The war against illegal wildlife trafficking appears to have taken a new turn as the Federal Government of Nigeria unveiled an elephant sculpture from pulverised wildlife stockpiles.
Participants during the official opening ceremony for the elephant sculpture in Abuja
Built using almost six tonnes of seized animal hoards, the monument, dubbed the “Giwa Statue of Renewed Hope” by the country’s State Minister for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, represents the government’s strict stance against any kind of wildlife crime.
Nigeria, like many other countries across the globe, is facing the issue of wildlife preservation. So, in its wisdom, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the body in charge of enforcing all environmental laws, including wildlife protection, in the country, collaborated with other sister agencies of the government, like the Nigerian Customs Service, which led to several rest periods between the years 2011 and 2023.
Among the materials seized from these suspects and held by NESREA were 185 bags containing 3,991 kg of pangolin scales, 11 bags containing crocodiles and other classified reptiles, 102 kg of leopard skins and feathers, and 2,500 kg of ivory. In October 2023, these items were incinerated by the regulator, followed by the crushing of the confiscated ivory in January 2024.
According to Dr. Salako, this action shows how dedicated the government is to tackle the difficult problems of both domestic biodiversity and global conservation efforts, as well as safeguarding designated endangered species.
“We need wildlife for our survival, wellbeing, and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, maintain the food chain, and keep us connected to nature,” he said during the unveiling ceremony of the sculpture in Abuja.
Therefore, to preserve the proposed balance, the minister urged all well-meaning Nigerians to assist the government’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking by offering intelligence, discouraging the poaching of animals, and refusing to use goods that are not sourced ethically.
In his address at the event, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, acknowledged that the display of the elephant sculpture symbolises the unwavering commitment by the government to abolish all forms of obnoxious wildlife trading at all levels.
“It is proof to CITES communities that Nigeria has not relented in carrying out its obligations to the international environmental conventions and promotion of eco-tourism,” he said.
Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa, a leading non-profit organisation committed to leadership development and youth empowerment in Africa, has announced the fifth edition of its Youth Day of Service (YDOS) social impact initiative. Partnering with Dow Africa, a global leader in materials science, as the headline sponsor, the Pan-African initiative will kick off on August 12, 2024, coinciding with the United Nations International Youth Day.
Participants at a Youth Climate Incubation Hub in Owerri, Imo State
YDOS is a youth-led social impact campaign that empowers young Africans to drive tangible progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing resources, skills, and a platform for their voices, YDOS equips young people to become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
Africa’s growing youth population presents a unique opportunity for accelerated development. However, the continent is still facing significant challenges in achieving the SDGs.
“Africa’s youth have so much potential but face challenges on their path to a brighter future. Recognising this, LEAP Africa uses the Youth Day of Service (YDOS) to inspire young leaders across the continent to take action towards the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030,” said Kehinde Ayeni, Executive Director of LEAP Africa.
“Simply throwing resources at these problems is not enough – YDOS seeks to empower young leaders with the skills and knowledge to tackle social challenges head-on. Through capacity-building support, recognition and financing, the Youth Day of Service will equip young SDG leaders with the tools for transformational change on the continent. Ultimately, YDOS goes beyond individual empowerment, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across African regions and countries, creating a vibrant network of changemakers united by a common purpose,” Ayeni added.
Sami Mainich, President of Dow Africa, stated: “Young people are the architects of our future, and their creativity, innovative thinking, and energy are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Dow is proud to partner with LEAP Africa once again on the Youth Day of Service. By empowering young leaders across Africa, we are investing in a sustainable future for the continent and creating lasting positive change.”
The theme for YDOS 2024, “Intensifying Youth Action for the SDGs,” reflects the campaign’s commitment to scaling impact. Marking a significant milestone since its inception, this year’s edition underscores LEAP Africa’s ongoing effort to engage and empower young leaders across Africa to drive meaningful change within their communities and contribute to achieving the SDGs by 2030.
This year, LEAP Africa will kickstart the initiative with a Pan-African stakeholder event to engage key partners and regional allies to develop a comprehensive strategy for achieving the SDGs through YDOS. This will be supported by other activities for participants including workshops, panel discussions, and grassroots project support, all designed to drive the integration of sustainability into every aspect of SDG implementation.
In 2023, YDOS mobilised over 10,000 young people across 28 African countries to implement 301 projects which spanned across all 17 sustainable development goals. The projects, which included four climate action rallies, the planting of 7,893 trees across nine countries, and the collection of 812,951.51 tons of waste across eight countries, directly benefited 139,245 people and indirectly benefited 696,225 across Africa.
The Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF) and CTIP Commission Cluster in Benue State have reiterated the call on the Benue State Government to take all necessary measures to curb the high incidence of human trafficking plaguing the state in recent times especially by establishing a Countering in Traffic of Persons Commission.
Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State
Rt. Rev. Inyon, N. N. (Bishop), speaking on behalf of AAF-CTIP Commission Cluster Benue State, also advised that the state government should establish structures at local and state levels to ensure the reduction.
Inyon made the demand during the walk to commemorate the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with the theme “Leave No Child Behind”. He also welcomed the assurance of Benue State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice to support all efforts at combating human trafficking in the state during an advocacy voice call prior to the rally.
The walk led by CTIP Commission Cluster Benue in collaboration with NAPTIP, UNHR, members of the Armed Forces, the media, NGOs and other stakeholders. The walk was organised in implementing the “Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE)” Project in Oyo, Taraba and Benue states of Nigeria with funding support from USAID through Palladium.
The project aims at establishing a Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) commission in the target states. AAF comprises of selected organisations such as FJDPC from Oyo, NUJ from Taraba and ECJP, OSA and GERI from Benue State.
The 2km walk started at the IBB Square, High Level Makurdi and proceeded through major streets in the city, raising awareness about the issue of Human Trafficking and calling for a collective action to combat the crime. Participants carried banners, posters and placards with messages condemning Human Trafficking and advocating for the protection of victims.
Key officials from NAPTIP, the Armed forces, the media and CTIP Benue state Cluster, NGOs addressed the participants and members of the public, emphasising the importance of collaboration in the Fight Against Human Trafficking. They highlighted the need for a united stand, stronger laws, more resources and increased awareness to effectively combat the scourge of Human Trafficking in Nigeria and Benue State in particular.
The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Fidelis Bemsen Mnyim, in his address at the rally, reassured CTIP Commission Cluster of his support and collaboration.
The security adviser to the Governor in address also gave his commitment to ensure that the attention of the Executive Governor will be further drawn to the ills of Human Trafficking activities as highlighted by the CTIP Benue State Cluster and the urgent need for a CTIP commission to be established as emphasised.
The rally ended with the CTIP Cluster commending the government of Benue State for their efforts so far and also ask that a CTIP commission be adopted by the designated committee put in place by Governor Alia led government for the immediate conduct of policy Gap mapping in the state within a 30-day period aimed at mopping up all outstanding laws and policies that are yet to be domesticated in Benue State.
The AAF/CTIP cluster Benue State hopes that, with her advocacy and sensitisation, members of the public and stakeholders will “Leave No Child Behind” in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons particularly in Benue State, Nigeria.
Azerbaijan is striving to transform its energy sector, with the country already witnessing a shift as the share of oil in its exports is currently decreasing, says an article by Fiona Harvey, the environmental editor at The Guardian of London.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan
The author believes that Azerbaijan hopes to transform the energy sector, first at home and then in other oil-dependent economies.
“Holding COP29 in an oil-producing country is not unusual. Last year, the host was the United Arab Emirates, which has the world’s seventh-largest gas reserves. Many other fossil fuel-producing countries have held the presidency: the UK in 2021, Qatar in 2012, Canada in 2005, and Brazil in 1992 when the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was developed,” the publication states.
The author emphasises that for the Azerbaijani government, there is no contradiction in being an oil and gas exporter while striving to limit global temperatures to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
Nigar Arpadarai, who holds an important position in the COP29 team as UN high-level champion, said: “I don’t think that oil-shaming is a good thing. Yes, we are an oil and gas country. This is our history. This is where we are coming from. But we are doing lots of things. We are committing and we have a strong drive towards a new paradigm.”
Progress on the climate crisis would be impossible without engaging oil and gas countries, Arpadarai added. “It’s not the right path, to isolate oil and gas countries. We need to have solidarity. The climate agenda is a global agenda. All countries together need to try to solve the problem,” she said.
Harvey reminded that, last month, Azerbaijan proposed creating a fund for developing countries affected by the climate crisis, hoping that other countries would also contribute to it.
According to her, a key issue at COP29 will be attracting the funding needed by poor countries to reduce emissions and overcome the effects of extreme weather. This will require trillions of dollars a year, but so far, the rich developed world has barely fulfilled its long-standing commitment to provide $100 billion annually, she said.
In conclusion, Fiona Harvey noted that for Azerbaijan, quadrupling renewable energy production from a small base may be just the beginning.
