Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has highlighted the severe housing affordability crisis affecting over 80% of Africa’s population, driven by low incomes, challenging macroeconomic conditions, and rising living costs.
Delegates at the 43rd AGM of Shelter Afrique in Kigali, Rwanda
Speaking at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Innovative Financing for Housing Affordability,” held during the Shelter Afrique Development Bank (SHAFDB) Annual General Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, the minister said affordability is a moving target thus posing even a bigger challenge in achieving ‘housing for all’ goal.
“With each passing year, the affordability bar keeps getting higher,” he noted, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable housing solutions.
Dangiwa shared insights from his tenure as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), where he oversaw the design and financing of affordable housing units.
However, he pointed out that the steep rise in building material costs has made it increasingly difficult to maintain affordability, with the cost of housing units significantly increasing.
To address this crisis, Dangiwa outlined a multi-dimensional strategy emphasising innovative financing and collaborative efforts.
Key initiatives include: Interest-Free Budgetary Allocations: Utilizing budgetary allocations for housing without interest to lower costs.
Sub-National Government Partnerships: Engaging state governments to provide land free-of-charge, reducing the overall cost of housing units by up to 40%.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Facilitating collaborations with developers under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme to deliver affordable housing units, with a portion sold at subsidized rates.
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT): Working with various agencies to create a N1 trillion concessional financing window to provide low-cost funds for developers, aiming to expand the scale of housing delivery.
Dangiwa emphasised the importance of adopting new financial instruments and mechanisms tailored to Africa’s unique contexts, such as microfinance, mortgage-backed securities, and digital financial services.
“Traditional financing models have served us to a point. To bridge the housing deficit, we must explore and embrace new financial instruments and mechanisms,” he asserted.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the Shelter Afrique Housing Solutions Fund, a 100 billion Naira real estate investment trust aimed at catalysing investments in affordable housing through innovative market-based solutions.
Concluding his remarks, Dangiwa called for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, including governments, financial institutions, developers, community organisations, and international partners.
“Our goal should be to create a housing finance ecosystem that leaves no one behind,” he said. “Let us challenge conventional wisdom, explore uncharted territories, and forge new pathways to make affordable housing a reality for all Africans.”
A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organisation (WHO), released on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, finds that the world remains off course to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030.
SDG 7: Renewable and Clean Energy
SDG 7 is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. The goal includes reaching universal access to electricity and clean cooking, doubling historic levels of efficiency improvements, and substantially increasing the share of renewables in the global energy mix.
Attaining this goal will have a deep impact on people’s health and well-being, helping to protect them from environmental and social risks such as air pollution, and expanding access to primary health care and services.
The 2024 edition of “Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report” warns that current efforts are not enough to achieve the SDG 7 on time. There has been some progress on specific elements of the SDG 7 agenda – for example, the increased rate of renewables deployment in the power sector – but progress is insufficient to reach the targets set forth in the SDGs. The latest report confirms that the number of people without access to electricity increased for the first time in over a decade, as population grew – mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa – at a higher rate than that of new electricity connections, leaving 685 million people without electricity in 2022, 10 million more than in 2021.
A combination of factors contributed to this including the global energy crisis, inflation, growing debt distress in many low-income countries, and increased geopolitical tensions. However, promising trends in the rollout of decentralised energy solutions, largely based on renewable energy, are helping accelerate progress, particularly in rural areas where eight in ten people without access live today.
Meanwhile, 2.1 billion people still live without access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, with the number remaining largely flat last year. This carries with it huge implications for health, gender equality, and the environment, contributing to 3.2 million premature deaths each year. Renewed political momentum within the context of G7, G20, and new financial commitments made at the Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa are buoying prospects for stronger progress later this decade. Still, efforts remain insufficient to reach universal access to electricity or clean cooking by 2030.
