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CSOs oppose Lagos’ planned waste-to-energy plant

Michael Simire
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CSOs oppose Lagos’ planned waste-to-energy plant

A group of civil society organisations (CSOs), operating under the aegis of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA Nigeria), has urged the Lagos State Government to halt its proposed plan to construct a waste-to-energy incinerator plant and adopt sustainable waste management practices instead.

Waste-to-energy plant
L-R: John Akpan, President, Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE); Benson Dotun Fasanya, Executive Director, Centre for Earth Works (CfEW); Weyinmi Okotie, Key Managing Campaigner, GAIA Africa; Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev-Nigeria) and Philip Jakpor, Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), during the event in Lagos

GAIA Nigeria made the call during a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Key Managing Convener at GAIA, Weyinmi Okotie, said the group is concerned about the May 28, 2024, announcement following the MoU signed with a Dutch company on the plan to build a waste-to-energy incinerator in Epe area of the state.

Okotie said: “Incinerators are facilities that treat waste by burning it. They come under many names such as Mass Burn Incinerators, Thermal Treatment Facilities, or so-called Waste to-Energy Plants, and involve processes such as combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, or plasma arc. But they all have the same claim (burning waste will make our waste problems disappear).

“Among the most aggressively promoted incinerators are waste-to-energy facilities. Not only do they claim to make waste disappear, but they also claim to produce energy during the process. But studies have shown that this premise is without scientific basis. The process of incineration merely transforms the waste into other forms of wastes, such as toxic ash and air and water pollution, which are harder to contain and usually more toxic than the original form of the waste. The term is also a misnomer – waste is a highly inefficient fuel, and these facilities are barely able to generate even a small amount of electricity.”

Okotie described GAIA as a global network of over 1,000 organisations fighting for a future free from waste pollution.

“We advocate for a shift away from incineration and towards a ‘zero waste’ approach. This means reducing waste at its source, composting organic materials, and maximising recycling. GAIA supports local efforts to implement these solutions and challenge policies that promote incineration. Our goal is a just and sustainable world where communities are empowered to manage waste responsibly and live in a healthy environment.

“In Nigeria, GAIA members are a total of 11 public interest NGOs/civil societies who are spread across the different cities in Nigeria but are here in Lagos today to solidrise with its Lagos members.”

They include Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Sustainable Environment Development Initiative, and Community Development Advocacy Foundation.

Others are Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Green Knowledge Foundation, Centre for Earth Works (CfEW), Lekeh Development Foundation, Community Action Against Plastic Waste, Policy Alert, Young Farmers Network and Ecocykle.

Dr Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADev and a member of GAIA Nigeria in his submission, said: “When we learned about the Lagos State Government’s plans to build a waste-to-energy municipal incinerator through an MoU signed with the Dutch company, recognising the significance and potential impact of such a project, we immediately sought to engage with the government to understand the situation better. Despite our efforts, it was challenging to obtain clear information or cooperation from the government.

“Projects of this magnitude should adopt a multi-stakeholder approach involving public entities, private sectors, community groups, and CSOs. Unfortunately, it appears that the government did not conduct any consultations, resulting in a project that lacks comprehensive support and sustainability.

“In response to the government’s lack of engagement, we developed and submitted a petition (signed by 146 Public Interest Organisations and 251 Individual Environmental Justice Advocates from 64 countries saying NO to the proposed Waste Incineration Facility in Lagos) on July 1, 2024, the Governor of Lagos State and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment. In our accompanying letter, we expressed our willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and expected an invitation from the government to discuss our concerns.

“However, three weeks have passed without any acknowledgement or response, as it where, it seems that the government is moving so fast with the initiative. As a result, we are left with no choice but to make it known to the world the environmental and health hazards associated with building a waste-to-energy incinerator and to advocate for more sustainable and inclusive waste management solutions.

“We are, however, imploring the state government not to adopt outdated technologies that are being phased out in the Global North. Implementing a waste-to-energy incinerator in Lagos contradicts the city’s aspiration to be a leader in sustainability and innovation, especially with its growing interest and recognition in climate change advocacy. If Lagos adopts this flawed approach, it sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of Nigeria and Africa.

