidemic intelligence across the African continent, enabling countries to better detect and respond to public health threats – whether they are natural, accidental or deliberate. Launched in 2023 in six countries, The Gambia, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa and Tunisia, the partnership will expand to Rwanda in its second phase which runs from 2025 to 2028.

At the heart of the initiative is a collaborative surveillance approach that connects health and security sectors to reduce biological risks and strengthen surveillance systems nationally and internationally.

“HSPA represents an important step forward in building stronger partnerships for health security in Africa. By bringing together global, regional and national actors, this initiative supports countries in strengthening Collaborative Surveillance through mutual exchange and practical action. WHO remains committed to working alongside Member States to ensure that these collective efforts are well-coordinated, responsive, and rooted in national priorities,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa; Deputy Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

The partnership is supporting countries to strengthen capacities in biorisk management, event and indicator-based surveillance, genomic surveillance and epidemic intelligence. This is achieved through training, guidance development, co-creation of implementation roadmaps, and hands-on technical assistance to ensure that implementation is aligned with country priorities, embedded within broader national systems, and built for long-term sustainability.

“Within the framework of this project, Africa CDC will work with the Member States in mobilizing political will for biosecurity and surveillance, establishing regional frameworks for bio-surveillance of high-consequence biological agents and toxins, and coordinating event-based surveillance. The collaboration with other partners and coordination with Member States is crucial especially in the current context of limited resources to strengthen the continent’s capacity for early detection, response, and management of biological threats,” said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa CDC.

The HSPA initiative has been supported from the start by the Government of Canada through its Weapons Threat Reduction Program, with additional funding in phase two from the Government of the United Kingdom.

Building on the achievements in phase one, the participating countries, with support from WHO and partners, will accelerate implementation to build a healthier, safer and more resilient Africa. 

Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania elected as AfDB President

Michael Simire
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Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania elected as AfDB President

Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected as the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Sidi Ould Tah
Sidi Ould Tah

Tah was elected on Thursday, May 29, 2025, by the Bank’s Board of Directors at the bank’s annual meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The board comprises Finance and Economy ministers, Governors of Central Banks across Africa and the 81 regional and non-regional members of the Bank.

The keenly contested election saw Amadou Hott of Senegal scoring 3.5 per cent of the total votes casts, Samuel Maimbo of Zambia 20.26 per cent and Tah 76.18 per cent

The new president will take over from Dr Akinwumi Adesina, a Nigerian economist, who led the AfDB for 10 years following his election in 2015.

Niale Kaba, the Minister of Planning and Development for Cote d’ Ivoire and chairman of the board of Governors of AfDB, announced the results.

The president-elect is required to score about 50.1 per cent of regional and non-regional votes casts.

Tah has more than 35 years of experience both in African and International Finance.

He was president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa for 19 years and transformed the bank’s balance sheet.

The president-elect also secured an AAA rating for the bank, positioning it as one of the tops on the continent.

He was also Mauritania’s former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance.

As senior personnel of multilateral institution, he mobilised huge resources for Africa.

Addressing the Bank Group’s governors and the media shortly after the announcement, Tah said, “Let’s go to work now, I’m ready!”

The other candidates in the election were: 

  • Amadou Hott (Senegal) 
  • Samuel Maimbo (Zambia) 
  • Mahamat Abbas Tolli (Chad)  
  • Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa) 

Tah will assume office on September 1, 2025, for a five-year term, following the end of the second mandate of current President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. 

The African Development Bank’s past heads since its inception in 1964 are: 

  • Mamoun Beheiry (Sudan), 1964-1970 
  • Abdelwahab Labidi (Tunisia), 1970-1976 
  • Kwame Donkor Fordwor (Ghana), 1976-1980 
  • Willa Mung’Omba (Zambia), 1980-1985 
  • Babacar N’diaye (Senegal), 1985-1995 
  • Omar Kabbaj (Morocco), 1995-2005 
  • Donald Kaberuka (Rwanda), 2005-2015 
  • Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (Nigeria), 2015-2025. 

The election of a new president comes at a crucial time in the Bank Group’s six decades of existence. Africa has remained resilient despite climate shocks, economic disruption, and a shifting geopolitical landscape, but needs to move faster or risk falling behind on delivering on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, summed up in the Bank Group’s High 5’s. 

The 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group are taking place from May 26 to 30 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”  

The African Development Bank Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund and the Nigeria Trust Fund. Its shareholder countries include 54 African countries or regional member countries, and 27 non-African countries or non-regional member countries.

The newly elected AfDB President has pledged to serve the continent with humility and a deep sense of duty.

