The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to be prepared for potential floods that would soon affect communities in the downstream.
A flooded compound at Ebenebe, Anam in Anambra State
The states, according to NEMA, include Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.
NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in a statement by the Head of Press Unit, Mr Manzo Ezekiel, in Abuja on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
She said that the alert followed the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.
“The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding.
“It is also important to avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.
“Such areas have suffered misfortune including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures,” Umar said.
She listed some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.
The D-G advised communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” she said.
Umar said that NEMA was working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations were available to affected communities.
She said that the collaboration with relevant stakeholders was through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the agency’s headquarters.
She emphasised the importance of early action and community vigilance.
“We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.
“Preparedness is key in reducing the impact of flooding,” Umar said.
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, says Oando’s acquisition of Eni’s Subsidiary, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), will ramp up crude oil production to two million barrels per day (bpd).
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja
The minister said the Oando company has already increased production to more than 30,000 bpd sequel to the successful acquisition of the NAOC.
Lokpobiri stated this on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Ltd., led by its Managing Director, Dr Ainojie Irune.
Oando Plc., one of the Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy solutions providers in Aug. 2024, successfully completed acquisition of Eni’s subsidiary, NAOC for $783 million.
Lokpobiri said with necessary support, the Oando would increase production that would substantially help the Federal Government’s desire to get into two million bpd by the end of 2024.
“I will ensure that I do everything humanly possible to create the best environment for Oando and other companies operating in the Niger Delta region to increase production, which we seriously need now.
“Our target is to hit at least two million barrels production by December,’’ he said.
Lokpobiri, who disclosed that 80 per cent of the acquired assets is in Bayelsa, said he has spoken to the state government and relevant stakeholders on collaboration with Oando to boost production from those assets.
He said that enormous local capacity had been grown in indigenous companies such as Oando, Seplat and First E&P, among others tasked them to sustain the momentum to be in same level with the so-called IOCs.
“And I’ve also been asked at the global stage whether the indigenous companies have capacity to be able to sustain the running of these companies. What is going to be the future of Nigeria?
“I said we have no problem at all, that we have grown in enormous capacity, and the companies that are seeking to acquire these IOCs will run them professionally and profitably,’’ he said.
On the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the economy, the minister urged the entire world to seize the opportunity of Nigeria’s readiness for business and invest.
Earlier, Irune said the visit was to intimate the minister on the concluded transaction and highlight some of the landmarks it had hit in just achieving the milestone.
He assured that it would improve the assets management; tackle insecurity and local problems of host communities and contribute to the overall production ambitions of the country.
Irune recalled that Oando started off as a downstream company, selling fuel oil in tankers effectively, and built the largest downstream interest with over 500 fuel stations nationwide.
He said it proceeded to build the largest midstream company, Oando Gas and Power, and stepped into the upstream, where it became first indigenous company to acquire two IOCs.
“It has first transaction in 2014 with ConocoPhillips, with 20 per cent interest in the NAOC Joint Venture (JV) while ENI’s 20 per cent stake in the NAOC JV made it 40 per cent holders in the JV, with the NNPC Ltd. holding 60 per cent.
“It sought to put the best of local content forward to inspire Nigerians to show that Nigerians can do it.
“We can breed and create our own IOCs that would have sizable balance sheets, acreages across the world, and portfolios that can compete with the likes of the Shell’s and Chevron,” he said.
Irune thanked the minister for his steadfast support and commitment to the growth of not just indigenous companies within the oil and gas industry, but the industry as a whole.
In his remarks at the 10th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire,on Thursday, September 5, 2024, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, is of the view that climate action will unlock a goldmine of human and economic benefits
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, speaking at the 10th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on September 5, 2024
Today I want to start with some good news. Climate action is the single greatest economic opportunity of this century.
It can and should be the single greatest opportunity for Africa, to lift up people, communities, and economies, after centuries of exploitation.
The opportunity is immense. But so too are the costs for African nations of unchecked global heating.
The continent has been warming at a faster rate than the global average. From Algeria to Zambia, climate-driven disasters are getting worse, inflicting the most suffering on those who did least to cause it.
In Africa, as in all regions, the climate crisis is an economic sinkhole, sucking the momentum out of economic growth. In fact, many African nations are losing up to 5% of GDP as a result of climate impacts.
