Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for continuous increase and sustained financing to address climate change challenges in the state.
State officials at the closing of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit
Sanwo-Olu said this at the closing ceremony of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Lagos.
The governor emphasised the need for collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and international organisations to bridge the financing gap.
Represented at the summit by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the urgency for governments to direct resources toward projects that provided tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.
“We are committed to fostering a supportive environment for climate finance and local adaptation initiatives, ensuring that all efforts align with the insights and expertise shared,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He commended the participants for their resolve to work with all stakeholders to transform discussions into concrete actions that benefited both communities and the environment.
He stressed that accelerating climate finance involved not only mobilising funds but also ensuring that these resources reached those most in need.
He noted that to achieve the set objective required creating financial instruments that are accessible, equitable, and effective.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised the government’s commitment to prioritising capacity building and knowledge sharing, adding that this would involve empowering local communities with skills, tools, and knowledge needed to develop and implement adaptation strategies.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action, while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and equity.
According to him, climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are not left behind.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of giving women, youths, indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented communities a voice in decision-making processes that affected their lives and livelihoods.
Experts at the summit highlighted innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and climate insurance, and the importance of leveraging both public and private sector investments.
The discussions underscored the necessity of a systemic shift in how financial resources are perceived and deployed for climate action.
Stephen Kwikiriza, a member of the community affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)-associated Kingfisher oil project and a community observer with Environmental Governance Institute (EGI) Uganda, was finally released after being abandoned by his captors along the roadside in Kyenjojo district on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at around 8:30 p.m, approximately five hours drive from the site of his abduction in Kampala.
Stephen Kwikiriza
Mr Kwikiriza had been reported missing for six days after being abducted by plainclothes officers believed to be from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). Mr Kwikiriza is known for his outspoken criticism of the Kingfisher oil field activities operated by China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC). Moments before his phones were disabled, he sent a text message stating he had been arrested by members of the UPDF.
The UPDF has provided security for CNOOC’s operations at the Kingfisher field since 2018, and local communities have accused the UPDF of human rights violations, including seizing and burning fishing boats, arrests, sexual violence and other forms of abuse and mistreatment.
Mr Kwikiriza’s disappearance sparked outrage among fellow Ugandan human rights and environmental advocates and the international community, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, who took to Twitter(X) to call for Mr Kwikiriza’s release.
Mr Kwikiriza has recounted the harrowing details of his abduction and the six days he was held in captivity. During this time, he was subjected to appalling conditions: forced to strip down to his underwear and kept in a room with minimal food and only a bucket for sanitation. Upon his arrival at the location where he was held, Mr Kwikiriza was beaten and reported that he was knocked unconscious, a clear indication of the violent treatment he endured.
Mr Kwikiriza has also informed the campaign that, during his week-long detention, his captors repeatedly interrogated him regarding the interest of the international community in his disappearance and their pressure for his release.
The StopEACOP campaign and allied organisations call for a full, impartial investigation into this deeply concerning incident involving the abduction, unlawful detention, mistreatment and abuse of a prominent human rights defender.
Since the peaceful demonstration in front of the Chinese Embassy in Kampala on May 27, 2024, where seven activists were arbitrarily arrested, several other Ugandans campaigning against the EACOP and related oil projects have faced forms of repression including, being arrested, searched, surveilled or, as in the case of Stephen Kwikiriza, abducted.
Adriko Sostein, another representative of the communities affected by the Kingfisher oil project, was arrested and charged with unlawful assembly on June 5, 2024, by the police after presenting a petition concerning the Kingfisher oil project and its impacts on community members and climate change. He has been released on police bond but will need to present himself to police again on June 13, 2024.
These cases come after many others with at least 56 intimidations and abuses related to Total’s Tilenga and EACOP projects recorded in Uganda and Tanzania, over a period of almost 4 and a half years.
The StopEACOP Campaign called for the immediate end of any forms of retaliation and repression of people who are critical of the EACOP and the associated oil projects.
“The concerns of affected people need to be heard and should be taken seriously by all the stakeholders who support or are considering supporting these projects,” submitted the group.
Zaki Mamdoo, StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator, said: “We condemn in the strongest terms the abduction of Kwikiriza Stephen and the abuse he has endured at the hands of his captors. This incident is especially concerning in light of the ongoing repression faced by environmental, land, and human rights defenders who speak out against EACOP and its associated projects.
