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Group says epidemic imminent as refuse litter Kogi

Michael Simire
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Group says epidemic imminent as refuse litter Kogi

Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF Nigeria), an NGO, has raised an alarm over a possible epidemic in Kogi in view of stinking refuse dumps that litter many parts of the state.

Kogi
Indiscriminate waste disposal in Kogi State

Mr Idris Muraina, its Executive Director, expressed the fear in a statement issued on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Lokoja, the state capital.

The executive director said that the NGO was deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of cleanliness and waste management in Kogi, especially in Lokoja metropolis.

“In spite of efforts such as ‘Operation Clean the City’ launched this year by the environment and ecological management ministry, the situation has worsened, putting the health and well-being of residents at risk.

“This situation calls for urgent steps from Gov. Usman Ododo, to put the authorities tasked with the day-to-day clearing of the mountains of refuge dumps, on their toes.

“The streets from Lokongoma down to the New market/Nataco axis are now overrun with unremoved waste, turning our once vibrant city into a breeding ground for diseases and environmental hazards.

“The dumpsite somewhere around Felele area of Lokoja, close to the Federal University permanent site, is wearing a dangerous look.

“What was once envisioned as ‘Operation Clean the City’, now seems to have transformed into ‘Operation Prepare for Cholera’ as the filth continues to accumulate unchecked.

“We are calling on the environment and ecological management ministry and the Kogi Waste Management Board, to urgently wake up to their responsibilities and take decisive action to address this issue,” he pleaded.

Muraina said that the situation was unacceptable as it poses a significant threat to public health and the environment.
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He added: “It is imperative that immediate steps are taken to clean up our streets, properly manage waste and restore the cleanliness and beauty of our city.”

He stressed that the authorities responsible for waste management must redouble their efforts and implement effective strategies.

“They must engage with relevant stakeholders to tackle the challenge head-on.

“The time for action is now, before the situation deteriorates further,” he said.

He stated that RECEF Nigeria was ready to support and collaborate with the government and relevant agencies to ensure a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment for all residents of Kogi.

“Let us all work together to restore the beauty and cleanliness of Kogi for the well-being of its residents and the preservation of our environment,” he urged.

Responding to the challenge, environment commissioner Oluwasegun Joseph said that there was no cause for alarm as stringent measures were being taken by his ministry to address the matter

“Such alarm raised by RECEF Nigeria is uncalled for because government is aware of the situation and has made adequate arrangements to clear the refuse dumps within the metropolis,” he said.

By Thompson Yamput

Nigeria increasing valuable investments in renewable energy – Envoy

Michael Simire
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Nigeria increasing valuable investments in renewable energy – Envoy

Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, says Nigeria is scaling up tangible and valuable investments in renewable energy systems.

Ajuri
Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chief Ajuri Ngelale; with Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General/CEO of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)

He said in a statement in Abuja that he had a fruitful discussion on Friday, July 26, 2024, with Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General/CEO of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

He said he also joined a virtual meeting with the Executive Management of Oando Clean Energy to discuss their groundbreaking work, to increase investments in renewable energy systems.

Ngelale explained that Oando’s focused attention on R&D and study of prospective clean energy investment opportunities, with the willingness to take calculated risks, would be beneficial to the organisation and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

“They will be given all the relationship support we can muster based on the merit of their organisational vision and wide-ranging activities,” he said.

Ngelale said he also deliberated virtually with officials of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. State Department.

Ngelale stated that the discussion focused on Nigeria’s push to leverage on its vast marine resources to attract new green-focused partnerships and investments in seaports and shipping corridors.

By Salif Atojoko

EfD Nigeria’s study raises hope for success of REDD+ project

Michael Simire
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EfD Nigeria’s study raises hope for success of REDD+ project

Research conducted by scholars from the Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre, Environment for Development (REPEC-EfD) Nigeria, University of Nigeria, has revealed that many communities in Cross River State are inclined to engage in endeavours aimed at conserving Nigerian forests through the implementation of the REDD+ initiative.