Other parts of the SDG 7 agenda have fared better recently. Renewable energy has seen robust growth over the past two years, and energy efficiency improvements is gradually improving after a drop-off during the pandemic, albeit still not enough to meet the SDG 7 target. New global targets pledged by over 130 countries in the UAE Consensus reinforce the objectives of SDG 7 by aiming to triple renewable generating capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency. Immediate concrete actions are required to fulfil these targets, especially in addressing the large disparity in clean energy investment, of which 80% remains concentrated in just 25 countries in 2022.
Key findings of the report:
2022 saw a reversal in progress, with the number of people living without electricity growing for the first time in over a decade. Today, 685 million people live without access – 10 million more than in 2021. In 2022, 570 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are living without electricity, accounting for more than 80% of the global population without access. The access deficit in the region has seen an uptick relative to 2010 levels.
The world remains off track to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030. Up to 2.1 billion people still use polluting fuels and technologies for cooking, largely in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The traditional use of biomass also means households spend up to 40 hours a week gathering firewood and cooking, which makes it difficult for women to pursue employment or participate in local decision-making bodies and for children to go to school.
Household air pollution created by using polluting fuels and technologies for cooking results in 3.2 million premature deaths each year.
Renewable electricity consumption grew more than 6% year-on-year in 2021, bringing the share of renewables in global electricity consumption to 28.2%.
Installed renewable energy-generating capacity per capita reached a new record in 2022 at 424 watts per capita globally. However considerable disparities exist. Developed countries (at 1,073 watts per capita) have 3.7 times more capacity installed than developing countries (at 293 watts per capita).
The rate of energy intensity improvement saw a slight advance of 0.8% in 2021 compared with 0.6% a year earlier. However, this remains well below the long-term average. The slow progress in 2021 occurred amidst the robust economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the largest annual rise in energy consumption in 50 years. Average annual improvements through 2030 must now accelerate to over 3.8 percent to meet the SDG 7.3 target.
International public financial flows in support of clean energy in developing countries rebounded in 2022, to $15.4 billion, a 25% increase over 2021. However, it is still around half of the 2016 peak of $28.5 billion.
By 2030, under current policies there are still 660 million people lacking electricity access and around 1.8 billion without access to clean cooking technologies and fuels. Progress in energy efficiency rates also lags, reaching just 2.3%, well below the level needed to reach the SDG 7 target.
The report will be presented to top decision-makers at a special launch event between July 8-17, 2024, at the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which oversees progress on the SDGs. The authors urge the international community to refocus efforts on providing the required financial, technological and policy support to close the access deficit and ensure that all countries and communities can benefit from accelerated renewable energy deployment and improved energy efficiency.
Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA), said: “To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7, we will need much more investment in emerging and developing economies to expand access to electricity and to clean cooking technologies and fuels. Today, only a fraction of total energy investment is going to the countries where the problems of electricity access and clean cooking are critical, not least in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to climate and environmental benefits, addressing these challenges will bring a range of societal and economic advantages, linked to gender equality, health, education and employment.”
Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency: “Year after year, renewables prove to be a leading player in increasing energy and electricity access through steady expansion of renewable power capacity. But distribution disparity remains stark, as reflected in the international public financial flows in support of clean energy. The rebound in the flows does indicate a positive signal, but it is nowhere near the needed amount to achieve SDG 7.
“This should serve as a strong reminder that not only we are racing against time to reach the goal, but we also still fail the most underserved in the world. There must be a strong sense of urgency from the international community to accelerate investments in renewables infrastructures and sustainable technologies, with a focus on the least developed and developing economies.”
Stefan Schweinfest, Director, United Nations Statistics Division: “Sustainable Development Goal 7 has been a guiding star in the mobilisation of efforts to provide affordable and clean energy to more and more people, while current trends make the SDG 7 targets seem elusive. Access to electricity and to clean cooking has advanced since 2015, but now it seems most low-hanging fruits have been picked.
“Deployment of renewable electricity is on a growing trend, whereas other kinds of renewable are lagging, and energy efficiency improvements seem to have reached a bottleneck. Time is running short and more focused policies and investment are fundamental to ensure the provision of sustainable energy for all by 2030.”
