The Nigerian Army says it is now pioneering a role to help and inspire Nigerians to embark on massive tree planting and food cultivation.
R-L: The Chief of Special Service and Programmes, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Henry Wesley, Commander, Infantry Corps Maj-Gen Olufemi Oluyede in the middle the GOC 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso and left, the Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, during a tree planting exercise at Infantry Zoological Garden on Sunday in Jaji Military Cantonment Kaduna State
The Chief of Special Service and Programmes, Nigerian Army (NA), Maj-Gen. Henry Wesley, stated this on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at a tree planting ceremony in Infantry Zoological Garden, Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna.
Wesley said: “The tree planting ceremony is symbolic and significant, being an opportunity to project the structure to the world and the idea behind it.
“It’s significant we inspire all of them to begin the task of tree planting because felling trees poses dangers to humans and food security in the country.”
He explained that the idea came long before the sustainable development goals had evolved.
Wesley said: “We have not heard of it or seen it before, the initiative is not common in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We are lucky that the Army itself has established a department called the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches that is involved in crop development and animal husbandry.”
He, therefore, said the effort was one leg of the Army’s effort to expand the scope of the department and also increase awareness.
According to him, this is education of students so that the younger generation would grow to imbibe the vital culture.
Also, the Commander, TRADOC, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, said they were inspired to initiate the development of the currently known Infantry Zoological Garden.
He said: “This will soon be changed to the Nigerian Army Conservation Education Centre.
“In 2020 when I was the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, we set up the place because we wanted to create an environment that would be therapeutic and to meet the needs of not just entertaining families that are resident in Jaji.”
Aligbe said it was set up also to provide a different prism from which the Nigerian Army could be seen in terms of conservation advocacy.
“We set up the place with specimens of all the mascots of the Nigerian Army. Instead of traveling to all the units, we have all their mascots here.
“Therefore, this place represents a library of mascots for the Nigerian Army.
“Primarily, this is the essence, and we hope it continues to grow as its affiliate with global conservation and wildlife bodies,” Aligbe said.
Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Ughara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, says the institution needs a patent for the mass production of its fuel less generator innovation.
Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Ughara
He said that this would contribute to resolving the energy supply challenges facing the country.
The rector stated this at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta Council, Journalists Hangout on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Asaba, the state capital.
He said that the innovation was safe, cost effective and would complement the ailing power supply in the country.
He said that innovation has been tasted and passed several processes before being presented for use by the school management.
He said that the 2.5kva generating set was environmentally friendly, safe and has the capacity to run for 21 hours.
According to Ufuophu-Biri, the two-year old project came to fruition this year after spending huge sums for the research.
“Recently, we partly showcased the innovation because we are yet to officially present it to His Excellency, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of the state.
“However, we did the presentation before the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, during our second serial inaugural lecture on July 25.
“We will officially present it to the governor and government so that it becomes an invention not by the polytechnic but a product of Delta state and by extension a product of Nigeria.”
He noted that the idea was first muted when he was selected on a tour of certain energy facilities in the United States of America.
“When I assumed office as the rector, during the first matriculation I held, I noticed a power shortage, and the costs of maintenance.
“I declared that there was the need to commission a body of experts, innovators from the school of engineering and I gave them a simple task. That in short time we should not be relying on public power supply.
“Get us an alternative source of power which should deviate from the convention, not biofuel, solar, gas or hydro driven but a rare system with working symbiotic mechanism, effortlessly and reliable,” he said.
Ufuophu-Biri said that the research work was funded by the school management with the support and encouragement from the state government.
According to him, the generator is effective, efficient, and noiseless with a remote system to switch it on and off.
The rector added that certain individuals have shown interest to buy the patent of the technology.
He said that all relevant stakeholders would be engaged at the state levels including the state Ministries of Justice, Trade and Investment, and Science and Technology.
He said that this would ensure the right things were done in arriving at a decision on this.
