The Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Food Security has pledged collaboration with agriculture related civil society organisations (CSOs) and women farmers to ensure food security in the state.
CSOs, women farmers and members of the Kwara State House of Assembly during the advocacy visit
The committee made the pledge on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, while receiving the CSOs under the umbrella of the Budget Committee Group (BCG) on an advocacy visit and the presentation of 2025 agriculture budget analysis report.
The committee’s chairman, Mrs. Ayi Olatundun, said the committee was ready to partner and support NGOs in the state to ensure that agriculture thrived well.
She said the legislative body was ready to explore all opportunities in areas that would benefit the people they were elected to serve.
The lawmaker representing Ilorin North-West constituency said the present administration would not relent in its efforts toward the overall development of agriculture in the state, which has already recorded significant progress
Also, Mr. Muhammed Kareem Musa, representing Patigi Constituency, advised the BCG to channel its observations and recommendations through the Ministry of Agriculture.
He said going by the thorough analysis done by the group, it was imperative for them to present their observations during the yearly budget engagement for their observations to be noted.
Another member of the committee, Mr. Yinusa Oniboki representing Afon Constituency said as a way of support for farmers in the state, the House had just passed into law the Water User Association Bill.
Oniboki said the bill, among other provisions, would help farmers engage in irrigation, thereby promoting all-season farming without having to rely solely on rainfall
Earlier, Mr. Abdurrahman Ayuba, a member of the BCG and Coordinator of Scaling Up Public Investment in Agriculture (SUPIA), said the government should be deliberate in increasing budgetary allocations to smallholder women farmers.
Ayuba added that this was imperative as the women farmers were the producers of food for consumption and not exporting like their male counterparts.
He said the BCG, after analysing the 2025 budget, discovered that this year’s allocation to agriculture was lower than that of 2024, which itself was already below the 10 per cent benchmark set by the Maputo Declaration.
Ayuba called for an increase in budgetary allocations to research and development, citing their vital role in enhancing the agricultural value chain.
He stressed that investing in R&D would lead to innovation, improved productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition, Ayuba emphasised the need for inclusive agriculture budget planning, urging that smallholder women farmers with disabilities be deliberately included to ensure they could contribute meaningfully to the sector.
Also speaking, Mrs. Modupe Suleiman, a member of the BCG and Deputy Coordinator of the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), appealed to lawmakers to prioritise issues affecting women farmers.
She advocated for women-friendly farming equipment and improved access to credit facilities, both of which are crucial for boosting productivity and supporting rural livelihoods.
The BCG is a coalition of agriculture-focused civil society organisations that conduct annual analyses of the state’s agriculture budget.
The initiative is part of an ActionAid Nigeria project under SUPIA programme, involving 12 participating organisations across the state.
As part of the global health movement to expand affordable access to high-quality medicines, the Gates Foundation has awarded a $5 million grant to Axmed, a healthcare technology company transforming how lifesaving medicines are procured across Growth Markets.
Cynthia Mwase, Director of Health, Africa, Gates Foundation
The grant will be deployed as a matching fund, providing a 1:1 match on government procurement of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) commodities through the Axmed Medicines Platform.
The grant is expected to unlock up to $10 million in MNCH procurement across a selection of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. It aims to strengthen national procurement capacity by offering Ministries of Health near-term liquidity, access to quality-assured MNCH commodities, and the benefits of pooled procurement and aggregated demand – driving both cost-efficiency and supply security.
The initiative was announced during a high-level roundtable held alongside the 78th World Health Assembly, which convened Ministers of Health, national procurement leads, and representatives from key multilateral organisations and philanthropic partners.
“Reducing the number of preventable deaths of mothers and babies is key to our work in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Cynthia Mwase, Director of Health, Africa, Gates Foundation. “This partnership with Axmed and local health leaders is an important step forward in ensuring that life-saving innovations reach the communities where they can make the greatest difference – so that more families can experience healthy pregnancies, safe births, and strong starts to life.”