Guangzhe Chen, Vice President for Infrastructure, World Bank: “Electricity access is essential for development, and we need to work extra hard for the 685 million people deprived of this resource – 10 million more than the year before. There are solutions to reverse this negative trend, including accelerating the deployment of solar mini grids and solar home systems. The World Bank is actively working to support this acceleration, and jointly with the African Development Bank we have committed to providing electricity to an additional 300 million people by 2030.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation: “Air pollution and energy poverty are claiming lives, inflicting suffering and hindering development. Transitioning more rapidly to clean energy and cooking technologies is essential for protecting the health of the 2.1 billion people without access, and the health of the planet on which all life depends.”
Rights of women and impacts of climate change on food and health security will be major subjects of discussion at the upcoming 56th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
President of UNHRC, Amb. Omar Zniber
The President of UNHRC, Amb. Omar Zniber, made this known during a virtual news conference on the agenda of the council’s 56th Regular Session to hold from June 18 to July 12 in Geneva.
Zniber said that, at the session, there would be important panels on the adverse impacts of climate change as well as presentations on country situations.
“Our session will also have to develop very numerous interactive dialogues with special rapporteurs on the adoption of wrap-up reports, and we forecast a number of between 20 and 25 resolutions to be adopted.
“There will be a presidential discussion on the trilogy, meaning the impact of climate change on food and health security.
“This session is called for, to have an in-depth debate to exchange suggestions, recommendations and observations about these subjects which are a matter of concern,” Zniber said.
He said that the purpose of the presidential discussion was to have a co-ordinated approach on the subjects so that the council would be more vocal and active when dealing with them.
According to him, millions of populations worldwide are living in food insecurity.
“Likewise, when it comes to the question of health, with all the developments we have witnessed these past few years, it is unfortunate that a huge part of the world’s population has no access to modern medicine.
“As a human rights council, we have to care about that, particularly as climate change is impacting severely on populations already suffering from these difficult situations.”
He said that climate change was deteriorating the environment and biodiversity.
Zniber said that from human rights perspective, the council should run at the best speed when tackling the issues.
According to him, the second important event at the session will be on June 24 and devoted to celebration of women in diplomacy.
He said that issues of gender parity and equity in the world of diplomacy was fundamental.
“We will celebrate this day and particularly insist on what can be done to make gender equity a full reality within the international organisation.
“The president of the general assembly has established gender equity and parity as one of his major priorities as it is the case for me,” Zniber said.
The Lagos State Government says it will mobilise resources to finance the transition to a low-carbon economy and support those affected by the impact of climate change.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this at the 10th Lagos State International Climate Change Summit on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
The theme of the summit is: “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives.”
Wahab said the state government was determined to create livable and resilience infrastructure that would withstand the impact of climate change in Lagos state.
“This year’s summit is therefore not just a forum for discussion, but a clarion call for action.
“We must accelerate our efforts to mobilise climate finance and channel it towards projects that prioritise local adaptation initiatives.
“This means investing in infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change, empowering communities to develop climate-resilient livelihoods, and enhancing our capacity to respond to climate-related disasters,” Wahab said.
He said that it was important to champion the voices of those most affected by climate change – particularly vulnerable communities who often bear the brunt of its consequences.
“We must embrace their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives as valuable resource to shape effective adaptation strategies that are grounded in local realities.
“From the inaugural summit to this momentous occasion, celebrating a decade of climate change summit, we have witnessed a transformative shift in global consciousness towards climate action,” Wahab said.
He said that each summit had been a steppingstone, building upon the achievements of the last, propelled forward by the tireless efforts of countless climate heroes.
“Over the past decade, the Lagos International Climate Change Summit has served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in addressing climate-related issues in the state.
“From promoting renewable energy to implementing sustainable waste management practices, we have made significant strides in integrating climate actions in Lagos State Development Investment Opportunities and building resilience in the face of climate variability.
“But amidst the celebration of past achievements, we are also confronted with the stark realities of our present situation,” Wahab said.
He said the global sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report serves as a sobering reminder of the urgency of our situation and need for immediate action.
