The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has sought the support of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, to actualise its 50 million date palm project.
The Director-General (D-G) NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, made the request when he paid a courtesy call on the SGF in his office in Abuja.
The director-general explained that the 50 million date palm project is aimed at combating desertification and restoring degraded lands in the 11 frontline states of Northern Nigeria.
Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Alhaji Saleh Abubakar
Abubakar said that the agency, during a ceremony to mark its 10th anniversary in August, launched an ambitious 50 million date palm project in its determination to curb dessert encroachment in the country.
According to Saleh, the agency has, so far, distributed no fewer than five million date palm in the 11 frontline states, and is targeting to upscale it to 50 million by 2030.
“I am here to solicit your support in combating desertification, land degradation and our 50 million date palm initiative for economic empowerment.
“NAGGW was established in 2015, to address land degradation, desertification, boost food security and support communities to adapt to climate change in Sokoto, Kebbi, Kastina, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa.
“NAGGW serves as the Nigerian focal point for the actualisation of the vision of the African Union’s Great Green Wall of the Sahara and the Sahel project.
“The mission of the NAGGW is to halt and reverse land degradation, prevent depletion of biological diversity, ensure that ecosystems are resilient to climate change, and continue to provide essential services that would contribute to human welfare and poverty eradication,” the d-g stated.
He said he assumed office over a year ago, the agency has intensified efforts and deepen collaboration with critical stakeholders in the 11 frontline states to halt desertification and ensure that people in the affected states own the projects.
“We need your improved support to enable the agency get more funding to finance the 50 million date palm project and other initiatives that are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” Abubakar said.
Responding, the SGF, who acknowledged the efforts of the agency in combating the negative effects of climate change in the 11 frontline states, assured the NAGGW DG of the continued support of the Federal Government in ensuring that the agency delivers its mandate.
As the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) concluded in Belém, Brazil, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has welcomed the call to at least triple adaptation finance by 2035.
This, according to the organisation, represents an important step forward, given the substantial gap between developing countries’ adaptation needs and the international public finance currently available. COP30 also reiterated the vital importance of nature in climate action.
However, the Union expressed regret at insufficient progress on phasing out fossil fuels made at the conference.
COP30
COP30 witnessed the adoption of the Belém Adaptation Indicators, marking the culmination of a two-year long process to develop a robust indicator framework for assessing progress towards the 2030 targets established under the Paris Agreement’s Global Goal on Adaptation.
IUCN says it looks forward to further contributing to this process, specifically on the target and indicators to reduce climate impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity, and to accelerate the use of ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions.
IUCN regrets that more concrete results could not be achieved at COP30 on key issues that are central to addressing the climate crisis. Although Parties had taken a historic decision at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner, no pathway was agreed to advance this commitment.
This unresolved gap – highlighted at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, where IUCN Members called on States to create a pathway for an equitable transition away from coal, oil and gas in line with the 1.5°C temperature limit and biodiversity goals – remains a matter of serious concern.
Similarly, no consensus was reached to deliver a roadmap to halt and reverse forest loss and degradation by 2030, another goal agreed to at COP28 for which an agreed implementation pathway is lacking.
On a positive note, COP30 witnessed much progress on forests outside of the negotiations. This included the launching by Brazil of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. During the thematic day on forests, IUCN highlighted the unmatched role of primary forests in addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation, and celebrated with Germany 15 years of the Bonn Challenge, the world’s largest forest restoration initiative.
IUCN welcomes Switzerland’s announcement of significant new investments to boost forest landscape restoration in Africa and South America.
Throughout the two weeks of the conference, including during a high-level ministerial roundtable convened by the COP30 Presidency, IUCN urged Parties to harmonise national policies, align reporting processes, and deepen collaboration across the Rio Conventions. While a formal decision on this matter could not be reached, there is greater recognition now of the importance of this issue within the UNFCCC, with Parties agreeing to continue their deliberations at the next intersessional meeting.
