Flood has hit most parts of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and rendered hundreds of the residents temporarily homeless.
Flooding in Makurdi, Benue State
A correspondent who went round Makurdi on Sunday, July 21, 2024, reports that worse hit areas include Achussah, Jerome Hwande Street, Ankpa quarters extension, Ankpa ward by Demekpe, Living Faith Church, Naka Road, Behind Customary Court of Appeal.
Others are Gboko Road, JS Tarka University of Agriculture Road, Nyiman Village, Wurukum Roundabout, Logo1 Akpehe Village, Ide Village and Kasho Village,
amongst others.
The disaster has not only rendered hundreds within the state capital homeless, but huge properties lost.
Flooding has over the last decade become a yearly routine, destroying properties and causing loss of lives in some cases.
These areas were among the worst hit areas of the 2017 flooding that displaced over 120,000, persons in the Benue capital, while in 2022, over 14 councils were affected.
Makurdi residents mostly experience challenges of flooding, whenever there is rainfall largely due to lack of proper and adequate drainage system and not always due to the overflow of River Benue.
At Agber Village, Mrs Hope Igbawua said that the situation was beyond their control, adding that the residents have reported the matter to relevant authorities over the years without positive response.
Igbawua said that, as a community, they couldn’t do much, saying the situation required hundreds of millions to be addressed.
“See my brother, our problem here is not the overflow of water from River Benue but lack of a proper and adequate drainage to collect water to the main drainage that was constructed by the Federal Government.
“The situation we face here is almost similar with many people in Makurdi. Not all of us are affected by the overflow of River Benue. We need drains,” she said.
The Executive Secretary (ES), Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Mr James Iorpuu, said they are already mapping out areas and households affected by the flood for immediate intervention.
Iorpuu said SEMA had earlier carried out massive advocacy on flood and appealed to those living along flood prone areas to evacuate to safer areas.
On his part, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Mr Ugwu Odoh, said comprehensive drainage design of the affected communities would be carried out while the Urban Development Board would demolish buildings blocking water channels.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mr Aondowase Kunde, said a joint memo would be submitted to the Governor for necessary actions to address the issue of flooding in the state.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has asserted that products refined at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single train refinery, are of superior quality compared to imported equivalents and meet international standards. He expressed his confidence after the House leadership insisted on testing other diesel products, alongside Dangote’s diesel at its state-of-the-art laboratory.
Dangote Refinery gate
During a tour of both Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex by members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and other members who observed the testing of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from two petrol stations alongside Dangote Petroleum Refinery, praised the company for its significant investments and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The diesel samples were procured from two well-known filling stations near Eleko junction along the Lekki Epe Expressway, by the honourable members. Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream, Ikeagwunon Ugochinyere, and Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream, Okojie Odianosen, oversaw the collection of samples from the Mild Hydro Cracking (MHC) unit of Dangote refinery for testing of all the samples.
Lab tests revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm (parts per million), whereas the other two samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.
Dangote emphasised that these findings debunked claims made by Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, who recently asserted that imported diesel surpasses domestically refined products. Ahmed had alleged that Dangote refinery and other modular refineries like Waltersmith and Aradel produced diesel with sulphur content ranging from 650 to 1200 ppm — a statement criticised by many Nigerians as a tactic to favour imported products over local ones.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote
Dangote openly challenged the regulator to compare the quality of refined products from his refinery with those imported, advocating for an impartial assessment to determine what best serves the interests of Nigerians.
“We produce the best diesel in Nigeria. It’s disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime; transparency is paramount to us. It would be beneficial for the regulator to showcase its laboratory to the world so Nigerians can compare. Our interest is Nigeria first because if Nigeria doesn’t grow, we have limited capacity for growth.
“Right Honourable Speaker and esteemed members, you’ve witnessed the results of the credibility test. I appreciate your wise counsel in procuring samples from the filling stations alongside our refinery’s product. Ours shows a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, approximately 88, whereas the others exceeded 1,800 ppm. Although the NMDPRA permits local refiners to produce diesel with sulphur content up to 650 ppm until January 2025, as approved by ECOWAS, ours is significantly lower. Next week, we aim to achieve 10 ppm, aligning with the Euro V standard. Imported diesel is capped at 50 ppm, but as you’ve seen, those from the stations, imported by major marketers, fall well outside this standard.”
Dangote pointed out that high-sulphur content diesel regularly imported into the country often comes with dubious certifications. He emphasised that the most effective method to verify the quality is to purchase the product directly from filling stations and conduct credibility tests. According to him, this issue has resulted in both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians.