Addressing Persistent Gaps in Medicines Access
Every year, 287,000 women die from pregnancy and childbirth complications, and 2.3 million newborns die in their first month – despite the availability of proven, cost-effective interventions. Weak procurement systems, constrained budgets, and fragmented supply chains continue to limit access to essential MNCH commodities across low-resource settings.
The current global liquidity crunch, coupled with reductions in donor funding, has made it harder for governments to secure the medicines they need. This grant responds to that challenge – unlocking immediate financing while enabling longer-term procurement reforms.
“Through our partnership with Axmed, the Government of Rwanda has shown that meaningful improvements in the efficient and sustainable delivery of high-quality medicines across multiple therapeutic areas can be achieved. Now, through this matching fund, our partnership will expand this impact even further, reaching the most vulnerable with urgency and precision. This matching fund is a strategic step forward in reimagining procurement in a new era of global health: smarter, faster, and designed to deliver measurable results across the entire health system in collaboration with partners who are both innovative and purpose-driven,” said Dr. Loko Abraham, Chief Executive Officer for Rwanda Medical Supply.
The Axmed Platform: Unlocking Scale, Speed, and Savings
Axmed’s digital marketplace connects institutional buyers directly with vetted suppliers, aggregating demand across countries and consolidating procurement at scale. In 2024, Ministries and other procurers using the platform achieved average savings of 20–30%, with select MNCH products realizing up to 80% cost reductions.
Axmed also partners with global logistics providers to manage end-to-end delivery, from manufacturer to last-mile distribution, with full tracking and traceability. The platform has been deployed across multiple LMICs to support national and regional procurement strategies.
“This fund is a clear example of how catalytic financing and technology can work together to deliver immediate and lasting impact,” said Emmanuel Akpakwu, Founder & CEO of Axmed. “Our goal is not just to deliver quality medicines faster and more affordably, but to help build more resilient and efficient procurement systems for the future.”
World leaders have pledged an additional $170 million to the World Health Organisation (WHO) during a high-level pledging event at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Photo credit: AFP / FABRICE COFFRINI / Getty Images
In a statement issued by WHO on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, the contributions were made in support of WHO’s ongoing Investment Round (IR), aimed at addressing rising global health challenges.
“Earlier in the day, WHO member states approved an increase in Assessed Contributions, providing an additional $90 million annually, marking a significant step toward more sustainable financing.
“The IR is raising funds for WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work, a global health strategy projected to save an additional 40 million lives over the next four years.
“These pledges represent significant contributions from both governments and philanthropic partners,” it said.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude to all member states and partners who contributed to the IR.
“In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us preserve and expand our life-saving work.
“They show that multilateralism is alive and well,” he said.
Ghebreyesus noted that long-standing allies and new contributors alike stepped up at the event, expanding WHO’s donor base with new voluntary funding.
“The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) announced an additional $13 million and pledged further support.
“Among the pledges, at least $170 million is dedicated to WHO’s base budget for 2025–2028.
“Eight donors made flexible contributions, considered the most valuable type of funding, and four were first-time donors,” he said.
Ghebreyesus also highlighted the impact of individual giving through the One World Movement, where nearly 8,000 people had signed on as “Member Citizens,” contributing close to $600,000 in donations.
Speakers at the event underscored the importance of continued investment in WHO, particularly emphasising the strategic value of flexible and diversified financing to keep the organisation responsive, country-focused, and aligned with national health priorities.
“This event marks a pivotal moment in WHO’s journey toward more sustainable funding.
“Each contribution brings us closer to achieving better health for all, united under the mission of ‘One World for Health’,” Ghebreyesus said.
Key contributions announced: are Angola: $8 million, Cambodia: $400,000, Gabon: $150,000, and Mongolia: $100,000.
Others are Qatar: $6 million, Sweden: €12 million ($13.5 million), Switzerland: CHF 33 million ($40 million), and Tanzania: $500,000 (in addition to $500,000 previously pledged).
