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NEMA, UNICEF review Nigeria’s hazard risk analysis to mitigate disasters

Michael Simire
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NEMA, UNICEF review Nigeria’s hazard risk analysis to mitigate disasters

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), with technical support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is reviewing Nigeria’s hazard risk analysis to mitigate disasters in the country.

NEMA
Participants at the hazard risk analysis workshop in Jos

Mrs Zubaida Umar, NEMA Director General, disclosed this at the official opening of a three-day hazard risk analysis workshop on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State.

Umar said that the exercise was to ensure effective preparedness and mitigation of various hazards and risks.

The director general stated that hazard risk analysis was a vital prerequisite for the development and review of a national contingency plan and other related documents for disaster preparedness.

Represented by Mr Fred Anusim, Assistant Director, Planning Research and Forecasting, NEMA headquarters, Umar said that risk analysis is reviewed periodically in order to be in tune with the present reality of hazards spreading in Nigeria.

Umar emphasised that preparedness was a vital component of disaster management and needed to be given adequate attention to ensure a timely, effective, and efficient response.

“Therefore, the agency, with the technical support of UNICEF, has deemed it fit to invite critical stakeholders to this forum to deliberate on how to identify, review, and update the impeding risks we are currently facing in Nigeria.

“This hazard risk analysis, data gathering, and mapping initiative being carried out in the next three days will improve knowledge of the risk terrain in Nigeria and support risk-informed programming.

“It will also support the assessment of potential hazards, evaluate vulnerabilities, and inform strategies to mitigate risks and enhance community resilience.

“At the end of this exercise, it is expected that the baseline for developing mitigation strategies like early warning systems and community-based preparedness will be provided.

“It is aimed at creating awareness of potential hazards to enhance public readiness,” she said.

Mr Sunday Abdu, Executive Secretary, Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, said that the workshop was a crucial step towards enhancing our understanding of risk analysis and its application in Nigeria, especially at these crucial times when all hands must be on deck.

Abdu said exercise would enable relevant agencies to better identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks, ultimately contributing to the well-being and prosperity of our nation.

The executive secretary appreciated NEMA for always chatting about the way forward and UNICEF for remaining a reliable partner.

He urged the participants to work collaboratively, share ideas, and learn from each other.

Mr Olayinka Afolabi, Emergency Specialist at UNICEF, revealed that, since 2021, UNICEF has been providing technical support to the NEMA in data collection and analysis of hazard risks across Nigeria.

Afolabi stated that the collaborative effort aims to bolster the country’s preparedness and response capabilities in times of crisis.

The emergency specialist said that the initiative has yielded valuable baseline information that serves as a crucial foundation for preparedness and humanitarian action.

“Additionally, the data collected has become a key reference point for government entities and development partners, offering a comprehensive view of the risk landscape in Nigeria.

“UNICEF is set to further support NEMA in assessing and documenting changes to the risk profile in the country.

“This ongoing partnership, which will involve validation across the six geopolitical zones, is expected to enhance NEMA’s capacity to coordinate disaster management activities effectively.

“It will reposition them as a central hub for information dissemination that will inform and strengthen response interventions nationwide.

“Through these collaborative efforts, UNICEF and NEMA are working together to ensure that Nigeria is better equipped to respond to emergencies and safeguard the well-being of its citizens,” he added.

Mr Eugene Nyelong, NEMA North Central Zonal Coordinator, said in his remarks that the workshop would generate new ways of tackling disasters in the country.

Nyelong lauded NEMA D-G for the initiative, saying that the review would improve knowledge of the risk patterns and terrain in Nigeria.

The coordinator added that it would help achieve coordinated planning through consensus building, mobilisation of resources, and information sharing among stakeholders.

By Peter Amine

We paid $1.09bn in taxes, royalties in 2023 – Shell

Michael Simire
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We paid $1.09bn in taxes, royalties in 2023 – Shell

Shell exclusively paid a total of $1.09 billion in corporate taxes and royalties to the Government of Nigeria in 2023 through the operations of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Ltd (SNEPCo).

Osagie Okunbor
Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria

The figures, announced in the just published 2023 Shell Briefing Notes, show that SPDC paid $442 million, while SNEPCo remitted $649 million. Similar payments made by the two companies in 2022 amounted to $1.36 billion.

