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Negotiations advance towards global science-policy panel on chemicals, waste, pollution prevention

Michael Simire
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Negotiations advance towards global science-policy panel on chemicals, waste, pollution prevention

Governments gathered in Geneva have advanced in the process to establish a science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution prevention, agreeing to continue negotiations to further develop the proposal for this body, akin to the IPCC on climate change and the IPBES on biodiversity.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Industry and Economy Division

Negotiations were held last week during the third session of an ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) that was mandated by the UN Environment Assembly in 2022 (UNEA-5). Discussions will continue at a date to be defined, preceding the intergovernmental meeting expected to establish the panel.

The new panel will support governments and other stakeholders by providing science-based advice to review problems and issues of concern and co-create solutions with governments and other stakeholders for the sound managements of chemicals and waste to prevent pollution.

Pollution is estimated to be responsible for 9 million deaths a year globally, or one in six fatalities, as a result of challenges such as lead exposure, air pollution, antimicrobial resistance, and mismanagement of solid waste.

“A new science-policy panel is a critical step to securing a pollution-free world,” said Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Industry and Economy Division. “A new panel will be able to work with governments, companies, farmers and many others on how we can better manage chemicals, reduce waste and prevent pollution. We look forward to working with countries to deliver this and tackle our waste and pollution crisis.”

From June 17 to 21, 2024, governments negotiated on the functions and operating principles of the panel and critical elements that enable its establishment, including its scope and objectives, composition and governance, and an Interdisciplinary Expert Committee to enable its utility and relevance to realities on the ground.

Members of UNEP’s Major Groups, representing civil society, children and youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and industry, among others, joined the session and advocated for procedures to decide on their engagement with the panel and ensure its outcomes contribute to the development of scalable solutions to address their priority issues of concern.

Recognising the urgent need to strengthen the science-policy interface to support action on chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, UNEA decided in March 2022 to set up a “science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution.”

The OEWG, chaired by Ms. Gudi Alkemade of the Netherlands, was established by UNEP to prepare proposals for the science-policy panel. Previous sessions were held in 2022 and 2023 in Bangkok and Nairobi, respectively.

The final proposal by the OEWG will be considered by the intergovernmental meeting for the establishment of the science-policy panel to be convened by the Executive Director of UNEP in 2025.

Implementation technicalities of international carbon trade largely unresolved at SB60

Michael Simire
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Implementation technicalities of international carbon trade largely unresolved at SB60

As interest in carbon markets in Africa continue to rise, the sixtieth session of the subsidiary bodies (SB60) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) failed to reach agreement on all technicalities related to the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, demonstrating the complex challenges of emissions trading. The methodological elements of the new UN carbon crediting mechanism also remained largely unresolved.

SB60
Delegates gather for the Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damage at SB60. Photo credit: IISD-ENB / Kiara Worth

Article 6 governs how countries can cooperate voluntarily in the implementation of their nationally determined contributions to climate action while promoting sustainable development and environmental integrity.

The SB60 negotiations on Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement focused on the technicalities of international carbon trade, particularly authorisation and reporting on transaction, as well as the role of an international registry. The African Group of Negotiators on climate change (AGN) offered progressive solutions which can potentially break the impasse and link the voluntary trading schemes of Article 6.2 with authorisation processes deriving from Article 6.4, and thus addressing many of the uncertainties of voluntary carbon trading.

The AGN’s contributions to the SB60 negotiations on Article 6 were informed by key outcomes from a regional workshop on “Regulating carbon markets: building capacity for the Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement”, that was held from May 14 to 16, 2024, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Organised by the African Climate Policy Centre of the ECA, in collaboration with the AGN and the Government of Zimbabwe, the workshop was motivated by the increasing interest in carbon markets in Africa against a background of lack of clarity on operationalisation of the rulebook for the implementation of Article 6 Paris Agreement and the need to provide technical backstopping to the AGN ahead of the SB60 meetings.

The workshop highlighted the essential role of carbon markets in incentivising emission reductions and fostering sustainable practices to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Emphasising the need for integrity and transparency in carbon market design, participants discussed the importance of promoting technologies and practices that drive emissions reductions, rather than solely relying on mobilising development or climate finance.