In addition, the current and incoming Presidencies of the UNFCCC, CBD and UNCCD released the Belém Joint Statement on the Rio Conventions underscoring their commitment to this issue. IUCN’s official side-event at COP30, co-organised with the Government of Japan and other partners, further underlined the importance of advancing environmental synergies towards UNEA 7 and beyond.
This was the first COP to be held in the Amazon rainforest, and the first with record levels of participation by Indigenous Peoples. IUCN recognises the importance of direct access to climate finance and indigenous-led funds, the protection of indigenous lands and territories as well as free, prior and informed consent in all projects affecting Indigenous peoples.
It was also the first time that Parties took a decision to develop a just transition mechanism to enable equitable and inclusive just transitions through international cooperation and capacity building, and also recognised the connection between just transition pathways and ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity.
Parties also approved, for the first time, dedicated dialogues to consider the connections between climate change and trade. The establishment of a two-year work programme on climate finance was also a welcome concrete step.
IUCN further welcomes the successful adoption of the Belém Gender Action Plan for 2026-2034, which provides a renewed framework for advancing gender-responsive climate policy and ensuring that women’s leadership and expertise are effectively integrated across climate action.
Other highlights for IUCN at COP30 include its participation in the Action Agenda, co-convened by the COP30 Presidency and the High-Level Climate Champions, and the launch of the ENACT Nature-based Solutions Accelerator Pathways Report, which provides a strategic framework to help countries rapidly integrate nature-based solutions into climate, biodiversity and development planning.
Working through the ENACT Partnership, co-chaired by Egypt and Germany, and in collaboration with other partners, IUCN delivered concrete Plans to Accelerate Solutions on Biodiversity Adaptation and Resilience and on Nature-based Solutions. COP30 also saw Mongolia joining the ENACT Partnership.
Along with strengthened action on forests, IUCN believes these initiatives will harness the power of nature to help address the climate crisis.
A new assessment of African Forest Elephants reveals an estimated 135,690 individuals, with an additional 7,728 to 10,990 elephants based on more tentative “guesses”. Updated methods provide a clearer, more accurate understanding of the species’ status – revising population figures by an additional 16%, compared to figures published in 2016.
Thanks to significant advances in DNA-based survey techniques and expanded monitoring across the species’ range, 94% of all counted African Forest Elephants are now based on scientifically robust estimates, compared to just 53% in 2016.
Nevertheless, African Forest Elephants remain Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and are under continued threat from poaching and habitat destruction.
African Forest Elephants remain Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Photo credit: Reto Kuster
“This report provides the most accurate picture of elusive African forest elephant populations to date. It shows us that conservation action is working for these iconic animals, which are crucial forest ‘gardeners’, essential for tree seed dispersal. With this new data, we have an unprecedented opportunity to focus conservation efforts where they are needed most and give the species a real chance to recover,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General.
These findings come from the African Forest Elephant Status Report 2024, published by the IUCN African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and released at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES Cop20), in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
This is the first time African Forest Elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) have been assessed independently from African Savanna Elephants (Loxodonta africana), following their recognition as distinct species in 2021.
“This report provides new clarity on African Forest Elephant numbers, but forest elephant populations continue to decline in several key landscapes. We need strengthened anti-poaching measures, better land-use planning for habitat connectivity, and sustained international support to translate the cautious hope provided by this report into long-term recovery for one of the world’s most threatened elephant species,” said Dr Benson Okita-Ouma, Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC African Elephant Specialist Group.
“The updated numbers of African Forest Elephants should not be interpreted as population growth, but rather as the result of improved survey coverage made possible by DNA-based methods. These techniques have significantly reduced uncertainty in detection estimates and enabled us to assess areas that were previously inaccessible,” said Prof Rob Slotow, Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC African Elephant Specialist Group.
Improved survey methods reveal a more accurate picture
African Forest Elephants are notoriously difficult to count due to dense rainforest cover. As such, reports have been based on a combination of estimates and informed ‘guesses’.