According to him, the polytechnic has other innovations like the water pumping machine and a digital signboard which were being funded by the institution.
Earlier, the State NUJ Chairman, Mr Churchill Oyowe, lauded the rector and the polytechnic for the innovation geared towards solving the challenge of power shortage in the country.
He also challenged institutions of higher learning in the country to provide solution to the many challenges bedevilling the nation rather than producing graduates without innovative skills.
Nigeria is currently at a pivotal moment where the need for economic growth is pressing, but so is the urgency to tackle environmental challenges. The Dangote Refinery, a massive oil refining project, has sparked a heated debate that encapsulates these complex tensions. This analysis delves into the heart of the matter, examining the perspectives of key stakeholders and exploring potential pathways forward.
Dr Eugene Itua
The Contentious Landscape: Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Sustainability
Hundeyin views Western-backed environmental concerns as a veiled attempt to perpetuate Africa’s dependence on raw materials. His stance underscores the economic imperative, often at the expense of ecological considerations. In contrast, Okereke acknowledges the refinery’s economic potential but emphasises the critical need to mitigate its environmental impact and transition towards a low-carbon future. He advocates for a balanced approach that includes investments in renewable energy and international cooperation.
Balancing Act: Nigeria’s Refinery Dilemma
The contrasting viewpoints of Hundeyin and Okereke illuminate the complex role of refineries in Nigeria’s development trajectory. Striking a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility is paramount to securing a sustainable energy future.
A comprehensive approach is necessary, encompassing:
Rigorous Environmental Stewardship: In-depth assessments of existing refineries, including Dangote’s, are crucial to mitigate potential environmental hazards.
Energy Diversification: Transitioning towards a balanced energy mix that integrates renewable sources is indispensable.
Robust Regulatory Framework: Enforceable environmental regulations are essential to safeguard the nation’s ecological health.
Human Capital Investment: Developing a skilled workforce is pivotal for a smooth transition to a sustainable energy landscape.
Global Collaboration: Partnerships with developed countries can accelerate technological advancement, financial support, and knowledge transfer.
Equitable Transition: Prioritiing the well-being of oil and gas-dependent communities through policies that foster a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
By adopting these strategies, Nigeria can harness the economic potential of its refineries while safeguarding its environment and ensuring a prosperous future for all its citizens.
The Government as a Catalyst
The Nigerian government has significant influence in shaping the country’s energy path. Its policies, investments, and regulations impact energy production, distribution, and consumption. Here’s how the government can steer Nigeria towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future:
Sustainable Development Policies: Create an enabling environment for both the oil and gas industry and the renewable energy sector.
Fiscal Incentives: Offer tax holidays and subsidies to encourage investment in renewable energy projects while ensuring fair competition.
Research and Development: Support research and development initiatives to advance renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency.
Infrastructure Development: Modernise the electricity infrastructure to integrate renewable energy. This involves upgrading power lines, substations, and adopting smart grid technologies. Energy storage solutions are also essential. These improvements will enhance reliability and accommodate the variable nature of renewable energy sources.
Public Awareness: Conduct extensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of energy efficiency and the benefits of renewable energy.
The Role of International Finance
International finance plays a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s energy transition. Here are key areas of focus:
Direct Investment: Funding large-scale renewable energy projects.
Debt Financing: Providing loans for energy infrastructure development.
Grants and Aid: Supporting research, capacity building, and policy formulation.
Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of clean energy technologies.
Risk Mitigation: Offering financial instruments to reduce investment risks associated with renewables.
Conclusion
The path Nigeria chooses will define its economic prosperity and ecological legacy. A harmonious blend of economic growth and environmental stewardship is essential to establish the nation as a global leader in sustainable development. While the Dangote Refinery represents both opportunities and challenges, its potential to drive innovation and progress underscores the importance of responsible management.