Key topics addressed during the event included the current asymmetry between supply and demand in African carbon markets, the urgent need for regulatory tools to manage these markets effectively, and the significance of focusing on cleaner technologies to achieve emissions reduction targets. Discussions also centred on the operationalisation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the submission of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the impact of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) on climate commitments.

Prominent initiatives undertaken by countries such as Ghana, Mozambique, Senegal, Zambia, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe were lauded for their efforts in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, showcasing a commitment to combating climate change through carbon pricing mechanisms, clean energy projects, and sustainable agriculture practices. The workshop served as a platform for experience sharing, peer learning, and capacity building to enhance the implementation strategies of African countries striving to meet their climate goals.

The gathering featured insights from distinguished speakers, including El Hadji Mbaye, Article 6.4 Mechanism Supervisory Board member, who shared Senegal’s experiences in implementing Article 6 provisions. Discussions led by Washington Zhakata of Zimbabwe shed light on Africa’s potential in carbon trading by overcoming market participation barriers and transitioning projects from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to Article 6.4 mechanisms.

Participants were briefed on the creation of Article 6.4 carbon registries at national, regional, and international levels, with a focus on utilising platforms like Verra and Gold Standard for credit registration. The workshop also highlighted the UN Development Programme’s support for African countries in implementing a comprehensive carbon credits registration software and building capacities for effective participation in carbon markets.

With insights from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) representatives, the event concluded on a note stressing the importance of sustaining dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to advance sustainable economic development and resilient climate action in Africa.

TELA maize is safe, biosafety agency assures Nigerians

Michael Simire
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TELA maize is safe, biosafety agency assures Nigerians

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has acknowledged the fact that there are concerns and misinformation circulating about the recent approval and launch of TELA maize in Nigeria.

TELA Maize
Dr Muyideen Oyekunle, Breeder, in charge of Trait and Pipeline Testing, TELA Maize Project displaying harvested maize crops at IAR TELA Maize CFT, Zaria. Photo Credit: AATF

Saying that maize is a staple crop that is of great importance to the country, NBMA noted that it is committed to ensuring transparency, safety, and unbiased decision-making regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

“NBMA wishes to state here that the safety and health of Nigerians is of topmost priority, and we will not compromise on this. The agency has done a proper risk assessment and analysis to ensure the safety of this product for human health and the environment,” the organisation disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, June 24, 2024.

It added: “The application for TELA maize was thoroughly examined by two committees comprising experts and scientists from relevant agencies and the academia, namely National Agency for Food and  Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASCs), universities and research institutions, among others, who are renowned professionals in the particular field and our internal review process confirmed that TELA maize meets safety standards.

“This ensures that the regulatory oversight of GMOs by NBMA meets strict safety standards and poses no adverse risks to health or the environment.

“NBMA acknowledges that there have been misleading claims about TELA maize, including allegations that it is fake and laced with insecticides/pesticides. These claims are not based on scientific evidence and are designed to create unnecessary fear and panic in the country as TELA maize was developed by Nigerian scientists in the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and these scientists and researchers took into cognisance the challenge farmers have faced over the years in the planting of maize. This maize variety rather reduces the use of pesticides while boosting productivity thereby having better health benefits.

“We wish to assure Nigerians that this maize variety has been certified to be as safe as its organic or conventional counterpart as there are no chemicals or insecticides laced in them as claimed by some groups in Nigeria.

“The NBMA operates independently and without bias as our decisions are guided by scientific evidence, international best practices, and with the well-being of Nigerians in mind.

“TELA maize was modified for insect resistance and drought tolerance and our risk assessment considered exposure to the environment, nutritional composition, and potential impacts on biological diversity.

“We also wish to state here that TELA is cultivated naturally, and we are confident that TELA maize poses no harm to humans or the environment.

“We urge all Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the rigorous evaluation process. TELA maize has been approved based on scientific evidence, and its benefits to farmers are significant.

“The health and safety of Nigerians remain our topmost concern. We encourage open dialogue, scientific literacy, and evidence-based discussions. Let us work together to ensure food security, sustainable agriculture, and informed decision-making in Nigeria.”

Climate change: Stakeholders donate 120 trees to mitigate impacts

Michael Simire
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Climate change: Stakeholders donate 120 trees to mitigate impacts

Stakeholders in the environment sector on Saturday, June 22, 2024, donated 120 trees to mitigate climate change impacts in Gasaki community of Nasarawa State.