Consider food production being hit hard, contributing to the re-emergence of famine, while also pushing up global prices, and with them inflation and the cost of living.
Desertification and habitat destruction are driving forced movements of people.
Supply chains are already being hit hard by spiralling climate impacts.
It is African nations and people who are paying the heaviest price. But it would be entirely incorrect for any world leader – especially in the G20 – to think although this is all incredibly sad, ultimately, it’s not my problem.
The economic and political reality – in an interdependent world – is we are all in this crisis together. We rise together, or we fall together.
But if the climate and economic crises are globally interlinked. So too are the solutions.
So, it’s time to flip the script. From potential climate tipping points to exponential changes in business, investment, and growth. Changes that will further strengthen African nations’ climate leadership and vital role in global climate solutions, on all fronts.
At COP28, we concluded the first-ever stocktake of global climate action.
It showed how much more work is still needed.
In response all nations agreed on some ambitious new commitments.
To transition away from all fossil fuels quickly, but fairly.
To triple renewable energy.
To double energy efficiency.
And to go from responding to climate impacts, to truly transformative adaptation.
I recognize these are big commitments, particularly in regions focused on development.
But delivering on them will unlock a goldmine of human and economic benefits.
Cleaner, more reliable and affordable energy across Africa.
More jobs, stronger local economies, underpinning more stability and opportunity, especially for women.
Electrification and lighting at night in the home means kids can do homework, boosting education outcomes, with major flow-on productivity gains driving stronger economic growth.
Cooking with traditional fuels emits greenhouse gases roughly equivalent to global aviation or shipping. It also contributes to 3 million premature deaths every single year.
It would cost $4 billion annually to fix this in Africa by 2030, an outstanding investment, on any accounting.
Linking nature-based climate solutions with biodiversity protection and land restoration will drive progress right across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Yet African nations’ vast potential to drive forward climate solutions is being thwarted by an epidemic of underinvestment.
Of the more than $400 billion spent on clean energy last year, only $2.6 billion went to African nations.
Renewable energy investment in Africa needs to grow at least fivefold by 2030.
COP29 in Baku must signal that the climate crisis is core business for every government, with finance solutions to match.
Nations must agree a new international climate financial goal. And ensure that it is grounded in the needs of developing countries.
Domestic action and, indeed, domestic finance will remain crucial. But, alone, it is not enough. More support – including more international climate finance – is needed.
In Baku, we must finally get international carbon markets under Article 6 working.
We must make the Loss and Damage Fund fully operational.
And we must ensure goals on adaptation are realized, financed, and capable of being met. Closing the adaptation finance gap is absolutely crucial.
The climate actions nations choose should be embedded in the new generation of national climate plans – NDCs – due early next year. And in National Adaptation Plans every country must have and, to date, out of 54 African nations, only 29 have submitted national adaptation plans.
Biennial Transparency Reports are also a crucial enabling tool, intended to help governments strengthen climate policies over time.
We know many countries need help in achieving this. The UN system provides a wide range of practical supports. I urge you to make use of them. We, the UN system, a here to help.
We’ve also taken steps this year to boost the proportion of Observer organizations at COP from the global south, following the guidance from Parties at the June Meetings earlier this year.
Your role at the three Rio Convention COPs this year – and your voices in the lead-up to them – are more important than ever, to help guide our process to the highest-ambition outcomes the world needs.
So, I thank you for your tireless efforts and your crucial leadership, and I urge you to keep up the fight.
An Africa ascending, an Africa empowered to take bolder climate actions is in every nation’s interest.
UN Climate Change will be with you every step of the way.
In his speech on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, announced that more observer badges for COP29 would go to organisations from the global south.
Director of Power Shift Africa, Mohamed Adow
Stiell said: “We’ve also taken steps this year to boost the proportion of observer organisations at COP from the global south, following the guidance from Parties at the June Meetings this year.”
In a reaction, Mohamed Adow, Director of Nairobi-based think tank Power Shift Africa, said: “For too long the COP summits have been largely full of delegates from the global north. It’s an example of how too much power at the climate talks has been by held by people and organisations based in countries that have caused the climate crisis. Finally, we are getting a fairer distribution of observer badges. It’s only right that people from countries that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis are able to attend the meetings that are supposed to address their needs.”