Also included are CIFF: $13 million (plus commitment for more), ELMA Philanthropies: $2 million.
Others are Foundation Botnar: CHF 8 million ($9.6 million), Laerdal Global Health: $12.5 million, Nippon Foundation (Mr Sasakawa): $9.2 million, Novo Nordisk Foundation: DKK 380 million ($57 million).
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has warned that West Africa and the entire African continent are at risk of severe climate-related disasters.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, (3rd left) with others at the regional workshop of ECOWAS Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo credit: NAN
Keyamo raised the alarm while declaring open a regional workshop of ECOWAS Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Abuja.
According to him, climate-induced disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, with vulnerable communities often bearing most of the impacts.
He said that the challenges had far-reaching implications for food security, water availability, public health, transportation, energy systems, livelihoods, national security and overall socio-economic stability.
“Now, more than ever in recorded history, West Africa is faced with various weather and climate-related threats.
“These include erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, heavy thunderstorms, destructive windstorms, intense flooding, increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.
“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.
“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target,” he said.
Keyamo said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) 2023 State of the Climate Report states that climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose two to five per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually.
According to him, the report says many West African countries divert up to nine per cent of their budgets to respond to climate extremes as rainfall deficits led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.
“In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.
“The need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.
“In recognition of these important roles, Nigeria established the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in 2003 and was amended in 2022,” he said.
The minister explained: “NiMet’s mandate is to provide weather, climate, and hydrometeorological information for the safety of lives and property, and socio-economic development across all sectors.”
He said that NiMet, whose contributions to the development and practice of meteorology in the ECOWAS region covered a wide range of areas, had evolved into a modern, science-driven agency.
Keyamo said that NiMet had become not only the authoritative source of meteorological information for Nigeria but also a trusted partner and leader in West Africa and beyond.
He noted that the agency’s pioneering work on Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) had become a template for other Meteorological Services in the region.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has remained firmly committed to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration.
“Investments in modernisation, human capital development, and international partnerships continue to reflect our firm belief that weather, climate and hydrological information is vital to national and regional development.
“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027,” Keyamo said.
Keyamo said that Nigeria was fully committed to supporting not only NiMet but also the wider ECOWAS community in its shared quest to build a climate-smart, weather-ready West African region.
“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others.
“I want to implore all of us to see this meeting as a means of exploring new and innovative ways to deepen cooperation, share best practices, and harmonise efforts for the collective benefit of our people.
“The challenges we face are common, and so too must be our solutions,” the minister added.
Speaking earlier, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, noted that West Africa was one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change.
She, however, said the region was one of the least equipped with the data, infrastructure, and systems required for effective climate resilience.
“Recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) showed that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47 per cent increase in flood-related incidents, affecting over 5 million people, with damages estimated at over 1.3 billion dollars.
“A recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruptions reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10 per cent in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressures.
“This situation will be worst if nothing is done in terms of mitigation and global temperatures reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 as forecast,” Toure-Litse, represented by Mr. Bernard Koffi, said.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of generating climate forecast information from meteorological and hydrological directorates and their transfer to relevant national development agencies and dissemination towards rural and urban populations are critical.
This, she said, underscored the urgent need for enhanced hydrological and meteorological capacity that were now referred to collectively as hydromet services.
Toure-Litse encouraged the meteorological and hydrological directors to fulfill their role according to the regular and urgent needs from populations.
“Our populations, particularly those who live in rural areas need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt.
“The accessibility to data and information is a critical issue that was emphasised by African ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.
“According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in early warning systems can yield up to 9 dollars in benefits, including avoided losses and enhanced productivity,” she added.
Also speaking, Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet Director-General, said the event was an opportunity for participants to agree on practical measures to improve the performance of meteorological and hydrological services within the region.
He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery.
“Through artificial intelligence, enhanced satellite technology, big data integration and collaborative partnerships, meteorology is witnessing a renaissance that promises to improve predictive accuracy and user engagement.
