President Bola Tinubu has approved the reinstatement of Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey as the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey
A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, on Monday, July 15, 2024, said the President reached the decision following a performance review of the HYPREP Project Coordinator.
“The President concluded that the Project Coordinator was fit to discharge his functions in accordance with the regulations guiding the execution of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.
“By the directive of the President, the reinstatement of the HYPREP Project Coordinator takes immediate effect,” said the statement.
President Tinubu had removed Olufemi Adekanmbi from his position as HYPREP coordinator just 48 hours after his appointment, which was made official on Saturday and reinstated Zabbey.
Zabbey was first appointed HYPREP Coordinator in May 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the rise in illegal mining in the country, saying host communities now live in agonising condition.
The Nigerian House of Representatives in session
The Speaker of the House of Reps, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said this at the investigation hearing of the joint committee on illegal mining in Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, July 15, 2024.
He said that the rise in illegal mining highlights fundamental social, institutional and structural problems in the country.
He added that the investigation was aimed to provide enough guidance on curbing the menace of illegal mining.
He said that the aim was to also assess the role played by the regulators in the process of their regulatory functions as it relates to mining practices.
“The decision of the House of Reps to investigate illegal mining shows our commitment and determination to take decisive steps toward addressing nefarious mining practices.
“And the non-compliance with set standards in the solid minerals sector, including the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill and the Nigeria Solid Mineral Development Company (Establishment) Bill.
This he said was currently before the House and for which a Public Hearing would soon be held.
He said the investigative hearing was critical in the fact that various communities where mining is taking place in Nigeria live in agonising conditions, economically and socially.
“These communities have faced years of neglect and various deprivations and severe environmental degradation, air and water pollution, arising from unsafe mining practices by illegal miners.
Rep. Jonathan Gaza, the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Mineral, said the investigative hearing was imperative to allow for transparency and accountability.
He stated that this was to allow public participation, policy formation and identify challenges and solutions that would ultimately lead to the revamping of the nation’s solid mineral sector.
He stated that illegal mining posed substantial risks to the nation’s economy, environment, and security.
According to him, the unregulated exploitation of natural resources jeopardises the sustainability of the mineral sector.
Gaza said this leads to environmental degradation and revenue loses that could otherwise benefit the communities and the nation.
He said it was imperative that urgent and decisive steps be taking to address the issue and ensure that the solid mineral sector operate within the framework of the law.
Gaza said that the present administration is committed to ensure the protection of the nation’s natural resources for future generations.
Germany is set to invest billions in pioneering hydrogen projects, aiming to boost the production, storage and transport of a potentially transformative source of green energy.
Robert Habeck, the German Economy Minister
Robert Habeck, the Economy Minister, stated in a ministry statement: “With the funding of hydrogen projects, we are taking a step towards a climate-neutral and sustainable economy in Europe and beyond.”
The German federal government as well as several state governments has earmarked a total of €4.6 billion ($4.9 billion) for 23 projects.
Habeck said a powerful hydrogen infrastructure could play a key role in the decarbonization of German industries and the energy sector.
He added that the “Hydrogen pipelines will be the lifelines of industrial centre and this creates the precondition for climate-neutral growth”.
The projects are centered on the large-scale production of green hydrogen, but also innovative and secure storage solutions as well as transport infrastructure spanning up to 2,000 kilometres.
Part of the funding comes from the European Union; while businesses involved in the projects are due to invest another €3.3 billion ($3.6 billion).
According to the ministry, the total investment will thus represent €7.9 billion ($8.1 billion) by 2030.
An average of almost 1,500 people per year were treated in Germany’s hospitals due to heat and intense sun exposure between 2002 and 2022.
Tourists in Europe struggle in the heat. Photo credit: AFP/Getty
“Extreme heat is now a problem for the health of the population here in Germany,” the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden announced on Monday, July 15, 2024.
The number of deaths directly caused by heat averaged 20 cases per year in the study period.
However, very high temperatures also lead to an overall increase in mortality, as they have an indirect effect in many cases.
The combination of extreme summer temperatures and pre-existing illnesses significantly increases the risk of death in Germany.
However, the number of heat-related hospital treatments was often higher in years with many hot days, according to the government statisticians.
Germany’s Weather Service defines heat wave days as those where temperatures rise to 30 degrees Celsius or more.
In the 20-year study period there was an average of 17.6 of heat wave days.
