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Nigeria to invest $800m in power sector

Michael Simire
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Nigeria to invest $800m in power sector

The Federal Government of Nigeria says it plans to invest $800 million in the construction of sub-stations and distribution networks as part of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).

Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser, Media and Strategic Communication to the Minister of Power, in Abuja on Sunday, September 1, 2024.

Tunji said the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, said this during a tour of the TBEA Southern Power Transmission and Distribution Industry in Beijing, China.

He said that the minister was in Beijing for the China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

Adelabu said that the investment would be divided into two lots: $400 million for Lot 2, covering Benin, Port Harcourt, and Enugu Distribution Companies (DISCOs) franchise areas, and $400 million for Lot 3, covering Abuja, Kaduna, Jos, and Kano DISCOs franchise areas.

The minister expressed concern over the rejection of power by Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), which recently led to a reduction in generation capacity from a peak of 5,170 megawatts by 1,400 megawatts due to their inability to manage the supply.

He said that, despite the setback, the government aimed to increase power generation to 6,000 megawatts by the end of the year.

Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with world-class organisations like TBEA to realise President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the power sector.

“Especially in the areas of transmission and distribution of the entire power sector value chain as well as Nigeria’s renewable energy segment.”

Adelabu said that Nigeria had in 1984 generated 2,000 megawatts, and it took over 35 years to add another 2,000 megawatts.

He said that under the current administration, power generation increased from 4,000 megawatts to 5,170 megawatts within a year.

The minister speaking on the problems in the power sector which had hindered industrial growth, said this was due partly to the fragility of the Transmission and distribution infrastructure which had become old and dilapidated.

“This has led to historical epileptic supply of Power to households, industry and businesses.

“More than 59 per cent of industries in Nigeria are off the grid. They did not see the national grid as reliable and dependable. So a lot of them now operate their own captive, self-generated power,” he said.

Adelabu said that the present administration was determined to transform the power sector, adding that a lot of activities had started that were gradually bringing back confidence in the sector.

“When this administration came on board in 2023, we met about 4 gigawatts (4,000 megawatts) of power but within a year, we were able to generate a milestone of 5,170 megawatts.

“That is about 1, 000 megawatts of power within the first year. It may look small, but compared to the history of the country, this is commendable”.

“Our plan is that, by the end of the year, we aim to achieve 6,000 megawatts of power through a combination of hydroelectric power plants and our gas- fired power plant.

“We are also targeting 30 gigawatts of power to be generated, transmitted and distributed by year 2030 out of which 30 per cent will be renewable energy,” he said.

On the construction of the super grid, the minister said the national grid in its present state could not support the vision for the power sector.

“If we look at the strength, the capacity and the age of our existing network on the national grid, it cannot really support our vision for the power sector, hence the need for the construction of the Western and Eastern super grid.

“Though we have been on this since my assumption of duty, I can also tell you that the president is in full support of this because it will improve our transmission network.

“It will also stabilise the grid and also expand the capacity and the flexibility of the grid as 90 per cent of the approval required is in place and will be concluded soon,” he said.

The statement also quoted the President of TBEA, Huang Hanjie as assuring the audience of the organisation’s continued support for Nigeria’s government vision for the power sector.

He said TBEA operates across 100 countries in the world and would be willing to share its experience in the provision of energy.

“The company is not new in Nigeria, it is presently working with the Omotosho, power plant, Ondo State, owned by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).”

Hanjie also commended the minister for the improved power sector as evidenced in improved generation and transmission since his assumption of office.

He said that TBEA would be willing to work with the Nigerian government to achieve its vision and contribute to the ongoing power sector revolution in the country.

By Constance Athekame

800 homes to benefit from EU funded mini-grid solar project in Cross River

Michael Simire
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800 homes to benefit from EU funded mini-grid solar project in Cross River

No fewer than 800 homes in Etomi community of Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State are set to benefit from an EU funded mini-grid solar power project.