Tree planting
Tree planting

Gee Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), on Social Justice and Development, made the donation during a one-day sensitisation.

The donation was in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and the French Embassy in Nigeria,

The sensitisation had the theme: “Addressing Land Degradation and Enhancing Climate Resilience for improved Women’s livelihood”.

Dr Michael David, Executive-Director of GIFSEP, urged the community to always plant trees to replace felling trees and tasked them on climate change adaptation.

He cautioned against the indiscriminate felling of trees to prevent a recurrence of the recent landslide experienced in the area.

The executive director stated that it was good to preserve the land from degradation because livelihoods depended on it.

According to David, planting of trees prevents erosion, flooding, landslides which mitigates the impact of climate change in an area.

Mrs Gloria Agema, Executive Director, Gee Foundation, said the sensitisation wouldn’t have been possible without the supports of funds from the French Embassy.

Agema, who expressed concern that only one borehole was serving four communities, promised that the NGO would intervene by providing the community with more boreholes to assist nurture the trees planted.

Responding, Chief Zaki Tanko of Gasaki (Gasaki of Jeje), expressed satisfaction over the gestures and efforts made by the stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the area.

He assured them that there would be reduction in the felling of trees and appealed for more construction of boreholes to address water scarcity in the area.

One of the beneficiaries in the community, Jummai Abubakar, commended the stakeholders and promised to nurture her tree.

“We are grateful for this assistance; no one has come to our aid in this manner; indeed, we have seen light in our community,” she said.

Each participant went home with a tree to plant and nurture.

The event witnessed the planting of palm trees, orange trees, mango trees as well as cultural display by the people of the community.

By Abigael Joshua

Lagos reiterates commitment to flood-free state

Michael Simire
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Lagos reiterates commitment to flood-free state

The Lagos State Government on Sunday, June 23, 2024, reiterated its commitment to a flood-free state.

Tokunbo Wahab
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this at the end of an extensive inspection tour to various contravention sites and drainages across the state.

Wahab said that the government would continue to enforce the law, while reclaiming drainage setbacks.

He said the inspection team was out on a normal routine to ascertain the state of some drainage channels across the state bearing in mind that most flooding issues were majorly caused by negative human activity.

The commissioner and his team visited Aladelola Street in Ikosi-Ketu where some individuals had cut the supporting iron under the culvert leading to the collapse of the channel.

He said the state public works office would cordon the road off and commence repairs immediately.

The team also visited Victory Estate collector, Ago Palace Way, where some unscrupulous individuals blocked water path and canals and engaged in illegal sandfilling and selling.

He said that an enforcement team had earlier been sent there, adding that the visit was to check enforcement and compliance level.

“We are here as a result of a written petition by residents complaining about several distortions.

“There had been a lot of distortion on these canals and roads by some individuals which has been causing flooding in the area,” Wahab said.

At Sangotedo by the Lagos Business School, Wahab said there is a natural stream that is supposed to discharge into System 63 and from there to Omu creek.

According to him, the stream has been blocked and reduced by illegal structures built along the channel.

He said that a 48-hour contravention notice has been served to owners of buildings lying within the channels.

On the process of serving contravention notices, Wahab said property owners whose buildings and fences fall within drainage channels would first be served a 48-hour notice.

He said that the initial notice would be followed by another 14-day notice before the commencement of enforcement.

He said that the government would commence full enforcement after the expiration of all notices.

The team was also at Ajiran Primary Channel, Chevron Drive, to ascertain the level of the ongoing dredging of the channel.

He added that there was going to be the construction of a new alignment for free flow of water in the axis.

At Ilabere Collector at old Ikoyi, the team observed that there was an encroachment on the alignment and said that the fences would be removed in the next few days.

He said that the government is fixing a major infrastructure around Ilabere and if the collector is not properly handled, the infrastructure will be destroyed.

“Lagos despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others has remained afloat because of various measures put in place by the government,” Wahab said.

He explained that the ministry has strengthened its drainage enforcement activities in ensuring due diligence concerning all drainage channels and restoring Right-of-Ways on all channels.

He added that the ministry would continue its intense all-year-round clearing and cleaning of major primary and secondary drainage channels.

“I tell people climate change is real and there is a cholera outbreak.

“We must know that all these things are interwoven.