“Dubious certifications often accompany the importation of high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, causing both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians,” noted Dangote.
“The best method to verify this is to purchase the product directly from filling stations where end-users obtain it. I believe Farouk Ahmed speaks without sufficient knowledge of our refinery. We have successfully exported diesel and jet fuel to Europe and Asia without any complaints; in fact, we have received repeated orders, indicating satisfaction with our products,” he added.
Supporting Dangote’s assertion, VP of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, highlighted recent actions by European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands.
“These countries have expressed concerns about the carcinogenic effects of high-sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian market, prompting them to impose bans on such fuel exports to West Africa.”
Edwin informed the federal lawmakers that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, designed to process a wide range of crudes including various African and Middle Eastern crudes, as well as US Light Tight Oil, conforms to Euro V specifications.
In addition, he said, it is designed to comply with US EPA, European emission norms, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms, and African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.
Noting that products from the $20 billion facility are of high quality and meet international standards, Edwin said it has the capacity to meet 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation Jet, with surpluses available for export.
The Group’s VP, Olakunle Alake, expressed disappointment over accusations of monopoly against the Dangote Group. He stressed that there are multiple players in the industry, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which operates four refineries.
Expressing concern over the controversy surrounding the quality of imported refined products into Nigeria, Speaker Abass stated that the Green Chamber would establish a committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. He emphasised that sampled products from various sources would undergo testing as part of this initiative.
The Speaker also expressed admiration for the infrastructure at the Dangote Oil Refinery, describing it as a significant asset in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products. He noted that the refinery has positioned itself as a pivotal player, especially at a time when global concerns over energy security and sustainability are paramount.
“Today’s visit to the magnificent facilities of Dangote Industries Oil Refinery section has been nothing short of enlightening. It has afforded us a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the monumental strides that your organisation has made in transforming the landscape of petroleum production in Nigeria. The sheer scale and sophistication of this facility are awe-inspiring; it stands as a beacon of hope for our country as we navigate through the turbulent waters of energy supply challenges,” he said.
Commending the state-of-the-art technology implemented at the petroleum refinery, Abbas praised it as revolutionary and a shining example of engineering and innovation excellence.
“Each corner of this facility resonates with the echoes of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding pursuit of quality. It is evident that every drop produced here carries not just oil but also the hopes and dreams of millions who yearn for a brighter future. We are deeply impressed by what we have seen during this visit which confirms the rating of this industry as the single largest oil refinery in Africa. This remarkable achievement does not merely reflect corporate success; it symbolises national pride, a tribute to what can be accompanied when visionary leadership meets relentless determination,” he said.
Acknowledging the numerous challenges likely encountered during the construction of the refinery, the Speaker lauded Dangote for his steadfast commitment to achieving excellence.
“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the myriad challenges that have beset this remarkable facility. The regulatory hurdles that often loom like dark clouds over progress, the complexities surrounding crude oil supplies that can stifle even the most ambitious endeavours, and the daunting economic landscape we navigate especially in these times when our economy grapples with foreign exchange constraints are all formidable adversaries. Yet, despite these tribulations, your unwavering commitment to excellence shines through,” he attested.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) have donated 1.34 tonnes of improved rice, millet and sorghum seeds to farmers in Yobe State.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari
The donation was sponsored by USAID under the Feed the Future Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) project.
Mr Prakash Silwal, Chief of Party and Principal Specialist of NIAA project, stated this at the commencement of the seeds distribution in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
He said the donation was part of efforts by the group to transform agriculture in North-Eastern Nigeria.
Silwal said, “Since 2019, the US Government, through the NIAA, has been steadfast in its commitment to fostering agricultural growth and enhancing food security in the region.
“Our journey has been one of collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
“In response to the secondary impacts of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, we expanded our scope in September 2022 to scale up interventions in seed system development across Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe.
“This expansion was essential in ensuring that our efforts reached even more communities, empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable agricultural success.”
He also said that certificates would be presented to 28 Community Based Entrepreneurs trained by the group in Yobe from 2022.
“A cornerstone of this initiative has been our partnership with the National Seed Council (NASC).
“Together, we organised our beneficiary seed producers into Community-Based Seed Cooperatives (CBSCs), training them in good agronomy practices and empowering them to elevate their status as seed enterprises.
“Through this collaboration, we facilitated their access to critical agricultural inputs, including foundation seeds, and ensured their seed samples underwent rigorous testing by the National Agricultural Seeds Council Laboratory in Gombe.