Estimates come from areas that have been carefully surveyed, making them the most reliable counts. ‘Guesses’ – using local expertise, signs of habitation, counts that are of less stringent quality than estimates, etc. – are used where full surveys aren’t possible.
With this report, 94% of the total reported Forest Elephant population now comes from high-confidence estimates, compared to 53% in 2016.
The latest assessment incorporates DNA capture-recapture, a method that first identifies the unique genetic “fingerprints” of individual elephants from dung samples. By comparing initial “captures” with subsequent “recaptures”, scientists can calculate population size with far greater reliability. This was the method used in the recent nationwide survey of Gabon.
This survey was key in providing a more accurate estimate of the elephant population, revealing many more elephants than in 2016. Additional surveys, especially in northern Republic of Congo and Cabinda (Angola) added 600–700 elephants to the “new population” category.
Where Forest Elephants live, where they are declining, and threats
Central Africa, characterised by vast tracts of intact tropical forest and low human population density, remains the stronghold for forest elephants, holding just under 95% of the global population.
Gabon alone accounts for 66% of the global population, the Republic of the Congo (RoC) holds 19% and the remaining elephants in this region live across four other Central African countries. Of the remaining three regions, five percent are in West Africa and less than one per cent in East and Southern Africa.
Despite improved data, declines continue in some areas. Two key landscapes, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (DRC) and the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) complex (Burkina Faso), lost around 7,000 elephants combined.
Although poaching rates have fallen in many regions since 2018–2019, illegal killing for ivory remains a threat across Central and West Africa. Expanding mining operations, road and rail development, and large-scale agricultural projects, including palm oil, are fragmenting habitat and pushing elephants into shrinking forest areas.
According to the most recent IUCN Red List assessment, African Forest Elephants experienced a >86% decline over 31 years up to 2015, driven primarily by poaching and habitat loss. The species’ slow reproductive rate further hampers recovery.
Data opportunity for targeted protection efforts
The 2023 status report was funded primarily by Allen Family Philanthropies, with additional support from the European Union through the CITES Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme, as well as Save the Elephants, Wyss Academy for Nature, International Fund for Animal Welfare, WWF-US, WWF-International, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service African Elephant Conservation Fund.
“Accurate and up-to-date data are critical for understanding the status of African Forest Elephants and strengthening their protection. This report provides a bright spot about these critical species, while underscoring the importance of continuing to address threats to African Forest Elephant populations,” said Yuta Masuda, Director of Science, Allen Family Philanthropies.
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, residents of Precious Seed (a.k.a. Ferry) community awoke to find the Lagos State Task Force officials and an excavator from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) outside the community gates.
Community leaders, together with legal counsel from Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI), reportedly approached the Task Force officers on ground to intimate them of a supposedly subsisting court injunction which protects Precious Seed community, along with other waterfront areas of Lagos, against any eviction or demolition by the Lagos State Government and police under the Lagos State Command without prior consultation and resettlement of the affected people. The subsisting court orders from the Lagos State High Court were also pasted on the community gate and, pasted on the walls of buildings all around the community.
Th demolished Precious Seed community in Lagos
After confirming that they were there on instructions of the Lagos State Government, and that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police was very much aware, the Task Force officers on ground indicated that they would proceed with the demolition anyway.
To make way for the excavator to enter the community, the Task Force allgedly teargassed both residents and their legal counsel by the entrance of the community as they attempted to appeal to the officers to consider the consequences of disobedience of court order and allow time for them to place phone calls.
According to a joint statement by five groups campaigning against the eviction, no building within Precious Seed community had been previously marked by any agency of Lagos State Government, nor had any statutory or other paper notice been received.
They added that the only warning residents had was a brief visit from the Lagos State Task Force the day before they arrived, saying they were about to start demolishing the community. A teacher at a local NGO-run school near the entrance of the community, where over 120 pupils were sitting for their common entrance exams, was said to have pleaded with the Task Force not to proceed on account of the students.
The groups are JEI, Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI), Global Rights and Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE).