Realising this vision demands resolute or strong political will/leadership, sound governance, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future for generations to come. Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment, and the decisions made today will echo through the annals of its history.
By Eugene Itua, Ph.D (Regional Coordinator, West Africa Capitals Coaliton Hub and Nigeria Chair, International Institute of Risk and Safety Management)
The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has invested $500 million to boost power supply in the Ogun and Lagos axis.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, made the disclosure on Friday, August 9, 2024, when Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State paid him a courtesy visit.
Adelabu, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, described the agency’s investment as a boost to the Nigerian economy.
Tunji quoted Adelabu as explaining that the gesture was meant to strengthen transmission infrastructure along Lagos-Ogun Industrial Corridor.
According to him, the investment will particularly cover Agbara, Mowe and Shagamu industrial clusters.
“We also have the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) projects, the highlights of which include boosting power transmission infrastructure within and outside the Ogun industrial corridors.
“Also ongoing are some Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN)’s projects aimed at enhancing power supply to Ogun.
“All these will involve building additional power transmission substations and upgrading existing ones as well as reconductoring existing weak high voltage power lines and new extensions for capacity strengthening and expansion,” Adelabu said.
He urged Abiodun to collaborate with the ministry to impress on gas pipeline operators to improve the pipeline infrastructure passing through the state to boost the pressure quality and quantity of gas supplies to power plants and industries within the state.
The minister promised to undertake an official visit to the state as requested by the governor to enable him to meet with the industrialists within the corridors for possible areas of cooperation and collaboration.
In his remarks, Abiodun applauded the minister for the overwhelming noticeable improvements in power supply across the country.
He also commended Adelabu on the ongoing turnaround being witnessed in the nation’s power sector and enjoined him to sustain the momentum, which he said would further galvanise the economy.
“I came to visit but I have to commend you for performing wonders in the power sector. It’s to encourage you to sustain the noticeable improvement,
“As part of my visit, I want to make a special appeal to you for special attention to further enhance power infrastructure and supply to Ogun which is a key industrial hub in the country.
“I am aware that since your assumption of duty, you have visited some major industries and power plants in the state like Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company, Coleman Wires and Cables and Splendor Electric, producers of Porcelain high voltage electric insulators.
“As well as the Olorunsogo Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) / Nigerian National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) power plant in Papa Lanto. However, we have a lot more to show you” he said.
The governor said that the minister’s visit to Ogun would enable him to meet with industrialists in the state.
Stakeholders for the advancement of Family Planning (FP) in Nigeria have reiterated the need to use Family Planning concept to regulate the explosive population growth in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s population is said to be equivalent to 2.55% of the total world population
The stakeholders said this in Abuja, at the 5th Local Organising Committee (LOC) meeting on the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference (NFPC) which is scheduled to hold in December.
The stakeholders comprised of some civil society organisations (CSOs), government agencies and the media.
Dr Okai Aku, a member of the LOC, and the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), said that the conference was a biennial event.
Aku said it would discuss modalities for promoting family planning concepts for the economic benefit of Nigerians.
According to him, the conference will be discussing so many things on family planning, ranging from policies and remodelling of policies towards the concept.
“The population crisis is actually facing us now; we have to think of the best investment in terms of managing our population with the application of the concept of family planning or child spacing.
“We are not saying that people should stop giving birth, but when you have a manageable population, you will know how to provide essential services.
“We will also be speaking to decision makers as it relates to policies on family planning; and also, sensitise service providers on the need to provide quality services for the people,” he said.
Aku said that the stakeholders would also try to demystify misconceptions and myths about family planning.
“We will sensitise Nigerians on the need for everyone to embrace family planning, and how it can be used for planning and development of a country,” he said.
He said that family planning concept could also alleviate poverty, assist in budget planning and in the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Aku said that Nigeria would be better off investing in the family planning concept.
He said that Nigeria had committed itself to the promotion of family planning since the 2012 London summit, adding that there was need for the country to meet up with its commitment.