“Today, we celebrate the fruition of these efforts as 121 cooperatives receive their NASC certification, an important proof of their hard work, dedication, and adherence to the highest standards of seed quality,” the official said.
He added that there were vast opportunities in the seed development sector, pledging the groups’ commitment to setting an agricultural development and food security agenda for the Northeast region.
Silwal said: “Moreover, this event is a call to action. It seeks to build a robust network of committed international investors and development actors, connecting them with the opportunities and networks on the ground in Nigeria.
“Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and prosperous seed system, driving agricultural transformation and ensuring food security for all.”
Former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of NNPC have expressed their support for the current leadership and commended efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across key sectors.
Dr Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, former NNPC GMD
At a CEO Forum hosted by the NNPC on Friday, July 20, 2024, that provided insights on NNPC’s transition post PIA, the challenges and opportunities therefrom, the former GMDs commended Mele Kyari as the first Group CEO to implement the PIA, and noted with satisfaction the progress made with hope that its limitations will be addressed over time.
“We obtained insights into NNPC’s business activities in the context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations and operational updates. In particular, oil and gas production growth plan, gas infrastructure project delivery plan, progress on refinery rehabilitation and issues related to petroleum product supply and energy security were discussed,” the former GMDs disclosed in a communique released at the close of the meeting.
They also acknowledged with satisfaction the significant progress made in:
Increasing crude oil and gas production
Funding of upstream operations and investments
Gas supply and infrastructure development for domestic and export including CNG and LPG delivery
Refineries rehabilitation progress
Reduction in carbon emissions and commercialisation of Nigeria’s vast gas resources
They expressed their satisfaction in the achievements recorded and encouraged the management team to continue advancing strategies to improve operations, grow portfolio, and manage talent.
They noted with satisfaction the continuation of the policy on recruitment which takes into consideration the principles of diversity and inclusion as well as performance-based career progression via a transparent process.
“We also noted that limited information is in the public domain on NNPC’s operations since transition to a private commercial entity. This has led to misleading commentary which we believe is not in tandem with the strides achieved by the company.
“We empathise with the management team over the state of onshore operations with over seven thousand illegal refineries destroyed and over five thousand illegal connections removed.
“We reiterate that any attack on crude oil and gas facilities as well as illegal refining are acts of criminality and economic sabotage. Therefore, all activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria must be sanctioned.
“We appreciate that the PIA has made provisions for the Host communities’ development and also provided for sustainable funding. We trust that Government Security Agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and activities of pipeline vandals are stopped to allow for investment and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
Lastly, they expressed appreciation to the support that all tiers of Government and the Nigerian citizens continue to give NNPC and trust that this will be sustained by the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The CEO Forum was attended by former GMDs like Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, Dr Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, Funsho Kupolokun, Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua, Austen Oniwon, Andrew Yakubu, and Abiye Membere (former GED E&P – Resource Person).
The Federal Government of Nigeria and stakeholders in Abuja on Saturday, July 20, 2024, developed a policy document that would mitigate the impact of climate change on health care delivery in the country.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said this during a two-day National Stakeholders Validation Workshop, on Nigeria’s Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment report.
Anyaike explained that there had been an upsurge of flooding with the attendant health complications in the country.
“For instance, the country has witnessed cases of cholera, some places where mosquitos do not breed, the effect of climate has made it warmer for the victors to breed in such places, which increases the burden of malaria.
“There is also the case of flooding with the attendance of increasing the breeding sites of lymphatic filariasis,” he said.
According to him, the 774 Local Government Areas visited, 583 of them have high burden of lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis.
The director said that the flooding had washed the farms and destroyed property in many places.
According to him, 40 per cent of complications of flooding come from drowning.
“There are lots of issues that have to do with climate change and its impact on health, so we are here to come up with development of a document to address the health issues caused by it.
“First, we need to find out the vulnerability and the impact on health, we have all the relevant stakeholders, and we are there to come out with a document that is implementable.
“This is because the country used to come out with documents and at the end it will not be implemented, maybe because we are not bringing stakeholders on board,” he said.
Anyaike said that the health system was built on the principle of primary health care and there was need to get it at the level.
“We will come up with documents that will support the health minister to address health issues in the country,” he said.
Also, Dr Walter Mulombo, Country Representative to Nigeria, World Health Organisation (WHO), said that the health sector was becoming highly vulnerable to climate change.
Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Edwin Edeh, National Technical Officer, Public Health and Environment, WHO, said that the country was faced with raising effects of flooding.