“The perpetrators must be brought to book and the repression of activists and communities must come to an immediate end. The StopEACOP Campaign will continue to amplify the voices and demands of affected communities to decision-makers, undeterred by these attacks on our defenders. We remain steadfast in exercising our right to oppose projects that destroy lives and livelihoods.”
Brighton Aryampa, Attorney for Mr Kwikiriza, said: “Abductions should not have a place in our country. What happened to Stephen is inhumane and unconstitutional, which should be condemned in the strongest possible manner. We now ask the government to look into, investigate and conclude the matter so that the captors are brought to book. In the meantime, as lawyers, we shall advise Stephen on any other further legal action.”
Juliette Renaud, Friends of the Earth France’s Coordinator, said: “We strongly condemn the abduction of Kwikiriza Stephen and the violations he suffered over several days. Environmental defenders should be able to speak and act freely as they are essential in defending the rights of oil affected communities and in documenting the increasing human rights violations and environmental damages caused by Tilenga, Kingfisher and EACOP.
“Total has a clear legal liability in that sense. Its CEO repeatedly emphasises that they are committed to respecting freedom of expression, yet they have been consistent in turning a blind eye on the increasing harassment, threats and arrests suffered by environmental defenders simply because they dare stand against these oil projects and denounce their impacts.”
Some 62% of registered voters prefer to vote for a candidate for public office who supports action on global warming, while only 15% would prefer to vote for a candidate who opposes action.
Similarly, 39% of registered voters say a candidate’s position on global warming will be “very important” when they decide who they will vote for in the 2024 presidential election.
Of 28 issues asked about, global warming is said to be the 19th most highly ranked voting issue among registered voters (based on the percentage saying it is “very important”).
Among liberal Democrats, global warming was ranked the 4th most important voting issue after maintaining free and fair elections (Number 1), abortion (Number 2), and health care (Number 3).
Among moderate/conservative Democrats, global warming was ranked Number 14, while among liberal/moderate Republicans and conservative Republicans the issue was ranked 26th and 27th, respectively.
Support for building clean energy infrastructure locally
Majorities of registered voters support climate-friendly energy production and distribution infrastructure in their local area, including solar farms (65%), wind farms (58%), high-voltage power lines to distribute clean energy (54%), and electric vehicle charging stations (51%). These include majorities of liberal Democrats and moderate/conservative Democrats, and many liberal/moderate Republicans, but fewer conservative Republicans.
Requiring publicly traded companies to disclose their climate impacts
Large majorities of registered voters across the political spectrum support policies to require publicly traded companies to disclose their climate impacts.
For the oil and gas industry to achieve its full potential as an enabler of national economic and industrial growth, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari, has called for the support of the judiciary in tackling the twin challenges of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari in a chat with the Chief Justice of the Federation, Hon. Olukayode Ariwoola, during the National Capacity Building Workshop for Judges on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in Abuja, on Thursday
Kyari made the call at the National Judges Capacity Building Workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and INVESTIN 234, on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Abuja.
In a goodwill message he delivered at the workshop, the GCEO stated that the gains of the PIA have been severely undermined by crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism and urged the judiciary to consider the creation of a special court to try offences related to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism or granting accelerated hearings to such cases.
According to him, the role of the judiciary was critical to the success of the efforts of the various security arrangements put in place by NNPC, the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in the industry.
“In particular, is the recommendation that a special court be created to try those offences as they hinge on our survival as a country, and/or for such trials to be conducted under an accelerated hearing process by the issuance of Practice Directions to that effect, with concomitant sanctions to deter would-be offenders,” Kyari stated.
The GCEO also called on the judiciary to accelerate hearing to criminal cases in their courts, through timely determination of the criminal charges and imposing adequate punishments and sanctions on culprits to serve as deterrence to others.
He said NNPC remains committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the PIA, adding that “together, we can ensure that the benefits of our natural resources are maximized for the economic and social development of our country”.
Kyari also commended the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola, and the organisers of the workshop for extending invitation to him and the opportunity to deliver a goodwill message at the workshop.
