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Ending open defecation in Nigeria our priority – UNICEF

Michael Simire
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Ending open defecation in Nigeria our priority – UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has affirmed its commitment to end open defecation in Nigeria.

UNICEF
A cross section of panelists at the workshop

Jane Bevan, Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), UNICEF, stated this at a two-day media dialogue themed “Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria and Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)” in Lagos.

Bevan emphasised that collaboration from all sectors was crucial in achieving this goal.

“We are not just working toward an open defecation-free Nigeria; we are building a sustainable future where improved sanitation drives health, economic growth and environmental resilience.

“We need the government, partners and the private sector to join us in making Nigeria open defecation-free.

“We also need the media to assist us in sensitising the public to the dangers of open defecation.

“By leveraging the power of information, we can create a movement that not only raises awareness but also translates into tangible actions for ODF at the community level.

“We must keep this campaign on the front burner,” she said.

In her remarks, Mrs Chizoma Opara, a Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, expressed concern over the persistence of open defecation in the country.

Opara, who is also the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, noted that the 2021 WASHNORM reports, revealed that more than 48 million Nigerians still engage in the practice.

“Open defecation is a sanitation and hygiene-related issue and a significant contributor to the spread of NTDs.

“Diseases like onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, trachoma, lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are transmitted through contaminated soil and faeces, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, malnutrition and ill health.

“By addressing open defecation, we can significantly reduce the transmission of NTDs,” Opara said.

Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as WAJE and a UNICEF Champion, expressed concern on the high rate of open defecation in Nigeria, reiterating her commitment to leading the campaign against the practice.

The event also featured a panel of discussion session where stakeholders deliberated on strategies to eliminate open defecation and related issues.

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu and Segun Giwa

Farmers recount losses as tomato prices drop by 90% in Gombe community

Michael Simire
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Farmers recount losses as tomato prices drop by 90% in Gombe community

Some tomato and pepper farmers and dealers in Bula community, Akko Local Government of Gombe State, are facing economic challenges as tomato prices drop by 90 per cent in two weeks.

Tomato
Baskets of tomato being sold at N1,000 at Bula community in Gombe State

A correspondent who visited the community on Thursday, September 12, 2024, observed that hundreds of baskets of tomato and bags of pepper were displayed for sale in the market.

Farmers and dealers were observed persuading customers to patronise their commodity.

As of Thursday, a big basket of tomato is N1,000 as against N10,000 which the commodity was sold at the community two weeks ago; this represents a 90 per cent drop in price.

A bag of bell pepper (Tatashe) which was sold for N40,000 two weeks back is now N10,000; representing 75 per cent drop in price of bell pepper.

While scotched bonnet (hot pepper) which was N50,000 is now N16,000; representing a 68 per cent drop in the price of the commodity.

Alhaji Saleh Maikudi, the Chairman of Tomato Farmers Association from Bula community, said farmers in the community were incurring huge losses daily.

According to him, a farmer or dealer loses daily, N9,000 per basket of tomato, N30,000 per bag of bell pepper and N34,000 per bag of hot pepper when compared with the price of the commodity two weeks back.

Maikudi, a 35-year-old farmer, said the situation was frustrating as his members had resorted to begging buyers to patronise.

He said the fear of incurring huge post-harvest losses had made farmers and dealers to beg customers in spite of the low price.

“This is why we are begging the Federal and the Gombe State Governments to come to our aid by providing processing facilities to prevent these losses and cut post- harvest losses.

“We have tomatoes and pepper in surplus now why not process and store, so we don’t experience scarcity of the commodity like we saw few months back?

“Farmers are now frustrated and apprehensive because the prices are not showing any good sign that they will get returns on their investment in view of the huge cost of farming,” he said.

Malam Khalifa Bello, the Chairman of Vegetables Sellers Association in the community, decried the huge monetary loss and post-harvest losses farmers in the community were facing.

He appealed to Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State and private investors to assist farmers with mini processing facilities to process tomatoes into paste or powder and package in sachets or cans.