Mulomboi said he had witnessed cholera causes in some states and most of the health facilities were affected by climatic issues.
“So, with such issue of concern the health sector needs to be proactive to take certain measures.
“These measures, we need to know what the challenges and the gaps are and how the sector can respond to climate crises.
“Assessment has been conducted with partners to see how we can come out with priority interventions that can solve climate problems in the health centre,” he said.
According to him, the intervention will help protect Nigerians from health emergencies, it will also ensure there is adequate financing to support climate related issues in the health system.
Mulombo said that Nigeria was the first county to be driving the vulnerability assessment report.
Mr Rob Wood, Managing Director, International LTD Consultant, Halcyon, said they were hired with support from United Kingdom government to support the ministry of health to carry out first Nigerian climate change and vulnerability and adaptation assessment report.
Wood said that the project started in January and that data were collected from all the six political zones.
He said that they spoke with more than 300 stakeholders and carried out enough analysis.
“We are looking at the current issues and what will be the future risk on the health sector as Nigerians’ health in regard to climate changes needs the validation.
“So, we are here to validate report which will be launched in a few weeks’ time,” Wood said.
The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, on Saturday, July 20, 2024, inaugurated a five-year Climate Action Strategic Plan to promote green economy and advance liveable and prosperous Anambra State.
Delegates at the inauguration of the Climate Action Plan at COOU
The Convener and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kate Omenugha, inaugurated the plan at the maiden Climate Action Summit with the theme: “Tremendous Strategy for a Sustainable Future”.
The summit featured the Investiture of Climate Action Ambassadors and Students’ Environment Police.
Omenugha said part of the plan was to plant one million trees in five years.
“We have put together a five-year road map for tree planting and climate action. The goal is for us to have a better tomorrow, a liveable and prosperous Anambra state.
“But to achieve this, it requires teamwork, which is why we are having this summit, so that we can rub minds on how and what we can do differently so that we can catch up with the world.
“We cannot continue to pay lip service to the devastating effects of climate change in the university environment and the state, therefore, we must solve it and take back the ecosystem,” she said.
In his keynote address, Dr Joseph Onoja, Director-General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), said tree planting and restoration of the country’s forests could help Nigeria tackle issues concerning climate change.
“Nigeria’s forest cover has dwindled since after independence. So, an action plan such as tree planting will go a long way in restoring Nigeria’s forest cover.
“This move is vital for the Nigeria’s ecological balance, economic development and cultural heritage.
“We commend the management of COOU for the great decision towards institutionalising environmental sustainability and high-impact climate change mitigation programmes in the university,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr Felix Odimegwu, Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, commended the university for identifying with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s green initiative.
He urged relevant stakeholders and students to key into the project to achieve a healthier, cleaner and greener state.
Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra State says the planting of trees is a way of driving environmental sustainability and wealth creation.
Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra State
Soludo said this on Saturday, July 20, during the inauguration of 2024 distribution of economic trees seedlings to people in Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra.
He said that tree planting played a pivotal role in sustainable development, preservation of ecosystem and environmental conservation.
Soludo said that neglect of tree planting and environmental conservation had given room for erosion menace in the state.
He said this had made the state to become the gully erosion capital of the world.
The governor said that people must utilise every inch of the land to drive technology innovation and commerce because that is the foundation for the future which the state laid.
“We are launching an ongoing programme designed to plant at least 10 million seedlings in Anambra.
“These trees will in the medium term constitute Anambra’s own crude oil. This activity lies the industrialisation, entertainment and leisure.
“Anambra is in many ways the second Lagos, we have the second largest land mass after Lagos, but the difference between Anambra and Lagos is that, while Lagos is reclaiming its land from the ocean, Anambra is encumbered with the erosion,” he said.
Soludo said the state was making progress in all areas, adding that traders had started coming back because there was no room for touting activities across the state.
He said the state was doing well in infrastructure as almost 500 kilometres of roads were earmarked for construction.
Soludo said that, by 2026, about 300 roads would have been completed in Anambra.
Make renewable energy the energy by the people, and for the people.
Dr David Terungwa, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), made the call in an interview during the street March for Renewable Energy to mark the launch of REPower Afrika (#REPowerAfrika) campaign in Abuja, Nigeria, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
REPower Afrika campaigners in Abuja
He said that lack of electricity had led to a huge hindrance to economic development, thereby causing poverty and hardship especially in sub–Saharan Africa including Nigeria.
He said that renewable energy was replenished by nature and emits little to no greenhouse gases or pollutants into the air.