The Taskforce on Net Zero Policy, an initiative with the aim of furthering the work of the UN Secretary General’s High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on the Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities, on Thursday, June 13, 2024, announced the constituents of its Board of Trustees and its Taskforce Expert Group (TEG).
Helena Vines Fiestas, UN HLEG member, Chair of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance and Commissioner of the Spanish Financial Markets Authority
In a recent speech, UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, acknowledged the vital role that non-state actors have to play in realising the global shift to net zero and the importance of the HLEG recommendations as a framework to facilitate this activity.
The Taskforce also confirmed that it plans to produce a landmark report, to be published at COP29 and presented to the Secretary General, which will take stock of current trends and themes on net zero policy in relation to the HLEG recommendations.
The Taskforce, announced during COP28 in Dubai, has a remit to gather and produce insights which help align the credibility and accountability of 1.5°C-aligned net zero emissions commitments by non-state actors with effective coherent policies and regulatory certainty.
Climate change is well understood to pose material, existential risks to businesses, investors and societies around the world. With rates of warming continuing to accelerate and efforts to align with a 1.5°C future thus far unsuccessful, the need for action from policymakers and non-state actors alike has never been more urgent.
The Taskforce’s Board of Trustees is formed of senior representatives from organisations at the confluence of climate and policy issues. The Board serves to set the strategy and priorities of Taskforce, as well as serving as a pool of expert opinion to test the outputs of the group.
Helena Vines Fiestas (UN HLEG member, Chair of the EU Platform on Sustainable Finance and Commissioner of the Spanish Financial Markets Authority) and Andrea Meza Murillo (Deputy Executive Secretary to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)) will serve as co-Chairs of the initiative.
The constituents of the Board of Trustees are as follows:
Catherine McKenna, CEO, Climate and Nature Solutions & Chair, UN-Secretary General´s High Level Expert Group on Net Zero Pledges of non-state actors (UN HLEG)
Eric Usher, Head, United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
Jingdong Hua, ISSB Vice Chair, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Jo Tyndall, Director of Environment, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Mohamed Nasheed, Secretary General, The Vulnerable 20 (V20) Group
Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary General, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Sabine Mauderer, Chair, Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS).
The Taskforce Expert Group is formed from technical experts drawn from fields relevant to the HLEG recommendations, including climate change mitigation and climate adaptation, corporate regulation, financial regulation, environmental and real economy sector policies, just transition policies, and financial markets (and others as needed).
Specifically, TEG members are expected to help shape the work of the Taskforce by providing guidance, research and analysis which will inform the Taskforce’s outputs.
TEG members have been selected to represent a diverse range of viewpoints drawn a spectrum of regional economic contexts, in keeping with the Taskforce’s objective to consider how EMDE markets can be best served by cohesive and just transition to net zero.
The input of the Board of Trustees and Taskforce Expert Group will form the basis of the Taskforce’s stocktake report, due for publication at COP29 in Azerbaijan. The report will identify and map policies in G20 countries against the HLEG criteria. It will also identify areas of good practice, challenges faced and actionable insights, including for vulnerable countries and emerging economies.
Commenting on the announcement, Taskforce co-Chair, Helena Vines Fiestas, said: “It’s my pleasure to formally welcome our Board of Trustees and Taskforce Expert Group members. The support for the work of the Taskforce so far demonstrates a clear desire for further global convergence on the net zero policy measures relevant to non-state actors, reflecting the urgent need for greater action through efficient policies aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. With the support of our Trustees and TEG members, we have an incredibly high-quality pool of knowledge to draw on to inform the insights we will present at COP29.”
Taskforce co-Chair, Andrea Meza Murillo, said: “The work of the Taskforce will be instrumental to facilitate effective non-state entities’ action and net-zero policy coherence. The transition to inclusive net zero economies and societies requires comprehensive approaches, consideration of different sectors, and robust policy and legal frameworks to avoid greenwashing, and to achieve climate-nature-land-development goals. I’m delighted to contribute to the Taskforce and to work with the Board of Trustees and the Taskforce Expert Group members on this endeavour.”
Taskforce Ambassador, Laurence Tubiana, said: “Policies that support the urgent implementation of net zero are needed to deliver the Paris goals, especially in G20 countries. I am very pleased to support the important work of the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy, who will carry on the recommendations of the UN High Level Expert Group on Net Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities. I look forward to reading their recommendations at COP29.”