According to him, until tomato value chain from planting, harvesting, processing, packaging and storage is harnessed, farmers in the state will not make enough profit from the vocation.

Bello attributed the drop in prices to the large quantities of the commodity being harvested from different farmlands in the community as they were at the peak of harvest.

He said more than 1,500 baskets of tomato and 2,000 bags of different types of pepper were being transported out of Bula community to various parts of the country daily.

A big basket of tomato was sold for as high N150,000 in May.

By Peter Uwumarogie

Divestment: Host communities drag Shell to court for breach of ‘Mareva’ injunction

Michael Simire
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Divestment: Host communities drag Shell to court for breach of ‘Mareva’ injunction

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Mohammed Ndarani, on behalf of over 1,216 residents of host communities filed a claim of N500 billion against Shell Petroleum Development Company for breach of subsisting “Mareva” injunction.

Shell
Shell facility

A Mareva injunction is aimed at preventing the dissipation or removal of assets by defendants where it would be to avoid judgment.

The case is filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja with number FHC/ABJ/cs/1300/2024.

This follows a reported $2.8 billion divestment deal between Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited and a group of Nigerian organisations and which the host communities are kicking against.

The communities claimed that the recent transaction between Shell and Renaissance is a clear breach of the subsisting Mareva injunction granted by the Federal High Court, Akure on Sept. 28, 2023.

The injunction restrained Shell from disposing its assets in Nigeria until the conclusion of the case.

The communities are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Shell, Renaissance and any other intending investors from entering any further negotiations towards the disposal of the said assets in breach of the injunction.

They prayed the court to order Shell to within 48 hours of the delivery of judgment in this suit, pay the sum of N500 billion as damages and another N5 billion as the cost of prosecuting the suit and legal representation.

The host communities, who sad that they are fish farmers, claimed that they suffered a great loss of properties due to the incessant incidents of oil spillage occasioned by ruptured pipelines belonging to Shell.

The claimants are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Shell, Renaissance and any other intending investors from entering into any further negotiations towards the disposal of the said assets.

SPDC JV, which operates 15 onshore and three shallow-water oil mining leases in Nigeria, had earlier this year moved to sell its assets to Renaissance.

Renaissance is a consortium of ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith, and Petrolin.

The deal is valued at $1.3 billion, with an additional $1.1 billion in potential payments related to receivables and cash balances.

The net book value of the assets is $2.8 billion as of Dec. 31, 2023, and further contingent payments were expected, depending on business performance and product price fluctuations.

By Ebere Agozie

Climate finance: Key pathway to addressing flooding in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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Climate finance: Key pathway to addressing flooding in Nigeria

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in Nigeria, has been increasingly affected by severe flooding, greatly impacting its residents and infrastructure. With climate change intensifying weather patterns and increasing rainfall, the need for effective solutions is urgent. Climate finance can provide the necessary funding and resources to implement sustainable strategies that address the root causes of flooding while enhancing community resilience.

Olumide Idowu
Olumide Idowu

Climate finance refers to the funds that are mobilised to support projects aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. For Maiduguri, these funds can be directed toward vital infrastructure improvements, disaster preparedness initiatives, and community resilience programmes. Access to climate finance is essential for implementing effective solutions that can combat the escalating flooding crises faced by the city.

One of the most pressing needs in Maiduguri is the improvement of drainage systems. Many areas suffer from inadequate infrastructure that cannot cope with heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding. Climate finance can be utilised to construct and upgrade drainage systems, ensuring that rainwater is effectively managed and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods. Investing in resilient infrastructure is a crucial step towards safeguarding lives and property.

In addition to traditional engineering solutions, climate finance can support the development of green infrastructure. Creating parks, bioswales, and green roofs can help absorb excess rainfall and reduce surface runoff. By integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning, Maiduguri can enhance its capacity to manage stormwater and mitigate the impacts of flooding while also improving air quality and public health.