The Chairman of the LOC, Dr Ejike Oji, said that the conference would look at government effort through the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, to transform the healthcare sector.
Oji said that the conference would also focus on happenings in the global arena as regards commitments made by Nigeria.
An Advocacy group, Policy Alert to Fund Tuberculosis (TB) Cluster, has called on private sector players to include TB funding and control programmes in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Participants at the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) consultative forum in Awka
Mr Faith Paulinus, Head, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, Policy Alert to Fund TB Cluster, made the call in Awka, at a consultative forum organised by the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC).
The Fund TB Project in Anambra State is sponsored by USAID through the Palladium Group under its Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) initiative.
Paulinus said that collaboration between the government and the private sector could drive transformative budgeting and financing for improved TB services in the country.
According to him, the benefits of private sector involvement in eradicating tuberculosis in the country cannot be overemphasised, and government alone cannot do it.
“The Anambra state government needs to show greater commitment to the fight against TB through increased domestic budgeting and releases.
“Players in the private sector can also incorporate TB into their companies’ CSR as an excellent way of supporting efforts in the state.
“The companies can acquire GeneXpert machines, provide funds to subsidise TB diagnosis, and help to create TB awareness in their host communities.
“Such efforts will help to increase access and domestic efforts towards eradicating TB in Anambra state,” he said.
Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, Programme Manager, Anambra State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Management, identified lack of funds as the major barrier to TB control in the state.
Chukwulobelu, who was represented by Ms Chiamaka Oguejiofor, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, lamented that response to TB had been largely donor driven.
“We record 219 new TB cases per 100,000 annually which shows that TB is a significant public health challenge.
“However, the summary of our problem is funding. If there is funding, sustainability will be assured even in the face of donor fatigue,” he said.
Chukwulobelu said that Anambra had about 800 Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) centres, 14 GeneXpert machines and 13 GeneXpert sites located in communities, which had greatly increased access to treatment.
Mrs Eucharia Anekwe, Executive Director, Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC), said that the private sector could also support outreaches against Tuberculosis.
Anekwe urged civil society advocates and the media to intensify TB awareness and enhance advocacy strategies for TB funding in the state.
Earlier, Mrs Oge Ozoemena, Programme Manager, GPSDC, said that the goal of the forum was to enhance and sustain domestic investment required to manage TB interventions in the state.
An environmentalist, Mr Taiwo Adewole, has urged the government and Nigerians to ensure proper waste management to conserve biodiversity and prevent pollution.
Waste bins
Adewole, who made the call in a telephone interview on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Lagos, noted that effective waste management would reduce the spread of diseases, minimise the presence of vermin and pests, and improve hygiene.
“Waste management strategies such as recycling, composting, and energy recovery help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Recycling and waste reduction help conserve natural resources like water, energy, and land,” he said.
He added that by prioritising waste management, everyone could create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for future generations.
Adewole said there were ways waste could be reduced and managed in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.
He called for reduction in the amount of waste generated by avoiding dingle-use products and choosing products with minimal packaging.
“Minimise waste generation by reducing consumption, buying in bulk, and choosing products with minimal packaging.
“Reuse items whenever possible, such as using reusable bags, containers, and water bottles,” he said.
Adewole added that Nigerians should recycle as much waste as possible including paper, plastic, glass and metal.
He said all these if followed by individuals and communities could significantly reduce waste environmental impact.
According to him, in Nigeria, generation of municipal solid waste, industrial hazardous and biomedical waste had increasing due to population growth, lifestyle changes and economic development.
“On the other hand, waste management responses have not kept pace with the increasing quantities of waste resulting in a high proportion of uncollected waste, and poor standards of transportation, storage, treatment and disposal.
“The insanitary methods adopted for disposal of solid wastes is a serious health concern with significant environmental, social and health costs associated with it.
“Open dumping of garbage facilitates the breeding of disease vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, and other pests.