Catherine McKenna, CEO, Climate and Nature Solutions and Chair of High-Level Expert Group on the Net Zero Commitments of Non-State Entities, said: “In our Integrity Matters report to the UN Secretary General, we called for the establishment of a new Task Force to help support the move from voluntary initiatives to regulated requirements for net zero. This is key to tackling greenwashing, ensuring a level playing field, and accelerating the transition to net zero. So, I’m delighted to work alongside my fellow Trustees through this Task Force to help build a prosperous and inclusive net zero future.”
Klaas Knot, Chair of the Financial Stability Board, said: “Addressing climate change is important for financial stability. So, I welcome the creation of the Taskforce on Net Zero Policy, and the opportunity to provide input on the connections with financial stability policy work as a member of the Board of Trustees.”
ISSB Vice-Chair, Jingdong Hua, said: “Jurisdictions making up over 55% of global GDP have taken steps to introduce the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) Standards. This means capital markets will soon have access to better information about climate – information that is comparable, reliable and decision-useful. Our focus is on capacity building initiatives to support this momentum and I look forward to contributing the Task Force on Net Zero Policy, including its focus on working with emerging markets and developing economies as we advance disclosure practices.”
Eric Usher, Head of the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), said: “Non-state actor action on net zero is a vital component of the global transition. Not only that, but the shift to net zero represents a hugely significant growth opportunity, with the potential to benefit the global economy to the tune of trillions of dollars. The impetus to mitigate the risks and realise the benefits of the transition has never been more pressing or tangible. I am pleased to contribute to the Taskforce’s efforts as a Board of Trustee member to further the HLEG recommendation on accelerated policy action, with a view to ultimately contributing to the evolution of an enabling policy environment which will benefit economies and societies the world over.”
The following members are appointed to the TEG as a formal representative of their organisation/employer: Marcelo Mena – Global Methane Hub, Mark Watts/Alice Cavanagh – C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Prof Nick Robins/Dr Simon Dikau – LSE Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change, Noelia Garcia Nebra – International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), Prof Tom Hale/Prof Thom Wetzer – Oxford Net Zero Regulation and Policy Hub, and Dr Vaibhav Chaturvedi – Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
The remaining TEG members are appointed in an individual capacity and not as formal representatives of their organisations/employers: Jane McDonald, Malango Mughogho, Bill Hare, Fiona Stewart, Carolina Aguirre Echeverri, Uli Agustina, Douglas Kativu, Dr Svitlana Krakovska, Catherine Leining, Yukari Takamura, Dr Olufunso Somorin, Dr Olumide Abimbola, Camille Ammoun, and Wang Xin.
The African ministers of housing, urban planning and development have pledged to support capital raising initiatives by pan-African premier housing financier, Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB).
Participants at the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Shelter Afrique Development Bank in Kigali, Rwanda
Speaking at a Ministerial Roundtable on Financial Innovations to Achieve Housing Affordability during the 43rd Annual General Meeting of Shelter Afrique Development Bank in Kigali, Rwanda, the ministers noted that the move would help the institution increase its social and developmental impact across its Member States.
“There is a need to strengthen Shelter Afrique Development Bank with a focus on addressing capital, improving financial stability and fostering partnerships to enable the institution fulfill its mandate and address the housing deficit across member States,” Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, said.
The ministers also called on countries, private sector and financial institutions to develop innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms to address the growing housing deficit in Africa and ensure access to affordable housing.
They also pledged to continue championing appropriate housing policies, institutional support mechanisms, public-private-partnerships, innovation in housing finance, and infrastructure support in addressing the housing crisis in the continent.
“There is a need for a comprehensive approach that considers both the financial and economic aspects to overcome housing challenges. Affordable housing is key for family well-being and economic resilience,” said Mr. Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure, Republic of Rwanda and the incoming ShafDB AGM Bureau Chairman.
Partnership with BADEA
During the roundtable the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) submitted an innovative financing model for partnership between ShafDB, BADEA and ShafDB member States through which the parties would partner to increase ShafDB’s capital to boost its activities and impact across member States.