The entire economy of this oil and gas state, like the entire world economy, will have to be restructured, she summarised.
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to support its fight against illegal wildlife trafficking by providing intelligence information and discouraging animal poaching.
Minister of State for Environment, Isiaq Salako
Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the call at the unveiling of the statue of an elephant constructed from crushed elephant tusks and ivory stockpiled on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Abuja.
Salako urged Nigerians to refuse to use products that are not ethically sourced, including online sources.
He said the event was historic and a symbol of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation.
Salako said that combating illegal wildlife trafficking would require collaboration with other agencies of government in law enforcement.
This he said include the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), the military, Nigeria Police, National Park Service, ICPC, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit and other relevant agencies.
“In the spirit of collaboration, I wish to use this opportunity to commend the exemplary enforcement action of the NCS which resulted in a recent seizure of Pangolin scales and its derivatives worth over N3 billion along Kebbi axis.
“We need wildlife for our survival, well-being and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, provide critical ecosystem systems, maintains the food chain and they keep us connected to nature.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment will continue to do everything possible to ensure that we play our part in harnessing our natural resources for sustainable development,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Innocent Barikor, Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said the unveiled monument demonstrated the complete transparency in the action of Nigeria’s intolerant to illegal Wildlife trade.
“I want to encourage all stakeholders in the fight against Illegal Wildlife Trade to be resolute.
“Do not give up as this demonstration is just the beginning of Government representation to curb the illicit activities,” he said.
Barikor commended the support from key development partners like the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF), United Nations office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), United State Embassy, World Conservation Society (WCS), and Wild Africa, among others.
The joy of the residents of New Bussa in Niger State on Wednesday knew no bounds as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, inaugurated their water works project which had been stalled for over 30 years.
New Bussa waterworks project
Akume inaugurated the rehabilitated and expanded the New Bussa water scheme at the project site on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
The SGF said that it was an important milestone in the journey of the present administration, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, towards improving living standards and attaining sustainable development.
The SGF was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Alhaji Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi.
The project was executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).
Akume said, “We gather here to inaugurate the newly rehabilitated Water Works of New Bussa, a project that exemplifies the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens at the grassroots level.
“For quite a while, the people of New Bussa have grappled with the challenge of accessing clean potable water.
“This basic necessity, which many take for granted elsewhere, has been a luxury for far too long in this community. But the government has heard your concerns. We listened, and we acted.
“The rehabilitation of the New Bussa water scheme is not simply about revamping old infrastructure and building additional structures; it is about transforming lives.
“Mothers will no longer have to worry about the safety of the water they give their children. Hours previously spent fetching water can now be dedicated to education, farming, business and family.”
He said that the improved water supply would boost public health and reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases. It will support local businesses, attract investment and contribute to the overall development of New Bussa town and environs.
Akume said, “The Federal Government recognises that New Bussa, as a resettled town, has unique challenges.
“In spite of the presence of several federal parastatals and military outfits in the town, basic amenities have been lacking.
“This water project is a step towards rectifying that imbalance. It is an open testament to our belief that every Nigerian, regardless of location, deserves access to clean and safe water.
“This project aligns with the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, which aims at ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
“The newly rehabilitated water station now supplies water that meets global standards for quality water supply. This project, ladies and gentlemen, is about quenching thirst as much as it is about preventing water-borne diseases, improving public health and enhancing overall quality of life.”
Gov. Umaru Bago said that the project would bring to an end the perennial water problem experienced in New Bussa and environs over the years.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Suleiman Umaru, Bago said, “The provision of sustainable potable water at people’s disposal remains the driving force of socioeconomic development in every society.
He said, “Given the critical importance of water supply, our administration has made it a cardinal objective for Nigerlites.
“Our state is blessed with abundant water resources which are optimally harnessed for portable water supply, agriculture, navigation, industrialization and recreation.
“However, there is still a significant facility deficit, in spite of the progress made in the past, we are committed to a sound infrastructure replacement and expansion program in the sector.
“It is important to state that this administration has made rehabilitation and resuscitation of the water sector as one of the cardinal objectives of our New Niger Agenda.”
The governor appreciated that the water sector was capital intensive and required huge investment to address the existing deficit in the sector.
“To achieve this and make the sector sustainable will require investments from both the public and the private sector. Indeed, we are leveraging partnerships such as this to achieve our goals in the sector,” Bago said.
The Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said the rehabilitated water works targets not only an infrastructure upgrade, but also a transformation in the quality of life for the people of this historic town and its environs.