“Moreover, a study by the University of Plymouth in 2012 found that a sea-level rise of just 3 to 9 feet (approximately 1 to 3 meters) would have catastrophic effects on human activities in Lagos, which has an average elevation of only 2 meters above sea level. Adopting waste-to-energy technology in such a vulnerable area poses significant environmental and public health risks. Lagos State should focus on sustainable waste management practices that do not threaten its future or that of its residents. So, we are encouraging Lagos State Government continue to be a part of the climate solution and not part of its own problem,” Adogame posited.

In his submission, Mr Benson Dotun Fasanya, representing CfEW listed some reasons why waste-to-energy incineration is considered a threat to sustainable development.

He said: “Waste-to-energy incineration is expensive and inefficient, emits toxic pollutants, contributes to climate change, undermines sustainable zero waste practices, takes away jobs, and is an environmental injustice.

Mr Akpan Anthony, the Founder/President, PAVE, reading the demands of the group at the news conference, urged the Lagos State Government to impose a moratorium on the building of any waste incineration plants and adopt a zero-waste approach.

“We strongly urge the Lagos State Government to prioritise the implementation of zero waste strategies such as reduction of waste generation, source segregation, recycling, composting, and reuse programmes.

“These approaches prioritise value retention and provide more environmentally friendly and economically efficient options as alternatives to incineration,” said the group.

The CSOs added that it was crucial to invest in research and development of waste management technologies and approaches to prioritise environmental protection, public health, and social equity.

They stressed that products and materials that were difficult to recycle should be phased out from the market and replaced by alternative materials or models of delivery.

The group urged the government to carryout broader consultation with the public and environmental CSOs.

“This comprehensive and transparent consultation process should involve the fenceline communities, environmental CSOs and waste management experts.

“There should be public engagement to accurately inform the public about the potential environmental, social, and health implications of the project on the surrounding communities in Epe and their ecosystems.

“This process should be inclusive and prioritise meaningful, equitable participation of all impacted right holders, upholding Free, Prior, and Informed Consent,” said the group.

The group called for incorporation of waste pickers, waste workers, and fenceline communities throughout the project lifecycle, starting from the development planning stage.

The CSOs urged all concerned citizens, environmental organisations, and stakeholders to join them in the critical fight for a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

“Together, we can make a difference and protect our environment for future generations,” the group said.

Lagos waste-to-energy plant
Lagos State government officials sign partnership with Dutch-owned Harvest Waste Consortium to build a waste-to-energy plant.

The Lagos State Government had hinted on plans to build waste-to-energy plants in Olusosun, Epe and Badagry dumpsites in different parts of the state.

The state’s Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, revealed this at the waste-to-energy summit, “Driving Environmental Sustainability,” in Lagos.

By Ajibola Adedoye

NCDMB, UBEC explore opportunities for capacity building, support for basic education

Michael Simire
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NCDMB, UBEC explore opportunities for capacity building, support for basic education

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have agreed to collaborate towards upgrading basic education in the country and building capacities of young Nigerians towards meeting the needs of the ever-changing oil and gas industry and the linkages sectors.

NCDMB
L-R: Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi, and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, after the meeting between the chief executives at NCDMB’s Abuja liaison office. Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi. and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)

The partnership opportunities were explored on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, when the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, hosted his counterpart from UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, at the Board’s Abuja liaison office.

The leaders agreed to set up a joint committee that would finalise details of their agencies’ collaboration, with the overall goal of contributing meaningfully to the future of the Nigerian economy.

The kernel of the meeting attended by the top management of both organisations centred on how NCDMB could partner UBEC to upgrade some dilapidated primary and junior secondary schools dotted across the country, train teachers and upgrade critical facilities to meet the demands of the present age.

Conversations also hovered around making basic education work sustainably, developing digital resource centres and smart school systems as well as synergising efforts of stakeholders in the education sector for maximum impact.

Before this engagement, NCDMB had developed over 150 ICT centres in secondary schools across the country and upgraded select technical colleges as well as intervened in some universities as part of its institutional strengthening programme, supported by international and indigenous oil producing companies.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB announced the introduction of a bespoke capacity-building project tagged “Back to the Creeks/ Villages.” The initiative would seek to revamp dilapidated primary schools, especially in the creeks of the Niger Delta and other parts of the country, develop their infrastructure, teaching personnel and curriculum to world-class standards and make the interventions sustainable.