According to Power Shift Africa’s analysis, 50% of the COP28 badges went to participants from the bloc known as Western European and Other States (WEOG), which includes the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, despite those countries only representing12% of the global population.
Adow said: “People in parts of the developing world only contribute a fraction of the emissions causing the climate crisis yet disproportionately suffer its impacts. Yet for too long the vast majority of COP badges have been held by people from a small part of the world but with disproportionately high emissions. It is only right that this imbalance is now being rectified.”
In his speech, Stiell also said that climate action is the “single greatest economic opportunity of this century” and that “the opportunity is immense. But so too are the costs for African nations of unchecked global heating.”
Adow said: “It’s encouraging to hear Simon Stiell spelling out the huge opportunities posed by tackling the scourge of climate change, transitioning the world to clean energy and lifting millions of climate vulnerable people out of poverty.”
What looks like a groundbreaking online map showing the migration paths of land animals around the world was on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, launched.
Animal migration
An international team of over 80 scientists has collaborated to create the first-ever interactive migration map of land hooved mammals such as antelopes, guanacos and zebras, that routinely travel large distances at different times in the year. Such animals are collectively called “ungulates”.
Known as the Atlas of Ungulate Migration, the tool uses the best available science to provide up-to-date migration maps. In addition to providing scientific information, the tool will be invaluable in informing conservation planning, infrastructure development, and policymaking to enhance ecological connectivity. The new interactive map currently covers 20 global populations, ranging from the iconic Serengeti wildebeest and African elephant, to the saiga of the Central Asian steppe.
Developed under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) – a biodiversity treaty of the United Nations – the researchers analysed tracking data to produce the new digital atlas. The online tool was developed through the efforts of the “Global Initiative for Ungulate Migration” (GIUM), established in 2020, representing a consortium of scientists and institutions worldwide. The maps will be made freely available to governments, conservationists, and the public.
“Knowing the routes used by animals for their migrations is essential to better understanding what we must do for their conservation and management. The Atlas will be a significant tool for policymakers to achieve their biodiversity objectives as well as addressing the needs of communities for development,” said Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary.
Around the world, ungulates such as the Argentine guanacos, the Alpine ibex, and the Mongolian gazelles migrate across vast distances to find food, escape harsh weather, and raise their young. Ensuring their ability to migrate is vital for their survival. A variety of such animals provide benefits for human needs and national or local economies, from tourism, as a source of food, and through the transport of nutrients and other functions.
“This atlas represents a major milestone for conservation worldwide, and we believe the migration maps will be a tangible and effective tool to help stem the loss of the world’s ungulate migrations,” said Matthew Kauffman, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the University of Wyoming, and a member of GIUM’s scientific advisory board.
At the CMS 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) in February 2024, the United Nations released the first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species Report, which found that 44% of migratory species listed under CMS are in decline, largely due to human activity.
As human populations grow and development expands, migratory ungulates face a myriad of threats. These include habitat fragmentation from fences, roads and railways, overexploitation from poaching, and climate change. These combined pressures are outpacing animals’ capacity to adapt and the conservation community’s ability to respond. GIUM’s work is timely, offering data that can help tackle these threats more effectively.
“We have reached an environmental tipping point where it’s more urgent than ever to have sound data to pinpoint exactly where to direct conservation efforts that can make the most impact for migratory wildlife,” said Grant Hopcraft, conservation ecologist with the University of Glasgow and member of GIUM’s scientific advisory board.
The Central Asian region, for instance, harbors the largest intact and still interconnected grasslands worldwide. But it has also seen a steady development with the expansion of infrastructure, including railways and new trade routes. The atlas shows how a railway construction impacts the Saiga Antelope’s movement, cutting them off from critical winter habitats. Researchers believe that by studying animal movements, solutions can be found that balance development with conservation.
When a migration has been mapped in detail, governments and stakeholders can prioritise wildlife-road crossings or other conservation measures that may ease the travels of migratory herds amid rapid global change. The CMS Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) provides a common framework to coordinate such conservation activities in the Central Asian region.
In North America and Europe, collaborative efforts are using corridor maps to target fences for modification or removal, site road-crossing structures, adjust energy development footprints, and focus conservation efforts on working lands. In the hands of authorities and conservation practitioners, the migration maps are key to finding on-the-ground solutions to keep these vital corridors open and functional amid ongoing development.