They submitted: “By 8:20am on November 27, the LASEMA excavator accompanied by half a dozen officials in LASEMA uniforms, about two dozen heavily armed Task Force officers, and numerous agberos (also known as ‘area boys’ in Lagos) armed with machetes and sticks, began demolishing buildings. Many of the buildings taken down were well constructed multi-story block buildings with high-quality tiling on the floors and walls, including several churches.
“A widow who lost her husband less than four months ago and was still in morning, sat on the upstairs balcony of her two-story church and home, refusing for hours to leave the only property left to her by her late husband and telling the Task Force they would have to demolish her inside the building so she could join her husband. Another widow, whose recently deceased husband was the CDA Chairman of the community, had to be restrained and dragged away sobbing by her daughter as the demolition squad brought down the only property her late husband left her.”
As of April 2024, when Precious Seed reportedly conducted a house numbering exercise with support from the Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, the community included 292 buildings, 996 residential households, 299 businesses, and an estimated population over 3,022 residents.
The excavator and Task Force reportedly moved down to the neighboring Lagos Street in Oworonshoki and demolished more homes there; still threatening to continue at Mosafejo Oworonshoki on Saturday, November 29. Across all this area, hundreds are said to be squatting in the rubble, protecting their belongings from looters from attack, with nowhere else sleep at night except outside.
The statement further disclosed: “This forced eviction is as heartless as any – taking place as December approaches and during the worst economic crisis Nigeria has seen in decades – and its impacts on residents are the same as in all the forced evictions that have taken place across Lagos and Nigeria from the recent to the distant past. Ordinary citizens are left without shelter to guard their belongings and their bodies against looting, sexual assault, weather and mosquitos.
“Without any preparation, it takes days, weeks, months or even years to find new stable accommodation. Once landlords turn to tenants and squatters. The owners of profitable businesses are forced to hawk on the streets. Families are separated, forced to place their children in different places while the parents seek work where they can. Children have no means to continue their schooling. Mental and physical health suffers.
“The tragedy of this particular instance, however, is set against the successive forced eviction of different communities across Oworonshoki – and other parts of Lagos – since 2023. In fact, the year 2023, just a month after the current Lagos State Governor and President were sworn in, marked a massive uptick in forced evictions, starting with the forced eviction of Oworonshoki communities that had been included in the initial planning for the Kosofe Model City Plan, and continuing with the demolition of Orisunmibare in Apapa in February 2024, Otto communities in March 2024, and Oko Baba and parts of Aiyetoro communities in September 2024, and the tragic demolition of Ilaje Otumara, Baba Ijora and neighboring areas in March 2025. In September 2025, a fresh spate of evictions commenced in Oworonshoki in Ebute Kekere community, neighboring Precious Seed, and has continued at the Berger area of Oworonshoki, and just earlier this week violent demolitions by arson at Lone Street in Mosafejo/Idi Araba areas of Oworonshoki.
“Like the current forced eviction of Precious Seed, these forced evictions evidence the recapturing of the machinery government by an oligarchy of powerful land-owning families and corrupt private developers around the state. Much worse, the current forced eviction at Precious Seed continues the trend of total disregard for rule of law and persistent violation of court orders.
“We condemn the ongoing forced eviction in no uncertain terms; and we call on the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government that stands behind to heed this warning – which can lead nowhere good – and reverse course on a dangerous trend and immediately halt of the forced eviction of Precious Seed community and commence rebuilding the illegally demolished homes.
“We, the residents of informal settlements and partner civil society organisations, stand with the people of Precious Seed community – and other recently demolished areas of Oworonshoki – to decry the Lagos State Government’s mass forced eviction of well over 3,000 people without notice, consultation, or resettlement and in violation of subsisting court orders.”
The Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Sterling Bank and the African Cleanup Initiative (ACI), has embarked on a nationwide beach and street clean-up across 17 states to tackle Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution.
Speaking at Alpha Beach, in Lagos, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, said the initiative seeks to address poor waste management, particularly along the nation’s coastlines.