“We must all be responsible and responsive as a people, people cannot continue to brazenly abuse the environment and expect that there will be no consequences, Wahab said.

He appealed to the residents to always take ownership of their environment, desist from unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal, illegal construction of buildings on drainage, drainage setback and Right-Of-Way.

The commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretaries, Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen and Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite.

Others included the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin; General Manager, LASPARK, Mrs Toun Popoola; and the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, among others.

By Fabian Ekeruche

Cholera outbreak: Group urges Abia to be proactive

Michael Simire
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Cholera outbreak: Group urges Abia to be proactive

The recent outbreak of cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by bacterium vibrio cholerae, reported in Lagos and other places in Nigeria, with a growing death toll, should make other states, Abia included, to be on the alert, and not to be caught unawares as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Dr Alex Otti
Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a pro-democracy and environmental rights advocacy group based in Abia State, has called on the state government to be proactive.

FENRAD equally calls for an interministerial approach towards the recent health challenge, where the ministries of health, environment and information work round the clock in maintaining public health while also enlightening people on the need for personal and domestic hygiene.

Cholera is a disease that thrives in an unsanitary and unhygienic surrounding, so as a pro-environment group, the Foundation calls for emphasis on healthy living among Abians.

The Foundation commends the rapid approach adopted by the state ministry of health so far where some 109 suspected cases, across six local councils, returned negative after diagnosis. However, the state should not rest on its oars, in the thinking that it is home and dry.

Now is the time to activate all relevant MDAs given that movement to and from affected states has not become a public health concern as of yet. Abia should also work closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), adopting relevant measures,” said the group.

It went further: “The present administration in Abia has shown its commitment to robust healthcare delivery, by awarding a sectoral allocation of about 15% of the 2024 appropriation to health, unlike what obtained before. It is expected that the state would leverage this provision to ensure rapid response.

“Also, it is expected that the state government, having begun with rehabilitating some state-owned hospitals, should raise the bar further high in primary healthcare. A major concern now is the toll the epidemic may take if rural areas where there is no access to basic health amenities are affected. Not even the urban poor many of whom are still living in filthy, informal settlements are free.

“Governor Alex Otti must see to it that the goal of a reliable primary healthcare sector is actualised, and that all Abians, regardless of their station and status, have and enjoy access to provision thereof.

“The issue of cholera outbreak is one which an efficient primary healthcare system would take care of, therefore all measures must be adopted to see that people don’t die of treatable and preventable diseases.”

Stakeholders explore green colonialism dynamics at HOMEF book launch

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders explore green colonialism dynamics at HOMEF book launch

“The Geopolitics of Green Colonialism”, a book that focuses on Global Justice and Ecosocial Transitions, was launched by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Lagos.

HOMEF
Nnimmo Bassey, Director of HOMEF, with guests at the launch of “The Geopolitics of Green Colonialism” in Lagos

Nnimmo Bassey, Director of HOMEF, in his remarks, noted that the book is not meant to be kept on the bookshelf but to be read because the issues discussed in the book are contemporary issues.

He said: “As the world is moving from dirty energy to green energy, there is this belief that once that transition happens then justice has been served. But, as people say, transition is inevitable, but justice has to be fought for.

“This is a product of many contributions; it is a collection of essays all tied up on the same topic. The issue of green colonialism is something we need to pay close attention to. Remember Kwame Nkurumah said that ‘neo-Colonialism is the last stage of imperialism’ and we do know that imperialism is still alive, and the green colonialism is grabbing the world especially the global South. So, this book is mainly authored to focus on the global South and part of the global North who are very much integrated in the struggle to change the system.”

In his submission, Breno Bringel, a Brazilian Professor of Sociology at the State University of Rio de Janeiro and one of the three editors of the book, summarised the 259-page material into three parts.

He said: “The first part talked about the impacts of pre colonialism in our countries, underline parts of the destruction and the hypothesis behind green colonialism. It is devoted to a critique of the economic reality that reigns in real politics and policy today, from different perspectives.

“The second part focuses on ecological damage and free trade in the reconfiguration of planet governance in the world today. We also talk about, in the face of the psycho-social transformation, what is the role of the state? While the third part provides alternatives and justifications that are not only a rhetorical but justifications in the territories in our communities.”