Solar mini-grid
A solar mini-grid system

The state’s Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Mr Eka Williams, stated this during a site visit to assess the progress of the project in the community on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

He named the project as the 196 Kilowatt-hour (kwh)-100H inverter Jinko powerhouse mini-grid solar farm that boasts 119 Kilo Watts (kW) capacity.

Williams said that the solar farm was designed to provide electricity to the community.

According to him, the project is now fully operational and ready to power the Etomi community.

“I am pleased to announce that the solar farm is now fully operational and ready to power the Etomi community.

“All stages of the project have been successfully completed.

“This initiative does not only enhance energy accessibility in the region.

“It also supports our commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development,” he said.

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Nasarawa intensifies awareness on flooding

Michael Simire
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Nasarawa intensifies awareness on flooding

The Nasarawa State Government says it has intensified sensitisation to flood-prone local government areas to mitigate flood disasters in the state.

Abdullahi Sule
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State

Mr Yakubu Kwanta, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, said this during the Monthly Sanitation on Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Lafia, the state capital.

Kwanta, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Garba-Rosha Mohammed, said that the ministry had gone to flood-prone communities to sensitise them to the need for early evacuation, in the event of flooding.

He said that Nasarawa State was among the states that the Federal Government, in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, graciously gave N3 billion toward mitigating flooding.

“As you know, Gov. Abdullahi Sule is a transparent person, he will ensure that the fund is utilised judiciously, especially for what it is meant for.

“We have been creating awareness on flooding and the need for early evacuation from the flood-prone areas, we have automated machines in the flood-prone local government areas that have connected to our phones.

“Anytime the alarm is shown to us that there will be flooding, we start telling these people to evacuate to a safer place,” Kwanta said.

He applauded the level of compliance on sanitation and called for sustenance in the state.

“We appreciate the Emir of Lafia for his support, supervision, and participation, we also thank the community people and stakeholders for their participation in keeping their environment clean.

“Actually, we went round with the media, we have seen what people are doing, the compliance was 85 per cent.

“Honestly, we are glad to see how people are passionately responding to this exercise,” the commissioner said.

Kwanta said that sanitation inspectors were deployed to supervise the evacuation of the drains and culverts for easy flow of water to prevent flood and other devastating effects on the environment.

Dr Abubakar Mohammed, the Chief Prosecutor Officer of the sanitation, said that 86 sanitation defaulters were arrested.

Mohammed, who is also the Director, Enforcement and Compliances, at Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, said that some arrests made in the cause of the sanitation were mostly motorists and tricycles.

“We summon the Chairman of Tricycle Riders Association for not informing his people before the sanitation, even though he is part of the team,” he said,

Mohammed gave the breakdown of the arrest in the local governments to include: Lafia 12, Doma 15, Nasarawa Eggon 12, Karu 35, Keffi 12, noting that they would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

By Oboh Linus

Azerbaijan encourages parties to make early BTR submissions in advance of COP29

Michael Simire
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Azerbaijan encourages parties to make early BTR submissions in advance of COP29

Azerbaijan has called on countries to submit their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) before the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held in Baku in November 2024, reads a letter from COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, to the parties to the conference of the parties on climate change.

Mukhtar Babayev
Mukhtar Babayev, COP President

The letter reads in part:

“While recognising the varying starting points of each country, early submissions of BTRs will be a strong demonstration of our collective commitment to transparency. With COP29 in Baku fewer than 75 days away, it is imperative that we take tangible steps to demonstrate our shared commitment to climate action.

“As we conveyed earlier this year, the COP29 Presidency’s vision centres around two parallel and mutually reinforcing pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action, with climate finance as our top priority. As we reiterate the necessity for all Parties to enhance their ambition in the next generation of national climate plans, transparency forms a cornerstone of mutual trust and accountability. It ensures that our collective actions to combat climate change are robust, comprehensive, and measurable. By transparently reporting our words and deeds, our progress and challenges, we reaffirm our commitment to achieving our climate goals.

“It is in this context that the COP29 Presidency is emphasising the key role of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), as Parties implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). With the deadline for submission of the first BTRs rapidly approaching, it is critical to ensure that all countries are ready and able to submit. BTRs will be pivotal in tracking our progress, building trust, and identifying areas where further action and investment are needed.