Ibekwe said the collaboration demonstrates how plastics can be recovered, recycled and converted into value, citing innovations such as Waste Bank, which allows community members to exchange plastic for financial credits to pay school fees and healthcare.
Officials of Sterling One Foundation, iSterling Bank and African Cleanup Initiative (ACI) at Alpha Beach in Lagos
Ibekwe described the clean-up as part of a broader campaign to strengthen environmental responsibility, promote a circular economy and encourage Nigerians to participate in preserving the country’s coastal ecosystems.
The Divisional Head, Commercial Banking at Sterling Bank, Mr. Akpore Idenedo, said the bank’s participation aligns with its corporate purpose to enrich lives and protect the environment.
Idenedo noted that Nigeria generates between two million and 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with Lagos alone contributing about one million tonnes.
“This waste blocks drainage systems, affects aquatic life and worsens flooding. No single organisation can solve this; collaboration is key,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Donatus Okpako, the Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Bank, said the clean-up promotes both environmental and human health.
Okpako stressed that unclean beach communities face health risks, especially children, and added that maintaining clean coastlines boosts recreation and community well-being.
Dr Alex Akhigbe, Founder, African Cleanup Initiative (ACI), said ACI serves as the implementing partner for the project.
Akhigbe noted that the programme aligned strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate action, life below water and life on land, as well as community empowerment.
“Our mission is to raise environmentally responsible citizens.
“Sterling One Foundation has supported us for four to five years across multiple communities, and this impact continues to grow,” he said.
The event was attended by environmental enthusiasts who came out in their numbers to clean the beach.
The Nasarawa State Government has announced plans to revitalise two waste recycling plants located in Lafia and Karu Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Secretary of the State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Mr. Christopher Abari, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the November sanitation exercise in Lafia, the state capital.
Abari said the plants, situated in Angwan Rere in Lafia and Auta Balefi in Karu, had been underutilised, but the government was set to restore them to full operation.
Abdullahi Audu Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State
He explained that activities at the facilities had been low, but efforts were underway to rejuvenate them and resume active recycling operations.
According to him, the revitalisation forms part of the state’s broader strategy to improve waste management, reduce pollution, and promote a healthier environment.
He added that the plants would be equipped with modern machinery to ensure efficient waste processing.
Abari also said the agency had distributed different sizes of waste bins at strategic locations across the 13 LGAs to support proper refuse disposal.
“Our staff members have continued regular evacuation of waste at dumping sites.
“We urge residents to always bring out their waste at designated collection points to prevent disease outbreaks,” he said.
He appealed to the public to keep their surroundings clean to guard against the spread of diseases, noting that a clean environment promotes healthy living.
Abari expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance recorded during the November sanitation exercise and appreciated the support of security agencies, traditional rulers, and the media.
Meanwhile, Abubakar Mohammed, Chief Prosecutor Officer of the ministry, said 96 persons were apprehended for violating environmental sanitation laws across the 13 LGAs.
He said the offenders were arrested for engaging in private business activities during the exercise, in violation of Section 9 (2) of the State Environmental Sanitation Law.
According to him, the defaulters were prosecuted by mobile courts in their respective LGAs to serve as a deterrent to others.
Audre Lorde’s words have never been more relevant than they are today, especially in the face of the climate and energy injustices highlighted by the just-concluded #COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
“The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.”
Think about this: 30 years of COP negotiations, a decade since the Paris Agreement, two decades after the Kyoto Protocol, and 31 years since the UNFCCC was established – yet the world is still fighting for the basics of climate justice and real implementation.
Dr Michael Terungwa David
One could argue that the COP process reflects elements of colonial and neo-colonial power dynamics, especially in how decisions are influenced by wealthier nations while vulnerable countries often former colonies bear the greatest impacts of climate change.
This does not mean the process is entirely colonial, but its structure and outcomes often mirror global inequalities rooted in historical injustice.