Wahab quoted the IPCC Chair, Hoesung Lee, as saying that mainstreaming effective and equitable climate action would not only reduce losses and damages for nature and people but provide wider benefits.
Wahab said that the statement underscored the urgent reality that climate change is not waiting for us – we are running out of time.
“The solution to this lies in climate resilient development which involves integrating measures to adapt to climate change with actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in ways that provide wider benefits.
“This year’s summit theme – Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives aims to explore ways of attracting climate finance into the adaptation space.
“As we embark on this three-day journey of deliberation and collaboration, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our planet for future generations.
Together, we can turn the tide against climate change and build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all,” Wahab added.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State says the state’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and Climate Mainstreaming Strategy will promote renewable energy for implementing sustainable waste management.
From left, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Oniru of Iru, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Olanrewaju Afinni; Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab; Obanikoro of Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayibembe; and Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Michael Deelen, during the inauguration of Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and Lagos Climate Change Mainstreaming Strategy in Lagos on Tuesday
He said this on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Lagos during the opening of the 10th Lagos Climate Change Summit when he inaugurated the strategy. He explained that the strategy would also build resilience in the face of climate variability.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hazmat, said: “We, as a government, believe and understand the effect of climate change.
“Even though some world leaders do not understand the enormity of the situation, look at what happened in Dubai and even Texas, we as a society need to protect our environment.
“This seed that was planted when our former governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), saw the need to protect our environment because of the impending danger.
“When there’s flooding and one people are displaced the only logical thing to do is find succour where there’s calm.
“We just want those migrating to Lagos to follow our plans, you just can’t bring your shop and say this is where I want it, ask yourself if it fits into Lagos plan.
“I want to call on residents to desist from blocking or building on drainage channels, taking care of our environment is a collective responsibility.
“I strongly believe that when the plan upon which a community is built is followed, the environment will be better structured.”
Babatunde Fashola, who started the climate change summit in 2009 when he was governor of the state, said the government must urgently increase access to safe water.
Similarly, the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, commended his successors in the state for sustaining the summit initiative which he started in March 2009.
Fashola called on the Lagos State Government not to lose its leadership role in promoting the awareness on opportunities and challenges that comes with climate change.
“I’d like to commend Gov. Sanwo-Olu for keying into the vision, seeing this continuity says a lot about leadership.
“When our video came up when we began this summit, I had black hair, but now climate change has happened to my hair, it’s all grey, this nostalgic feeling will stay with me, the sustainability of this summit is predicated on good governance,” he said.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said that the three-day summit would explore ways to mobilise climate finance into the adaptation space to enable transition to a low carbon economy for the benefit of residents.
“We will continue to collaborate to build a resilience city in a bid to reducing carbon emission profile and adapting to climate change for the collective good of all.
“I also call on people to comport themselves to avoid flooding by adhering to the physical planning framework as the state government is committed to converting waste to wealth,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, a former Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr Muniz Banire, urged government to further build on existing templates of development in the state.
The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to the provision of adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in the country.
Participants at the one-day state-inception event on WASH Systems
Mrs Elizabeth Ugo, the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, said this during a one-day state-inception event on WASH Systems on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Kano.
According to her, investment in water and sanitation yields enormous benefits to individuals and the nation at large.
She said that access to clean water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene practices were fundamental to human health and dignity.
Represented by Chief Scientific Officer of the ministry, Hajiya Amina Musa, Ugo said that many communities continued to face challenges in these areas, impacting their health, economic stability and overall quality of life.
“Our aim is to address these challenges by working together with local communities, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and international partners.
“We aim to build resilient WASH systems that are sustainable, inclusive and capable of meeting the needs of all individuals, particularly the vulnerable,” she said.
Ugoh further said that water quality was fundamental to human health, environmental sustainability and economic development.
She said that the Federal Government had a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory in Kano.
She described the facility as a milestone in their effort to ensure safe and clean water for all.
“Carrying out regular water quality testing helps to identify contaminants, ensure compliance, monitor systems and protect public health, among others.