Moving forward, GIUM will be expanding the Atlas by adding more corridor maps for many migratory populations not yet represented. The collaboration of over 50 institutions worldwide aims to stimulate research on threats common to migratory ungulates and work with government and NGO partners to effectively utilise the available maps to promote wildlife conservation. GIUM is collaborating with Wildlife Conservation Society, the World Wildlife Fund and the World Bank, among others, to provide easy access to the maps and disseminate information on critical migration corridors to inform planning and policy.
The Atlas of Ungulate Migration launches at a time of growing international focus on preserving biodiversity and addressing ecological connectivity, a key component of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF or Biodiversity Plan). The online maps are also a crucial contribution to the Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity, launched at the CMS COP14 in 2024, as well as a broader CMS initiative to develop a global atlas of animal migration for all CMS-listed migratory species. Conserving migratory species such as ungulates also supports broader objectives, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“We have recently demonstrated that some species are able to plastically adjust migration to environmental conditions,” says Francesca Cagnacci, GIUM advisory board member from Fondazione Edmund Mach in Italy. “But without space to move freely to compensate for these threats, migratory populations will decline, sending ripple effects through ecosystems and economies.”
“Understanding how animals respond to the types of mitigation options available, in addition to where animals are being blocked by fencing or railways, is important for restoring migrations severed by development,” says Nandintsetseg Dejid, wildlife ecologist with the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Germany.
“Once these migration patterns have been mapped at the global and regional levels, it guides us at national level on the prioritization of key landscapes and on our policy and planning processes,” says Patience Gandiwa, CMS national focal point for Zimbabwe and Director for International Conservation Affairs at ZimParks. “These migration maps will therefore be very useful to Zimbabwe as we are already pursuing the wildlife conservation agenda beyond the protected and conserved areas.”
Our ocean, communities and our sociocultural wellbeing are not for sale.
The FishNet Alliance General Assembly and Conference in Durban, South Africa
This statement formed part of the declarations made by FishNet Alliance, a network of fishers across the coast of Africa, at the close of its General Assembly and Conference held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Durban, South Africa.
Themed: “Ocean, Extractivism and Renewable Energy”, the gathering was attended by members of the Alliance from South Africa, Senegal, Togo, Nigeria, Mozambique, including new members from Uganda, South Sudan and Cameroon as well as Oilwatch Africa and Oilwatch International members and allies from 20 countries.
Standing in solidarity with its members and other fishers’ communities in the struggle, FishNet Alliance also demanded in a communiqué endorsed by 19 member organisations that artisanal fishers must be recognised, consulted, supported and protected, and must be adequately represented in ocean and maritime policy discourse.
“We denounce and reject any form of grabbing of our waters for the production of so-called green hydrogen,” submitted the fishers, adding that all deltas and protected areas in Africa must be declared no-mining and no-exploitation zones.
The General Assembly and Conference had earlier observed that:
The rights of artisanal fishers continue to be violated by extractive projects, and that these rights violations are fuelled by the extractivism and colonialism practices.
The offshore extraction activities, oil and gas infrastructure installations are dangerous and destructive of the livelihoods of coastal communities. The systemic and subtle extension of the extractivists’ colonial roots through the introduction of concepts like the Blue Economy are going to worsen the situation of fisher folks who are already paying the price for grabbing of our resources. Our sea and other water bodies are also under constant attack, and we note the new dynamics brought by the push for renewable offshore energy.
Industrial fishers are laxly regulated and act with impunity. Instead, artisanal fishers are intimidated and repressed by both the state and these commercial fish merchants. The industrial fishers are responsible for overcapacity, illegal, reported and unregulated fishing and not the artisanal fishers who fish with poles, hooks and specific net sizes.
Coastal and fishing communities are being washed away as a result of coastal erosion and sea encroachment engendered by the climate change. These fisher folks’ communities are fast turning into refugees in their own countries as their territories are being washed away.
The emerging issue of green hydrogen extends the same colonial logic of extractivism to satisfy the insatiable hunger of capitalism and only minimize the drive for a true people just transition.
The mangrove forests play a big role in preserving our fisheries and building our local economies.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the maritime industry is increasingly recognised as a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has proposed a Global Shipping Levy, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of shipping activities.