Lorde’s reminder is clear: true change will never come from the same tools that created the problem.
To dismantle climate and energy injustice, we must choose new tools and a new house.
We cannot fix a broken energy system by relying on the same extractive models that created the crisis. The rush for critical minerals, the exploitation of frontline communities, the prioritization of profit over people these are the master’s tools. They may offer temporary wins or shiny “green” solutions, but they will never deliver genuine transformation.
Real climate justice means rejecting systems built on extraction, inequality, and sacrifice zones. It means building new structures rooted in fairness, community rights, ecological integrity, and shared prosperity.
To make the COP process more effective and capable of delivering immediate, transformative results, we need new tools that break away from the old extractive systems.
A People-Centered Accountability Mechanism: A binding framework that holds countries and corporations to real consequences when they fail to meet climate, human rights, and environmental obligations. No more voluntary promises without enforcement.
Justice-Based Finance Tools: A new financing architecture that guarantees direct access to climate funds for local communities and subnational governments, bypassing bureaucracies that delay action.
Community-Led Climate Decision Platforms: Formal spaces where frontline communities, Indigenous peoples, women, and youth have equal negotiating power, not just observer roles. Those most affected must shape the solutions.
A Global Just Transition Regulator: An independent body that monitors mineral supply chains, prevents exploitation, ensures worker protections, and enforces environmental standards, so energy transition does not become a new form of colonialism.
Equity-Driven Technology and Knowledge Sharing: A mechanism that breaks monopolies on green technologies, enabling open, affordable access for developing countries to deploy solutions quickly and fairly.
Loss and Damage Delivery Dashboard: A transparent, real-time tracker showing who has pledged what, who has paid, and where the money is going so the world can finally see action instead of speeches.
These tools shift the process away from extraction and inequality, and toward justice, accountability, and shared prosperity precisely the transformation needed for a liveable future.
In conclusion, we don’t need to wait until COP100 to create a global mechanism that truly implements the many commitments and pledges already made. When truth is delayed, falsehood and empty promises take centre stage. It’s time to act, not to postpone.
By Dr Michael Terungwa David (AKA Village Boy), Director, GIFSEP
Following the successful release of the second subnational climate ranking, the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, has taken another noteable step to strengthen subnational climate governance in Nigeria.
As part of its COP30 climate activities, SPP convened a strategic meeting between the Under2 Coalition Secretariat and senior state-level climate officials from across the country to discuss how to amplify the voice of Nigerian subnational actors at the global space as well as how to enable states to attract more finance to fund ambitious climate action.
Officials of SPP, DCC and Under2 Coalition at a meeting at COP30 in Brazil
The roundtable brought together Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director and Ms. Dolapo John of the DCC; Champa Patel and Toby Walker of the Climate Group, Under2 Secretariat; as well as representatives from Nigeria subnational: Engr Galadima, Director General, Green Initiative Project, Niger State; Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Musa, Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Environment; Mr Olamide Lawal, SA, Climate Change, Ogun State; Dr Dahir Hashim, Commissioner, Min of Environment and Climate Change, Kano; Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, DG and Special Envoy, Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Osun State; and the facilitator, Gboyega Olorunfemi, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).
With over 270 members, the Under2 Coalition largest global network of states and regions committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 – at the latest.
The Under2 Secretariat’s delegation made clear that Nigeria’s states represent major frontiers for climate action, both because of their large populations and because they shoulder the frontline impacts of extreme weather, deforestation, and energy transition challenges.
Champa Patel recalled the impact that some states such as Taraba and Cross River have had in previous international climate events including the June climate meetings in Bonn and the Africa Climate Week in Addis Ababa and stressed that the coalition is keen to work with SPP and the DCC to ensure that state governments have the visibility, coordination, and access they need to enter the “right rooms” at international summits.
Patel underscored that Under2 is increasingly shifting its focus toward technical assistance and financing support that will enable states to undertake feasibility studies, prepare bankable proposals, and access blended finance through international finance institutions.