“The poorly maintained landfill sites are prone to groundwater contamination because of leachate production,” he said.
He, however, appealed to the government at all levels to effectively enforce laws and regulations to ensure proper waste management practices.
“Waste management involves various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, communities, and individuals, working together to manage waste in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner,” he said.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites,
Illegal crude oil refining in the Niger Delta region
This is according to a statement by NAF’s Director, Public Relations and Information, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Abuja.
Gabkwet said that 10 overhead tanks and several gallons of illegally refined products were also destroyed in the operation.
He said that the airstrikes were part of efforts to curtail activities of oil thieves and economic saboteurs engaged in illegal and nefarious acts of bursting oil pipelines and siphoning crude oil.
He said that the air component had increased its rate of patrol, especially within the Niger Delta region, with the aim of locating illegal oil refining sites and destroying them.
“In arguably one of its most successful operations conducted along the Imo River, near Obuzor and Okoloma, about 13 active illegal refining sites were discovered.
“These sites were subsequently destroyed after the crew employed the weapons on board the aircraft.
“Several overhead tanks connected to reservoirs, as well as numerous gallons were also destroyed in the process.
“In all, 13 illegal sites, 10 overhead tanks and several gallons of illegally refined products were effectively destroyed,” he said.
Gabkwet said that the crew also spotted a truck along the riverbank, with four canoes, loading illegal products into the truck.
According to him, after a thorough scan of the area and observing the criminals dispersed in disarray upon siting the aircraft, the truck as well as the canoes, were attacked and destroyed.
He said that the crew continued its patrol over the Trans Niger Pipeline, from Rumuekpe-Nkpoku to Bonny.
“The patrol team covered End Point, Bodo trunk line, Point, Small line attachment, Nkpoku-New Ebubu Trunkline, and Rumuekpe-Nkpoku line with no unusual activity observed.
“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has commended the Air Component for its commitment to diminishing the activities of oil thieves in the Niger Delta Region,” he said.
The recent write up by the highly respected and admired David Hundeyin is characteristically provocative. He makes some crucial points, which are communicated in the typical David Hundeyin’s style.
Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke
His sharing of the commissioned brief he received from Dialogue Earth in the spirit of full openness is commendable, as is his statement that Nigeria’s and Africa’s future should be decided by Nigerians and Africans themselves. Without a doubt, this includes how we decide to use our hydrocarbons.
I have never interacted with Dialogue Earth talk more of receiving funding from them. I do not hold brief for them. However, as a leading African climate policy expert, I believe that much of David’s presentation is simplistic, bordering on sensationalism, and has the potential to lead to a conclusion that does not advance a healthy debate about the economic impact of climate change in Nigeria and how we should best respond to ensure Nigeria’s long-term economic sustainability.
David claims that the objective of Dialogue Earth is to get the Nigerian government to kill the refinery. However, the brief he shared contradicts this conclusion, emphasising that the primary goal of the essay is to increase awareness of the refinery’s paradox within the context of Nigeria’s energy transition plan and its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060. This, in my view, is a very valid question and one that I have raised and discussed in a recent article on the Dangote refinery and Nigeria’s climate commitment.
While I wholeheartedly support the refinery for economic reasons, it is self-evident that its operation, as well as the Petroleum Industrial Act (PIA), pose challenges to Nigeria’s climate ambitions. This tension and how best to resolve it call for a calm national discussion. I’ve previously recommended that the government should establish and adopt clear policies to help harmonise our climate change, economic, and energy security objectives.
These could include carbon trading, carbon tax, carbon sequestration, carbon capture, and carbon storage. Many of these measures are outlined in Nigeria’s Climate Change Act and, if properly implemented, they have the potential to generate billions of dollars for the government while simultaneously promoting economic growth. And by the way, a thorough environmental and social impact study in relation to the refinery, as suggested in the brief David shared, is already required by our existing legislation and essential for social, environmental, and economic reasons.