REDD+
L-R: Director, EfD Nigeria, Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone; Director and National Coordinator, REDD+ Secretariat, Dr Moses Ama; Chairman, Forestry Commission, Cross River State, George Oben Etchi; the Coordinator, REDD+ Cross River State, Mrs Bridget Nkor; and the former DG, National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, at the REDD+ Project Research Dissemination and Stakeholders’ Workshop in Calabar

The REDD+ initiative offers incentives to forest communities to mitigate deforestation and degradation, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

REDD+ is an abbreviation for Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation, with the “+” signifying additional forest-related activities that contribute to climate protection.

Nigeria joined the United Nations REDD+ initiative in 2010 with the objective of positioning it among the nations with the lowest carbon emissions, enhancing forest carbon stocks, improving the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, and fostering sustainable development.

The study, conducted by REPRC-EfD Nigeria researchers, aimed to ascertain the willingness of individuals to partake in future REDD+ projects, identify factors influencing their participation, and estimate the impact of REDD+ on household income and food security, among different gender groups.

The research findings were disseminated at a stakeholders’ workshop co-hosted by REPRC-EfD Nigeria and the National REDD+ Secretariat in Calabar, Cross River State, a pilot state for the implementation of REDD+ projects in Nigeria.

Prof. Nnaemeka Chukwuone, the Director of REPRC-EfD Nigeria, disclosed that the study uncovered a readiness among many communities to engage in future REDD+ projects in the country, with households willing to contribute labour towards the success of the project.

Prof. Chukwuone highlighted that the initial REDD+ projects in Cross River State communities failed to yield the desired impact due to flawed implementation of the intervention programmes.

“The outcomes of this research will guide the future design of REDD+ interventions to ensure impactful outcomes for forest communities,” he stated.

By Inya Agha Egwu

Flooding: NEMA tasks Akwa Ibom traders on proper waste disposal

Michael Simire
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Flooding: NEMA tasks Akwa Ibom traders on proper waste disposal

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged traders in Akwa Ibom State to adopt proper waste disposal practices to prevent flooding in the state.

Pastor Umo Eno
Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State

Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, State Head of Operations of NEMA in Akwa Ibom, made the call during a one-day workshop on Proper Waste Management and Flood Sensitisation to traders at Itam Market on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Uyo, the state capital.

Aisueni warned traders against indiscriminate waste disposal stressing that it polluted the environment and also blocked drainages leading to a high risk of flooding.

“In Akwa Ibom, we face dual challenges: effective waste management and preparation for severe flooding.

“Improper waste management pollutes our environment, clog drainage systems and exacerbates flood risks and impacts.’’

She said that proper waste management was crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment, involving waste reduction, recycling and proper treatment.

“By adopting better waste management practices, we can reduce pollution, conserve resources and improve public health.

“Flood preparedness and response are also crucial for minimising flood devastation.

“Effective flood management requires a comprehensive approach that includes early warning systems, robust infrastructure, community education and coordinated response efforts,” she said.

Aisueni said that the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook identified Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi and Ibeno as high-risk areas, with 14 other local government areas at moderate risk.

She disclosed that some moderate risk areas, such as Mbo, Oron, Eket, Esit Eket and Itu which were flood-prone, might become high-risk, while  Uyo metropolis might experience flash floods due to heavy run off and clogged drains.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Uno Etim Uno, said that the state government had been proactive in managing waste to help tackle flooding in Akwa Ibom.

Uno, who was represented by the Head of Flood and Erosion Control in the Ministry, Mr Okon Udoh, urged traders to cooperate with government by disposing waste properly.

He added that the state government would continue to be proactive and committed to its responsibilities in flood control to ensure safety of lives and property.

By Isaiah Eka

Oil revenue grew by 30% in first half 2024 – Govt

Michael Simire
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Oil revenue grew by 30% in first half 2024 – Govt

The Federal Government says Nigeria’s oil revenue grew from 11 per cent in the first half of 2023 to 30 per cent in the first half of 2024.