Olumide Idowu, Executive Director, ICCDI Africa
This proposal has profound implications for Nigeria, a country with extensive coastlines and vital shipping routes. The implementation of this levy could lead to substantial changes in Nigeria’s shipping industry, potentially mitigating climate change effects while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Nigeria’s port system, particularly the Lagos Port Complex, has faced numerous challenges that hinder efficient shipping operations. Congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and poor maintenance of facilities have long plagued these ports, leading to increased emissions from idling ships and delayed deliveries.
A case study of the Apapa Port highlights these challenges; it is often described as one of the most congested ports in Africa, with vehicles frequently stuck in traffic for hours. This congestion not only contributes to carbon emissions but also affects local communities through increased air pollution and detrimental health impacts.
The Global Shipping Levy could serve as a catalyst for the Nigerian government and stakeholders to invest in modernising port infrastructure. By investing levy revenues into sustainable port facilities, Nigeria could improve operational efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of shipping practices.
For example, implementing green technologies such as electric cranes and renewable energy sources in port operations would significantly lower carbon emissions. Moreover, enhancing the logistics network surrounding ports would alleviate congestion, thereby reducing idle time and emissions from waiting vessels.
However, the success of the Global Shipping Levy in Nigeria hinges on the government’s commitment to climate policies and sustainable practices. Policymakers must prioritise environmental considerations in their economic planning, ensuring that the levy is used effectively for climate action. This approach aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, and signals to the global community its readiness to participate in collective efforts to combat climate change.
Local communities, particularly those residing near ports, are often the first to experience the adverse effects of shipping emissions. Residents of Apapa, for instance, have reported rising cases of respiratory illnesses linked to air pollution from port activities. Acknowledging these impacts is crucial. The Nigerian government must engage with affected communities to formulate inclusive policies that address their concerns while also promoting sustainable shipping practices. Community involvement can lead to more effective solutions and ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard.
As the IMO conference in London approaches, it is imperative for Nigeria to take a proactive stance on the Global Shipping Levy. The country has a unique opportunity to advocate for the interests of developing nations, emphasising the need for equitable financing mechanisms that support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. A united front among African nations could strengthen Nigeria’s position in international negotiations, ensuring that the voices of vulnerable communities are prioritized in discussions around climate action.
In conclusion, the Global Shipping Levy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigeria as it navigates the complex interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The time to act is now. Nigerian stakeholders must collaborate to leverage this levy to modernise ports, engage local communities, and advocate for fair climate policies.
The upcoming IMO conference is not just an event; it is a pivotal moment for Nigeria to lead by example and commit to a sustainable future for its ports and communities alike. It’s imperative for all parties involved – from government officials to local residents – to unite in this endeavor and champion the necessary changes that will protect both the environment and the livelihoods of millions.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq-Adekunle Salako, says the challenges of climate change and energy transition require innovative solutions and a firm commitment to ethical governance.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako
Salako said this in Abuja on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the first International anti-corruption and climate change conference, organised by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), an NGO.
The theme of the conference is “National stakeholders’ engagement for accountability and transparency in addressing climate change, energy transition and oil extraction licencing for sustainable development”.
The Minister was represented by Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change at the ministry.
He described climate change as the defining issue of the time, and the single greatest threat to a sustainable future, planet and security.
According to him, transparency and accountability are the bedrock of sustainable development, and through collaborative efforts, we can have a more just and sustainable future to overcome these challenges.
He said that climate change was not just an environmental challenge but a developmental quagmire, described as the everest of all problems.
He also described it as the thorniest challenge facing humankind and an urgent threat to lives, health, food, biodiversity and livelihood.
“As challenging and acute as the climate change crisis is, it cannot enjoy exclusive access to funding and attention and has to compete with other critical sectors for financing.
“Sound transparency and accountability framework for climate change is critical for sustainable climate action through better coordination, improved decision-making processes and spending allocations.
“It also ensures better monitoring and evaluation of mitigation and adaptation results against established climate goals, enhanced identification of responsible stakeholders’ coherence and harmonisation of country assistance.
“Nigeria is implementing the enhanced transparency framework established under Paris Agreement, which requires parties to submit Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) and National Inventory Report as a mechanism to promote clarity and openness.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, through its relevant agency, will ensure the submission of the first BTR for the country on or before Dec. 31,” the minister said.
The Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Issa-Onilu, said that climate change remained one of the most pressing challenges.