Empowering local communities to engage in flood adaptation is essential. Climate finance can support programmes that educate residents about flood risks and provide training on sustainable practices. Community-led initiatives, such as local flood response teams and awareness campaigns, can significantly enhance resilience. By involving residents in the planning and implementation of solutions, the community can develop a deeper connection to the strategies that protect their homes and livelihoods.

The Nigerian government must expedite the processes related to climate finance to effectively address the flooding crisis in Maiduguri. Delays in accessing funds can hinder the implementation of critical projects that could mitigate the immediate impacts of flooding. By streamlining procedures and improving communication with international funding bodies, the government can ensure timely access to necessary resources.

To maximise the impact of climate finance, Nigeria should establish transparent and accountable mechanisms for fund allocation. This includes creating frameworks to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of funded projects. Furthermore, fostering collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and community organisations will enhance the sustainability and impact of climate finance initiatives.

As the global community prepares for COP29, it is vital that the conference focuses on the specific climate finance needs of vulnerable countries like Nigeria. International discussions should prioritise the creation of accessible funding mechanisms tailored for developing nations facing climate challenges. Wealthier nations should be encouraged to increase their financial contributions to support regions like Maiduguri, which are disproportionately affected by climate change.

Climate finance presents a critical opportunity to address the severe flooding issues in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. By investing in resilient infrastructure, promoting green solutions, and empowering local communities, Nigeria can build a sustainable framework for flood management.

It is imperative for the government to accelerate access to climate finance and for international forums like COP29 to recognise and address Nigeria’s urgent needs. Through concerted efforts, Maiduguri can overcome the challenges posed by flooding and pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.

By Olumide Idowu, Executive Director ICCDI Africa, @OlumideIDOWU

Wallenberg Medal: ICCDI Africa celebrates ‘beacon of environmental justice’ Nnimmo Bassey

Michael Simire
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Wallenberg Medal: ICCDI Africa celebrates ‘beacon of environmental justice’ Nnimmo Bassey

The International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI Africa) has disclosed that it is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Nnimmo Bassey as he is honoured with the Wallenberg Medal.

Wallenberg Medal
Nnimmo Bassey being honoured with the Wallenberg Medal

According to the group, the prestigious award recognises not only his tireless dedication to environmental justice but also his profound impact on communities around the world.

“Nnimmo’s work exemplifies the power of advocacy in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation,” submitted the Lagos-based group, adding that Bassey has been a leading voice in the fight against environmental injustices, particularly in his native Nigeria.

ICCDI noted that Bassey’s unwavering commitment to the rights of affected communities in the Niger Delta has brought global attention to the harmful effects of oil extraction and exploitation. It added that, through his leadership in organisations such as Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Environmental Rights Action and Friends of the Earth International, Bassey has championed the cause of those whose voices are often marginalised in environmental discussions.

“His advocacy has not only raised awareness but has also inspired action to protect vulnerable ecosystems and the rights of local populations.”

ICCDI added that, in addition to his activism, Nnimmo is a gifted storyteller and poet, using his art to convey the urgency of the climate crisis. It noted that his ability to weave narratives that resonate emotionally with audiences has been instrumental in mobilising support for environmental justice initiatives.

“Through public speaking engagements and written works, he has effectively highlighted the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental stewardship, urging us all to recognise our shared responsibility in addressing these pressing issues.”

ICCDI stated further: “The Wallenberg Medal is a fitting tribute to Nnimmo’s relentless pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable world. It serves as a reminder that individual actions can lead to systemic change, inspiring countless others to join the movement for environmental justice.

“Nnimmo’s belief in grassroots activism and community empowerment underscores the importance of local solutions in tackling global challenges. He encourages us to embrace the principle that true progress can only be achieved when all voices are included in the conversation.