Wale Edun
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun

This is contained in a statement by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Abuja.

According to the minister, the growth in government revenue is due to the reconfiguration and improvement in government finances.

“The government’s determination to mobilise non-oil revenue has consistently delivered impressive results.

“For the half-year 2024, non-oil revenue surpassed the revenue in the first half of 2023 by 30 per cent above the 2024 budget target without any increases in taxes,” he said.

On debt, Edun said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been working to manage and reduce the national debt to create better fiscal headroom for economic management.

“In dollar term, Nigeria’s debt burden has reduced, and the government’s fiscal deficit has improved. Our debt has fallen in dollar terms from $108 billion to $91 billion.

“Additionally, the government has diligently serviced all its loans and obligations with no recourse to ways and means of financing,” Edun said.

Edun said that, in 2023, the administration exited the Ways and Means debt trap due to better management of the fiscal space.

He said the federal government did not rely on borrowing from the CBN Ways and Means to fund its obligations.

According to Edun, part of the inflationary pressure the country is currently experiencing is as a result of the past abuse of Ways and Means.

He said the federal government paid back the previous N7.3 trillion obligations within a year of Tinubu’s administration.

On Debt Service to Revenue, the minister said the Federal Government for decades, had been spending more than half of its revenue on debt servicing.

He said this was done to enable it to meet its debt obligations to avert any form of default.

“By the end of June 2023, the federal government spent 97 per cent of total revenue to service debt but has recorded a positive trend in the debt service-to-revenue ratio.

“Currently, the debt service-to-revenue ratio has declined from 97 per cent in the first half of 2023 to 68 per cent in 2024.

“Indicating the government’s strong position in managing its debt obligations,” the minister said.

On Budget Deficit, he said it had been a major priority for the economic managers to reduce the budget deficit.

“To achieve this, the federal government, in the last year of the Tinubu administration, improved government revenue collection and blocked a lot of leakages.

“The 2024 budget deficit has moved in the right direction, with a target of 4.1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an improvement from the 6.1 per cent deficit recorded in 2023.

“On an annualised basis, we are at 4.4 per cent, so you can see we are effectively close to the budgetary target,” Edun said.

The minister said the government’s efforts to attract more foreign inflows into the economy had continued to yield good outcomes.

He expresses the government’s commitment to continue the reforms and improve business environment to engender further confidence.

Edun underscored government’s efforts to attract foreign inflows; including implementing the national single window project, which he said would generate $2.7 billion annually in economic benefits.

He said: “The government’s accelerated stabilisation and advancement plan has already attracted $500 million in investment in the gas sector.

The minister said the government had implemented several initiatives and interventions to address the current high cost of living and bring relief to the masses.

Edun said this included a strategic input programme to increase the supply of food, a pivot to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel for mass transit vehicles.

He said the government was also providing lower-cost financing for the manufacturing industry and production.

The minister sympathised with Nigerians for the current hardship, which he also noted would soon blow away.

He expressed optimism that inflation, in spite being “quite sticky at the moment,” would decelerate and come down due to the government’s commitments and actions.

“Clearly, as part of the reform programme, on the monetary side, monetary policy has been tightened.

“The CBN has been proactive in adjusting the monetary policy rate to address inflation head-on, which is in line with its legal mandate,” he said.

By Lucy Ogalue

Zero emissions: NOSDRA, stakeholders restate commitment to reduce gas flaring

Michael Simire
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Zero emissions: NOSDRA, stakeholders restate commitment to reduce gas flaring

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have reiterated commitments to reduce gas flaring in Nigeria.

Gas flaring
Gas flaring

The stakeholders stated this at the National Extractives Dialogue 2024, in Abuja on Friday, July 26, 2024.

The event is with the theme, “Gas Flare Reduction: A Catalyst for Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Net-Zero Emissions and Sustainable Development”.

Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Director-General of NOSDRA, said this was in line with NOSDRA’s mission to tackle the issue of gas flaring and the resultant methane emissions in Nigeria.