Ogbe revealed his passion for contributing to the development of remote parts of Nigeria and mentioned that he had started engaging some international oil producing companies. He hopes the oil companies will embrace the initiative and channel their human capacity development (HCD) budgets to the new programme for symbiotic benefits.

He underscored the strategic need to begin at the basic education level to develop capacities of young Nigerians, rather than intervening at the senior secondary or tertiary levels.

The Executive Secretary said the detailed strategy for the “Back to the Creeks/Villages” was still being fine-tuned and would soon be unveiled to industry stakeholders.

He assured the UBEC boss that NCDMB would partner with the agency, beginning with the training of teachers, harping that the success of the collaboration would attract other entities to partner with UBEC.

He emphasised the need to develop complete project scopes and to make every intervention sustainable. This can be achieved he explained, by deliberately getting the benefitting communities to take ownership of the projects.

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary of UBEC suggested that NCDMB should partner with the agency to develop, equip and operate Digital Resources Centres and Smart School Solutions in states of the federation.

The UBEC boss bemoaned the embarrassing state of basic educational institutions across the country and remarked that a nation that neglected the first level education had invariably embraced a bleak economic future and dysfunctional society.

He rued several challenges that impact the development of basic education in the country, such as insufficient budget, and lack of interest by some state governors. among other issues. He highlighted the need for collaboration with stakeholders, to leverage extra resources for the sub-sector.

In their contributions, the Director, Corporate Services, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru, commented that NCDMB’s interventions in schools and other centres of learning in the past 14 years were in furtherance of its mandate of building requisite capacities for the Nigerian oil and gas industry and linkage sectors.

Likewise, the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Abdulmalik Halilu, advised that the Board’s collaboration with UBEC must be guided by four pillars, notably needs assessment, sustainability plans, enablers for execution and identification of funding sources.

Global electricity demand set to rise strongly in 2024, 2025 – IEA

Michael Simire
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Global electricity demand set to rise strongly in 2024, 2025 – IEA

The world’s demand for electricity is rising at its fastest rate in years, driven by robust economic growth, intense heatwaves and increasing uptake of technologies that run on electricity such as EVs and heat pumps, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). At the same time, renewables continue their rapid ascent, with solar PV on course to set new records.

grid
The electricity grid. Photo credit: blogs.bard.edu

Global electricity demand is forecast to grow by around 4% in 2024, up from 2.5% in 2023, the IEA’s Electricity Mid-Year Update finds. The strong increase in global electricity consumption is set to continue into 2025, with growth around 4% again, according to the report.

Renewable sources of electricity are also set to expand rapidly this year and next, with their share of global electricity supply forecast to rise from 30% in 2023 to 35% in 2025. The amount of electricity generated by renewables worldwide in 2025 is forecast to eclipse the amount generated by coal for the first time. Solar PV alone is expected to meet roughly half of the growth in global electricity demand over 2024 and 2025.

Despite the sharp increases in renewables, global power generation from coal is unlikely to decline this year due to the strong growth in demand, especially in China and India, according to the report. As a result, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the global power sector are plateauing, with a slight increase in 2024 followed by a decline in 2025.

However, Chinese hydropower production recovered strongly in the first half of 2024 from its 2023 low. If this upward trend continues in the second half of the year, it could curb coal-fired power generation and result in a slight decline in global power sector emissions in 2024.

Demand for electricity in India is expected to surge by a massive 8% this year, driven by strong economic activity and powerful heatwaves. China is also set to see significant demand growth of more than 6%, as a result of robust activity in the services industries and industrial sectors, including the manufacturing of clean energy technologies.

Electricity demand in the United States is forecast to rebound this year by 3% amid steady economic growth, rising demand for cooling and an expanding data centre sector. By contrast, the European Union will see a more modest recovery in electricity demand, with growth forecast at 1.7%, following two consecutive years of contraction amid the impacts of the energy crisis.

In many parts of the world, increasing use of air-conditioning will remain a significant driver of electricity demand. Multiple regions faced intense heatwaves in the first half of 2024, which elevated demand and put electricity systems under strain, the report finds.