Bingel further noted: “The Geopolitics of Green Colonialism has contributors from 60 countries such as Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, the US, Venezuela as well as from Nigeria. We are very well represented by this strong voice, because we tried to put together a complimentary advice to analyse how contemporary green capitalism in green communities affect us and how can we build alternatives for our different realities?”

In her remarks, Miriam Lang, a Professor of Environment and Sustainability at Universidad Andina Simon Bolivar, Ecuador, disclosed that “on the 20th of August 2023, the people of Ecuador came to a referendum after at least 20 years where 60% of the population decided to leave the oil unexploited in the heart of the Amazon forest with biodiversity, so that was a very, very important part to the decision makers against the narrative of economic growth.

“So, now we are facing the challenge of removing some oil infrastructure, which already had been planted in this region and also of redefining the whole economy of the country towards extractive because we have also had several other countries with consultations or referenda against mining, which are one always with more than 80% of the vote”.

Lang, who noted that despite all the challenges 70% of the food produced globally is from the smallholder farmers, also expressed concern because, according to her, “mining activities poison people and makes agriculture and other livelihoods impossible, also tourist economy is not possible. So, we are now looking towards a discussion that tries to strengthen what we call food sovereignty. That is like deciding what we want to plan, what we want to eat and how we want to exchange that food and the seeds in our country.”

Other contributing editors in the production of the masterpiece are Mary Ann Manahan, a scholar in the Philippines, and Ibrahima Thiam, a Senegalese and Project Manager with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.

Dignitaries at the event include Roland Ngam, Manager for Socio-Ecological Foundation in South Africa; Prof. Adelaja Odukoya from University of Lagos; Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Centre; and Betty Abah, Director, Cee-Hope Nigeria, among others.

By Ajibola Adedoye

TotalEnergies Ubeta Field ’ll record Nigerian content successes – NCDMB Sec

Michael Simire
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0
TotalEnergies Ubeta Field ’ll record Nigerian content successes – NCDMB Sec

The execution of the Ubeta Field Development Project by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will create thousands of jobs in the country and catalyse the economy, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has said.

Ubeta Field Development Project
Partners signing the Ubeta Field Development Project agreement

Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, stated this at the signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) by the project promoters and their contractors, in Abuja.

The Ubeta Field Development Project is being developed under Oil Mining Licence (OML) 058, with an expectation to produce 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd). Billed to commence production in 2027, the Ubeta Field facility, located about 80 kilometres northwest of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, would feed and secure gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train-7 Project at Finima, Bonny Island, currently undergoing capacity expansion from 22 to 30 metric tonnes per annum (mtpa).

The Executive Secretary based his projection on the Nigerian Content Plan and other documents the NCDMB had signed off with the operator, TotalEnergies E&P, noting that the documents were designed to achieve substantial tonnages, manhours, and spend retained in-country.

The project will also enable capacity utilization and substantial human capacity development (HCD), Research and Development as well as opportunities for banking, insurance, legal, and other services, he assured.

He stated that “the approval of the final stages of the Nigerian Content Plan for this project” was one of the first acts he performed on his assumption of duty in December 2023.

Among salient elements of the Nigerian Content Plan for Ubeta Field Development facility is the domiciliation of “100% of its project management manhours in Nigeria,” same for “Front End Engineering Design and Detailed Design,” which will be domiciled 100% in Nigeria, with COREN-licensed engineering companies as preferred executors.

In addition to these, the project will give first consideration to in-country manufacturers that have valid Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate from the Board, regarding material procurement, while fabrication and construction are also to be significantly handled by well-established fabrication yards in the country.

Engr. Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq, reiterated that the NCDMB has effectively aligned its processes “to shorten the oil industry’s contracting cycle to six months or less to engender speedy development of new projects, contribute to increased oil production, and improve the national economy.”

According to him, the Board provided “timely approvals for all the requests and documents submitted by TotalEnergies E&P,” in line with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) introduced by the Board in the oil and gas industry. The Board has also “complied fully with the Presidential Directives aimed at ensuring cost competitiveness and meeting project schedules of oil and gas projects.”

He equally assured that NCDMB will continue to serve as a business enabler for the oil and gas industry and beckoned on industry stakeholders to continue working together to achieve the objectives set for the industry by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

The Senior Vice President Africa, Total Energies E&P, Mr. Mike Sangster, in his remarks, expressed delight with the grounds covered on the Ubeta Project, noting that it fits perfectly with his company’s “strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects,” and that it would boost the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports.