The statisticians said that in 2015, for example, the number of cases caused by heat and sunlight treated in hospital was 59 per cent for the past decade.
According to the data, 60 deaths in the same year were due to heat or sunlight – three times as many as the average for the study period.
The statisticians counted that the most hospital treatments were around 2,600 cases – due to heat or sunlight in 2003.
The Federal Office’s survey refers to figures from hospital statistics and statistics on causes of death, as well as data provided by the German Weather Service.
Residence and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations in Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Fall, has called on states to align their budgeting processes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants at the UN stakeholders’ engagement on Policy Dialogue on Social Budgeting for Child-sensitive Sectors in Awka, Anambra State
Fall made the call at the opening ceremony of a three-day stakeholders’ engagement on Policy Dialogue on Social Budgeting for Child-sensitive Sectors organised by the Southeast Zonal Office of the UNICEF in Awka, Anambra State, on Monday, July 15, 2024.
He said the call had become necessary as it would help to achieve the SDGs which have just five years to wind down.
The coordinator said states should address the needs of the vulnerable such as wider immunisation, higher school enrolment and sanitation while assuring that the UN would provide sustainability support in the area of expertise, technical and advocacy.
“Come out with a plan that can set a vision that will ensure budgeting towards education and health.
“Foster partnership with the private sector, communities, traditional leaders, faith-based leadership and women groups,” he said.
On his part, Dr Olusoji Akinleye, Chief Field Officer, UNICEF Enugu Office, said the workshop was important and timely considering that governments had commenced budgeting formulation process for 2025.
Akinleye said UNICEF was particular about supporting governments in identification and inclusion of budget priority areas which would enhance human capacity development, attainment of SDGs, and promote rights and wellbeing of children.
“This dialogue, therefore, hopes to engage states to collaboratively chart a path to ensure adequate and sustainable financing, especially for the social sectors.
“States would be provided the opportunity to exchange ideas, challenges and best practices related to budget formulation and implementation, highlighting key bottlenecks faced by the sector MDAs as well as possible policy remedies to address these barriers
“We are positive that this will lead to improved programming efficiency, value for money, capacity building and improved budget outcomes for the states, especially for its children,” Akinleye stated.
In his presentation, Mr Victor Chima, Social Policy Officer, UNICEF Field Office, Enugu, decried the lack of data for proper budgeting in Southeast.
Chima spoke on “Social Sector Budgeting Fiscal Space in Southeast: Evidence, Challenge and Prospects”.
He pointed out that the number of out of school children was on the increase in the Southeast because of lack of social protection and called for deliberate effort to reverse the trend.
The Stakeholders’ Dialogue had in attendance Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Appropriation in the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the right states under the Enugu Field Office.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to revisit and implement the report of the Presidential Investigation Panel on oil theft, vandalism and sabotage.
NEITI officials at the NEITI Board Retreat/Meeting on Monday in Lagos
NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, made the call at the ongoing five-day NEITI Board Retreat/Meeting on Monday, July 15, 2024, in Lagos.
The executive secretary said that the report was presented to the office of the Chief National Security Adviser.
Orji said that the report contained detailed recommendations on how oil theft and vandalism could be addressed.
According to him, NEITI is so passionate on the report on how foreigners were conniving with our own nationals to steal crude oil.
“Our crude oil production ought to have been two million barrels per day but we are doing less, and it is affecting our revenue.
“No foreigners can come into the country and steal crude oil with our Mineral Resources without the connivance of our nationals,” he said.
He emphasised that the retreat was an opportunity to reflect on the role of NEITI in shaping a new direction for the extractive industry.
“This requires robust discussions that will bring about ideas to deal with the current challenges of oil theft, illegal mining, stealing of Nigeria’s precious minerals and pipeline vandalism.
“Also, damage to the environment and other governance challenges that have contributed to loss of revenues and investment opportunities in the sector should be addressed.
He stressed that the retreat was expected to chart a course for the Board by aligning its mission of fostering transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
He said, in 2003, Nigeria took a bold step by voluntarily signing up to the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
According to him, the decision was centered in the belief that transparency in the extractive sector would pave the way for sustainable development and poverty reduction in resource – rich countries.
Orji said that the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources poses significant risks to countries that depend heavily on hydrocarbon-based natural resource-revenues for survival.
“Our country, Nigeria is heavily dependent on oil revenues for survival.