“It’s encouraging to see clean energy’s share of the electricity mix continuing to rise, but this needs to happen at a much faster rate to meet international energy and climate goals. At the same time, it’s crucial to expand and reinforce grids to provide citizens with secure and reliable electricity supply – and to implement higher energy efficiency standards to reduce the impacts of increased cooling demand on power systems.” said Keisuke Sadamori, IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security.

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the electricity demand of data centres is drawing increased attention, underscoring the need for more reliable data and better stocktaking measures.

To explore the opportunities and challenges ahead, the IEA has launched a major new initiative: Energy for AI & AI for Energy. As part of this initiative, the IEA will consult with governments, industry, researchers and civil society experts.

UK off track for Net Zero, say country’s climate advisors

Michael Simire
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UK off track for Net Zero, say country’s climate advisors

The Climate Change Committee in the United Kingdom (UK) has published its 2024 Progress Report to Parliament. Its assessment is that only a third of the emissions reductions required to achieve the country’s 2030 target, the first one set in line with a Net Zero trajectory, are currently covered by credible plans.

Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

However, there is a positive with the country’s emissions now less than half the levels they were in 1990. This is largely due to the phase out of coal and the success of ramping up renewables. Now more ambitious action is needed across transport, buildings, industry and agriculture for further decarbonisation. The report suggests that plans in place from the previous Government will not deliver enough action.

Despite the availability of much of the low carbon technology needed, its scale up and roll out is off track, according to the indicators included in the report. By 2030:

  • Annual offshore wind installations must increase by at least three times, onshore wind installations will need to double and solar installations must increase by five times.
  • Approximately 10% of existing homes in the UK will need to be heated by a heat pump, compared to only approximately 1% today.
  • The market share of new electric cars needs to increase from 16.5% in 2023 to nearly 100%.

The Committee urges the new Government to address uncertainty around the country’s commitment to Net Zero, caused by the previous Government’s policy rollbacks. The 10 priority recommendations put forward by the Committee are:

  • Make electricity cheaper. Removing policy costs from electricity prices will support industrial electrification and ensure the lower running costs of heat pumps compared to fossil-fuel boilers are reflected in household bills.
  • Reverse recent policy rollbacks. Remove the exemption of 20% of households from the 2035 fossil-fuel boiler installation phase-out, address the gap left by removing obligations on landlords to improve the energy efficiency of rented homes and reinstate the 2030 phase-out of new fossil-fuel car and van sales. The damage of these rollbacks can be limited by quickly reinstating these policies.
  • Remove planning barriers for heat pumps, electric vehicle charge points and onshore wind.
  • Introduce a comprehensive programme for decarbonisation of public sector buildings.
  • Effectively design and implement the upcoming renewable energy CfD auctions. Ensure funding and auction design for the Sixth and Seventh Allocation Rounds are appropriate to deliver at least 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030.
  • Accelerate electrification of industrial heat. Strengthen the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure that its price is sufficient to incentivise decarbonisation and that support is available for a rapid transition to electric heat across much of industry.
  • Ramp up tree planting and peatland restoration. Tree planting must be scaled up in the 2020s for abatement to be sufficient for later carbon budgets and Net Zero. There must be no more delays to addressing the barriers to delivery.
  • Finalise business models for large-scale deployment of engineered removals. Finalise and open to the market the business models for engineered removals.
  • Publish a strategy to support skills. Support workers in sectors which need to grow or transition and in communities that may be adversely impacted.
  • Strengthen NAP3 with a vision that sets clear objectives and targets and reorganise government adaptation policy. Adaptation must become a fundamental aspect of policymaking across all departments and be integrated into other national policy objectives.

The Committee will publish its advice on the Seventh Carbon Budget and an updated path to Net Zero early in 2025.

Ex-lawmaker urges MDAs to mainstream climate change in annual budget plans

Michael Simire
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Ex-lawmaker urges MDAs to mainstream climate change in annual budget plans

Former lawmaker, Sam Onuigbo, has urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to mainstream climate change in their annual budgets as enshrined by the Act establishing it.