He said, “Let me begin by expressing my deepest appreciation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, whose dedication to the welfare of Nigerians aligns perfectly with the mission of N-HYPPADEC.
“We are grateful for your supervision and support Your Excellency. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Niger, Umar Bago.
“The support and cooperation we have been enjoying from the Niger State government has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Sani Haliru -Dantoro, and the former Senator of Zone C who is now the Hon. Minister of State for Agriculture, Distinguished Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi.
“The voices of these esteemed leaders were the catalyst for this project. They brought the plight of New Bussa to our attention. This project is a testament to the impact of their effective leadership and representation,” he said.
According to the managing director, the rehabilitation of the New Bussa water works was not just another item on the list of their completed projects.
Sadiq-Yelwa said, “It is a vital step in fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda places a premium on improving human life and ensuring water supply across every nook and cranny of our dear country.
“Today, we bring that hope to New Bussa. This hope is now a tangible reality that will flow from every tap in this town.”
Also speaking, the Emir of Borgu, Dr Sani Halitu-Dantoro, said the epochal event was a half century-old promise kept by the Nigerian State, as well as a dream come true for the people of Borgu.
He said, “This started about 60 years ago, when impoundment of our lands commenced in the early 1960s to make way for the Kainji lake, dam and power station.
“The people of Old Bussa were promised the most basic of human necessities by the Nigerian government through the Kainji Dam Authority – i.e. provision of potable water.
“Whereas Old Bussa was located right on the banks of River Niger, New Bussa to which our people were resettled, is as far as 10km away from the shores of Kainji lake, where waters are stagnant and therefore not ideal for human consumption.
“That the residents of New Bussa and environs endured the lack of potable water this past over half a century is an indication of the patriotic zeal and maturity of Borgu people.
“This lack of potable water for such a long time evokes even more emotive feelings, considering the presence of Nigeria’s largest lake in Borgu.
“Again, this ironic anomaly also manifests till this day in the non-connection of major Borgu towns to electric power supply despite the siting of the Kainji Power Station in Borgu territory.”
According to the emir, the people of Borgu Kingdom commend N-HYPPADEC for partnering with the Niger Government to comprehensively reconstruct the waterworks.
New Bussa is the new site of Bussa after the Kainji Lake Dam set the previous location underwater. It is the headquarters of the Borgu Emirate and the Borgu Local Government Area.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sensitised disaster management stakeholders to proper waste management and flood preparedness in Abia State.
Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State
The sensitisation and public awareness campaign organised by NEMA Owerri Operations in Umuahia on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, had the stakeholders engage in panel discussion on waste management.
It was tagged “Awareness campaign on waste management and flood disaster, mitigation and response programme”.
The stakeholders were drawn from the ministries of Environment, Health, Works, Housing, security agencies, Nigerian Red Cross Society, civil society organisations and others.
The participants, who discussed critical issues concerning waste management and flood disaster, called for attitudinal change among the people in order mitigate the impact.
In a speech, the Head of Operations, NEMA Owerri/Abia, Mr Nnandi Igwe, said that improper disposal and inefficient recycling practices had led to overflowing landfills, polluted oceans, and compromised ecosystem.
He said that it was crucial to educate the communities on the importance of waste reduction and proper disposal.
According to him, waste management and flood disaster mitigation are intertwined challenges that demand immediate attention and concerted efforts from all sectors of society.
He called on the stakeholders to collaborate with NEMA in order to build a future “where waste is managed sustainably, and communities are resilient in the face of floods.”
Also in a remark, Dr Sunday Jackson, the Executive Secretary of Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said that effective preparedness would lead to prompt response when disaster occurred.
He commended NEMA for the sensitisation exercise, saying that the state had been affected by flood devastation.
The SEMA boss disclosed that 2024 flooding had already claimed five lives in Obingwu Community in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
He expressed gratitude to Gov. Alex Otti for being supportive to issues pertaining to disaster management in the state.
“I describe him as a disaster management-friendly governor because of his actions in disaster curtailment activities,” Jackson said.
A two-month series of extreme fitness challenges designed to show the arduous work of wildlife rangers launched on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, World Ranger Day, to raise millions of dollars to conserve Africa’s natural landscapes.
A team of Nigeria National Park rangers. The wildlife ranger challenge is said to be about honouring rangers
The wildlife ranger Challenge connects over 170 wildlife ranger teams from 24 African countries and symbolises the growing movement of global solidarity with the wildlife ranger profession. Teams participate in a series of mental and physical challenges that culminated September 21, 2024, in a multi-nation half-marathon across some of Africa’s most remote and beautiful landscapes.