“These payments are Shell exclusive and do not include those made by our partners,” said SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor. “Shell Companies in Nigeria will continue to contribute to the country’s economic growth through the revenue we generate and the employment opportunities we create by supporting the development of local businesses.”

Shell has invested in Nigeria for more than 60 years. The Briefing Notes report on the progress of the businesses of Shell Companies in Nigeria – SPDC, SNEPCo, Shell Nigeria Gas and Daystar Power for 2023.

The reports show that the companies continued to power progress, working closely with stakeholders and communities to promote socio-economic development and providing cost-effective and cleaner energy solutions.

Mr. Okunbor added: “It is important to emphasise that Shell is not leaving Nigeria and will remain a major partner of the country’s energy sector through its deep-water and integrated gas businesses. Our collective focus remains on delivery of safe operations and care for our people.”

AUPCTRE, RDI, JAF blame management team for Lagos water crisis

Michael Simire
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AUPCTRE, RDI, JAF blame management team for Lagos water crisis

The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) and the Joint Action Front (JAF) have called for a thorough probe of the successive management of the Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC) from 1999 till date to unravel the cause of poor water supply in the state.

Lagos Water Corporation
Lagos Water Corporation

The three organisations made the call even as they urged the Lagos State Government to immediately recall the 391 staff of the corporation disengaged allegedly on the grounds of redundancy on 15 April 2024.

In a joint media briefing held on Monday, May 6, 2024, they described the disengagement of the staff as illegal and insisted the action, coming barely four months after 450 contract workers were also booted out, is an escalation of a well-choreographed process which started more than ten years ago when the state government conceived plans to privatize water resources and services.

Reading the joint statement by the organisations, AUPCTRE National President, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, said that the action of the Tijani Muktar-led management breached Section 20 of Nigeria’s Labour Law which explicitly requires an employer to notify the trade union or workers’ representative of the reasons for and the extent of redundancy before terminating the employment of its staff on account of redundancy.

Comrade Anthony said that successive management imposed on the LWC by the Lagos State Government was responsible for the poor performance of the water corporation in the state, even as he listed some of the projects needing probe to include the sum of N4 billion voted for construction of Otta-Ikosi waterworks in 2007 yet it is not working, and N3 billion expended on the construction of an Independent Power Plant (IPP) for the waterworks in Adiyan in 2010 which also included an additional N180 million expended monthly on fueling.

Others are N897 million released by the Lagos State Government in 2018 for rehabilitation of Iju and Adiyan Waterworks even though they are still not working, as well as the sum of N789 million released by the Lagos State Government in 2018 for rehabilitation of mini and micro waterworks across Lagos.

They also alleged that, between 2022 and the present, a whopping N2.7 billion was voted by the Lagos State Government and expended on the rehabilitation of Ishasi waterworks supervised by Mr. Governor with no visible result.

The probe, according to the text, should be extended to the purchase of chemicals for year 2023 which was N950 million yet there was nothing to show in terms of water production that year; N315 million paid as 50% advance payment to contractor for the supply of liquid alum in October 2023 which is yet to be supplied; N1.2 billion voted for purchase of chemicals in 2024 and yet no production of water since the beginning of the year.

Others are the N9.5 million for repair of chemical store gate at Iju and Adiyan and another N7.3 million for construction of falling fence at Apapa waterworks.

In his intervention, AUPCTRE Lagos Chapter Secretary, Comrade Abiodun Bakare, said that there was no going back in the demand for the unconditional reinstatement of all disengaged staff of the LWC.

Comrade Abiodun said that the decision of the workers to press on with lawful actions to achieve their goals is being misconstrued as trouble making as he has been invited to meet with the Nigeria Police possibly to stop a planned march to the House of Assembly to intimate the lawmakers of their plight.

He said that the deaths of three of the disengaged staff within a period of one week is indicative of the trauma that most of them were passing through while those who were not laid off have to live with the fear of job security.

Taking a cue from him, Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, said that employment is a right in the same manner as access to water is even as he added that the LWC management sacked staff on unfounded grounds of redundancy at a time the staff strength of the corporation was just a mere 588 and needing more hands.

Jakpor said the entire exercise is a grand ploy to finally ram through water privatisation plans by the Lagos State Government and would be resisted by Lagosians through legitimate means.