“The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events ranging from floods and droughts to heat waves and storms pose significant challenges to our economies, aviation safety, food security, water resources, national security and overall well-being of our people,” he said.
The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) has urged community and traditional rulers, youth groups as well as women’s associations to take ownership of local initiatives to avert flooding in the state.
The sensitisation and awareness campaign on flood preparedness and response programme in Yola
The advice was given on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Yola, the state capital, at the commencement of the 2025 state-wide sensitisation and awareness campaign on flood preparedness and response, a joint initiative of ADSEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of ADSEMA, Dr Celine La’ori, said that the campaign was to equip communities in flood prone areas with essential information to safeguard lives.
“The 2025 seasonal climate prediction indicates a high likelihood of flooding in several parts of Adamawa.
“Our goal is to reach the grassroots with critical knowledge and early warning messages that can save lives and properties as well as reduce losses,’’ she said.
La’ori emphasised the critical role of proactive community engagement.
Also, Mr. Ladan Ayuba, Head of Operations, NEMA Yola Operations Office, commended ADSEMA for the initiative and reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to building resistance communities.
Ayuba said that disaster risk reduction was a shared responsibility and NEMA would continue supporting state and local actors through capacity building, early warning dissemination, and the provision of relief materials.
“We urge residents to heed the warnings and adopt safety measures, including timely evacuation when advised,” he said.
In his message, the District Head of Jimeta, Alhaji Muhammadu Chubado, commended the initiative and assured them of their support and cooperation.
He promised to take the sensitisation to his people to take the warnings seriously and adhere to the safety guidelines provided.
In a related development, the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has inspected several sites in Kaduna metropolis following complaints linked to flooding and unapproved developments.
The Director-General of the authority, Abdurrahman Yahya, led the inspection team to the affected areas including KTC Kawo, Sambo Close, Millennium City, Ungwan Rimi, Kachia Road, and Tudun Wada.
According to Yahya, the inspection was part of the agency’s initiative to proactively address planning concerns in the state.
He said some of the complaints ranged from encroachment on waterways, blockage of drainages channels, obstruction of access roads and substandard constructions, which contributes to flooding in the city.
Yahya said individuals and developers responsible for the violations would be invited for further engagement to ensure proper planning and prevent future flood risks.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee has approved N2.6 billion for three waste management projects in the capital city.
FCT Executive Committee meeting
Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, while briefing journalists after the committee’s meeting, chaired by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“In today’s executive committee meeting, we sought and got approval for the ratification and award of contracts for the operation and maintenance of Apo Erector.
“We also sought and got approval for the extension of service contracts for the operation and maintenance of Wupa Basic Sewage Treatment Plant.
“We equally got approval for the extension of service contracts for the provision of solid waste collection and management services for 40 areas in FCT, for a period of two months,” he said.
The coordinator said that the three projects were approved at the cost of about N2.6 billion.
The Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, explained that 13 memos were submitted for consideration out of which nine were examined and approved while three were stepped down for technical reasons.
Amadi added that the nine memos were approved to continue to deepen the infrastructural development and upgrade of the capital city and its environment.
In a related development, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has clarified that its statewide ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) does not include PET bottles and sachet water.
The Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
The statement was issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Mr Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab added that part of those exempted from the ban were nylon carrier bags of more than 40 micron thickness.
He said the enforcement comes into effect on July 1.
“The latest clarification was made while reacting to deliberate viral misrepresentations by some people that the ban involves all categories of Single Use Plastics.
“The position of the state government has not changed that only single use plastics consisting of styrofoam food packs and all forms of polystyrene cups (disposal cups) are banned.
“Other items banned in the single use plastics category are plastic straws, plastic cutlery and all single use carrier bags and nylons that have less than 40 micron thickness,” Wahab said.
He added that as part of moves to demonstrate the state’s seriousness, it had inaugurated the newly created Plastic Waste Management Fund.
“This is a collaborative effort between the state government, the producers, and the Producers Responsibility Organisations.
“The plastics waste management fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers and will be jointly managed to address plastic waste challenges in the state,” he said.