“The reduction of gas flaring is integral to this mission, aligning with our broader mandate to safeguard the environment from the adverse effects of oil and gas activities.

“Today, we are not simply discussing an environmental issue, but we are confronting fundamental challenge that profoundly impacts our national development and global commitments,” he said.

Woke expressed concern that persistent practice of gas flaring had marred the landscape of Nigeria’s natural resources.

He said that, by tackling gas flares head-on, the country could unlock new pathways for energy efficiency, economic diversification and community resilience.

According to Woke, this will in turn boost economic growth and job creation in the country in line with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda.

He said that critical stakeholders could work towards reducing gas flaring and creating sustainable and prosperous future for the country.

In an address, Dr Orji Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, said the dialogue offered stakeholders a constructive platform to discuss means of propelling gas flare-down, carbon footprint reduction and sustainable development.

Orji was represented by Dr Dieter Bassi, Director, Policy Planning and Strategy, NEITI.

By Doris Esa

Shettima urges African nations to unite against climate change

Michael Simire
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Shettima urges African nations to unite against climate change

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged African nations to unite in addressing climate change and social impact challenges facing the continent.

Kashim Shettima
Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria

The Spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, said in a statement that Shettima made the call on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2024 held in Lagos.

He stated that the vice-president was represented by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment.

Shettima, who stressed the need for collaboration among African leaders, also urged them to work toward developing sustainable practices and protecting the ecosystem.

This, according to him, would secure a greener future and springboard for the continent’s overall development in the face of existential climate realities.

He added that “the brunt of climate change that Africa faces can only be mitigated if we stand together.”

Shettima, who noted that climate change is an existential issue, described it as “the elephant in every social impact room.”

He emphasised the need for joint efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as technological innovation in the agriculture and energy sectors.

He also stressed the importance of investing in quality education and skills development across the continent, calling for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare systems in African nations.

He explained that “whatever blueprints we promote must focus on innovation. That is the compass of social impact.”

Shettima urged African nations to empower local innovators, invest in research and create ecosystems that foster ground-breaking solutions to deliver maximum social impact.

He emphasised that from agricultural to energy solutions, harnessing technology and creativity are crucial for saving today and preparing for tomorrow.

“We may gather in meeting rooms and conferences to philosophise about changing our world, but the truth remains that we can never guarantee social impact without an educated society,” he added.

The vice-president, therefore, called for investments in quality education, vocational training and lifelong learning, reiterating the need to equip African youths with relevant skills for the digital age.

He described education as “the bridge to a system that works” and “the secret ingredient of every development”, and commended Lagos as a model for successful urban development and public-private partnerships.

He noted that “Lagos is a template for the synergy of private and public sectors to build a system that works.”

Shettima called for a unified approach to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that “only as a unified front can we create an all-inclusive approach to achieving the SDGs and deliver social impact across the board.”

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Govt urges stakeholders to tackle threats to biodiversity

Michael Simire
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Govt urges stakeholders to tackle threats to biodiversity

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Abuja urged stakeholders in the environment sector to strengthen efforts to tackle biodiversity threat in the country.

Dr Iziaq Salako
Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, said this at a workshop.

The theme of the workshop is “National Biodiversity for the Early Action Support Project to Implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)”.

“It is clear that we must use all of the tools at our disposal to reduce the threats to biodiversity, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is guiding our way.

“As stakeholders in this important process, you have a crucial role to preserve the biodiversity we cherish, the natural resources on which our very survival depends.

“National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is the policy instrument for national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),” Salako said.

The minister said that the African continent is more vulnerable to climate change, species loss, and biodiversity destruction than any other.

“African environments and resources, including that of our country have been hit hard by decades and centuries of exploitation mostly perpetrated by other countries especially in the global north.

“And now our environments, our wildlife, our lands, and our peoples are most at risk. But Nigeria and the rest of African nations are leading the way to protect our planet’s biodiversity,” he said.

On her part, Nifesimi Ogunkua, Climate Change Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), pledged FAO’s full support to the implementation and evaluation of NBSAPs.