Tah said this in his acceptance speech delivered before African finance ministers, governors of the Bank, and dignitaries at the AfDB Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

He expressed profound gratitude to African nations for the confidence reposed in him.

“It is with great humility and a sense of responsibility that I speak to you at this special moment.

“I would like to thank Africa for the trust it has placed in me. I fully appreciate the responsibility and duty that come with it,” he said.

He paid special tribute to his home country, Mauritania, and President Mohamed El-Ghazaouani, whose strong support and diplomatic outreach were instrumental in securing his election.

“I thank my country and President El-Ghazaouani, who supported my candidacy and made tireless efforts to ensure the success we have just witnessed,” he said.

The new AfDB president also acknowledged the unwavering solidarity shown by Africans across the continent and extended heartfelt appreciation to his campaign team for their commitment throughout the election process.

“I will like to make a special mention of my team, who did a remarkable job from beginning to end. I express my deepest gratitude to them,” he said.

While he recognised the many individuals and groups who supported his candidacy, Tah emphasised that the time for celebration was over and called for immediate action.

“Now, let us go to work! I am ready,” he said.

Tah succeeds Dr Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria.

Adesina had served two successful terms and was widely praised for expanding the Bank’s capital base and amplifying its development impact across the continent.

Experts say Tah’s tenure begins at a time when the continent was grappling with multiple economic challenges, including climate shocks, debt distress, and the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure financing.

As he steps into this pivotal role, expectations are high that Tah will continue to strengthen the AfDB’s role as a cornerstone institution for Africa’s development and integration. 

By Ese Williams

NEMA engages Niger, Nasarawa stakeholders on 2025 flood preparedness, mitigation strategies

Michael Simire
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NEMA engages Niger, Nasarawa stakeholders on 2025 flood preparedness, mitigation strategies

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger State has engaged stakeholders on preparedness and mitigation strategies towards alleviating the impact of anticipated floods in the state.

NEMA
Participants at the stakeholders’ engagement on National disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2025 in Minna

Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on National disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2025 in Minna, the state capital, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The theme of the engagement is: “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response”.

Umar, represented by Dr Ishaya Chonoko, Zonal Director in Charge of North West Zone of NEMA, said that the engagement was to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, and response to flood disasters across the country.

She said NEMA had received insights into rainfall patterns and flood scenarios for 2025 from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“NEMA will deploy teams to all states to engage with flood-prone communities, taking early warning messages to the grassroots.

“This will be done with the support of state Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers,” she said.

The director-general called on partners such as the traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups and the media, to support the initiative, saying disaster management was everyone’s business.

According to her, all hands must be on deck to take the right early warning to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in various communities.

“There is a need to step up our games on what we can do differently from the past and come up with solutions and prepare for quick response,” she added.

Also speaking, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, Overseeing Director-General, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the meeting would proffer solutions to flooding, preparedness, and response from expected flooding to save lives and property and minimise flooding.

Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Yumu, Commissioner, Ministry for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, said the campaign would help reduce impacts of annually recurring floods in the state.

In attendance were Mr. Hussaini Isah, Head, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Akapo Adeboye, traditional leaders and stakeholders from the police and army, amongst others.

In a related development, NEMA, in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), on Thursday launched the National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on flood disaster in Nasarawa State.

Mrs. Zubaida Umar, NEMA Director-General, while speaking at a One Day stakeholders’ engagement on NPRC in Lafia, the state capital, said the campaign focused on flood prevention, preparation, mitigation, and response.

According to her, NPRC and stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at reducing the impacts of annual floods, safeguarding livelihoods, and driving socioeconomic growth and development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The director general represented by Mr. Aliyu Waziri, Director, NEMA North Central Zonal Directorate, said that annual floods in Nigeria had caused significant loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

She explained that the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), had provided valuable insight into rainfall patterns and flood scenarios.

“We have also produced vulnerability maps for all communities at risk to serve as tools to guide government in developing risk reduction measures.

“Public and private institutions, humanitarian organisations, schools, children and youth organisations are expected to leverage these tools to support NEMA’s effort,” she said.

The DG explained that the Agency had developed disaster mitigation strategies, including capacity building of local emergency responders, simulation exercises, and adherence to predicted rainfall onset before planting.

“Other mitigation strategies are; desilting of drainages, integrity tests for critical infrastructure, evacuation plans, Community-based information, sharing, and increased safety and security surveillance,” he added.

Mr. Benjamin Akwash, Director-General, Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), said the Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration was committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of residents, especially victims of disasters.

He said the state government had been consistent in supporting NASEMA, which enabled the agency to cater to the needs of flood-impacted communities and victims of communal crises in various local government areas.

“I want to thank NEMA for this engagement, I implore the stakeholders to participate actively to guide and prepare them for the 2025 flood prediction as Nasarawa state is among the states flood is expected,” he said.