“I would like to thank BADEA for its interest in working with Shelter Afrique Development Bank and its member States to support the capitalisation initiative and replenishment of ShafDB. This unique funding model will be key in supporting ShafDB achieve its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan anchored on the VIRAL Model,” Shelter Afrique Development Bank Managing Director and CEO, Thierno Habib Hann, said.
Mr. Hann also noted that the initiative would help ShafDB enhance its financial strength, increase its social and developmental impact across its member States, strengthen partnership between BADEA, ShafDB and Member States, as well as help ShafDB in fulfilling its mandate of providing sustainable affordable housing.
He noted that the funding model presented a golden opportunity for all stakeholders, adding that several member States had already confirmed their interest in being on-boarded through the BADEA-ShafDB-Member States partnership.
The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has said that there were forces within the 60th Sessions of the UN Climate Change Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) who schemed for an agenda different from the desire to see the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a climate finance COP. COP29 holds in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
PACJA officials addressing a press conference at SB60 in Bonn, Germany
In a SB60 press statement issued in Bonn on Tuesday, June 11, PACJA officials alleged that the forces were scheming a different theme to divert attention on climate finance and relegate the subject to the periphery.
“The desire of all of us – parties and Non-Parties delegates – is to see COP29 as a climate finance COP, to reflect on the urgency in addressing the ever-elusive question of financing climate action. Could this be slipping away?
“We should emphatically say NO. Climate finance is the biggest elephant in the room, and however long it takes to deal with it, we should understand that it will never go away,” said the group at SB60, which formally comes to a close on Thursday, June 13 in Bonn, Germany.
The group decried negotiations on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), saying that discussions started on a wrong trajectory with Loss and Damage (L&D) being pushed out of the agenda, “justifying with lame excuse that it is not necessarily specified under article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement”.
“This assertion points to a deliberate effort by countries from the North to interpret Article 9 of the Paris Agreement in a manner that is convenient to them without referring to provisions of Article 4 of the UNFCCC convention, which is clear on the obligation of developed countries parties to provide adequate finance to the developing countries as opposed to the language of ‘mobilisation’ of resources,” PACJA officials declared.
They described “mobilisation of financial resources” new semantic that is merely privatisation of climate finance within NCQG, thus surrendering poor countries to climate-debt speculators, further impoverishing countries clutching from debts.
“This market-based approach helps developed countries to escape their obligations on the provision of climate finance as per the Convention and Paris Agreement,” stressed the campaigners.
They went further: “Similarly, the negotiations on the global goal on adaptation (GGA) are focusing more on the indicators while the main enabler of this agenda, which is the means of implementation, is being vehemently fought by the parties from the developed countries. Without clear indications on the means of implementation, GGA is an empty shell, and it is not fit for purpose. Adaptation must be funded from public resources and must not be seen as a business opportunity open to private sector players.
“We also wish to state that we will never relent in our demand for affirmation of Africa as ‘a special needs and circumstances for the region’. And we urge the AGN, despite frustrations, never to give us on this crucial status which differentiates us from others, backed by science and imperatives of climate justice.
“We express our deep concerns about the current negotiation on NAPs which features ‘special circumstances for least developed countries (LDC) and Small Island States’, attempting to amend the provisions of Article 4 1e of the UNFCCC convention. This, once again, is an injustice for Africa and its people.”
They called on all Parties to close ranks on NCQG, GGA and L&D.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) have agreed to develop a common approach for measuring and reporting climate results.
Prof. Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the AfDB
The AfDB, in a statement on its website, said MDBs had reported climate finance volumes, but this had not fully captured the tangible impacts of these interventions.
It said the new agreement aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the outcomes of climate investments, enhance learning, and identify areas needing additional support.
“The common approach adopted by MDBs ensures transparency, consistency and comparability across institutions and contributes to global efforts to establish standardised frameworks for assessing climate progress.
“It represents a significant advancement in how climate finance impacts are measured, reported, and utilised to drive effective climate action worldwide,” it said.
The statement said the new framework was structured according to global and country contexts and results from operations and institutional efforts.
It said: “The global and country context level integrates the latest climate science and sets the context for urgent action, referencing global greenhouse gas emissions and the vulnerability of populations to climate risks.
“Results from operations evaluate MDBs’ contributions to equitable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development by tracking emissions from financing operations for mitigation and identifying beneficiaries of resilience-enhancing interventions.