His views were also amplified by Comrade Achike Chude of JAF who said the poor masses have had enough of being victims of the excesses of the thieving political class. He reiterated the commitment of organised labour and civil society to defeat the systematic march towards water privatisation.

On the way forward, the three organisations demanded the unconditional reinstatement of all disengaged staff of the LWC, probe of all the water contracts in Lagos since 1999, blacklisting of identified contractors and recouping of all monies diverted, halt to the ongoing privatization of water in Lagos and termination of all partnerships and any other collaboration that aims to foist water privatisation in Lagos.

Green Wall Agency produces 45.3m tree seedlings for afforestation

Michael Simire
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Green Wall Agency produces 45.3m tree seedlings for afforestation

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) says it has produced
45 million assorted tree seedlings for its afforestation programme across the country.

Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar
Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar, Director General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW)

Dr Yusuf Bukar, the Director-General, NAGGW, said this at an interaction with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund in Abuja on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

Bukar said that the agency had already distributed 10.8 million of the seedlings to farmers for planting as trees on farms to promote agroforestry.

He said that the agency had also rehabilitated 14,118 degraded landscapes in different parts of the country.

“About 4,455 units of solar home lightening systems have been procured and distributed across the country,” he said.

Bukar said that 3,102 units of solar streetlights had also been procured and installed in rural markets, as well as boreholes and plant nursery sites.

He said the agency had also procured and distributed 6,300 units of super saver wooden stoves to families and inhabitants of rural communities to discourage indiscriminate tree logging for domestic purposes.

The director general also said that 128 units of solar powered pumps with trolley had been procured and installed for irrigation purposes across the 11 frontline states across the country.

“Forty-three units of solar powered boreholes and motorised boreholes have been constructed with complete accessories by the agency.

“We have constructed and equipped for off land training, five units of skill acquisition centres and 71 community plant nurseries, established for seedlings production.

“We have constructed a 14.6 km of rural feeder roads for ease of access and 110 tube wells have been constructed for irrigation purposes,” he said.

Bukar said that the agency had also trained 1,397 youths and engaged them as forest guards to protect the agency’s investments.

About 85 units of motorcycles have been procured and distributed for the forest guards patrolling the agency’s investments so as to prevent indiscriminate tree felling,” he said.

He said that in the bid to empower women and youths, 205 units of grinding machines were procured and distributed to them.

“About 210,709 youths were engaged in direct tree planting and other related activities, 2,283 rural community members (women and youth) have been trained in off land livelihood activities.

“Some 275 farmers have been trained on climate smart agriculture in dry land region,” he said.

Bukar said that the agency had established two Automatic Weather Stations for field data collection as well as an effective monitoring and evaluation system.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara), said the roundtable was to educate the lawmakers on the functions of the agency to ensure effective oversight.

By EricJames Ochigbo

Changes in farm practices can cut greenhouse gas emissions by one-third – World Bank

Michael Simire
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Changes in farm practices can cut greenhouse gas emissions by one-third – World Bank

Changes in farm and food production methods can cut greenhouse gas emissions by a third by 2030, a new World Bank report has said.

Ajay Banga
Ajay Banga, World Bank President

World Bank’s Online Media Briefing Centre disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in Abuja.

The statement said the report, tagged “Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System”, outlined actions that every country could take.

According to the report, the global agrifood system presented a huge opportunity to cut almost a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions through affordable and readily available actions while continuing to feed a growing population.

“Unlike other sectors, it can have an outsized impact on climate change by reducing emissions and drawing carbon naturally from the atmosphere.

“These will make food supplies more secure, help the food system better withstand climate change, and protect vulnerable people during this transition.’’

The report quoted Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Senior Managing Director, as saying that “while the food on your table may taste good, it is also a hefty slice of the climate change emissions pie.

“The good news is that the global food system can heal the planet, making soils, ecosystems, and people healthier, while keeping carbon in the ground.

“This is within reach in our lifetimes, but countries must act now. Simply changing how middle-income countries use land, such as forests and ecosystems for food production can cut agrifood emissions by a third by 2030.”

The report also said that recognising that countries would meet their climate goals in different ways, it identified a menu of solutions to choose from.