“We understand that it will be challenging for many Parties to measure and report data and there is significant need for capacity building. In light of this, the COP29 Presidency is taking decisive steps to ensure ongoing political engagement and enhance collaboration and capacity-building so we can all deliver on our collective transparency commitments at COP29 and beyond.

“On September 3, 2024, the COP29 Presidency will host a High-Level Dialogue (HLD) to sustain momentum for increased transparency action in the lead-up to COP29. This High-Level Dialogue will focus on building confidence among Parties, raising political awareness about the importance of universal participation in the ETF, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

“The main objective of the BTP is to enhance confidence and support Parties in preparing and finalising their BTRs, as well as implementing the ETF beyond 2024, in particular, supporting the capacity-building efforts of developing country Parties along the way. The BTP will complement existing transparency platforms, including the #Together4Transparency initiative, aligning with and enhancing the existing transparency ecosystem.

“Our goal is to unite stakeholders committed to support developing country Parties in the preparation and submission of BTRs, promote collaboration and knowledge exchange amongst all Parties on the full spectrum of the ETF, and better mobilize capacity-building resources where they are needed. By doing so, we can help to ensure the effective implementation of the ETF and the success of the Paris Agreement.”

UK may unveil tougher emissions targets at COP29 climate summit

Michael Simire
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UK may unveil tougher emissions targets at COP29 climate summit

The UK government is considering making further commitments on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, likely to be announced at the UN climate summit this year in Baku.

Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

According to The Guardian, the plan is expected to help kickstart global ambitions on cutting emissions and encourage other countries to follow suit.

Under the Paris climate agreement countries are obliged to submit more stringent targets on emissions in February, if the world is to have any chance of holding global temperature rises to within 1.5C of preindustrial levels.

But Ed Miliband, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero, hopes to announce a new target months early, and has the support of Keir Starmer, the prime minister, in trying to propel the UK into a leadership position on the international stage at climate negotiations.

The article notes that activists representing developing countries told the Guardian the global south would welcome UK plans for the early publication of its emissions-cutting plan, known as a nationally determined contribution (NDC).

Harjeet Singh, the global engagement director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said: “The UK has a critical opportunity to set the bar for climate leadership and equity by announcing a robust NDC well ahead of Cop29. This proactive approach would signal to other developed nations the urgency of abandoning fossil fuel production and committing to a future powered by renewables.

Miliband has asked the Climate Change Committee to advise on the UK’s next target, for 2035. The Guardian understands the CCC’s recommendation is likely to be published before the autumn budget in late October.

Govt delivers WASH facilities in 92 federal unity colleges

Michael Simire
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0
Govt delivers WASH facilities in 92 federal unity colleges

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, says the Federal Government has delivered the phase one interventions of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities across 92 federal unity colleges (FUCs).

Prof. Tahir Mamman
Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman

Mamman said this during a presentation on the progress of the interventions by the National Project Coordinator, Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Mrs Amina Haruna, in Abuja on Friday, August 30, 2024.

He said that the WASH facilities would provide for a new rebranding of the schools, as well as give opportunities to learners to learn in a conducive environment.

“This is what we want to see at our basic and secondary education levels.

“By the time we are done with the second phase, we will be having brand new facilities in our colleges.

“If we have this in place, we will be having little efforts to persuade learners to go to school.

“We will be rebranding our schools in terms of facilities and lifelong skilling, and then we will be on the way to deliver on the agenda of our president,” he said.

On her part, Haruna said that the interventions had impacted positively on the wellbeing of learners and the entire community.

She explained that the 40 per cent of the phase one project for WASH facilities in the FUCs had already been completed.

She added that the remaining 60 per cent, which is for infrastructural interventions, would commence soon.

“The disbursement of the balance of 60 per cent of the intervention fund to the 92 FUCs will be for the implementation of the next phase of the interventions.

“These interventions are for the construction of classrooms, laboratories, multipurpose hall, kitchen, ICT centres, provision of furniture, teaching and learning materials in the schools,” she said.