Wahab reiterated the determination of the state government to go ahead with the enforcement of the ban on July 1.
“This is after the expiration of a moratorium of 18 months which it had been given since the announcement of the intention to effect the ban in January 2024.”
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation’s friend of the month is Alexander Stonor, an Africa-based Franco-British sustainability, environmental, social and governance (ESG) consultant. Alex aims to provide clarity and insights to his clients on the risks and opportunities of addressing sustainability, environmental, social and governance issues.
Previously, he worked as a humanitarian worker in India, an intelligence analyst in the UK, and a mining reporter across Africa (notably the DRC, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa). In this feature, Alex explains how his lifelong passion for elephants sparked his commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
With experience across the African continent, he shares his thoughts on how wildlife conservation, ethical investment, and local community empowerment can work hand in hand to secure a thriving future for both people and ecosystems.
Alexander Stonor
Elephants have been a passion of yours since childhood. Could you share more about this personal connection?
I have been fascinated by elephants for as long as I can remember. I wanted to be a vet growing up, mostly so I could take care of animals across Africa. Throughout my travels, I always make time to visit the nearest conservation site or wildlife park to bond with elephants. Elephants can teach us a lot about communication, mental strength, and wisdom. As someone passionate about elephants, how do you see the relationship between wildlife conservation and economic opportunities for local communities? Are there ways in which these two priorities can complement each other, rather than conflict?
Wildlife conservation and economic opportunities for local communities can complement each other through sustainable ecotourism, community-managed conservation areas, and ethical wildlife-related enterprises. By involving local communities in conservation efforts, such as through employment in ecotourism, anti-poaching initiatives, or sustainable agriculture, conservation can provide economic benefits while protecting elephant habitats. Empowering communities with financial incentives tied to conservation fosters long-term stewardship of wildlife rather than conflict over land and resources.
You’ve built a career focused on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues, particularly in the extractive industries. Was there a specific moment when you realised that bridging the gap between communities, financiers, and ecosystems was your calling?
What I find interesting in this field is the ability to bridge the financing gap between communities that need funding and investors who seek sustainable, impactful opportunities. By aligning a fund or a company’s ESG goals with local community needs, we can create models where both ecosystems and local populations thrive. Particularly across the most remote places of Africa, when local communities thrive, cohabitation with elephants becomes easier. Facilitating responsible investment in projects that support wildlife protection, sustainable livelihoods, and ethical resource management ensures long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved.
One of the key aspects of your work seems to be bridging the gap between financiers and communities. How do you ensure that financial investments not only lead to tangible improvements for local communities but also promote environmental sustainability?
I prioritise projects that align economic incentives with community-driven goals. By working closely with communities, investors, and regulators, we design initiatives such as sustainable mining, ecotourism, and conservation-linked enterprises that generate both social and environmental benefits. Continuous monitoring, community engagement, and long-term sustainability planning are key to ensuring that investments deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
Extractive industries in Africa, such as oil drilling and mining, have caused enormous damage to the environment and wildlife through deforestation, pollution, and so on. How can we create a new and sustainable model?
It is undeniable that extractive industries in Africa have historically caused significant environmental damage, including deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. These impacts cannot be ignored. However, focusing solely on the destructive side of these industries overlooks a critical aspect: the growing willingness of many companies to invest in conservation and protection initiatives. During my years as a reporter and ESG analyst across the continent, I have witnessed it firsthand.
Whether it is pushed by ESG-savvy investors, a more demanding and conscious society, or a growing sense of accountability among company boards, efforts to integrate sustainability are becoming more widespread. I truly believe we must engage with these industries constructively, encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices and support ecosystem preservation.I have seen such initiatives bring amazing progress to wildlife areas in South Africa, notably.
By fostering partnerships between companies, governments and local communities, we can channel the financial power of the extractive sector towards meaningful environmental stewardship. In an increasingly interconnected world, where actions are scrutinised and industries operate under the watchful eyes of millions, stakeholders are more committed than ever to improving historical practices.