Issa-Onilu said that it required urgent and concerted efforts from all sectors, both government, private and civil society organisations.
The D-G who was represented by Mr Segun Alao, a Deputy Director, said that the journey towards a sustainable energy future and responsible oil licensing required innovation and best practices.
He said that it would also ensure that every decision made was in the best interest of the people and the environment.
Issa-Onilu said that the engagement by HEDA represented a significant step towards the future, and bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to chart a course that prioritises sustainability, economic growth, and social equity.
He said that the NOA was dedicated to enhancing and sustaining social engineering, communicating government policies, programmes, and activities to the people, and obtaining feedback from citizens to the government.
The NOA boss said that the agency was committed to ensuring that citizens understood the adverse effects of climate change through awareness creation and public enlightenment campaigns.
The Chairman of HEDA Resources Centre, Mr Olarewaju Suraju, said the country’s natural resources had continued to be abused by international operators and their collaborators.
Suraju said the need for the conference was to change the narrative.
According to him, local communities, along with traditional rulers, and even government officials, had also helped in aiding this abuse of illegal exploration and mining which have culminated into climate change.
“This situation of abuse may continue even if we move from oil and gas which is the mainstay of the country’s economy to the nonoil sector.
“We cannot afford to transfer those horrible experiences we had with the oil and gas to the new sources of energy.
“Nigeria is one of the countries with substantial deposit of some of the new resources and materials that are to be used for new energy migration.
“What we are saying is that the focus of the government should not only be about exploring those natural resources for power generation or resources generation, but ultimately for the development of the people,” Suraju said.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has directed all the states of the federation to submit details of damages caused by the recent flooding in the country by Monday, September 9, 2024.
Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria. He chaired the NEC meeting
Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State made this known while briefing state house Correspondents at the end of the 144 NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa Abuja, on Wednesday, September 4.
The NEC meeting was presided by its Chairman, Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
Recent data by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) indicates that lives have been lost, with thousands of hectares of farmlands damaged and thousands of people displaced by floods across the country.
Sule, who explained that the issue of the recent flooding in the country was extensively discussed during the council’s meeting, revealed that the flood committee had been reconstituted.
According to him, the flood committee has to be reconstituted, and the new members of the councils are governors of Kogi, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Bayelsa and Jigawa states.
“Others are Minister of Water of Resources, Minister of State for Water of Resources, Minister of State for Environment, Director-Generals of the Nigeria Sovereignty Investment Authority (NSIA), NEMA, NiMet and others.
“The council also has decided that Monday will be the deadline for all the states of the federation to submit details of damages including farms, schools and bridges that have been affected by the last flood.
“The Chairman of the council mentioned that it will be taken into consideration for appropriate support to the various states,” Sule said.
Earlier, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said governors acknowledged the support of the Federal Government by releasing N3 billion as a small measure to ensure that governors provide palliation for the flood victims.
According to him, the flood was more devastating along the North East axis where the major artery between Kano and Maiduguri have been cut off with household, schools and means of livelihood affected.
“That has really provided big challenge to us as a government, as a people and as a state because we need to provide more of food security.
“And some of the farmlands are already submerged and therefore there will be a need for collaboration between all the tiers of government to ensure food security.
“The need for planning, collaboration and interaction to do that during the harvest time because the harvest may not be as we envisaged in terms of the bumper harvest that we are expecting.”
Mohammed emphasised the need for a stronger collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and all sub nationals to ensure that something comprehensive was done.
“I know there has been a lot of devastation and we have been asked to give an inventory of destruction before Monday.
“But other measures of governance in terms of governance structure have been established by council,” he said.
CO2 emissions are not decreasing, but on the contrary, are growing, Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of Board of Trustees of Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, said within the High-Level Dialogue: Advancing Climate Transparency through Universal Participation in the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Ismail Serageldin
He noted that if 30 years ago humanity emitted 33 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year into the atmosphere, now it is 54 billion tons per year.
“Today, CO2 is at the highest concentration level that the Earth has seen in the last two million years. Methane and nitrous oxide are at the highest level that we have seen in the last 800,000 years,” he said.
He noted that it is necessary to make important climate decisions now that will help reduce the damage from climate change.
“Thanks to your determination and our commitment to working together on the global problem of climate change, we will be able to correct the situation and save humanity from disaster,” he concluded.