Out of the 115 unity colleges across the country, the intervention for the 92 colleges was provided for by AGILE.

However, interventions in the remaining Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTC) were handled by the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS), a World Bank supported project.

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Ministry restates commitment to tackling impact of climate change

Michael Simire
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0
Ministry restates commitment to tackling impact of climate change

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, says the ministry is committed to tackling the impact of climate change in Nigeria.

Prof. Joseph Utsev
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation

Utsev gave the assurance at the unveiling of Nigerian Multi-Lateral Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit and Business Excellence on Friday, August 30, 2024, in Abuja.

The programme was organised by the Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS), 2025 – Nigeria.

The summit was aimed at exploring over $12 trillion investment opportunity in the infrastructure, green energy transition, climate change, space and digital/Artificial Intelligence technology drive for Africa.

Utsev said that the ministry had taken deliberate steps to mitigate the impact of climate change on water resources and associated infrastructure.

He said the  programme was to also create a platform for the assessment of Africa economic and security infrastructure and to identify new development partners and many more.

The minister, represented by the Director of Hydrology in the ministry, Mrs Ngozi Abohwo, said that the ministry had taken a proactive approach in preparing for infrastructure development and climate change action.

He said that ministry recognised the urgency of the challenges of climate change.

Utsev said that recent policy initiatives and strategic plans, such as the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Action Plan and the main report of the presidential committee preventing flood disasters reflected the ministry’s commitment to building resilient water and sanitation infrastructure.

“The quantum of energy required and amount of emission from the water sector is huge especially when moving water from one location to the other or pumping water through the systems.

“Consequently, it is very important to deploy more renewable energy sources to the water sector in order to reduce the Green House and Gas (GHG) Emission or Carbon Footprints.

“In this regard, the ministry has unveiled the National Programme for Conversion of Diesel-Powered Water Schemes (Irrigation schemes, Boreholes and Water Treatment Facilities) to renewable energy sources.

“This project aims at inventory, rehabilitation and conversion of existing schemes designed using fossil fuel to renewable energy sources based on energy available within each region of the country.

“In its bid to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases which are the major drivers of climate change and to reduce flood with its attendant colossal loss and damages, the ministry has commenced processes for the Construction of Small Hydropower Plants nationwide and the Datsin Hausa Dam.

“The Small Hydropower Project aims to retrofit existing Small Dams initially constructed for irrigation purposes with small hydropower systems,” he said.

Mr George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said his office would continue to support AICIS partnership to promote infrastructure development, climate change and investment drive for Nigeria and Africa in general.

Akume was represented by Mr Etoabasi Okon, Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Bilateral Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He said that Africa continent needed to harness all the potential in the climate change activities for the continent’s economic benefits.

Mr Moses Owharo, Chairman of the Planning and Organising Committee for AICIS 2025, said that the Nigerian Multi-lateral, Infrastructure and Climate Summit would shape the future pathway of Africa’s development, starting with Nigeria.

He said that the country was the powerhouse of West Africa considering its role in politics and economics.

Owharo emphasised the importance of the summit in addressing the urgent needs of Africa, particularly in infrastructure development and climate action.

“We believe that AICIS 2025 would project Africa to the world and Nigeria in particular considering the successful implementation of the maiden edition in the U.S. in 2024,’’ he said.

The representatives of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the Nigerian Space Agency, Diplomats, Burundi and Ethiopia Embassies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), NGOs and other development partners attended the event.

By Aderogba George

Circular economy: Lagos launches ‘eco-circulate’ sensitisation campaign

Michael Simire
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0
Circular economy: Lagos launches ‘eco-circulate’ sensitisation campaign

The Lagos State Government is set to launch a sensitisation initiative aimed at promoting the Circular Economy as a solution to diversify the state’s resources by transforming waste into valuable assets.

Circular Economy
R-L: Special Adviser, Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope Goerge; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyitolu inspecting footwears made from recycled materials during a closeout event on circular economy practices in Idi-Araba, Lagos recently

The awareness campaign themed “Eco Circulate” will commence in Badagry on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at St. Thomas Primary School, Agbalata Market Road, led by the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy.