David also makes several other bogus or, at best, unsubstantiated claims in the article. For example, I see nothing in the brief he shared to conclude that Dialogue Earth does not care about human poverty caused by exporting raw materials and importing refined fuel, that they do not consider the emissions generated from this process bad for the environment, or that their objective is to keep Africa poor. This type of conclusion is reached by assuming that the only alternative to questioning the refinery’s climate change implications is to support the current state of energy poverty and the unpatriotic policy of exchanging crude oil for imported refined products, which is clearly bad for Nigeria’s economy and the environment.
A more nuanced and truthful position is that the majority of Western environmental NGOs opposed to fossil fuel investment in Africa actively support alternative policies that promote renewable energy investment and poverty reduction in Africa. They envision a clean Africa fuelled by renewable energy, which will provide Africa with a global economic advantage.
Where I believe Western environmental NGOs frequently go wrong is that they push Africa too hard on green transition and leaving the oil in the ground while not lobbying or campaigning hard for enough financial support and technology transfer to develop renewable energy capacities in Africa. I’ve mentioned this issue several times in my discussion on the subject.
Several studies have found that countries can increase their economic competitiveness by investing in renewable energy. Each country must consider, select, and pursue a strategy that is sensitive to its energy demands. In this regard, I am certain that strengthening Nigeria’s local refining capacity within the context of a border economic diversification agenda is the right strategy to address climate change, create jobs, and grow our economy.
Climate change is real, and it is projected to cost Nigeria up to $460 billion by 2050. It is one of the most important economic development challenges facing Nigeria and other African countries.
While investing heavily in wind and carbon capture technology, the UK has used its coal power plants more than ever before in recent years to meet high energy demand due to the extremely harsh winter. While China is the world’s largest solar generator, it is also the most polluting. In both cases, countries are attempting to strike a balance between climate change, energy security, and long-term economic competitiveness. Both require risk analysis, scenario planning, and common sense based on observable trends. Nigeria must also think and act strategically, rather than hiding her head in the sand.
The international climate agreement calls for a rapid transition away from oil and gas towards renewable energy. The agreement calls for a tripping renewable energy portfolio by 2030. Despite having an abundance of solar energy, solar currently contributes less than 0.5 percent to our grid.
Nigeria can gain a significant economic advantage by diversifying its economy and embracing the green economy. This does not require cutting all oil and gas production tomorrow.
David is clear he thinks climate change is a religious belief, and it is obvious that this informed his interpretation of the brief he received and the commentary he provided. I vehemently disagree that climate change is not real and is an issue that demands urgent attention.
It should be underlined that the advocacy of various Western NGOs and citizens to encourage a speedy green transition is not limited to Africa but is strong and effective in their home nations. Climate advocacy and action is a major social, political, and economic issue in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other industrialised countries. It is a major topic in election debates and a dividing line between the major political parties.
However, Western environmental NGOs such as Dialogue Earth frequently make the error of promoting the same cause in Africa without a thorough knowledge of the African psyche, history, and economic circumstances. And by doing so, they risk being charged with climate colonialism, a phrase I’ve used and addressed in prior writings.
Respectfully, I believe David should have simply declined the request to research and write the brief on the grounds that climate change policy and economics are not his areas of expertise.
However, by asking a non-expert to write an opinion post on the Dangote refinery and climate change, Dialogue Earth demonstrated a lack of intelligence and prudence, and can thus be accused of being naive, desperate, and foolish. They have brought this ant-infested wood upon themselves, and they must now suffer the inquisition, blame, contempt, and opprobrium that come with it.
However, it will be detrimental to Nigeria if David’s comments make it difficult to have a mature and science-based debate about how Nigeria can best balance its climate change and economic growth goals in order to achieve long-term climate resilience and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving green transition global economy.