“As we celebrate Nnimmo Bassey’s well-deserved recognition, let us also reflect on our collective responsibility to champion the causes he so passionately defends. His legacy is a call to action for each of us to engage in the fight against climate change and environmental injustices. Together, we can honour Nnimmo’s work by committing to sustainable practices and advocating for policies that protect both people and the planet, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”

CAPPA knocks NPA, condemns concession of water services at Tin Can Island Port

Michael Simire
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CAPPA knocks NPA, condemns concession of water services at Tin Can Island Port

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to privatise the Tin-Can Water Treatment plant by handing it over to Sandust Tincan Water Project Limited (STWP) under a 16-year concession agreement, saying it raises concerns about the indiscriminate sale of public utilities by the current government.

Tin Can Island Port
Tin Can Island Port

According to news reports, the concessioning of the plant located within the Tin-Can Island Port (TCIP) complex follows 18 years of abandonment, decay and neglect of the facility.

The concession agreement, valued at N11 billion, effectively transfers the management and operation of TCIP’s water facilities to STWP, beginning September 1, 2025. The functional operation of the TCIP’s water utility is expected to restore the production and sale of fresh water to visiting vessels and port users.

The non-governmental organisation noted that the concession agenda, driven by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and the Ministry of Finance, signals a worrying pattern of auctioning off essential public assets, particularly water infrastructure, under the guise of efficiency and increased revenue generation.

The organisation further stated that the concession reflects the lack of attention to the urgency of revamping water utilities for the benefit of underserved populations.

“Tin Can Island Port is Nigeria’s second-busiest port, serving as a crucial hub for international trade and economic development. As such, the supply of adequate clean water is also critical for sustaining the millions of citizens and residents within and around the port community who rely on it for their everyday domestic needs,” the statement noted.

The organisation lamented that turning over the control of such a vital resource to private hands with the sole purpose of revenue generation represents a step in the wrong direction and urged the government to reverse course by prioritising inclusive, socially responsible solutions that place public welfare at the centre of governance and development.

Sefa Ikpa, CAPPA’s Water Programme Officer, noted: “Entering into a concession agreement is not a solution but a symptom of a deeper systemic problem. In many instances, what leads to the decay of public infrastructure is rampant corruption and nepotism fuelled by a lack of accountability measures to keep public officers in check.

“Interestingly, even many private investments and firms, including financial institutions, have failed in Nigeria due to the same challenges. What this means, therefore, is that concessions are not the ultimate solution, neither is public ownership of national infrastructure an effort fated to fail. What needs to happen is the enforcement of effective accountability systems and best practices in the management of public utilities to guarantee optimum service delivery.”

Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, also described the NPA’s justification for entering a concession of the port’s water facility as disingenuous, noting that the government should have invested in and managed the utility directly given the woeful performance of concession ventures in the country.

“Records from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) reveal that the concessioning of public utilities in Nigeria has seen more failures than successes. For instance, a report by the Commission last year indicated that the Federal Government risked losing about N183 billion due to failed contractual agreements involving 25 concessioned public facilities and infrastructure.

“Interestingly, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recorded the highest failures over the past two decades. The Nigerian Ports Concessions of 2006, which is considered Nigeria’s first and largest concession involving 20 contracts, has become a failure nearly two decades after,” Akinbode said.

Still addressing the issue of public water, CAPPA also decried the recent Memoranda of Understanding signed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group to enhance the lightening of the FCT and boost improved rural water supply respectively. These deals, according to CAPPA, follow the same pattern of outsourcing critical services to foreign entities, continuing the cycle of external dependence that has continued to hobble Nigeria’s national development priorities while exporting critical expertise and jobs.

“It must be emphasised that no nation develops equitably when its critical national infrastructures, such as public water utilities, are submitted to private hands for profit-making.

“Rather than blindly following the dictates of international financial institutions, Nigerian authorities must find the courage to develop home-grown policies and initiatives that can truly fast-track our country’s national development and growth.

“The cycle of dispossession and exploitation that has long been the scorecard of public-private partnerships, privatisation or concession and other similar neo-liberal policies in Nigeria must be broken to give way for genuine public enjoyment of governance and ownership of national wealth,” the statement concluded.