“It is within the ambit of this Board to support our government and citizens with timely policy decisions and strategies to deal with this unavoidable unfolding development in the extractive sector.
“At current dependency levels, Nigeria already faces significant threats to its economy from the prospect of a permanent decline in global demand for crude oil.
“Given the fiscal problems Nigeria has experienced from short-term disruptions in crude oil and gas output, the much longer-term and permanent decline in demand would have far-reaching impact on the country’s economy,” he said.
Orji said: “In 2021, crude oil and gas accounted for 46 per cent of energy use and 78 per cent of electricity generation in Nigeria.
“The transition would therefore require significant financial investment for the country to generate renewable energy to replace energy previously generated from carbon fuels.
“This financing (and technological) burden is in addition to the equally significant amount of money that is required to close Nigeria’s current energy supply gap.
“Figures contained in our 2009 to 2020 audits have put Nigeria’s losses to crude oil theft over a 12-year period at 619.7 million barrels valued at $46.16 billion or N16.25 trillion.
“Similarly, between 2009 and 2018, the country also lost 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries valued at $1.84 billion.
“These losses and their attendant negative effects on the economy made the President then to constitute a Special Panel on Oil Theft /Losses to study the situation against current realities and make recommendations on how to fight the menace,” Orji explained.
In his remarks, Sen. George Akume, the Board Chairman, NEITI, commended the newly inaugurated board member.
Akume said the Board was carefully selected based on their individual merits, their diverse competencies, skills, knowledge, integrity and track records of service in their previous assignments.
Akume said: “Your appointment and inauguration, which is taking place here today, is another positive statement of President Bola Tinubu’s open support and commitment to transparency.
“Also, accountability in the management of our economic resources, and especially given the mandate and objectives of the Nigeria EITI.
“The present administration is passionate and fully committed to the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the work of NEITI and the visible impacts which EITI process has achieved so far in Nigeria.
“As you are aware, the extractive industry is very strategic to Nigeria’s economy and for this administration’s economic agenda, the sector holds the future,” he said.
The Board chairman said that transparency and accountability in the management of the national resources is equally central to anti-corruption agenda of the present government.
He said that Nigeria was therefore irrevocably committed to the implementation of EITI in the oil, gas, and mining industries.
“Our faith in the EITI process is not just because it is key to these two key government agendas, but also because, over the years.
“NEITI has demonstrated a high degree of competence, integrity and commitment to the values that the country requires to achieve economic growth and development in the sector through availability of reliable information,” he added
In his goodwill message, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, said that for Nigeria to fully harness its abundant natural resource endowment there was the urgent need to re-examine the existing laws that vest control over oil and other mineral resources.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources.
Sanwo-Olu said there was the need for review of these laws which has become very urgent if the federal government’s policy on “Ease of Doing Business” is to succeed especially at the sub-national levels.
The governor said that the review was also important to promote investments in the extractive industry and diversify the nation’s economy.
“To this end, the federal government and its agencies needs to engage more with the private sector land sub national governments in the development of the nation’s natural resource.
“The areas of engagement include, solid minerals development, host community programs, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, domestic resource mobilisation.
“And poverty reduction initiatives which are at the center of realizing the impacts of the global extractive industries transparency initiative in resource-rich countries like Nigeria.
“I assure you that Lagos state government is open to partnership with NEITI in this direction,” he said.
Also, Dr Erisa Danladi, Civil Society Representative, National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG), advocate for more transparent and fair distribution of revenues generated from the extractive industries among federal, state, and local governments.
Danladi said this includes adhering to the principles of the 13 per cent derivation fund for oil-producing states.
She said there was the need to utilise revenues from extractives to invest in public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors that improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
She said there should be meaningful consultation with local communities impacted by extractive activities.
“Their concerns and inputs should be considered in decision-making processes.
“We expect the new board to foster an inclusive environment where civil society, local communities, industry players, and government bodies can engage in a regular and constructive manner.
“We expect the new board to enhance efforts in making data related to the extractive industries easily accessible and understandable to the public.
“Open data policies should be strengthened to ensure that all stakeholders, including local/host communities, can access and use this information effectively, including contracts, revenue streams, production volumes, and environmental impact assessments.
“This transparency is crucial for holding both companies and government accountable.”
The International Association of Emergency Management Africa (IAEM Africa) says it will focus on local knowledge and expertise in developing the framework for disaster management in the continent.