This presents an unparalleled opportunity for the conservation sector to engage with these industries, guiding them toward sustainability. By working together, we can shift the narrative from merely exposing environmental harm to actively creating solutions that balance economic development with ecological preservation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised four countries – the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Norway, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Singapore – for their exemplary efforts in eliminating industrially produced trans fats from their food supplies.
Trans fat foods
These countries are said to have implemented best-practice policies alongside effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to promote public health.
The WHO validation certificates were officially presented by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly on Monday, May 19, 2025.
“Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Trans fats are a major contributor to preventable deaths each year, particularly due to their impact on heart health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“These countries are not only protecting the health of their populations, but also setting an exemplary standard for other countries to follow.”
This recognition, it was gathered, marks another significant milestone in the global effort to eliminate trans fats, reflecting not only policy commitments but also the concrete actions being taken to remove trans fat from the food supply.
Trans fat clogs arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease – responsible for over 278 000 deaths each year globally.
Trans fat, or trans-fatty acids (TFA), are unsaturated fatty acids that come from either artificial (industrial) or natural sources. Industrially produced trans fats are often found in many baked goods such as biscuits, pies and fried foods, as well as margarine, vegetable shortening, Vanaspati ghee, among many others.
Both industrially produced and naturally occurring trans fats are equally harmful.
“Recognising the incredible harm caused by industrially produced trans fats, we became the second country to introduce measures to eliminate it. An EU-wide regulation is now in place, and Austria acknowledges its pioneering role in this important development. Bold, evidence-based policies can deliver real public health impact, and we are proud to be among the countries leading this global effort,” said Korinna Schumann, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austria.
Seven years ago, WHO called for the global elimination of industrially produced trans fats. At that time, only 11 countries covering 6% of the global population had best-practice trans-fat elimination policies in effect. Today, nearly 60 countries have best-practice policies in effect, covering 46% of the global population.
“Eliminating industrially produced trans fats marks a significant milestone in our commitment to protecting our population’s health. We are proud to be among the 60 countries implementing this lifesaving policy, and especially honored to be recognised as one of the nine countries leading the way in eliminating this harmful ingredient,” said Dr Hilal bin Ali bin Hilal Alsabti, Minister of Health, Oman.
WHO recommends that governments implement best-practice trans fat elimination policies either by setting a mandatory limit of 2 grammes of trans fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods and/or by banning the production and use of partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) as an ingredient in food products.
The WHO validation programme for trans fat elimination recognises countries that have gone beyond introducing best practice policies by ensuring that rigorous monitoring and enforcement systems in place. Monitoring and enforcing compliance with policies is critical to maximizing and sustaining health benefits.
“Our efforts to implement robust, best-practice trans fat elimination policies are showing clear, measurable results. The latest monitoring data confirms that it is not only possible to reduce trans fat intake but to virtually eliminate it,” said Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Health and Care Services, Norway.
Replacing trans fats with healthier oils and fats is a low-cost intervention that yields high economic returns by improving population health, saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. Governments can eliminate the cause of 7% of cardiovascular disease globally with a low-cost investment aimed at reducing or eliminating trans fats from the food supply.
“Our journey towards eliminating industrially produced trans fats began over a decade ago. Today, we have made significant progress. This is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through applying a consistent public health policy, across countries and regions, and working collaboratively with the industries. We are proud to stand alongside other countries in building a healthier and safer food environment for all,” said Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health, Singapore.
WHO says it remains committed to supporting countries in their efforts and to recognising their achievements. By working with national nutrition and food safety authorities, WHO can better support governments not only in developing and adopting trans fat elimination policies, but also in monitoring and enforcing them to ensure lasting impact.
The next application cycle for the TFA elimination validation programme is now open and countries are welcome to apply by 31 August 31, 2025 to be considered for the third cycle.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting Public-Private Partnerships in the water and sanitation sector in collaboration with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
DG of ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh (left), with the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev
This collaboration is aimed at advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Utsev made this known during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, and his delegation to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 19, 2025.