By Professor Chukwumerije Okereke
Chukumweije Okereke is a Professor of Global Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol’s School of Policy Studies, as well as the Director of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Centre for Climate Change and Development in Ikwo, Nigeria
An international NGO, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), has inaugurated a 10-year strategic plan to spur citizens’ action toward addressing poverty in Nigeria.
Official launch of the New Country Strategy Paper in Abuja
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, made this known at the official launch of the New Country Strategy Paper titled: “Citizens Action to End Poverty and Injustice 2024-2034” on Thursday, August 8, 2024, in Abuja.
Mamedu said that the strategy paper was built on AAN’s many years of work in Nigeria and founded on the lessons learned in implementing the previous Country Strategy Plan (CSP) and other programmes in Nigeria.
“In this CSP, we are deepening our engagement and focusing on responding to multidimensional poverty, seeing how poverty and injustice are weaponised against the poor and excluded.
“As a learning organisation, we strongly believe that the current Nigerian context would require us to innovate through a social movement mindset in acting to address the multidimensional poverty that we face as a country,’’ he said.
Mamedu said that nearly 12 per cent of the global population was living in extreme poverty in 2023, and this figure has worsened due to ongoing conflicts, wars, and disasters across the globe.
He added that in Nigeria, where the poverty threshold was 1.90 U.S. dollars a day and about 3000 using the official rate, 133 million of 200 million people were multidimensionally poor.
The country director said this meant that they not only lacked financial resources, but also lacked access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and clean water.
“If you are not one of the 133 million, it is likely that your family members, extended or nuclear, are and if we do not address this now, future generations may face the same plight.
“Hope and belief is not a strategy, hope and belief must be accompanied by action. This is the essence of our CSP,’’ he said,
The country director said that history has shown the transformative power of social movements, and these movements had demonstrated that collective action could lead to monumental change.
“At ActionAid Nigeria, we are committed to harnessing this power through our CSP, focusing on four critical actions: Organise, Act, Shift, and Thrive.
“Our strategy is not only about addressing immediate needs but also about empowering citizens to drive systemic change.
“We are dedicated to a human rights-based approach, placing the dignity and rights of every individual at the center of our work. We will engage with communities not merely as beneficiaries but as active partners in their own development,’’ Mamedu said.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, commended AAN for working to augment the government’s efforts, especially in the development sector.
Bagudu said that poverty, inequality and citizen action were an economic and anthropological issue needing collective action to overcome it.
According to him, Nigeria’s federal budget is $20 billion, which lags behind the budgets of other populous countries such as Indonesia with $210 billion and Brazil with a $700 billion budget.
“Do we want to be like Brazil? Or do we want to be like Indonesia? Can we hope to achieve what they have with that level of federal spending? Or should we confront this reality?
“Confronting our reality is akin to gathering the family around and reminding everyone that we are not as wealthy as we think we are.
“Maybe new energy will come into the family, and the sense of entitlement will give way to ‘What can I do? What effort can I contribute?’” he said.
Bagudu called for collective action by citizens and the government at all levels to address what he described as “decades of under-investment” in the country, to address the challenges.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr Otive Igbuzor, in his presentation titled “Social Movement Organising: The Path to Poverty Eradication and Social Justice”, said that AAN’s CSP came at a time when Nigeria was faced with huge political, economic, and social challenges.
He said, “As we launch ActionAid Nigeria’s new Country Strategy Paper today, I urge all stakeholders to join hands in this historic and critical endeavour to change course and change the narratives.”
Igbuzor said that, although the task ahead was formidable, it was not insurmountable.
“If we face the challenges with catalytic partnership, collective action, unwavering commitment and social movement organising, we can make significant strides where poverty and injustice are relegated to history.
“Let us be encouraged that every step and action taken towards poverty eradication, justice and equity, no matter how small, contribute to the larger goal of a just and prosperous society.
“Another Nigeria is not just a possibility but an imperative,” he said.