“While institutional effort monitors the financial resources and technical assistance MDBs use to implement climate interventions.”
According to the statement, the common approach is not a new reporting mechanism but a tool to enhance harmonised reporting on climate outcomes across MDBs and other stakeholders.
It said while MDBs already reported on climate outcomes, this unified approach offered significant benefits, including improved data aggregation, comparability, and learning opportunities.
“MDBs will continue refining this approach, working together to develop a set of common indicators.
“These indicators will track mitigation efforts by monitoring emissions from financing operations and, where possible, measure the beneficiaries of interventions to enhance climate resilience.
“Progress on these developments will be reported at future climate conferences,” it said.
The statement quoted Prof. Anthony Nyong, the Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the AfDB, as saying: “The milestones achieved are significant.
“This approach allows us to see what we are achieving in the countries we support and where gaps need addressing.
“It will help inform and refine MDBs interventions, ensuring our efforts are as effective and impactful as possible.”
The director said by adopting this unified approach to measure climate results, MDBs were taking a crucial step towards more transparent, accountable, and impactful climate action.
Nyong said the alignment with global climate goals ensured that their interventions delivered meaningful results on the ground.
“The collaborative efforts of MDBs in developing and refining this approach highlight a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving challenges posed by climate change.
“As MDBs implement this common approach, they will not only enhance their operations but also contribute to the broader international effort to combat climate change,” he said.
President, Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Eyono Fatayi-Williams, during WIEN’s visit to SNEPCo headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, honoured Manager Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni.
Manager Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni, (right) receiving the certificate of honour from the President, Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Eyono Fatayi-Williams, during WIEN’s visit to SNEPCo headquarters in Lagos… on TuesdayL-R: Executive Secretary, Women in Energy Network (WIEN), Asanimo Omezi; WIEN President, Eyono Fatayi-Williams; Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni; and SNEPCo Asset and Business Opportunity Manager, Ibiyemi Asaolu, at the presentation of WIEN certificate of honour to Aiboni at SNEPCo headquarters, Lagos… on Tuesday
There is need for the government to Invest more in scientific research and innovation which is crucial for developing effective solutions to oceanic challenges.
Participants at the 2024 World Ocean Day event in Lagos
Akanbi Williams, Director of International Ocean Institute, Nigeria Centre (IOI-Nigeria), made this submission in a presentation on Tuesday, June 11, during an event organised to mark 2024 World Ocean Day in Lagos.
He said: “Increased funding for marine research, supporting the development and deployment of technologies that can monitor and mitigate the impact of human activities on the ocean, and encouraging public participation in scientific research through citizen science programmes are critical to advancing our understanding and protection of the ocean.
“The science we have, has taken us thus far, we need to leverage on this to develop and advance new science that will give us the ocean we want.”
In his opening remarks, Sule Abiodun, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), noted that 2024 World Ocean Day, with the theme, “Awaken New Depths,” is both a call to action and a reminder of the vast, unexplored potential that our oceans hold.
Represented by Dr. Patience Obatola, NIOMR’s Director of Research and Fisheries Resources, Abiodun stated: “It challenges us to deepen our understanding, enhance our stewardship, and innovate in ways that ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources for generations to come.
“Our shared mandates in ocean matters have fostered a strong and productive relationship, enabling us to advance ocean research, promote sustainable practices, and influence policies that protect our marine environments. Together, we have made significant strides in understanding and conserving our ocean ecosystems, and I am confident that our partnership will continue to yield positive outcomes for the future.”
Towing a similar path, Dr. Awwal Bamanga of the Department of Maritime Environment Management, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), is of the opinion that all relevant agencies must play their active roles in achieving desired results in blue economy.
Dr. Bamanga, while delivering a paper titled: “Blue Economy: Balancing Economic Growth and Ocean Health”, said: “Specifically, NIMASA must guarantee zero tolerance for non-compliance with marine safety and security standards in order to eliminate sub-standard shipping in Nigeria.
“We must also seek effective collaboration between the private and public stakeholders within the marine sector.”
Highpoint of the event was presentation of awards and gifts to winners of Essays and Craft Competition between some selected schools and inspection of crafts and exhibition of recycling, upcycling and waste-to-wealth products.