The Challenge is organised by Tusk and the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) with support from founding donor, the Scheinberg Relief Fund. Launched in 2020, the event has already raised more than $18.5 million to support more than 13,300 wildlife rangers who together protect more than 60 million hectares across Africa – an area larger than Kenya.
Africa’s wildlife rangers are tasked with the daunting role of protecting species and endangered ecosystems and endure harsh conditions, long hours, and immense risks, while facing underfunding, threats, and challenging working environments.
The wide-ranging duties of a wildlife ranger are not often understood. Responsibilities incorporate anti-poaching operations and law-enforcement, but also include habitat monitoring, environmental education, fire management, dog training, ecological research, intelligence gathering, the collaring of wildlife and removal of snares, assisting injured animals and acting as emergency first-responders for local civilians.
The Challenge aims to elevate the wildlife ranger profession, showcase their diverse roles and challenges, raise funds for their crucial conservation work, and build a supportive community among participants.
Precious Malapane, Operations Manager, K9 Unit Ranger and Dog Trainer of Southern African Wildlife College, said: “The wildlife ranger Challenge is about honouring Rangers, who work as nature’s eyes and ears. The more funds that are raised through WRC, the more boots on the ground there will be to protect the natural world. It is our duty to make sure we protect wildlife for future generations. I don’t want my children to know about Rhino from photographs. They need to see them alive, free and walking on the savanna.”
The cornerstone of a ranger’s role is liaison with local communities. Rangers act as diplomats, educators, intermediaries and peacekeepers, educating local people as to the broad benefits of wildlife conservation and encouraging them to live peacefully alongside endangered wildlife.
Charlie Mayhew OBE, Founder and President of Tusk, said: “We all know this is a critical time in the story of life on Earth. In less than 50 years we have lost nearly 70% of the planet’s mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. This loss of nature and biodiversity profoundly affects us all: we depend on it for survival. One pragmatic strategy to help halt the loss of nature is to fully recognise, respect and invest in the vital work of wildlife rangers: thousands of brave men and women who work as guardians of vast areas of the planet’s land and water.”
Despite the vital nature of their varied work with both wildlife and people, the wildlife ranger profession is not fully understood. To be a ranger in Africa is to carry out hazardous and sometimes life-threatening work. They face threats to life from armed poachers and illegal wildlife trafficking networks, as well as attacks from predatory animals: violence, injury, disease and death are not uncommon in the line of duty.
Rangers endure tropical diseases, dehydration, bushfires and the isolating effects of long periods away from home. There is also a critical lack of insurance cover for rangers and their families: 50% of Rangers have no life insurance.
Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of GRAA, said: “Despite the risks they take and the incalculable value of their contribution to conservation, Africa’s wildlife rangers are often undervalued, under-resourced, under-paid and under-equipped. They frequently experience poor working conditions. Long hours, absence of adequate training and the lack of essential equipment such as first aid kits, boots, radios, tents, and vehicles are all too common. In order to protect the planet’s remaining biodiversity, we must fully recognise that wildlife rangers are key workers of conservation and are integral to urgent global efforts to maintain the world’s ecological balance.”
The wildlife ranger Challenge has become a lifeline for Africa’s Rangers. It raises vital matched funds that help to improve working conditions and provide professional training and field equipment.
Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk, said: “The internationally agreed biodiversity plan of 30×30, would require a huge increase in the number of employed wildlife rangers needed to achieve climate mitigation and biodiversity goals. Focussed events such as the WRC allow Ranger teams to unlock much needed grants and galvanise international support for the profession.”
At the Climate, Conflict and Fragility Summit themed: “From Crisis to Resilience: Charting a Path Forward for Nigeria”, Clean Energy Hub alongside partners sought to proffer probable solutions to issues resulting from climate change and frailties that have resulted into conflicts across the Nigerian society.
R-L: Mohamed Kudu representing Etu Nupe; Bishop Mathew Kukah. Catholic Diocese of Sokoto; Rev. Fr. George Athusani, Executive Director, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation; and Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Director of Research and Training, Dawah Institute of Nigeria, at the Climate, Conflict and Fragility Summit
Organised by Clean Energy Hub in partnership with Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), the event held in Abuja on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
Goodwill messages from Rukayat El’ Rufai were received at the summit as she addressed climate and environmental issues.