She said that there will be series of investment dialogues planned through 2026, culminating in the launch of Global State and Regional Finance Accelerator to be showcased at COP31. This accelerator aims to match state-level climate projects with private and institutional capital that will provide a significant opportunity for Nigerian states seeking to scale renewable energy infrastructure, early-warning systems, adaptation solutions, and emissions-reduction pathways.
“We are excited about what is happening in Nigeria,” Patel said, “but we simply do not hear enough about it.”
Abiola-Awe echoed this sentiment, noting her Nigerian states are championing several innovations in climate governance (as shown through the recent ranking results) which other countries could copy. She also highlighted recent efforts to coordinate subnational climate governance in Nigeria including the inauguration of a Community of Practice (CoP) for all Commissioners of Environment supported by PACE, UK FCDO, during the launch of the 2nd edition of the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 states and a nationwide capacity-building programme for directors, and climate change desk officers on GHG emissions reporting, Monitoring and evaluation and climate finance facilitated by SPP.
Dr. Abiola-Awe pointed out that these platforms are not only ready for expansion across the rest of Africa and Global South but also can serve as entry points for deeper collaboration with the Under2 Coalition, especially for Special Advisers, Directors-General, and state envoys working on climate change and sustainable development.
With global financing frameworks increasingly recognising the role of subnational governments, Nigeria’s states stand on the edge of new opportunities. The strengthened relationship between the DCC, SPP, and the Under2 Secretariat offer great potential to unlock the visibility, coordination, and financing needed by the Nigerian subnational while ensuring that Nigeria’s climate leadership is felt not only nationally, but across global climate platforms in the years ahead.
In his closing remarks, Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead, SPP, who facilitated the meeting, thanked all participants for attending the meeting at short notice. He emphasised that Nigeria’s climate ambition, particularly at the state level, will advance more rapidly when global coalitions like Under2 have clear, direct, and institutionalised channels to work with local actors.
By Gboyega Olorunfemi, Project Lead / Senior Policy Analyst, SPP, and Dolapo John, Subnational Desk, DCC, Belem, Brazil
The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Biofortified Blending Machine and Biofortified Rice to tackle growing micronutrient deficiencies in the state.
The launch of the Biofortified Rice was held at the Lagos State Rice Mill, Imota, Ikorodu on Friday, November 28, 2025.
The biofortified blending machine is the sixth of its kind in the country.
Lagos State Government officials display the biofortified rice
The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the milestone achievement was possible due to the visionary leadership of the governor in enhancing food sustainability in the state.
“Today, we mark another key milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhance food and nutrition security for the people of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
“Thanks to the visionary leadership of our Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State is now home to one of the largest rice mills in Africa, equipped with state-of-the-art milling technology and expert knowledge.
“We take immense pride in producing some of the finest rice in Nigeria, and today, we are pushing this legacy even further.
“In our continuous effort to improve, I’m pleased to announce that our mill has been optimised to produce high-quality fortified rice.
“This achievement positions us among the very few rice mills in Nigeria with the capacity to fortify rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, folic acid, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and B12,” Fashola said.
He added that the state would address the pressing issue of malnutrition which remains a challenge in the country.
“This is no small feat. By fortifying our rice, we are not only meeting the demands of the growing demand for rice in the country, but we are also addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition, which remains a challenge for many Nigerians.
“We are proud to be part of a solution that can make a tangible difference in improving the nutritional quality of food available to our people,” the special adviser said.
Also, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, the Permanent Secretary, at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, said the Lagos State Government has taken strategic step to ensure food security and sustainability over the years.
“This rice mill is known as the Rolls Royce of all rice mills globally.
“And we thank Gov. Sanwo-Olu for investing so much in terms of resources and oversight to ensure that this rice mill remains top notch and remains number one.
“This event that we have here today is another milestone to the fact that Lagos State Government will not rest upon its oars, but will continue to strive for excellence in every form and in every sector of the economy.