In her presentation on the overview of NPRC, Mrs. Bernadette Obaje, Chief Search and Rescue Officer, NEMA, harped on preparedness and risk reduction, which entails early warning dissemination, stakeholders’ coordination and planning.

The climax of the 2025 NEMA/NPRC stakeholders’ engagement was an awareness campaign on flood and fire disaster preparedness and response at Gandu Community, Federal University of Lafia.

The stakeholders’ engagement drew participants from the Police, Fire Service, Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the vice chairmen of the 13 local government areas of the state. 

By Rita Iliya and Oboh Linus

Maduekwe underlines need for accurate, timely data to drive Nigeria’s climate ambitions

Michael Simire
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0
Maduekwe underlines need for accurate, timely data to drive Nigeria’s climate ambitions

As Nigeria prepare its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), has charged stakeholders in the climate change sector to prioritise collation of timely and adequate data in driving the process.

Nkiruka Maduekwe
Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS)

Dr. Maduekwe gave the charge in her goodwill message on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, while declaring open the “Stakeholder Consultation, Engagement and Data Collation Workshop for the Preparation of the NDC 3.0 of Nigeria” with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), in Lagos.

Speaking through Halima Bawa-Bwari, a Director in the NCCCS, the Director-General noted that “the workshop on the revision of Nigeria’s NDCs and the collation of data and technical analysis are critical pillars of our national climate ambition and policy planning.”

According to her, “the NDC represents Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The revision process is not merely an update, it is a chance to raise our ambition, align our national plans with the latest science, and present the progress we’ve made since our last submission.

“This series of consultation workshops is particularly significant because robust and credible data underpins effective climate action. Data enables parties to access current statuses, enables the setting of ambitious but realistic targets, while enabling monitoring of progress made in the effort to achieving climate action and aligning to the Paris Agreement.” 

She added: “Accurate and timely data is a key requirement that will enable government to make evidence-based decisions, track our progress, and ensure transparency and accountability in reporting. To achieve this, there is a dear need for engagement, collaboration, and partnership between governments, private sector actors, civil society, NGOs, people with disabilities, among others. This will facilitate the collation of a robust database that can transform our climate change commitments into tangible, progressive action. 

“As we move forward, let us seize this opportunity to align our NDC with the urgent need for climate action in all the sectors of the economy, as the ambition of this government is an economy-wide NDC which has a broadened scope that leaves no one behind. Together, we can pave the way for a future where NDCs are not only policy documents but solutions driving sustainability, resilience, and prosperity for all.”

While appreciating the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their technical and financial support in making the workshop possible, Maduekwe however encouraged all participants to engage openly, share knowledge, raise questions, and work collaboratively to ensure that the outcomes of the workshop feed directly into a stronger and more responsive NDC revision process.

In his submission, Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, a seasoned environmentalist and a university scholar, commended the NCCCS to organising the workshop, saying that it’s the right call in the right direction.

He, however, advised that there should be an implementation plan from the NCCCS to make their plans towards the NDCs more feasible.

According to him “NCCCS should start the thinking on the strategy to do 200 things at a time which might be a bit difficult in my opinion. When I saw that the NDC implementation framework was made, I was happy. You can’t do an implementation framework if we have implemented it. It would have been very clear that some of the things you wanted to do may not be possible.

“And each time I come back to the council, you know, the universities that the federal government is supporting to use solar energy to develop themselves. I kept on asking of the council, are you following all of these? Do you have a way by which you can go CO2 emission savings where everybody is saving universities?

“To me, you can come back in another five years to be right in the same thing. Let us agree that this is very important. Whatever will come out of this NDC framework, which I don’t think is going to be very easy, must be a very, very clear, addictive implementation plan,” he stated. 

The ongoing “Consultation, Engagement and Data Collation Workshop for the Preparation of The NDC 3.0″ represents Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The workshop had in attendance members of NCCCS, representatives of MDAs, academia, and representatives from the UNDP in attendance.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Mongolia to host UNCCD COP17 in August 2026

Michael Simire
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Mongolia to host UNCCD COP17 in August 2026

The 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will be hosted by Mongolia in its capital city, Ulaanbaatar, from August 17 to 28, 2026.

Mongolia
Mongolia

The landmark global event will bring together delegates from 197 Parties, heads of state, ministers, representatives from international organisations, scientific communities, civil society, and the private sector to forge solutions to the interconnected challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought.

Mongolia, with a vast territory of 1.56 million square kilometres, is experiencing land degradation across approximately 76.9 per cent of its land. Recognising the critical role of land management in addressing the triple environmental crisis, the country has become a key voice in global efforts to combat desertification and enhance land resilience.