President of IAEM Africa, Dr Susan Agada
The President of IAEM Africa, Dr Susan Agada, stated this at the IAEM Africa Inaugural Symposium in Abuja on Monday, July 15, 2024.
According to Agada, building an Africa-centred resilient and adaptive disaster management framework is imperative because most frameworks without sufficient involvement of Africans do not work in the continent.
Agada said that the framework would not only strengthen responses to emergency crises, but also anticipate and mitigate them, thereby safeguarding communities and fostering sustainable development.
“The IAEM Africa platform will leverage African expertise to ensure that the continent has a voice in the discourse on environmental issues around the world.
“Currently, Africa is the least contributor to the factors that create climate change, but our voice is the smallest in the discourse.
“Therefore, the goal of the IAEM Africa is to draw the needed attention to our issues using our own voice.
“The goal is to bring together our wealth of professionals in Africa and other resources and communicate our issues to the world,’’ she said.
Agada, however, said that, while prioritising African-led solutions, the association would seek resources and partnerships beyond African borders.
“Our vision is to ensure that Africa sets the terms of engagements with international partners with dignity and sovereignty.
“By controlling our narrative and strategy, we can ensure that external support complements our initiatives rather than dictates them,” she said.
She stressed the need to speak with one voice in addressing the myriads of challenges confronting Africa, particularly threats posed by climate change.
“This unified voice will enable us to address disaster-related challenges more effectively, leveraging our collective strengths and expertise.
“Together, we can transform the landscape of disaster management in Africa, ensuring that our continent is better prepared, more resilient, and able to thrive in the face of adversity,” she said.
Also speaking, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, Director-General (D-G), National Emergency Management Agency, stressed the need for robust and coordinated emergency management strategies for Africa.
Umar, who was represented by Dr Onimode Bandele, Director Planning, Research and Forecasting, said that the IAEM Africa provided the needed platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among emergency management professionals.
Similarly, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, acting D-G, Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, said that IAEM Africa would significantly impact disaster management and response in Africa.
She urged the association to strengthen networking among disaster management professionals in Africa and promote adaptation of technology-driven innovations in disaster management.
“In area of disaster management, we cannot run away from innovations, knowledge sharing, capacity building and technology driven rescue operations in line with global practices,” she said.
Also, Dr Abbas Idriss, the pioneer D-G, FCT Emergency Management Agency, said that disaster response was a multi-facet, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency activity that requires networking to share information, expertise and resources.
Idriss spoke on a paper, “Communication, Coordination, Cooperation, and Collaboration: A Multi-Agency Approach for Effective/Efficient Disaster Management across Africa.”
According to him, understanding communication, coordination, cooperation and collaboration, will enable emergency managers to work more effectively and efficiently in responding to disasters and minimizing the impact on communities across Africa.
The executive members inaugurate were Dr Susan Agada as President, Miss Amina Saba as Secretary, Dr Emenike Umesi as Head of Planning and Research; and Prof. Prof. Jaiye Dukiya as Director Programmes.
Others are Dr Abbas Idriss as Membership Coordinator, Prof. Andrew Obafemi as Partnership Liaison, Prof. Usman Kibon as Head of Training and Development Officer, and Mr Femi Giwa as Deputy Training and Development Officer.
Also inaugurated are Rhoda Sadus as Communication Specialist, Amb. Victor Ogah as Event Coordinator, and Mr Akiode Saheed as Deputy Event Coordinator.
Agribusiness stakeholders have commended the Federal Government’s proposal to create the Ministry of Livestock Development in the country.
Cattle ranching
The stakeholders gave the commendation in separate reactions on Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu had on July 9 inaugurated the Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms to address obstacles to agricultural productivity.
The proposed ministry is expected to further explore potential in the livestock sector as well as end the perennial clashes between pastoralists and farmers in Nigeria.
The president appointed the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, as Co-Chairman of the committee.
Tinubu said the livestock reform would open up new opportunities to benefit farmers, herders, processors and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.
Tinubu had emphasised that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members of the committee, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors and all Nigerians.
The stakeholders, in their reactions to the new plan, said that it was a welcome development to have a ministry that would address herder-farmer clashes in the country.
Prof. Simon Irtwange, National President, Yam Farmers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, applauded the move by the Federal Government, saying it was good that attention was given to the livestock sector.