Sam Onuigbo
Sam Onuigbo

The lawmaker, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency from 2015 to 2019, made the call in an interview on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Enugu.

He said that the Section 22 of the Act mandated the MDAs to have a Climate Change Desk Officer that would ensure climate action was mainstreamed into annual budget plans and budgeting of all MDAs in Nigeria.

The climate change expert, however, regretted that many MDAs were not aware of the Act and emphasised the need to create awareness towards implementation of the law.

The former lawmaker said that the strict adherence to 2021 Climate Change Act would mitigate the impact of climate change in the country.

Onuigbo said such adherence would also enable the country to achieve its target of net-zero emissions between 2050 and 2070 and harness gains of climate change.

He explained that the Act provided legal backing for Nigeria to attain their climate goals, adding that without the legal framework, the country would have no obligation to enforce the law.

According to Onuigbo, the Act was structured to provide overarching on climate actions in the country and actualise its net-zero pledge.

“It provided Nigeria a framework for achieving low greenhouse gas emissions, inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development.

“These responsibilities were not just for public entities but include private sectors, civil society organisations as well as inclusion of climate education in our educational curricula at all levels.

“Also, there is need to reduce emission from deforestation, forest degradation to sustain and manage our forestry.

“The carbon budget will make five-yearly provisions that will help with emissions reductions and guide the country to net zero by 2050 to 2070,” he stressed.

Onuigbo equally said that flourishing global carbon market offered the country opportunity to explore climate while the Act made provision for setting up mechanism for carbon emissions trading and carbon tax.

He lauded the Federal Government for taking key actions on climate change which include enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 for improved access to renewables and Presidential Initiative for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Others are launching of Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy, flagging off the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan, mandating MDAs to buy CNG powered vehicles, and launching of National Clean Cooking Gas Policy, among others.

By Alex Enebeli

Stakeholders urge urgent action on reduction of methane emissions

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders urge urgent action on reduction of methane emissions

Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for an urgent action to reduce methane emissions in the country in order to enhance environmental sustainability.

Methane
A panel discussion session at the NRGI-CJID multi-stakeholder dialogue in Abuja

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant, primarily emitted by human activities.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), spoke at a multi stakeholder dialogue on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Abuja.

The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), organised the event.

The dialogue was themed: “Strengthening Methane Emissions Reduction Strategies in Nigeria’s Gas Expansion Plans.”

Orji said that the government must ensure robust frameworks and policies that held oil and gas companies accountable, while civil society organisations must continue to monitor and advocate for environmental sustainability.

“We all need to recognise the urgency of addressing methane emissions within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“Nigerian communities will also benefit from cleaner air and improved health outcomes; to achieve this audacious emission reduction goal, collaboration is crucial.

“As Nigeria expands her gas use, so does the potential for increase in methane emissions, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon.’’

Orji warned such expansion of use of gas posed a challenge for Nigeria in meeting its global and national commitments to reducing methane emissions.

“Effective mitigation measures are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial for all stakeholders.’’

Orji said there was need to reduce methane emissions in Nigeria to align with international best practices and standards.

“These guidelines provide a robust framework for companies to measure, report, and reduce their emissions, ensuring they meet the highest levels of environmental performance,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Akintunde Babatunde, Director of Programmes, CJID, said that Nigeria’s commitment to a just energy transition was unwavering.

“Our Nationally Determined Contribution, the 2050 Long-Term Vision for Nigeria and the Energy Transition Plan all articulate clear pathways for transitioning from a fossil fuel-driven economy to a low-carbon one.

“These plans are not merely aspirations but concrete steps toward achieving a sustainable future for our nation,” Babatunde said.

On her part, Tengi George-Ikoli, Senior Officer, NRGI, said that unchecked oil and gas sector methane emissions threatened to exacerbate the climate change crisis.

According to her, such actions undermine Nigeria’s capacity to trade in the global market and leverage the proceeds to sustain its economy.

“Nigeria, with the world’s ninth-largest gas reserves, is a major methane emitter, accounting for 16 per cent of sub-Saharan African methane emissions from 2010 to 2020,’’ she said.

By Abigael Joshua

Transit to green economy, SEC urges capital market operators

Michael Simire
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Transit to green economy, SEC urges capital market operators

Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, Dr Emomotimi Agama, says transitioning to a green economy is crucial for the sustainable development of the country.