Flood: Agency confirms 49 dead, 226 communities affected in Kano

Michael Simire
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Flood: Agency confirms 49 dead, 226 communities affected in Kano

The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has confirmed 49 persons killed and 226 communities affected by flood and windstorm in 27 Local Government Areas of the state from January 2024 till date.

Flooding in Kano
Flooding in Kano

Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, who disclosed this on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, while briefing newsmen in Kano, the state capital, recalled that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier predicted high risk of flooding in 14 local government areas of the state.

He said the affected areas included Tudun Wada, Gwale, Wudil, Danbatta, Ajingi, Dala, Gwarzo, Madobi, Bichi, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Tarauni, Minjibir, Bebeji, Rogo, Shanono, Kabo, Garin Malam and Ungogo.

According to him, others are Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Gezawa, Rogo and Bagwai Local Government areas.

He noted that the flood destroyed 6,583 houses while 38, 814 persons were affected.

“8,289 farmlands equivalent to ‘36,265 hectares’ were destroyed, 1, 414 persons were displaced, and 139 persons were injured,” SEMA boss said

According to him, the agency has taken rapid prompt response by visiting the affected local government areas to sympathise with the victims on behalf of Kano State Government and distributed relief materials to alleviate their sufferings.

“SEMA in collaboration with relevant stakeholders organised several workshops to proffer ways of curtailing environmental hazards especially flood.”

He commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for providing logistics and other necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the victims.

The executive secretary, who warned against building on water ways, urged residents in the state to always clear drainage system in front of their houses to prevent flood.

He called on wealthy individuals to complement the agency’s efforts by supporting flood victims with relief material.

According to him, the agency will not relent in its efforts to ensure the protection of lives and property.

By Ramatu Garba

Osun to embark on climate data collection, reporting, tracking

Michael Simire
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Osun to embark on climate data collection, reporting, tracking

The Osun State Government has revealed its plan to embark on a comprehensive initiative focused on the collection, reporting, and tracking of critical climate data.

Senator Ademola Adeleke
Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State

Consultant to the Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku, made this known to Osun Spring Correspondent in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

She noted that the initiative would play a central role in the development of Osun State’s Climate Action Plan which is a strategic framework that will guide the efforts of the state government to mitigate the impacts of climate change while fostering sustainable growth.

Prof Obuaku stated further that, by adopting this structured approach, Osun State would be able to monitor its progress, address challenges proactively, and ensure that all sectors are working towards a common goal of sustainability.

She said, “As global climate challenges intensify, Osun State is poised to take decisive steps toward becoming a leader in climate action and sustainability. In an effort to build a resilient future, we are embarking on a comprehensive initiative focused on the collection, reporting, and tracking of critical climate data.

“This initiative will play a central role in the development of our state’s Climate Action Plan, a strategic framework that will guide our efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change while fostering sustainable growth.

“Our initiative will be guided by a structured reporting template, ensuring that each sector contributes effectively to the state’s overall climate goals. This template will cover a range of critical areas, including an overview of ongoing climate actions, key activities and achievements, challenges encountered, data and metrics, stakeholder engagement, funding and resources, future plans, and actionable recommendations.

“By adopting this structured approach, Osun State will be able to monitor its progress, address challenges proactively, and ensure that all sectors are working towards a common goal of sustainability.

“As we move forward, it is essential that every stakeholder in Osun State remains engaged and committed to this cause. The climate challenges we face are complex and require a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.

“Osun State is not just reacting to the global climate crisis; we are taking bold, proactive steps to secure a sustainable future for our people. Through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our climate goals, we will ensure that our state remains a thriving and resilient community for generations to come.”

By Sola Isola

Maiduguri floods: Group calls for better emergency response

Michael Simire
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Maiduguri floods: Group calls for better emergency response

Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has faulted the Borno State Government, the Federal Government and the state’s emergency response team for their failure to protect the lives and properties of the people in Maiduguri, following the collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State, which has led to severe flooding in Maiduguri.