“FAO has developed an impressive array of tools, frameworks, and approaches to support the realisation of the Global 2030 targets.

“FAO is excited about the priority the government of Nigeria has placed on integrating agric-food systems.

“We recognise the importance of a holistic approach and are ready to work closely with Nigeria to achieve these goals. FAO is open to collaborate with other partners in Nigeria,” Ogunkua assured.

By Abigael Joshua

Climate governance essential to tackle climate change, says minister

Michael Simire
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Climate governance essential to tackle climate change, says minister

Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has said that climate governance at the sub-national level is essential for several reasons.

Climate Governance Performance Ranking
Stakeholders at the workshop on Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking of the 36 states of Nigeria.

Lawal said this in Abuja on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking and report of the 36 states of Nigeria.

“This event marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to addressing the impacts of climate change which has become a challenge that transcends borders and requires concerted effort of government at all levels.

“This ranking not only serves as an acknowledgment of their achievements but also as a beacon of encouragement for others to emulate.

“We will highlight the pivotal role that sub-national entities play in driving sustainable environmental practices,” Lawal said.

The report is a collaborative effort of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Nigeria Governor’s Forum.

“It provided us with an understanding of the status of climate challenges and opportunities within the sub-national level to mitigate the challenges.

“It also gave an insight on the impacts of climate change, the policies enacted to mitigate these impacts and actions taken across various sectors,” the minister said.

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, Chairman, Board of Trustee, Society for Planet and Prosperity, said that climate governance is essential to tackle climate change.

Okereke said that climate change is not only environmental but also an economic problem and urged stakeholders to tackle it at the state and sub-national levels.

An important highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to some states according to their performances.

Lagos, Gombe, and Ebonyi came first, second and third respectively while Borno and Ekiti were both in fourth position.

By Abigael Joshua

Azerbaijan laments rising ecosystem threat, to hold One Health forum within COP29

Michael Simire
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Azerbaijan laments rising ecosystem threat, to hold One Health forum within COP29

Azerbaijan has taken significant steps in the national biosurveillance and biodefense with the One Health approach, the Deputy Agriculture Minister, Sarvan Jafarov, said on Thursday, July 25, 2024, during his speech at the symposium entitled “One Health Uncovered: Preparing for COP29 with Intersectoral Insights”.

Sarvan Jafarov
Deputy Agriculture Minister of Azerbaijan, Sarvan Jafarov

The deputy minister said that the government is fighting against diseases such as smallpox, anthrax, brucellosis, swine fever, horse flu and rabies and funds a range of control measures to protect animal health, including vaccination.

Jafarov noted that threats to the ecosystem have been rising.

“The fact that most of the pathogens detected during the last 50 years are of zoonotic-animal origin and related to wild animals is also an indication of this. Considering the interdependence of humans, domestic animals and wild animals, as well as plants, different sectors must join efforts for a common goal.”

He stressed that within the framework of COP 29, together with international partners, both the implementation status and future prospects of the initiatives put forward in the previous COP events regarding the One Health concept will be reviewed.

“The Ministry of Agriculture, while supporting all the initiatives put forward to protect our world from global threats, has contributed to the measures implemented within the framework of those initiatives. The ministry will continue to support and cooperate with such initiatives in the future,” the deputy minister added.

Balarahim Guliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Food Safety Agency (AQTA), said that a conference dedicated to the One Health approach will be held within the framework of COP29.

Guliyev emphasised that, in the era of globalisation, it is crucial for all countries worldwide to work together in a collaborative framework to implement the One Health concept, address the challenges posed, ensure the health of the global population, make safe food accessible to all, and protect the ecological balance of the environment.

The deputy chairman added that that this issue will be a priority at the international COP29 event to be held in Azerbaijan.

“The Agency has already proposed holding a conference dedicated to the One Health approach within the framework of the Food, Agriculture, and Water Day, which is included in the program for the COP29 event on November 19, both in the blue and green zones,” he said, adding that official appeals have been addressed in this regard.

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