He said the livestock sector had a huge economic potential if properly explored and harnessed.
According to Irtwange, the sector has been neglected for a long time.
“It is a good thing that attention has been given to that aspect (livestock sector) of the agricultural sector; to me it is a welcome development,” he said.
Mr Ayuba Rano, National Organising Secretary, Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria, said the proposed ministry was a good development.
He said that the plan to have a livestock ministry would bolster the economy as well as ease of doing business in the livestock sub sector.
Mr Femi Oke, South West Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lagos, said the suggestion to create livestock ministry was a welcome development.
“This is a welcome development; we farmers are happy; it is a joy to us farmers,” he said.
Mr Joseph Abu, the Organising Secretary, Paw Paw Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria, said the plan to create a livestock ministry was a good idea as it would be beneficial to farmers and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
A water and environmental management expert, Dr Stephen Adegoke, has called on government agencies to adopt measures to control indiscriminate borehole drilling.
Borehole drilling
He also suggested stringent regulation of drilling companies.
Adegoke said in Abuja on Sunday, July 14, 2024, that increased investment in pipe-borne water was also important to provide reliable potable water sources and reduce the nation’s dependence on boreholes.
He urged Nigerians to seek professional advice and services when constructing boreholes to avoid the negative impacts of using unqualified personnel.
Adegoke noted the huge burden placed on women and children, who often walk for hours to fetch drinking water, a situation that had compelled many to drill boreholes without considering its effect on the ecosystem.
“The rising population has made borehole drilling necessary as every household requires consistent water supply.
“But it is important to note the risks associated with random drilling of boreholes; very often, they are drilled near dump sites, septic tanks, animal pens, stormwater canals and sewage lines.
“Recent water samples from boreholes over 60 meters deep in areas such as Idu in Abuja, Dobi and Mararaba in Nasarawa State, and Suleja, Niger State, have shown the presence of faecal coliform bacteria.
“This indicates significant contamination of our groundwater by human and animal waste,” he stated.
Citing a recent UNICEF report, Adegoke noted that water samples from boreholes in the Owerri zone of Imo revealed an average pH of 6.0 to 6.5, indicating that the water is slightly acidic and unsafe for consumption.
He urged all tiers of government to take immediate action to address the issues and halt the trend.
Mr Francis Uzoma, President of the Borehole Drillers’ Association of Nigeria (BODAN), said the association is sensitising members on obtaining drilling licenses and adhering to the National Drilling Code of Practice.
He noted that indiscriminate borehole drilling results from the government’s inability to provide adequate potable water.
Uzoma called on state governments to prioritise funding for water infrastructure to minimise unregulated borehole proliferation.
He emphasised that indiscriminate drilling affects water availability and quality, with severe consequences for the ecosystem, public health and community well-being.
The president, however, stressed the need for comprehensive water policies and adequate supply to reduce reliance on boreholes.
The Nigerian Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) said recently that it is collaborating with professional bodies to regulate borehole drilling and collect data on industry activities.
Among outfits it is collaborating with are the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, the Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners, and BODAN.
A director at the commission has, however, opined that the non-passage of the National Water Resources Bill, currently before the National Assembly, was limiting its regulatory capabilities.
The official, who craved anonymity, said that the situation was also hurting efforts to monitor and address issues related to indiscriminate borehole drilling.
He said that research was ongoing to investigate potential links between earth tremors and excessive groundwater extraction.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and members of the House of Representatives Committee on National Population held a retreat themed “Identity Management and Legislative Oversight” to seek areas of collaboration towards the achievement of the Commission’s mandate and foster a harmonious working relationship.
Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Population and management staff of the National Identity Management Commission at the retreat
Speaking at the retreat, the NIMC Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said that the retreat, amongst many, aims at re-acquainting the committee members with the activities of the Commission as well as its mandate and mission.
She emphasised that the retreat would provide the needed environment for the lawmakers and the management of the commission to identify possible areas of collaboration and build a harmonious working relationship towards the success of digital identity in Nigeria.
Commenting on the retreat focus, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Population, Okunjimi Odimayo, commended the NIMC DG and her team for their effort at raising the Commission’s profile within a short period since her resumption of office.
He pledged that the Committee would give maximum support to NIMC to ensure it achieves its mandate.
The retreat had in attendance members of the House of Representatives Committee on Population and management staff of the NIMC.