Mongolia’s ambitious development agendas – particularly its interconnected national movements on environment and agriculture – position the country as a strategic host for COP17 of the UNCCD.

COP17 will be convened in alignment with the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026), offering a crucial global opportunity to highlight sustainable rangeland management and the needs of more than one billion people who directly depend on these vital ecosystems for their livelihoods.

During the two-week conference, participants will engage in a high-level segment that includes ministerial dialogues, along with multi-stakeholder forums and thematic discussions on science–policy integration, innovation, solutions, technology, and financing. The event is expected to foster impactful collaboration and action across sectors, advancing the goals of sustainable land management, ecosystem and land restoration, and the implementation of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets.

To build momentum toward COP17 and increase public awareness and youth engagement, Mongolia has already launched a series of national initiatives. One key upcoming event is the “Youth4Land” national forum, scheduled for June 16–17, 2025, in Mandalgovi city, Dundgovi Province, in observance of Desertification and Drought Day.

The forum will bring together over 100 young herders, researchers, and policymakers to co-develop sustainable land solutions rooted in traditional knowledge and scientific evidence. This national initiative is part of the country’s efforts to implement outcomes from previous UNCCD COPs and promote inclusive participation.

Mongolia’s strong development and environmental agenda – including the national “Billions of Trees” movement, the “White Gold” community-based rural development initiative, and the “Food Revolution” agri-soil initiative – positions the country as a regional and global model of action. 

Hosting COP17 will provide a historic opportunity to elevate international cooperation on land, climate, and biodiversity to a new level, according to the UNCCD.

According to the UN body, the conference will mark a significant step forward in uniting the world around solutions to land degradation and climate challenges, solidifying Mongolia’s contribution to building a sustainable and resilient future for all.

World No Tobacco Day 2025: Unmasking the appeal of tobacco products 

Michael Simire
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World No Tobacco Day 2025: Unmasking the appeal of tobacco products 

On Saturday, May 31, the world will mark World No Tobacco Day 2025 under the banner “Bright Products. Dark Intentions”. This year’s theme sheds light on the tobacco industry’s tactics to lure women and young people into addiction through flavoured and colourful products.

Dr Hanan Balkhy
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Dr Hanan Balkhy

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death globally, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region bearing a significant burden. The Region has the highest smoking rates among adolescent boys, with countries like Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt ranking among the highest globally. The promotion of new nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, has led to higher dependency rates among vulnerable groups.

Globally, 37 million children aged 13–15 years use tobacco. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, smoking rates in some areas have reached 43% among adolescent boys (aged 13–15 years) and 20% among adolescent girls. The highest prevalence of tobacco use among boys is recorded in the occupied Palestinian territory (West Bank) at 43.3%, followed by Jordan at 33.9% and the Syrian Arab Republic at 31.6%.

The tobacco industry’s promotion of new nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, is particularly concerning. These products often feature flavours and colorful designs that attract women and young people, leading to higher dependency rates. With over 16 000 flavours of e-cigarettes available, it’s no surprise that in some countries nine out of 10 e-cigarette users are drawn to the flavoured products that target younger users.

Alarmingly, the gap in tobacco use between men and women is narrowing, with more women and girls taking up smoking, exposing them to health risks such as cervical cancer, osteoporosis and fertility issues. Meanwhile, the Region already has the highest smoking rates among adolescent boys, underscoring the urgent need for action.

“Our Region has the highest youth smoking rates in the world. We must act to protect the next generation. Let us stand together and make it crystal clear. No more tricks. No more traps. Let’s unite for a tobacco-free future,” says WHO Regional Director, Dr Hanan Balkhy.

In response to the alarming rise in tobacco use among women and adolescents, the Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has launched a targeted initiative. This initiative recognises that women and adolescents share common vulnerabilities, including socioeconomic factors and health care needs that make them susceptible to the industry’s tactics.

Governments, stakeholders and communities must work together to: ban tobacco product flavours and attractive designs; implement graphic health warnings on packaging; restrict advertising and promotion; and increase taxes on tobacco products.

“We need to work with all stakeholders, led by governments, to limit/ban the use of flavours and attractive colourful designs, especially for emerging products including, but not limited to, e-cigarettes and vapes. Let us unite for a tobacco-free future. We owe it to our children, our communities and our future generations to take bold action against the tobacco industry’s tactics,” Dr Balkhy says.

He adds: “On World No Tobacco Day 2025, let’s raise awareness about the tobacco industry’s dark intentions and work towards a tobacco-free future. Together, we can make a difference and protect the health and well-being of our communities. Let’s spread the word and unite for a tobacco-free future!”

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