The Eco-Circulate programme is designed to increase awareness and adoption of the Circular Economy across Lagos State. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of climate impacts, such as flooding and waterborne diseases, on both the government and citizens.

The Circular Economy has the potential to create 10,000 to 30,000 jobs, foster new entrepreneurship, and cut over two million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually in Lagos State.

The programme will incentivise residents to participate in waste-to-value initiatives, offering rewards like health insurance, free public transport, foodstuffs, cooking energy, and airtime/data in exchange for recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, sachets of pure water, waste oil (black oil and used cooking oil in separate containers), e-waste such as phones, laptops, household appliances as well as textile waste.

Strategic partnerships with LASHMA, LASSRA, the Lottery Board, and external partners like telecom companies, manufacturers, and markets have been established to ensure the program’s success. The campaign will extend across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.

Stakeholders explore local councils’ commitment to achieving Nigeria’s emission reduction target

Michael Simire
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0
Stakeholders explore local councils’ commitment to achieving Nigeria’s emission reduction target

The city of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State on Thursday, August 29, 2024, played host to the South-South Regional Summit on Accelerating Nigeria’s Emission Reduction (Net-Zero) Commitment for Local Government authoring organised by Connected Advocacy in collaboration with Institute of Biodiversity, Climate Change and Watersheds Niger Delta University.

Connected Advocacy
Participants at the Connected Advocacy workshop in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

The central theme was on strengthening collaboration for just transition implementation and improve energy access at the subnational level.

The event was opened by the Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University who was represented by the Director of Institute of Biodiversity, Climate Change Watersheds, Dr Cyprian Abasi, who welcomed the Chairmen, heads of LGA Administration, and LGA leaders of legislative Council.

He said: “Accelerating implementation for sub-national government to achieve Nigeria’s net-zero commitment to tackle climate change and improve energy access and subnational development is a commitment for everyone to work together to build a lasting legacy that our people and planet will be proud of.”

He further stressed the time essence to act which is now and warned of the devastating consequences of inaction to climate change mitigation and adaptation considering pressing issue of its impact in communities. He encouraged participants to use the summit to build bridges and foster collaboration and champion contributions towards achieving Nigeria’s net-zero target.

The convener and Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, Prince Israel Orekha, underlined the need to develop local government climate action plans, adding that it is required to drive funding and sustainable environmental development.

GodsonJim-Dorgu Mac-Jim Foundation and its team members spoke on the Need for Just Transition and Environmental Sustainability, saying that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to significant greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and environmental degradation.

The need for the country to fulfill its policy work commitments under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) require a shift towards cleaner energy sources, they added.

They emphasised that urgent action should be given to energy security and access, adding: “We need to stop overdependence on imported petroleum products and lack of diversification in the energy mix will make Nigeria vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions, this we are currently suffering now.

“Improving energy access, particularly in underserved rural areas, is crucial for socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation.”

Mrs. Allen Alice Tangi, Chairman, Sagbama Local Government, thanked the organisers and pledged to implement learning and resolutions from the summit.

“The summit has opened our eyes to the urgent need for action. We pledge to work together to address the challenges of climate change,” she said.

Bulodisiye Ndiware, Chairman, Yenagoa Local Government Council, said: “The time for talk is over. We must take concrete steps to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

David Alagoa, Chairman, Nembe Local Government, said: “I would like to thank the organisers of this programme for the issues around climate change cannot be overemphasised because it affects us all, and it will be an avenue to start working on the change that we need as a people and as a community. We need to get organised using data gathering to drive real action on the ground.

Participants listed next steps to include:

  • Development of a comprehensive action plan to address climate change.
  • Conducting an emission inventory to identify areas for reduction.
  • Implementation of emission reduction strategies and data for development.
  • Execution of strategies for sustainable development.
  • Monitoring and reporting progress.