According to the report, high-income countries can lead the way by giving more support to low and middle-income countries, so they can adopt low-emission farming methods and technologies.

“Also, they can get technical assistance for forest conservation programmes that generate high-integrity carbon credits.’’

The report further said that high-income countries could also shift subsidies away from high-emitting food sources.

“This would reveal their full price and help make low-emission food options cheaper in comparison.”

It said middle-income countries had an outsized role to play by curbing up to three-quarters of global agrifood emissions through greener practices.

“These greener practices include reducing emissions from livestock and rice, investing in healthy soils, cutting food loss and waste and using land more efficiently.

“One-third of the world’s opportunities to reduce agrifood emissions relate to sustainable land use in middle-income countries.”

The report also said that low-income countries could chart a different way forward by avoiding the mistakes made by richer countries and seizing climate-smart opportunities for greener and more competitive economies.

“Preserving and restoring forests would promote sustainable economic development in low-income countries, given that more than half of their agrifood emissions come from clearing forests to produce food.”

It added that action should happen across all countries to get to net zero.

According to the report, this is through a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions in food systems, including in fertilisers and energy, crop and livestock production, packaging and distribution across the value chain from farm to table.

The report also found that payoffs for investing in cutting agrifood emissions were much bigger than the costs.

“Annual investments will need to increase to $260 billion a year to cut in half agrifood emissions by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“Twice this money was spent yearly on agricultural subsidies, many of which harm the environment.

“While cutting wasteful subsidies can finance some of this investment, additional financing is essential to get to net zero.

“Making these investments will lead to more than $4 trillion in benefits, from improvements in human health, food and nutrition security.

“Also, better quality jobs and profits for farmers, to more carbon retained in forests and soils.”

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Valuers blame economic hardship on govt’s refusal to value Nigeria’s assets

Michael Simire
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0
Valuers blame economic hardship on govt’s refusal to value Nigeria’s assets

Estate valuers have attributed the current economic instability to Federal Government’s failure to properly evaluate its assets before disposing of them.

National Housing Programme
National Housing Programme estate in Kaduna

Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Ogun State Branch, Mr Bola Orekoya, stated this on Tuesday, May 7, while speaking with newsmen during a walk to mark the 2024 National Valuation Day in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Orekoya said that the failure had resulted in significant revenue losses, posing serious challenges to the economy.

He noted that improper pricing of assets had led to financial instability in Nigeria, adding that the focus for this year was on the “Importance of Asset Valuation for Financial Stability”.

According to the chairman, Nigeria has valuable assets but what is crucial is having the correct and current value of those assets.

“So many of these assets are all over the place, all over the nation.

“Public assets, especially the public buildings, the library and even the barracks, are all public assets.

“Improper pricing of assets has led to financial instability in Nigeria and the focus for this year is ‘Importance of Asset Valuation for Financial Stability’,” he said.

Orekoya said that this was to create more awareness among the rank and file so that everybody would know where to go and what to do as far as their assets were concerned.

He called on the Ogun State Government to immediately commence taking inventory of the state’s functional and abandoned assets.

The chairman added that such assets should be valued to enable the citizens understand how solvent or otherwise the state was, on the heels of agitations for a new minimum wage.

He said that the institute proposed a partnership between the federal government and estate surveyors and valuers in the area of valuation to achieve economic stability.

“Government should engage estate surveyors and valuers fully to assist in asset valuation, which will go a long way in ensuring financial stability for both the private and public sectors,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Vice-Chairman of the institute, Adejimi Adeolu, noted that asset valuation was key to economic valuation and financial stability for both the government and the private sector.

“Asset valuation is a continuous process. Government needs to start valuing all these assets.

“They need to engage valuers in valuing their assets from time to time. This will guide them in policy making as well,” he said.

By Yetunde Fatungase

World Asthma Day: Expert lists air pollution, hot weather, pollen as triggers of asthma

Michael Simire
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World Asthma Day: Expert lists air pollution, hot weather, pollen as triggers of asthma

An Abuja-based Public Health Physician, Dr Gabriel Adakole, has highlighted air pollution, hot weather and pollen as significant triggers of asthma attacks, shedding light on the intricate relationship between environmental factors and respiratory health.

