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SAPZ project strategic to Nigeria’s plan to industrialise agriculture – Shettima

Michael Simire
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SAPZ project strategic to Nigeria’s plan to industrialise agriculture – Shettima

The Federal Government says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) is a strategic milestone in its plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.

Kashim Shettima
Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, said this while performing the groundbreaking for the construction of Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.

It aims at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.

The facility is located in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna-Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State,

Shettima said the project was a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.

“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people.

” It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he said.

According to Shettima the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation.

He said  the SAPZ initiative was a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”

Shettima praised the Kaduna State Government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

The vice-president reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution.

“The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.

He said, “The SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development.”

According to Sani, agriculture plays a central role in Kaduna’s economy, contributes 42 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60 per cent of the state workforce.

“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just N1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved N74.2 billion,” he said.

Also, the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth.

While restating the bank’s commitment to the project, he said the initiative was currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.

“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.

The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The groundbreaking was witnessed by government dignitaries, stakeholders and partners who commended and pledged commitment to the project.

By Lucy Ogalue

Kano unveils environmental protection laws to combat pollution

Michael Simire
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Kano unveils environmental protection laws to combat pollution

The Kano State Government has unveiled new environmental protection laws designed to address the growing pollution challenges in the state.

Abba Yusuf
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State

Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Hashim, made this known shortly after presenting the new laws to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Farouk-Ibrahim, who pledged full support for the initiative.

“These laws are aimed at tackling environmental pollution, particularly issues such as the discharge of harmful chemicals, indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation on roads, and the release of contaminated water by factories, among others,” Hashim said.

The commissioner also said that the ministry would launch an eight-week public sensitisation campaign.

“The campaign will target individuals and sectors affected by the new laws to raise awareness on the importance of cleanliness and environmental care,” Hashim added.

He also noted that the laws would be published in both Hausa and English within the week to ensure the public access and understand them.

Hashim hoped that residents of Kano state would fully support government’s efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Renaissance launches sabbatical programme for varsity dons, researchers

Michael Simire
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Renaissance launches sabbatical programme for varsity dons, researchers

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has welcomed 14 professors and 23 research students from various Nigerian universities for the Renaissance Joint Venture sabbatical and internship programmes.

Renaissance
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, operator of the NNPC/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture has inducted 37 academia and Research Interns from several universities in Nigeria into its 2025-2026 Sabbatical & Research Internship Positions. Picture shows the indictees at Renaissance Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State…recently

“Providing practical industry experience opportunity for lecturers and research students is a sure way to strengthen teaching and research capability that will translate into building a pool of industry professionals that can drive Nigeria’s energy ambition beyond the 21st century,” said Renaissance’s General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, at the induction ceremony held at the company headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, April 7, 2025.

According to Weli, the sabbatical participants would be deployed in different operational areas of the exploration and production business of Renaissance including biodiversity, petroleum engineering, social investment, community health and environmental impact assessment.

He described the sabbatical and research internship programmes as a mutually beneficial relationship since the programmes also offer Renaissance access to specialised expertise from professors and senior lecturers.

“It is an investment in the next generation of innovators, and we are excited that we are on this path of making invaluable contributions to Nigerian Content Development because we are here for the long-term,” he said.

Weli, who was represented at the induction by the company’s Manager, Social Investment and Social Performance, Emmanuel Anyim, noted that the company would continue to strengthen the relationship with the academia through its various intervention programmes which had resulted in the setting up of professorial chairs and centres of excellence in some universities particularly in the Niger Delta where the company has its operations.

“Our educational intervention programmes, including university scholarships, are a purposeful expression of our unwavering commitment to community development through the empowerment of youths to give them opportunity to excel in professional disciplines,” Weli added.

Also speaking at the induction, Renaissance Country Health Manager, Dr. Akinwunmi Fajola, said, “This programme reaffirms Renaissance’s position as the industry leader in fostering a positive learning environment and empowering talented Nigerian people.”

Dr. Fajola urged the sabbaticals “to imbibe Renaissance’s policy of making positive contributions and leaving lasting impact in the lives of its neighbours and communities where it operates.”