Green economy
The SEC organised capacity-building workshop for capital markets operators on green finance held in Lagos

Agama stated this at a capacity-building workshop for capital markets operators on green finance organised by SEC in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Lagos on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

He was represented by Mr Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner, Operations, SEC.

The managing director quoted the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to have defined a green economy as a low-carbon, resource-efficient efficient and socially inclusive economy.

According to him, a green economy is where growth in employment and income are driven by public and private investment into such economic activities.

Agama also mentioned that infrastructure and assets allow reduced carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy resource efficiency, and prevention of loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

He said: “Climate change, as we all know, is one of the major risks threatening the well-being of mankind.

“Since the Paris Agreement was reached in December 2015, international efforts in combating climate change have gathered enormous momentum.

“According to the IMF, in the past four decades, we have witnessed the warmest years on record and the number of natural disasters more than doubled in that same time frame.”

According to him, embracing green finance remains a critical approach to addressing these challenges, as the nation has a significant opportunity to drive positive change by promoting green finance.

Agama reaffirmed the commitment of SEC to champion sustainable finance initiatives in the country.

He noted that the commission’s rules on green bonds have already facilitated a couple of sovereign issues and multiple corporate issues.

The director-general added that the Federal Government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) had led the way in Africa in this regard by issuing the first sovereign green bond in December 2017.

He hinted that the government had since followed up with another N15 billion issuance in June 2019 specifically to fund renewable energy, afforestation and transportation.

Agama said the commission also approved two green bond issues by North South Power Services Ltd., and Access Bank Plc worth N8.56 billion and N15 billion, respectively.

This is to finance various infrastructural projects in the power, water and agriculture sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“The onus therefore lies with all of us to continue to expand these issuances by locating a need and fashioning appropriate sustainable financing products to meet them.

“As stakeholders, intermediaries, issuers, investors, and regulators, we all play a pivotal role in facilitating the transition of our economy towards sustainable and low-carbon growth.

“We can support this transition through our business activities by directing financial flows towards more sustainable and climate-friendly solutions.

“Also, divesting from unsustainable practices, setting standards and frameworks, and integrating green finance into investment decisions and practices,” he said.

According to him, the primary objective of the workshop is to provide capacity building for capital market operators and stakeholders to enhance knowledge and understanding of green finance.

The director general assured that SEC would continue to strongly support and champion efforts to deliver coordinated and coherent policy advice, capacity building and regulatory support.

Agama said this would help to leverage actions across a broad spectrum of sectors to build the momentum for a green economy which could bring socially inclusive and environmentally sound economic transformation.

In his presentation, Mr Olumide Lala, Executive Director, Climate Transition Ltd., said that the biggest problem of green finance was not the physical risks, but transitioning.

Lala charged capital market operators to promote investment in sustainable projects, such as green bonds and exchange-traded funds to help channel large-scale capital into projects that address environmental challenges.

By Rukayat Adeyemi

FCTA sensitises farmers on adoption of climate-resilient farming techniques

Michael Simire
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0
FCTA sensitises farmers on adoption of climate-resilient farming techniques

The Agriculture and Rural Department Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has begun sensitisatising farmers in the territory on the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

NiMet
Delegates at the NiMet forum to sensitisatise farmers in the FCT on the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP)

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Mr Lawan Geidam, who spoke at the inauguration of the exercise on Tuesday in Gwagwalada, said the goal was to help farmers to adapt to climate-resilient farming techniques.

Geidam said that the measure was part of FCTA efforts to provide farmers with the needed information to boost agricultural productivity.

He said that the sensitisation was organised by the secretariat, in collaboration with the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

The mandate secretary said that the FCTA would work strongly with SAPZ to downscale the seasonal climate prediction information across the six Area Councils and 17 Chiefdoms of the FCT for wider reach and greater impact.

He described climate change as a pressing environmental challenge, characterised by unpredictable weather patterns, global warming, drought, torrential rainfall, flooding, and other extreme weather conditions.

These, according to him, pose a serious threat to the nation’s collective quest for food and nutrition security.