Generator Pollution
The WHO says that, in one year, 46,750 persons died as a result of outdoor pollution in Nigeria

Adakole made the assertion in an interview on Tuesday, May 7, in Abuja, on the occasion of 2024 World Asthma Day (WAD).

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has chosen “Asthma Education Empowers” as theme of World Asthma Day 2024.

The theme underscores the importance of equipping individuals with asthma with the necessary knowledge to manage their condition and recognise when to seek medical assistance.

Adakole said that asthma, characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, affects millions of people globally, with symptoms ranging from wheezing and shortness of breath to coughing and chest tightness.

While genetics play a role in asthma development, he said that environmental factors could worsen symptoms and trigger attacks.

According to him, studies have shown that air pollution, including particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, can irritate the airways and worsen asthma symptoms, particularly in urban areas with high pollution levels.

“Fine particulate matter from vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs, triggering inflammation and exacerbating respiratory conditions,” he said.

Additionally, he said that hot weather had been identified as a significant trigger for asthma attacks, as rising temperatures lead to increased airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

“High temperatures can also exacerbate air pollution levels, further aggravating respiratory symptoms,” he said.

Furthermore, he said that pollen, a common allergen released by trees, grasses, and weeds, can trigger allergic reactions in people with asthma, leading to airway inflammation and symptom exacerbation, especially during peak pollen seasons in spring and fall.

He said that understanding and mitigating environmental triggers for asthma were crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

“Healthcare providers can educate patients on managing asthma symptoms and reducing exposure to environmental triggers, such as staying indoors during high pollution or pollen counts, using air purifiers, and adhering to prescribed asthma medications and management plans,” he said.

He said that comprehensive public health strategies addressing air pollution, climate change, and pollen management were essential to protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.

“As policymakers and public health officials work to address the root causes of air pollution and climate change, efforts to raise awareness about asthma triggers and empower patients to manage their respiratory health are vital in mitigating the burden of asthma on individuals and society,” he said.

The first World Asthma Day, in 1998, was celebrated in more than 35 countries in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain.

Participation has increased with each World Asthma Day held since then, and the day has become one of the world’s most important asthma awareness and education events.

By Abujah Racheal

2024 flood disaster: NEMA calls for precautionary measures

Michael Simire
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0
2024 flood disaster: NEMA calls for precautionary measures

The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has emphasised the need for proactive measures against the predicted 2024 flood disaster.

Zubaida Umar
Zubaida Umar, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

Addressing stakeholders at the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Umar highlighted the importance of early warning backed by early action to mitigate the impact of disasters.

NEMA’s mandate includes coordinating emergency preparedness, mitigation, and response activities across Nigeria.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) had predicted flood high-risk areas in several states and local government areas (LGAs) from April to November.

“As you may be aware, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have both released the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) respectively for 2024.

“The prediction informed that in April, May and June period, 25 States and 72 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are within flood high-risk areas, indicating heightened vulnerability to flooding.

“This vulnerability is said to persist into subsequent months of July to September with 33 States and 135 LGAs identified as high-risk areas, while the period between October and November has 19 States and 44 LGAs,” she said.

Following the predictions, NEMA convened an Experts’ Technical Meeting to analyse the disaster management implications and develop a 2024 climate-related disaster preparedness and mitigation strategy.

“Based on the predictions, various recommendations have been made as preparedness and mitigation actions to be taken by relevant stakeholders to reduce possible impacts.

“This also serves as early warning message to the general public,” she said.

Recommendations include community sensitisation, clearing of waterways, monitoring of dam discharge, and relocation of flood-prone communities.

Umar urged stakeholders to take the recommendations seriously to prevent loss of lives and property.

She thanked stakeholders already taking steps to address emergencies and encouraged others to follow suit.

The DG emphasised the need for regular coordination meetings among emergency sectors to effectively respond to adverse climate-related situations.

She then called on all participants to disseminate the messages to grassroots levels for appropriate action.

Umar reiterated NEMA’s commitment to reducing the impact of predicted flooding and providing necessary support to affected persons.

By Philomina Attah

Fuel scarcity: NNPC restates caution against panic buying

Michael Simire
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Fuel scarcity: NNPC restates caution against panic buying

As the nationwide supply and distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, appear to improve, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has once again called on motorists to shun panic buying of the product.