In March 2025, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited completed its acquisition of the shares of SPDC and took over the SPDC Joint Venture operations to become the operator of the joint venture comprising the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Renaissance, TotalEnergies Limited and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Limited.

Lead poisoning: Govt orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

Michael Simire
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Lead poisoning: Govt orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara State following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

Dele Alake
Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Abuja.

Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is an evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him, the ministry will soon release comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

In 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state.

By Martha Agas

Nigeria commences work on its Transparency Report, National Communication to promote climate action

Michael Simire
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Nigeria commences work on its Transparency Report, National Communication to promote climate action

In what stakeholders have termed a show of force in the implementation of Nigeria’s numerous climate action-driven programmes, the federal government has started work on the country’s Second Biennial Transparency Report and Fourth National Communication (BTR2/NC4).

NCCCS
Participants in the BTR2/NC4 reports stakeholders workshop, which was hosted in Abuja by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS)

Speaking at a workshop organised by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director General of the Council, characterised the BTR2/NC4 as two crucial instruments for tracking climate progress and promoting strong alignment with more efficient data-driven climate action.

The DG, who was represented at the event by Dr. Chukwuemeka Okebugwu, an assistant director with the NCCCS, informed the participants that the meeting was held as a basic prerequisite for improving confidence and transparency in the execution of the Paris Agreement.

According to her, this process will eventually create a strong institutional framework that allows data and information to flow freely, enabling the realisation of high-quality reporting throughout the country.

Dr. Maduekwe, who also serves as the special presidential envoy on climate change, revealed that Nigeria has prepared and submitted three national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), two biennial update reports, and the recently submitted first BTR in December 2024.

“Today, we have convened again to commence the preparation of the next circle of reporting in the BTR2 and NC4 as a combined implementation as required under the enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement,” the DG stated.

The federal government and development agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported the technical sessions, which brought key stakeholders together to brainstorm, coordinate and establish a compliance procedure as well as data requirements to improve the BTR2/NC4 report.

Nigeria ratified the convention in August 2024, in accordance with the Conference of Parties (COP) resolutions. During the technical session, it was revealed that in 2023, Nigeria was ranked medium in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 ranking results, ahead of South Africa. Nigeria has been consistent in reporting on major outcomes; nevertheless, analysts argue the policy does not provide adequate support for the initiatives.

During the analysis of the BTR1, attendees identified gaps such as collective data from relevant institutions, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory setup, quantifying Nigeria’s climate resilience in access to clean electricity over the last four years, and climate reportage through reliable sources for wider information dissemination to improve citizens’ understanding, among other things.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

Five arrested, 3.765 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in Nigeria wildlife trafficking bust

Michael Simire
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Five arrested, 3.765 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in Nigeria wildlife trafficking bust

In a major strike against wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), supported by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), arrested five suspects and seized 3.765 tonnes of pangolin scales in Lagos, an amount estimated to represent the killing of over 1,900 pangolins.

pangolins
The Pangolin. Pangolins are believed to be the world’s most trafficked mammals

This marks the largest global seizure of pangolin scales reported so far in 2025 and underscores Nigeria’s increasing role in tackling transnational wildlife trafficking.

The successful operation was driven by intelligence provided by the WJC and targeted a high-volume supply chain network based in Lagos, specifically the well-known Lekki Arts and Crafts Market (Jakande Market). On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, a suspected key broker was apprehended, along with over one tonne of pangolin scales.

Follow-up intelligence led officers to a warehouse in Efiran, where the alleged network leader, a second suspected broker, and two employees were arrested, and a further 2.762 tonnes of scales were recovered.

“This operation underscores the power of intelligence-led law enforcement in tackling transnational wildlife crime,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission.

“Congratulations to the Nigeria Customs Service on another outstanding result this year. These arrests were made possible because WJC and NCS followed the money, demonstrating how financial investigations are a critical tool in identifying choke points, exposing key actors, to enable systematic dismantling of the top tier layer of major criminal networks.