He said that the devastating effect of climate change was forcing farmers to abandon their farms to seek alternative livelihoods in cities.

“This situation has understandably been a major concern for the government because of the threat it poses to food production.”

He commended NiMet for consistently publishing the annual SCP, which bridges the knowledge gap faced by farmers in accessing timely and accurate information on planting schedules and crop selection.

He expressed optimism that the sensitisation would help enhance the capacity of farmers to adapt to climate-related risks, thereby boosting agricultural productivity.

Geidam said that the Secretariat has adopted a multi-faceted approach that focuses on three key areas to ensure the success of the sensitisation exercise.

“Firstly, we will mobilise farmers across the Chiefdoms to participate actively in the sensitisation programme.

“Secondly, we will implement capacity building programmes to equip extension agents and farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively utilise weather data for informed decision-making.

“Thirdly, we will strengthen communication channels between farmers and the Secretariat to ensure seamless feedback and support.

“I assure you that the Minister FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, are dedicated to fostering conducive environment for the agriculture sector to flourish.”

He also said that FCT Administration’s efforts to open up the agricultural landscape in the FCT were yielding fruitful results through partnership with critical organisations and projects in the sector.

Geidam identified some of the partners as SAPZ, Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, among others.

“We are optimistic that these efforts will culminate in food self-sufficiency, enhanced livelihoods for our communities, and ultimately, a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” Geidam said.

The Director-General, NiMet, Dr Charles Anosike, explained that the SCP was one of NiMet’s flagship products that helped lots of farmers to improve their yields.

Anosike, who is also a Permanent Representative of Nigeria at the World Meteorological Organisation, said that the SCP also served as an advisory tool for many stakeholders at the federal, state and local government levels.

He added that the state level downscale presented detailed information for the area council’s level, including the crop weather calendar and livestock comfortability index.

By Philip Yatai

NEMA sensitises stakeholders on waste management to mitigate flood

Michael Simire
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0
NEMA sensitises stakeholders on waste management to mitigate flood

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sensitised stakeholders on waste management to mitigate flood, currently ravaging some parts of the country.

Flooding
A flooded estate in Abuja

The North Central Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Eugene Nyelong, said at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State, that the initiative was part of NEMA’s preparedness against floods as waste normally blocked waterways.

Nyelong stated that the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the 2024 seasonal climate prediction by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) predicted that some local government areas in the North Central states were at high risk of flooding.

The zonal coordinator stated that it was important that all hands must be on deck to proffer mitigation measures.

According to him, the production of waste is increasing at an alarming rate, and it poses, not only environmental risk but also economic and social challenges through its negative impact.

He emphasised that waste management was an issue that touched every aspect of our lives, from the waste we produce at home to the industrial waste generated.

Nyelong added that how the stakeholders handled the waste has significant implications for human health, communities, and the planet at large.

“Improper waste management can lead to pollution, health hazards, and the depletion of natural resources.

“Effective waste management can conserve resources, protect public health, and prevent further degradation of the ecosystem, serving as a deterrent to climate change.

“Our workshop today aims to address these critical issues. We will also delve into the principles of waste reduction, re-use, and recycling.

“One important aspect I will like us to take away from this workshop is that waste management is not just a technical issue but also a societal one. It requires a collective effort from individuals, organisations, and the government.

“Let us remember that the action we take today in managing our waste will have a lasting impact on our future generation,” Nyelong added.

He urged stakeholders to commit to being part of the solution, to innovating, educating, and working together towards a cleaner, healthier, and more suitable environment.

There were presentations from different sources on waste management.

Mrs Rose Enanya of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said that rapid urbanisation and population growth were responsible for increased waste generation.

Enanya stated in a paper: “The Need for Effective Waste Management Policies in Nigeria,” that there was inadequate infrastructure for waste collection and disposal, as well as inadequate public awareness and participation in waste management practices.”

She advocated for proper enforcement of existing waste management regulations.

Prof. Chundung Miner of the Department of Community Medicine at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) said that waste littered the environment and constituted an eye-sore and pollution of sources of water.

Miner, who spoke on “Environmental and Health Effects of Improper Waste Management in Our Communities”, recommended the domestication of solid waste management policies.