NNPC
An NNPC station in Lagos

In filling stations monitored across several states, including Lagos and the FCT, the queues have since thinned out, according to the NNPC, adding that it is a development that will keep improving daily in other states.

The company submitted in a statement that, at the moment, it has over 1.5 billion litres stock of PMS, which is equivalent to over 30 days sufficiency.

The NNPC Ltd said it is also collaborating with relevant downstream agencies, such as the Nigeran Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), labour unions in the sector and security operatives to address hoarding and other unwholesome practices.

Nigeria’s Dangiwa chairs first session of 2024 UN-Habitat Executive Board Meeting

Michael Simire
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Nigeria’s Dangiwa chairs first session of 2024 UN-Habitat Executive Board Meeting

The First Session of the 2024 Executive Board Meeting of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has commenced in Nairobi, Kenya, under the Chairmanship of Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development. The session is being held at the UN-Habitat Headquarters from May 6 to 8.

UN Habitat Board Meeting
R-L: Acting Executive Director, Mr Mychal Mlynar; Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Ms Zainab Bangura; Cabinet Secretary, Lands, Housing and Public Works, Madam Alice Wahome; and Minister for HUD and Chair of the Executive Board, UN-Habitat, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Dangiwa tasked members of the Executive Board of UN-Habitat to redouble efforts towards repositioning the organisation as an impactful global tool for tackling human settlements’ challenges in a structured and sustainable manner.

“As members of the Executive Board, I must draw our collective attention to the fact that our nations, at this time, are among the privileged few tasked with the important responsibility for the regular supervision of the global human settlements agenda. We have a moral obligation to approach this duty with our best efforts, utmost sincerity, and the highest responsibility for the good of mankind. To this end, during my Chairmanship,

“I intend to pursue global collaboration in partnership with the various regional and political groups, and I would count on your support as I look forward to active engagement to bring this organisation to its rightful footing,” he said.

The Minister, who also doubles as the Chair of the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) Bureau of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), noted that he sees his unique positions as an opportunity to forge strategic alliances that are beneficial to actualizing the mandate of UN-Habitat.

“I do not count it a coincidence that as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development of the most populous country in Africa, I also Chair the AGM Bureau of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, and I now Chair the Executive Board of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme. I see these strategic alignments as a call to maximise the opportunities my current positions afford me to promote more beneficial global collaborations, more international attention, and hopefully, more funding for UN-Habitat,” he noted.

The UN-Habitat Executive Board is a legislative body of UN-Habitat. It comprises 36 member states elected by the United Nations Habitat Assembly with 10 seats for Africa, one of which is occupied by Nigeria currently acting as the Chair, eight seats for Asia and Pacific States, four seats for Eastern European States, six seats for Latin America and Carribean States, and eight seats for Western European and other states. Nigeria has been a member of the Executive Board since 2019 and was granted a renewed term of two years in 2023 until 2025.

The Executive Board convenes two or three times a year to oversee the implementation of the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat, ensure accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness, approve and oversee the implementation of the annual programme of work and budget of the organisation.

Notable issues slated for discussion at the first session of the 2024 Board Meeting include financial, budgetary, and administrative matters, including the implementation of the resource mobilisation strategy in accordance with the strategic plan for the period 2020–2025 and actions by UN- Habitat to address geographical and gender imbalances in the composition of its staff; updates on the draft work programme of UN-Habitat and the draft budget of the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for 2025, outline for the strategic plan of UN-Habitat for the period 2026-2029, and implementation of the normative and operational activities of UN-Habitat, including reporting on its programmatic activities in 2023 and the implementation of subprogrammes, flagship programmes, and technical cooperation activities.

The meeting is also reviewing the implementation of the United Nations development system reform in UN-Habitat and actions taken by UN-Habitat to strengthen protection against sexual and any other type of exploitation and abuse and against sexual harassment in the workplace.

The opening session had attendance representatives of the 36 member countries, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of the Republic of Kenya, Alice Wahome, who welcomed the members on behalf of the Kenyan President, William Ruto. The Director General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Ms. Zainab Bangura, welcomed delegations at the UN complex in Gigiri. Acting Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Dr. Mychal Mlynar, delivered an opening statement on behalf of UN-Habitat.

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