“By targeting key actors and disrupting criminal operations from the top down and across global supply chains, we can disrupt organised wildlife crime and help prevent species from being driven to extinction,” added Swaak-Goldman.

This latest success highlights a broader shift in Nigeria’s wildlife trafficking landscape. What was once viewed as a low-risk, high-reward activity is now increasingly recognised by traffickers as a high-risk endeavour, thanks to the strategic and sustained enforcement actions by NCS and the WJC.

According to the WJC, it has been working in close partnership with the NCS since July 2021, providing intelligence analysis, investigative support, and evidentiary assistance. To date, this collaboration has facilitated 18 joint operations, leading to 42 arrests, the seizure of more than 25 tonnes of pangolin scales and over one tonne of ivory, and 12 successful convictions.

Among those convicted are a Vietnamese kingpin, his two associates, and two high-level shipping facilitators who were working for many of the Lagos-based organised crime networks.

“Our technical assistance has contributed to 95% of all pangolin scales seizures reported in Nigeria during this period. Notably, no significant seizures of African pangolin scales have been reported at any seaports globally for over three years, signaling a major disruption in transnational trafficking routes. This disruption also helps reduce pressure on the species, allowing populations a chance to recover,” disclosed the WJC in a statement made available to EnviroNews on Tuesday, April 8.   

To further inform the global response, the WJC noted that it would soon release a new report analysing ivory and pangolin scale trafficking trends over the past decade. Covering the period from 2015 to 2024, the report draws on seizure data, open-source research, and criminal intelligence.

“It offers critical insights into how trafficking operations have adapted and aims to support more targeted and effective law enforcement and policy responses worldwide,” submitted the WJC, adding:

“The WJC and Nigeria Customs Service remain steadfast in their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for wildlife traffickers.”

11th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development to focus on driving jobs, economic growth

Michael Simire
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11th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development to focus on driving jobs, economic growth

The Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) is set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from April 9 to April 11, 2025, preceded by pre-events, such as the Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. This multi-stakeholder forum is jointly organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and various United Nations agencies.

Kampala
The city of Kampala in Uganda is hosting the ARFSD-11

Under the theme “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science-and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063,” ARFSD-11 aims to address the pressing need for concerted action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. With only five years left to meet these ambitious targets, the Forum represents a crucial opportunity to catalyse real change on the Continent.

While some progress has been registered on the SDGs as reported in voluntary reviews, the organizing experts worry that Africa, like many parts of the world, is currently off track with most SDG targets and has even seen regression in certain areas. The Forum is being held at a critical time when commitments to enhance the pace of implementation across the continent need to be revitalised. African States need to take bold, ambitious and accelerated transformative measures to improve development outcomes.

As part of the ARFSD, countries will participate in a Regional preparatory workshop for African voluntary national reviews and voluntary local reviews, with the aim of strengthening peer-to-peer learning and sharing best practices and success stories in addressing common challenges that are specific to Africa.

Furthermore, there is the urgency to implement the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063, as it directly aligns with the overarching goals of the 2030 Agenda, with ambitions known as “moonshots” which include the attainment of at least middle-income status and the amicable resolution of conflicts in Africa by 2044.

Amplifying Africa’s collective voice on the SDGs and Agenda 2063

The annual Forum is coming in the wake of resolutions reached at the 2024 Summit of the Future and the need to push concrete actions for the implementation of the Summit’s outcomes. Additionally, the Forum will serve as a preparatory meeting for the Second World Summit for Social Development, set to be held in Qatar in November 2025. This alignment emphasizes the importance of Africa’s collective voice on global platforms.

The objectives of ARFSD-11 include a comprehensive review of progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 with specific focus on five key SDGs:

  • SDG 3 (good health and well-being)
  • SDG 5 (gender equality)
  • SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth)
  • SDG 14 (life below water) and
  • SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) and the corresponding goals of Agenda 2063 with a special focus on its second ten-year implementation plan (STYIP).

Furthermore, the Forum aims to strengthen learning and advocate for effective policy measures that promote sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions at national, regional, and global levels. It will also facilitate consensus-building and the adoption of key outcome documents, including the Kampala Declaration on sustainable development.