Noting that TotalEnergies has been very active in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry for several decades, he disclosed that “Ubeta is the latest in a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West.”

TotalEnergies E&P is the operator of OML 58 onshore licence, with a 40 per cent stake in the US$550 million Ubeta Field Development Project, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has 49 per cent equity.

Shell reiterates commitment to Nigeria’s development, wins FRCN award

Michael Simire
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0
Shell reiterates commitment to Nigeria’s development, wins FRCN award

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of Nigeria, especially in its areas of operations in the Niger Delta.

Igo Weli
Mr Igo Weli, Director, SPDC & Country Head, Corporate Relations, Shell Companies in Nigeria

SPDC Director and Head of Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, made the restatement in Port Harcourt on Friday, June 21, 2024, at a dinner to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Treasure FM, a member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) network.

“Our commitment stretches back to the 1950s, with a wide range of programmes supporting education, infrastructure, community electrification, and business empowerment,” Weli said.

A key highlight of the anniversary dinner was the presentation of the FRCN Award for Consistent Media Partner to Shell companies in Nigeria.

Weli, who was represented by the Shell Spokesman, Michael Adande, said, “This award serves as a strong reminder that Shell’s dedication to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta region remains a cornerstone of our presence in Nigeria.”

The award recognises Shell’s partnership with FRCN, particularly its support for the weekly live programme Canvas: Niger Delta Roundtable, which fosters crucial discussions on development issues impacting the region.

“While the award itself was unexpected, it reinforces the value of initiatives like Canvas,” Weli added. “This recognition motivates us to keep promoting development, not just in our operational areas but across the entire nation.”

Since 2017, Canvas: Niger Delta Roundtable has aired twice weekly on different radio stations in the Niger Delta with live online streaming. These broadcasts dedicate an hour to exploring topics relevant to the development of the region and its people.

The General Manager, FRCN Treasure FM Port Harcourt, Fred Onyeka Nwaulune, commended Shell’s partnership.

“Shell has been a reliable media partner, consistently educating the Niger Delta region on the importance of dialogue for development and peaceful solutions,” he said. “Their programme aligns perfectly with FRCN’s focus on sustainable development.”

He noted that through the dialogue radio programme, Shell had demonstrated a continued focus on driving progress and positive change in the Niger Delta and beyond.

Cholera outbreaks expose access issues, poor integrity of water delivery systems – RDI

Michael Simire
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0
Cholera outbreaks expose access issues, poor integrity of water delivery systems – RDI

As deaths from the latest cholera outbreak in the country climbed to.40 on Friday, June 21, 2024, the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has said that the recurrent outbreaks and needless deaths in the country expose the challenges that force Nigerians to patronise unwholesome sources and the parlous management of water delivery systems.

Muhammad Ali Pate
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare

RDI position is coming on the heels of the alert by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that the country does not have enough vaccines to address the growing cases of cholera across the country.

Deaths attributable to the current outbreak in Lagos was 24 as of Wednesday, June 19, representing the highest among the 10 states of the federation that contributed 90 per cent to the burden of cholera. Others are Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo and Nasarawa. The cholera deaths are blamed largely on delayed presentation of cases.

RDI Project Officer, Ifeoluwa Adediran, said: “The periodic cholera outbreaks are very disturbing and reinforce our arguments that the abysmally low investment in the water sector at both state and federal level are further complicated by poor maintenance of the facilities that house and freight water from the waterworks to the different localities they service. In some communities the residents resort to unwholesome sources to get water. These are the issues that fuel the cholera outbreaks.

“In Lagos where there have been more deaths, we are worried about the integrity of pipelines that convey water to localities. In many communities the pipelines right of way include gutters where breakages and other breaches usually occur and are not addressed for months and years in some cases.”

While commending the federal and particularly the Lagos State Government for sensitisation efforts to address the current crisis, the RDI project officer insisted that it is time that government at all levels take the issue of provision of water to remote communities and ensuring pipeline integrity as priority.

“Our recommendation is that increasing investments in the water sector must be complemented and go pari pasu with ensuring the water delivery systems are regularly maintained. Water must also be available and affordable so that citizens are not forced to patronise other sources that lead to cholera and other illnesses,” added Adediran.

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