WaterAid to provide WASH services to 21,475 Lagosians within three years

Michael Simire
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0
WaterAid to provide WASH services to 21,475 Lagosians within three years

WaterAid Nigeria with support from Microsoft Inc. has rolled out a new project aiming at improving access to sustainable Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in the peri-urban area of Lagos State.

WaterAid
Prince Niran Ogunbanwo, Mrs. Juliet Omole, Engr. Adisa Yinusa and Dr. Adebayo Alao during the launch of Peri Urban Water and Sanitation Improvement Project in Lagos. Photo credit: Olayide Daniel

The intervention programme titled Lagos Peri-urban Water and Sanitation Improvement Project will be implemented through increasing access to water supply and sanitation services and strengthening mechanisms that promote community preparedness for water-related shocks and stresses that arise from the effects of climate change.

In her remarks, Evelyne Mere, Country Director for WaterAid Nigeria, said: “The three-year project is set to reach nothing less than 21,475 people with access to sustainable, resilient, and affordable Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Ikorodu North LCDA.”

The Country Director, represented by Dr. Adebayo Alao, said: “WaterAid reiterates its committed partnership with Lagos State and all relevant stakeholders. We look forward to the successful implementation of the project and the sustainability of the rehabilitated facilities. We hope that the governments at both levels will adopt these models for upscaling and replication across the evolving megacity of Lagos until everyone, everywhere have access to sustainable WASH services.”

“Lagos State is among the most populous cities in Africa, with an estimated population of 22 million people. However, like many other cities in sub-Saharan Africa, it struggles to manage rapid population growth and urban development, including providing access to essential services like Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), hence the need for the intervention programme,” she maintained.

Speaking further, Mere noted that “WaterAid in collaboration with the government and civil society organisations will be implementing this project with emphasis on rehabilitation of non-functional water and handwashing facilities, upgrade of sanitation facilities to be gender inclusive; one that addresses the needs of women/girls and persons with disabilities, and promotion of good hygiene that supports healthy living.

“The Peri-Urban Water and Sanitation Improvement project will leverage our ongoing Clean Family Campaign in the state to promote and improve targeted hygiene behaviours in communities to improve health outcomes and curb the spread of infectious diseases by establishing/strengthening Environmental Health Clubs (EHCs) in schools and instituting Volunteer Hygiene Promoters (VHPs) who will become champions of hygiene behaviour change,” she stated.

In his remarks, Godfrey Iloha, WASH Manager (Microsoft Project), said to achieve the target, four communities namely Omigun, Arobiona, Irepodun-Ayegbami and Agbede Olosugbo as well as Farm Settlement Primary School in Odogunyan, all in Ikorodu North LCDA will be benefiting from the intervention programme.

According to Iloha, “The project has three objectives: one is improving access to water and sanitation, increasing education and awareness on hygiene as well as strengthening governance systems.

“For everything that WaterAid does, it is about sustainability, WaterAid alone cannot achieve the enormity of access gap in the state. We need to work with the state government, who has the ultimate responsibility to provide water and access whatever we do is some sort of a model for them to be able to take off and then sustain them. So, all that we do is we bring in stakeholders from local from the community and at the state level,” he submitted.

The 2021 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) Survey shows that 45% of people in Lagos lack access to safely managed water, 75% lack access to safely managed sanitation and 65% do not have access to hygiene services while 34% drink water contaminated with E. coli.

In recent years, as the climate crisis has become more severe, there has also been a major surge in the number of cholera outbreaks across the world including Lagos State.

Findings from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Cholera Situation Report Monthly Epidemiological Report 15 Epi week 32: (August 5, 2024 – August 11, 2024) show that Lagos accounted for 63% (3,758 cases) of all suspected cases in the country of the 36 states that have reported cases.

Disease outbreaks such as this continue to highlight the importance of access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services and more so, that the provision of WASH infrastructures is climate resilient.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion include Engr. Adisa Yinusa, Director of Water Resources in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources; Mr. Fadunsin Babatunde (Deputy Director WASH) from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Prince Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, WASHCOM Coordinator and Chairman CDC, Ikorodu North, CDA Chairmen from the benefiting communities in the LCDA, among others.

By Ajibola Adedoye

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