He called for enforcement of the existing solid waste management policy and advocacy for state and local governments for increased funding and manpower development.

He advocated for stakeholder engagements and intense enlightenment campaigns, as well as the integration of waste management education into school curricula and activities.

By Peter Amine

Regional fora aim to increase country ambition ahead of next round of climate plans

Michael Simire
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Regional fora aim to increase country ambition ahead of next round of climate plans

As record temperatures and unprecedented impacts of climate change continue to affect billions of people across the planet, the United Nations and partners have announced a series of regional meetings aimed at increasing ambition in the next round of climate pledges under the Paris Agreement.

Simon Stiell
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell

In 2025, countries are required to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These plans are known as NDCs 3.0. In these NDCs, countries are encouraged to set 2035 ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets that align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and increase resilience to climate impacts.

“To provide climate justice for all and preserve a livable planet, greenhouse gas emissions must fall dramatically and efforts to adapt to climate impacts must be stepped up,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “However, greenhouse gas emissions are not falling, global temperatures are hitting new highs and vulnerable populations are suffering. NDCs 3.0 must match the moment we face and be far more ambitious.”

To help countries shape the next round of their climate pledges under the Paris Agreement, UNEP, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the NDC Partnership, in collaboration with the UNFCCC Secretariat (UN Climate Change), are organising NDCs 3.0 Regional Fora.

“Parties have agreed to the ratchet mechanism under Paris because it’s a powerful tool for progress and they recognise the importance of staying proactive in the face of climate change,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. “We cannot afford to be stagnant: submitting new Nationally Determined Contributions is not just a reporting requirement, but a vital commitment to safeguarding our planet’s future for future generations. The NDCs 3.0 Regional Fora will support all Parties to deliver on their commitments.”

The schedule for the NDCs 3.0 Regional Fora taking place in 2024 has been set as follows:

  • Regional Forum for the Pacific, from August 12 to 16, 2024, hosted by the government of Samoa in Apia
  • Regional Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, from August 27 to 29, 2024, hosted by the government of Colombia in Bogota
  • Regional for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, from September 3 to 5, 2024, hosted by the government of Türkiye in Istanbul
  • Regional Forum for the Middle East and North Africa, from September 23 to 25, 2024, hosted by the government of Tunisia in Tunis
  • Regional Forum for Asia, from September 30 to October 2, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand
  • Regional Forum for Africa, from October 7 to 9, 2024, hosted by the government of Rwanda in Kigali

These Fora will be closed-doors events, targeting government officials responsible for NDCs revisions from all countries in each region. Inclusivity and equal representation will be ensured through the invitation of selected resources spokespeople from youth and other under-represented and marginalised groups.

What NDCs 3.0 need to achieve

UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2023 found that current NDCs put the world on track for a global temperature rise of 2.5-2.9°C. While emissions are projected to stabilise after 2030, they still don’t decline rapidly enough to meet scientific targets according to the 2023 NDC Synthesis Report. For a 1.5°C pathway, reductions to global greenhouse gas emissions of 42 per cent are needed by 2030.

Meanwhile, UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2023 found that the adaptation finance gap is US$194-366 billion per year. Urgent country-driven adaptation, backed by appropriate finance, is urgently needed.

The Fora will use insights from COP28 and the Global Stocktake to focus on mitigation options, adaptation solutions and inclusion of super pollutants (short-lived non-CO2 pollutants), such as methane and black carbon in the NDCs.

Participants, invited from government ministries engaged in NDC development and implementation, will engage in peer-learning, explore innovative financing models and share how to develop policy roadmaps that lead to implementation. The Fora will be a place to discuss how ambitious sectoral targets can lead to transformational change and investment plans.

Climate change is also a major driver of nature and biodiversity loss, with nature loss driving climate change. The sources of climate change are often the same as the sources of pollution and waste, hence the crises are interlinked, and the solutions should be integrated.

The Fora will then encourage countries to consider the co-benefits of climate action and share examples on how to align climate targets with other international commitments on nature, pollution and sustainable development in their NDCs.

NDCs 3.0 Regional Fora will be organised in collaboration with other partners, including the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the United Nations REDD programme, and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), as well as regional partners including the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the United Nations Economic, Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) and the Asian Development Bank.

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