Chima Williams
Chima Williams

The Alau Dam collapsed on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, causing severe flooding which has submerged thousands of homes and displaced residents in several communities in Maiduguri.

Reacting to the incident, the Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, decried the inability of the managers of the dam proactively detect the rising water levels of the dam, which led to the collapse of the bridge.

Williams observed that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued prior warnings that were ignored by both the federal and state governments, which has led to the loss of livelihood in Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and other affected communities.

“In 30 years, this is the worst flooding Borno State has experienced and it could have been avoided. Homes have been destroyed. People have been displaced. Schools have been shut down. This shows a huge gap in our emergency management system in Nigeria,” he said.

Williams added that such disaster could have been avoided if the federal and state emergency management agencies were functional and proactive in carrying out their duties and serving the people.

He admonished other states to be watchful, to avoid a similar disaster. He also called on the federal and state governments to provide temporary accommodation for the affected communities, and to send food and other relief materials to cushion the effects of the flood.

Groups task govt on energy transition, seek communities’ inclusion

Michael Simire
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0
Groups task govt on energy transition, seek communities’ inclusion

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the Federal Government to expedite action on energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources to prevent climate crisis.

Energy Transition
Civil society actors at one-day capacity workshop on energy transition in Abuja

BudgIT Foundation, Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) and Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) made the call at one-day capacity workshop on energy transition in Abuja.

Mr Vincent Egoro, PWYP Senior Regional Coordinator, Anglophone Africa, said that the energy transition should be just and all-inclusive in order to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.

Egoro said, “For us in Nigeria and at PWYP, we want the energy transition to be just and inclusive, and this will require the reshaping of economic systems, policies, and financial instruments, as well as the adoption of new technologies and practices.

“This is where capacity building becomes important. By equipping all stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to drive this transformation, we can achieve a just transition and ensure that it is sustainable.”

NRGI Senior Officer, Nigeria Programme, Tengi George-Ikoli, who also urged the government to act fast on energy transition, said the world was transiting to avoid extreme weather/climate crisis, caused by deforestation, floods, fires and sea encroachment.

George-Ikoli, who presented a paper titled, “Energy Transition in Nigeria: Policies, Prospects, Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for Advocacy”, recalled that the past transitions included coal transition in 1800s, oil transition in 1920s, gas, hydro and nuclear transition in 1950s.

She added that there was solar and wind transition in 1900s, saying that the world was now transiting from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources to avoid extreme weather/climate crisis.

“Countries signed Paris Agreement in 2015 to hold increases below 2-degree Celsius and limit temperature increase to 1.5-degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.”

She stressed the need for government and relevant stakeholders to review and reshape economic systems, policies, and financial instruments fit into energy transition purpose for effective implementation.

In his remarks, Mr Enebi Opaluwa, Head, Natural Resource and Climate Governance, BudgIT Foundation, also emphasised the need for Nigeria to align with global energy transition, saying that many countries had transited from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.

Opaluwa said Nigerian government needed to act fast on energy transition because the demand for crude oil which earned the country’s revenue would soon decline.

According to him, there is need for government at all levels to ensure inclusion of vulnerable populations and underserved communities in their energy transition processes.

This, he added, could be achieved through awareness, enlightenment, education, empowerment and provision of different cleaner energy sources suitable for different vulnerable populations and their communities.

Also speaking, Executive Director of CODWA, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, said energy transition would only progress and be meaningful to the vulnerable populations and underserved communities if food security was guaranteed.

Otitolaye said, “A hungry person is an angry person; it is when vulnerable people eat, they will be happy and interested to listen to any enlightenment on energy transition.”

He urged CSOs to understand the difference between clean and renewable energy in order to inform and engage government strategically.

Otitolaye said that the sustainability objectives of clean and renewable energy vary in terms of environmental footmark, like land use for hydroelectric dams versus wind farms.

According to him, different energy sources require different technologies and infrastructure. For example, solar farms and nuclear plants need distinct resource allocations and planning.

By Priscilla Osaje

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