“Further, I would like to speak to all our women that when you go out there to the market to buy rice, there is only one brand of rice that you should look out for. Look out for the Eko Rice brand.
“The Fortified rice, the Classic rice, and, of course, the Eko Rice itself. These are top quality products that you can consume for your health and well-being,” Audu said.
On her part, the Special adviser to Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Health, Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, represented by Mrs. Sarah Balogun, said the biofortified rice is a commendable achievement of the government.
“I extend my congratulations to the entire commission, as you launch the newly formulated rice.
“This initiative is truly commendable, and it will help to conquer some of the nutrition deficiency faced in our communities.
“It will also go a long way in supporting healthier living and improving food quality. May this effort continue to yield positive impact and greater achievements ahead,” Ogunyemi said.
Africa is confronting multiple high-burden health emergencies, including widespread cholera outbreaks, rising Mpox cases and active viral haemorrhagic fever events.
These emergencies are, however, happening as the continent is receiving major global financing to strengthen pandemic preparedness.
Prof. Yap Boum, Incident Manager for Health Emergencies at Africa CDC, made the remarks on Friday, November 28, 2025, during the continent’s virtual weekly press briefing.
Dr Yap Boum, Africa CDC’s deputy incident manager.
Boum, who said Africa remains a “high-threat environment,” commended governments and partners for aligning around the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.
He noted that “progress is only possible when we deliver at scale and keep Africa’s people at the centre of our work.”
Boum said Africa received $234 million, representing 47 per cent of all approved funds under the Fund’s Third Call for Proposals, at the recent Pandemic Fund Board Meeting in Kigali.
He said Africa CDC also secured an additional $40 million to scale up cross-border surveillance, regional coordination and community-level monitoring in high-risk countries.
“Senegal, Cameroon, South Sudan, Angola, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and Malawi were among the countries awarded new financing for enhanced health security,” he said.
He said that Africa CDC reported over 308,935 cholera cases and 7,131 deaths in 2025, marking a sharp rise from previous years.
“Five countries, South Sudan, Sudan, DRC, Angola, and Nigeria, accounted for nearly 88 per cent of all cholera cases.
“Angola, Kenya, Mozambique and Burundi experienced significant surges in epidemiological weeks 41–46, with Angola alone reporting more than 34,000 cases and 877 deaths this year,” he said.
According to him, Mpox outbreak remains widespread, with Africa recording 132,008 suspected cases and 40,138 confirmed cases in 2025, more than double the 2024 figures.
“Sierra Leone, however, has recorded a 99 per cent decline, reaching 31 days without a confirmed case, while Liberia remains the main driver of recent increases,” he said.
He disclosed that a new Mpox case was confirmed this week in Mali, prompting immediate activation of surveillance and laboratory readiness.
“Ethiopia continues to manage a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Jinka town, with 12 confirmed cases, seven deaths, and ongoing contact tracing and active case search.
“In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak is nearing closure with no new confirmed cases since September 27, and only four days left to complete the mandatory 42-day countdown towards official declaration of outbreak termination.
“Namibia also reported a confirmed and fatal case of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), triggering immediate emergency response,” he said.
He highlighted a major health workforce gap, revealing that Africa currently has only half of the 2 million community health workers required to ensure strong primary healthcare and early outbreak detection.
“A recent BMJ Global Health article authored by senior Africa CDC officials warns that fragmented and underfunded CHW programmes are undermining the continent’s health security,” he said.
He said that more than 4.8 million Mpox vaccine doses had so far been delivered to 16 countries, with over 1.9 million people vaccinated.
“Kenya and Liberia are expected to receive additional doses in early December, while Mozambique commenced roll-out on Nov. 27,” he added.
He urged partners to sustain investment and coordination, stressing that increasing climate-linked outbreaks, weak water and sanitation systems, and strained health infrastructure continue to stretch national capacities.
“We must expand surveillance, scale community health worker programmes, and strengthen emergency operations.
“Africa needs stronger systems, smarter investments and deeper collaboration,” he said.