He stressed that strengthening ties with the ICRC is essential for expanding access to water and sanitation infrastructure across Nigeria.
According to the minister, PPPs remain a vital strategy for mobilising private sector involvement and investment in critical sectors.
“Our collaboration must be sustained to fast-track access to safe water, improve sanitation, and boost food production. We are particularly focused on advancing PPP models through the River Basin Development Authorities,” he stated.
Utsev also outlined the ongoing National Campaign to End Open Defecation, adding that a clean and healthy environment is crucial for attracting investment and improving public health outcomes.
He further disclosed that President Tinubu has directed the ministry to assess the status and structural integrity of all dams across the country to determine their suitability for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation.
According to Utsev, these integrity assessments will help unlock the economic potential of the dams and support the country’s broader development objectives.
In his remarks, Ewalefoh, commended the ministry for its leadership in advancing key infrastructure projects that align with both national priorities and global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
He underlined the role of PPPs in delivering impactful, transparent, and bankable initiatives.
He cited landmark projects such as the Dasin-Hausa Dam, Farin Ruwa, Manya, Bawarku, Grand Katsina-Ala, Kashimbila Airport, and Gurara II Dam.
Ewalefoh proposed deeper collaboration in expanding rural water infrastructure, rehabilitating dams, enhancing sanitation facilities, and scaling up hydropower initiatives.
He also recommended exploring innovative PPP models such as a National Sanitation Framework, desalination projects, bulk water supply schemes, and smart water utilities under PPP arrangements.
He urged the management of the River Basin Development Authorities to participate in the PPP National Summit scheduled for June 14, 2025, to strengthen partnerships and attract greater investment in the water and sanitation sectors.
An agroscientist, Dr Sadiq Mohammed, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, urged the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s environment protection laws to safeguard public health and improve the life expectancy for Nigerians.
Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment
Mohammed, an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, said this during an interview in Abuja.
He decried the widespread pollution of water bodies, indiscriminate use of agrochemicals and weak compliance to environmental regulations across the country.
The expert said that pollution of the water bodies was affecting the quality of crops, fruit yields with their consumption affecting the life expectancy of many Nigerians.
“The governments need to understand that environmental laws need to be strengthened.
“When you inform industries that you are coming for inspection, they will make the place fantastic for you to see.
“They won’t take you to the suburbs; some of them discharge industrial and pharmaceutical wastes into water bodies that are meant for municipal water supply.
“They are discharging pharmaceutical effluent, cement waste and people downstream are using it, they don’t understand the chemistry, they take that and it is affecting them.
“We also have naira notes made with mercury, when you burn mutilated money, which is a physical process, the mercury content in that money remains in the ash and it is deposited on the soil,’’ Mohammed said.
He explained that local farmers did not understand the chemical process and they would pack the ash from burnt money and apply on the farm as organic manure.
He said the body naturally produced iodine from the thyroid gland and its chemical reaction with mercury would convert to mercury iodide, inhibiting iodine secretion leading to goitre disease.
“Our environment is heterogenous, people pack rubbish, cement, battery, polythene bags, and that is what the farmers go to scoop.
“Whatever you send into the soil is what it will give back to you; the plants will absorb these pollutants.
“The plants do not have the mechanism to remove contaminants in them, so we harvest and eat them.”
Mohammed said when we were loading our systems with chemicals that did not have biological function we were hurting our life expectancy.
“Until the government is ready to strengthen our environmental laws, the typical life expectancy of a Nigerian will drop to 30 years; we shouldn’t allow that to happen,’’ he said.
Mohammed further explained that agrochemicals are releasing residues into the soil which would affect soil fertility over time.
He also frowned at indiscriminate mining licenses granted to mining companies, adding that proper laws were not put in place for the reclamation of such mined lands.
According to him, abandoned mine sites gather water which farmers convert to irrigation water, adding that this practice also contributes to food chain contamination