He said clean energy was a pathway to a healthy, liveable planet today and for generations to come and a key to a solution to mitigate climate change.
According to him, we need to re-power the continent. It is a community led solution to energising the continent of Africa using renewable energy.
“Renewable energy is very important because of the energy poverty that Africa is currently experiencing. Over six hundred and forty million Africans do not have access to power.
“This is about 4th per cent of the population and over ninety million Nigerians do not have access to reliable power, and we are blessed with renewable energy resources.
“Meanwhile, most of the critical minerals that are used for the development of renewable energy technologies such as solar, batteries among others, we have them.
He said that the organisation was formed with the aim of mobilising and empowering young people in promoting renewable energy adoption.
Dr David Terungwa, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), involved in the REPower Afrika campaign
The executive director said that the mining sector should be reformed effectively, adding that the government should invest in the industry as Nigeria has immense potential to contribute significantly to the nation`s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“We have abundant natural resources, but we must also be very careful about the dash for the transition minerals in our country. Mining activities must be done with global best practices.
“Involving international organisations will help to ensure that mining operations are done in a more sustainable and more resilient way in the country.
“Also, those communities where the resources are dwelling should as well benefit from these blessings that God has given to them, through efficient and effective operation.
“So, my advice is that as we transition into net zero low carbon there is a need to carry everyone along,’’ he said.
The executive director, however, called on the African government to power the continent using the available resources, adding that the effort would enhance economic development in Africa.
“Let’s make renewable energy, energy by the people, for the people,” he reiterated.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Sunday, July 21 to Tuesday, July 23, 2024, across the country.
Rainfall
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Saturday, July 20, in Abuja, forecast thunderstorms on Sunday with rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Gombe, and Yobe states during the morning hours.
“While later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the entire northern region. Rains are expected over the North Central region in the morning hours.
“Later in the day, moderate thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue and Kogi states.
“Intermittent rains are anticipated in the morning hours over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states,” it said.
According to it, intermittent rains are expected to prevail over parts of Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa states during the afternoon/evening hours.
The agency predicted morning thunderstorms on Monday with rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto, Bauchi, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba and Katsina states.
NiMet envisaged moderate thunderstorms later in the day over parts of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara, Yobe, Adamawa and Katsina states.
The agency anticipated rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory and Plateau State during the morning hours.
It predicted moderate thunderstorms with rains later in the day over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kogi states.
“There are prospects of intermittent rains over parts of Edo, Rivers and Delta states with Cloudy atmosphere over the remaining southern states.
“Later in the day, moderate/intermittent rains are expected over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Rivers states,” it said.
According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are predicted on Tuesday with rains over parts of Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, and Taraba states.
The agency forecast thunderstorms over the entire northern region later in the day.
It predicted rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kwara states with cloudy skies over the remaining states during the morning hours.
“In the afternoon or evening hours, intermittent rains are expected over part of the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states.
“There are prospects of morning rains over parts of Edo, Delta, Imo and Anambra states with cloudy skies anticipated over the remaining parts of the southern region.
“Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over parts of Ondo, Edo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa states,’’ it said.
NiMet advised the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.
It further advised the residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities could occur due to downpours.
“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet.
“Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has inducted 108 environmental experts to help address the various ecological challenges bedevilling growth in Nigeria.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director General, NESREA
The newly accredited environmental consultants will help the agency identify, assess, and mitigate all environmental impacts. They will also collaborate with the regulatory authority to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, NESREA’s Director General, who inaugurated the group on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Abuja, tasked them to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and ethics in carrying out their duties.
According to him, their entrance is a strong reminder to be vigilant and aggressive in dealing with challenges that endanger the nation’s ecosystem. It also provides a chance for them to collaborate with NESREA and other stakeholders to foster an environmentally responsible and sustainable culture.
This is important, he went on to explain, because their work will contribute to the safeguarding of the country’s natural resources, protect public health, and promote sustainable development.
“You will be our eyes and ears on the ground, helping us to monitor, evaluate, and improve our environmental practices across various sectors,” he said, because “your efforts will help preserve the country’s natural resources, protect public health, and promote sustainable development.”
NESREA, in partnership with the European Union (EU) in Nigeria, organised the programme to strengthen the capacity to achieve the aforementioned goals.
Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, the EU’s Programme Officer, gave the assurance that the EU would keep collaborating with the regulatory body to advance long-term progress throughout Nigeria.
Ogbemudia, who joined the ceremony virtually, stated that this support would be provided in the form of technical assistance to improve national growth.