As a multi-stakeholder forum, ARFSD-11 will adopt a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation from ministers, high-level policymakers, experts, and practitioners across various sectors. Participants will represent ministries responsible for planning, economic development, gender and social affairs, health, environmental management, and more. Additionally, stakeholders from civil society, the private sector, media, academia, and regional organisations will contribute to the discussions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue.

According to the organising team, Africa is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to significantly advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 from the ground up. The Forum is being organised as one that needs to shape the future of sustainable development across the region.

LAWMA partners UNIDO, FIBRA for sustainable plastic value chain

Michael Simire
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LAWMA partners UNIDO, FIBRA for sustainable plastic value chain

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to promote sustainable plastic waste management.

LAWMA
LAWMA partners UNIDO, and FIBRA

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, Director, Public Affairs, LAWMA, made available on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Lagos.

The statement said that the initiative, tagged “UNIDO Project 210184: Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices,” is funded by the Government of Japan.

It said that the project seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development by addressing plastic pollution at source.

“As part of the project, four plastic waste collection facilities and 30 designated collection points will be established across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities.

“While LAWMA will provide the land and essential infrastructure, as UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development, and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative,” it said.

The statement quoted LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, as saying that that the project required two land parcels each in Lekki and Lagos Mainland, which had been secured.

Gbadegesin said LAWMA was exploring a collaborative model with a local school to integrate an educational facility alongside the recycling centre, to foster environmental awareness and learning within the community.

The statement also quoted the National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, overseeing environmental projects and programmes, Dr Osuji Otu, as saying that they were united in ensuring the initiative’s success.

“LAWMA, UNIDO and FBRA are united in their commitment to the nation’s environmental progress, and we have chosen Abuja and Lagos as key locations for the initiative.

“In Abuja, we have the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB; in Lagos, we are working with LAWMA and FBRA to pilot the project.”

Otu explained that the goal of the project was to lay the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy.

“The aim is to implement a successful pilot that can be replicated across the country.

“The success of the initiative will serve as a benchmark for future efforts in Nigeria, which is why these two organisations must collaborate and ensure the project’s success.

“This will help attract additional funding and allow us to expand this model to other regions,” Otu said.

He also called for greater involvement of other sister agencies, urging them to embrace such initiatives.

Otu described environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, as a global priority.

“I encourage other agencies to align with these programmes and support both the Nigerian government and UNIDO in addressing this pressing issue,” Otu said.
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The statement quoted the Executive Director of Finance at LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, as saying that the project was initiated in 2022 by UNIDO, involving LAWMA and FBRA.

Adebiyi noted that the goal was to strengthen the state’s recycling capacity and fostering partnerships for the state’s broader environmental goals.

“This initiative aligns with LAWMA’s mission to promote efficient waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos.

“We are optimistic that this project will contribute significantly to environmental sustainability,” Adebiyi said.

The statement said the collaboration was anchored by a cooperation committee made up of representatives of UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA.

According to the statement, the committee is tasked with monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies to operate the facilities under lease agreements, and resolving challenges that may arise during implementation.

It explained that the facilities would be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process based on predefined criteria.

The statement mentioned that FBRA, a key partner in the initiative, is a Producer Responsibility Organisation, responsible for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies in Nigeria’s food and beverage sector.

“FBRA’s role in the project also includes leading community awareness campaigns in Lekki and Lagos Mainland.

“With growing concerns over plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.

“This  collaboration represents a significant step toward strengthening a circular economy in Lagos and Abuja to reduce waste, promote recycling, and support green job creation,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the project is expected to run until September 2026.

It added that the partnership between LAWMA and FBRA would continue beyond the official timeline, to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Over 400 million tonnes of plastic wastes are generated annually.

By Fabian Ekeruche

HYPREP to upgrade research centre to international standards

Michael Simire
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HYPREP to upgrade research centre to international standards

The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has revealed plans to replicate crcCARE, a renowned Australian research centre, in Ogoniland.