She said: “Climate change is not merely an environmental issue but also a catalyst for conflict. Food insecurity remains a constant and demands attention. We must prioritise mitigation and collaborative action.”
Key notes were given by Nurudeen Lemu, Director of Research and Training at Dawah Institute of Nigeria.
Lemu reiterated that “relationship between climate and conflict is so critical and often misunderstood and taken as simple”.
He stressed that it is better to prevent these issues than deal with the consequences thereafter.
“The environment is the canvass for all plans to materialise and when the canvass is threatened, what is the future of your plans?”
He described trees as self-technologies and 3D food printers, stating that “protecting a tree saves the next generation of trees through their seeds so when you cut a branch from a tree, you should know what you are doing”.
On his part, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, was quick to point out that it is frailties that bring about conflict and not conflict bringing about frailties.
He also said a lack of knowledge of those put by the government in places to handle climate change is also an issue that must be looked into.
“The problem is that of lack of knowledge and good governance as no one looks at a deserving person to be put into positions to address issues of climate change or conflict.”
He further questioned the authority of the government saying, “Does the Nigerian state command the requisite authority to command the loyalty of the citizens? This is because the state no longer has the moral capacity to question the citizens.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria says it hopes to achieve conversion of one million petroleum vehicles in the country to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2027.
CNG station
Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Manager of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) Initiative, made this known at the “Park to Park” CNG Mobilisation Programme and signing of MoU with some conversion centres and distribution of free CNG conversion kits in Abuja.
The programmes were organised by the Pi-CNG.
“We are here to commemorate the handing over the physical conversion materials, especially to our conversion centre partners.
“President Bola Tinubu has given us the mandate, to convert one million commercial vehicles in the next two years.
“Today is just the beginning for this region that include the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger and Kogi states.
“We are here to handover this conversion kits to different stakeholders like National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and many others.
“We had seven conversion centres last year, but now, we have over 120 across the country. We are also partnering with the private sector to ensure availability of CNG refuelling stations across the country, Oluwagbemi said.
He further explained that the stakeholders would participate in the conversion programme by nominating vehicles of their members to be converted at the centres.
The Pi-CNG Programme Manager said that Nigeria is sitting on a pillow of gas, which is cheaper and more reliable to power transportation.
“It will lead to between 40 and 70 per cent savings for road transport users or operators. The operators will pass on the savings they are realising to the consumers.
“This will lead to reduction in the price of transportation of goods, people and services.
“It is also worthy to note that we are focusing on mass transit which form about 90 per cent of the transport operators.
“But I can assure you that the private sector and some conversion partners are developing financing programmes to enable private sector, especially employee who earn regular salary to be able to get this opportunity as well.
“It will go round, but we are focusing on mass transit. And in the agreement, we have iron clause concerning its utilisation and protection of the materials. We are properly tracking them,” Oluwagbemi said.
He also stressed that there is proper certification to ensure that vehicles are properly converted and reliable, adding that after conversion, the vehicle will be running on petrol and gas alternatively.
“However, our intent is for them to run on gas as the number of gas stations becomes more available in this region”.
Also speaking, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, the Global Vice-President of International Transport Federation, urged members of transport unions and others to use the opportunity and be CNG complaint.
“They should also be patient and support the current administration. By the time the CNG start working, everything will come down including price of transportation and food stuff.”
Similarly, the NARTO National President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal, commended Tinubu, adding that the Pi-CNG was a good development.
“This is one of the initiatives of President Tinubu and the initiative is trying to carry all stakeholders along. Please, Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu.”
On May 13, 2024, in line with his commitment to ensure energy security, drive utility, and cut high fuel costs, President Tinubu directed the mandatory procurement of compressed-natural-gas-powered vehicles by all government ministries, departments, and agencies. The president’s directive is also in furtherance of Nigeria’s effort to transition to cleaner energy as CNG-enabled vehicles have been adjudged to produce lower emissions, even as they present a more affordable alternative for Nigerian energy consumers.
Addressing members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House, Tinubu affirmed that there is no turning back in the energy reforms initiated by his administration.
“This nation will not progress forward if we continue to dance on the same spot. We have the will to drive the implementation of CNG adoption across the country, and we must set the example as public officials in leading the way to that prosperous future that we are working to achieve for our people.
“It starts with us, and in seeing that we are serious, Nigerians will follow our lead,” he said.
The president further directed the rejection of all memos brought by members of FEC seeking the purchase of traditional petrol-dependent vehicles, tasking the affected members of the council to go back and diligently seek value-driven procurements of CNG-compliant vehicles.