HYPREP
Visit to Ogoniland by Prof. Ravi Naidu, Managing Director of crcCARE

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, following a visit to Ogoniland by Prof. Ravi Naidu, Managing Director of crcCARE and academic at the University of Newcastle, Australia.

“They have a functional centre at crcCARE, and we intend to replicate that same model here at the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) in Ogoniland,” Zabbey stated.

The crcCARE is a collaborative initiative involving multiple organisations dedicated to developing innovative solutions for the prevention and remediation of soil, water, and air contamination, including the management of solid and liquid waste.

Zabbey emphasised that Naidu’s visit to CEER, located in Wiiyaakara, Khana Local Government Area, marks a critical step towards reducing conflict and agitation in the region.

“The centre will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research in environmental remediation, as well as provide practical training and job creation opportunities for local youth and women,” he added.

He commended Naidu’s contributions to the development of remediation technologies, including Permeable Reactive Barriers, one of the advanced techniques that will be utilised for restoring high-risk and complex sites.

According to Zabbey, HYPREP is currently developing a model for environmental cleanup in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria, and as such, strategic partnerships with reputable global industry players are essential for long-term sustainability.

He noted that collaboration with crcCARE, one of the world’s leading centres for environmental remediation, is especially important, given the novelty of the Ogoni Clean-up initiative in the region.

The HYPREP project coordinator further stated that the partnership would offer targeted solutions to the environmental and socio-economic challenges in Ogoniland and Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, Prof. Naidu expressed confidence that CEER will continue to address environmental and public health issues arising from pollution exposure.

He confirmed that crcCARE would collaborate with HYPREP and CEER in areas including site assessment, characterisation, remediation, and capacity building.

By Abigael Joshua

SDGs: UN, AU deepen alignment with Africa’s agenda 2063

Michael Simire
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0
SDGs: UN, AU deepen alignment with Africa’s agenda 2063

The United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) have intensified efforts to align the African Union’s Agenda 2063 with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030.

SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ms. Botho Bayendi, Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Delivery at the AU Commission, said this in a statement by the United Nations Economic Commission for African (UNECA).

Bayendi said the initiative, called ”Two Agendas, One Framework”, aimed to harmonise Africa’s long-term development plan with global SDGs for more effective implementation at national levels.

She spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, which commenced on April 7, 2025, and expected to end on the 12 in Addis Ababa.

The meeting is themed ”Accelerating Transformation through the Implementation of Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) alongside the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

Bayendi said that realities on ground demanded increased cooperation between the UN and the AU as both institutions target the same development indicators.

Similarly, Said Adejumobi, Director, Strategic Planning, Oversight and Results Division (SPORD) at UNECA, said Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 had an 80 per cent convergence rate, necessitating joint efforts for effective implementation.

Adejumobi added that the UN system, through its Resident Coordinators in every African country, would drive national-level implementation of the STYIP in line with the ”Two Agendas, One Framework” approach.

Mr. Yacoub El-Hillo, Regional Director of the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), praised the AU-UN collaboration.

He cited the ”College-to-College” strategic approach, a joint coordination mechanism in peace, security, development, and humanitarian sectors as a key achievement.

According to El-Hillo, the partnership holds significant promise for the continent’s 1.5 billion people, reinforcing the need for unified action.

In his remarks Amb. Maes Ennio of Côte d’Ivoire, representing Agenda 2063 Champion, President Alhassan Ouattara, said the synergy between the UN and AU could form the basis for Africa’s transformation.

“The 2018 Memorandum of Understanding signed between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat remains a cornerstone of the joint efforts toward harmonising Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030.

“This side event also aims to facilitate the integration of STYIP priorities into the UN Country Teams’ Common Country Analyses (CCAs) and Cooperation Frameworks (CFs).

“This will further ensure alignment of national development plans with both Agendas,” he said.

The meeting brought together all UN Resident Coordinators across Africa, along with key development partners.

It was jointly organised by the AUC, UNECA, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), AUDA-NEPAD, and the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), under the Technical Working Group for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP).

The STYIP outlines Africa’s development vision from 2024 to 2033 and is designed to align with the UN’s global development goals as part of efforts to harmonise national development plans across member states.

By Lucy Ogalue

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