“Our laboratory is equipped with advanced technology and staffed with skilled professionals dedicated to providing accurate and reliable water quality assessments.
“We encourage stakeholders to utilise this facility to help maintain the highest standards of water safety,” Ugo further said.
She commended the efforts of development partners and stakeholders, whose support and collaboration, she said, were instrumental to the success of the programme.
Earlier, the Programme Manager, WASH Systems Strengthening, Mr John Wali, said that the programme aimed to significantly enhance access to and utilisation of inclusive, reliable and resilient WASH services in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
He said that WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) was funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the tune of 5 million pounds and the programme duration was four years (2024-2028).
He said that WS4H focuses particularly on empowering women and girls.
Wali further said that the programme geared towards fortifying the foundational pillars, such as institutions, policies and regulations.
He also said that Self Help Africa (SHA), an international development organisation headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, was committed to the vision of “sustainable livelihoods and healthy lives for all in a changing climate.
“With nearly 50 years of experience working across 17 countries, including Nigeria since 1999, our organisation has achieved significant milestone, such as facilitating Nigeria’s first open defecation free LGA in 2016.
“In Nigeria, as implementing partners, SHA will forge strategic alliances with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside State Government and relevant institutions, in conjunction with a consortium of partners,” Wali said.
Lagos State Government has issued a call for heightened vigilance and the adoption of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of a potential cholera outbreak in the state.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi
The call follows an excess of severe gastroenteritis cases reported in Lagos in the last 48 hours.
Speaking on the surveillance reports reaching his desk in the Ministry of Health, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed that cases of severe gastroenteritis have been reported in communities around Eti Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and Kosofe LGA, resulting in about 60 hospital admissions and sadly five deaths have been recorded mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.
“We have activated a statewide heightened surveillance and response. The Ministry of Health Directorate of Environmental Health and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have been alerted to investigate a possible water contamination source in the Lekki Victoria Island axis. We suspect a possible cholera outbreak; however, samples have been taken for confirmation. As of April 28, 2024, Nigeria reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states,” he said in a statement.
The Commissioner noted that, following recent rains, Lagos State has seen a notable increase in cases of severe vomiting and watery stools, adding that urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation are particularly at risk.
Prof. Akin Abayomi explained that cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhea and can be life-threatening, adding that it poses a significant health burden in areas with poor water treatment and sanitation, and could impact Lagos State.
“Cholera spreads through direct transmission by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and indirect transmission due to poor sanitation and lack of handwashing. Symptoms of cholera include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever and sometimes collapse,” he said.
According to him, treatment options for cholera include rehydration using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for mild to moderate dehydration. Intravenous Fluids is used for severely dehydrated patients given only in medical facilities and supervised by medical personnel.
“To prevent cholera, citizens are urged to ensure safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, and avoiding ice products made from untreated water. Maintaining proper sanitation by using toilets, safely disposing of feces, and avoiding open defecation is crucial.
“Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet, is essential and following food safety guidelines,” the Commissioner advised.
He enjoined citizens to rely on the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and accredited local health facilities for guidance, advice, and updates on prevention, treatment, and management. He added that suspected cases can be reported via the following emergency hotlines: 08023169485, 08137412348, or by using helplines 767 or 112.
While emphasising the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and taking proactive measures to prevent cholera outbreaks, Professor Abayomi promised to keep the public informed and restated the commitment of the Government of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens.
“We urge everyone to adopt these preventive measures and report any suspected cases promptly to safeguard our communities,” he stated.
Over 400 experts on climate change have published an open letter to the leaders of the UK’s political parties, calling for them to adopt an ambitious programme on climate change if they win the General Election on July 4, 2024.
Bob Ward, Policy and Communications Director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science
The letter from 408 staff at research institutions across the UK states: “We call on you to pledge to an ambitious programme of climate policies that accelerate action, in the UK and across the world, both to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience to those impacts of climate change that cannot now be avoided. Without such a programme, the UK will be shirking its international responsibilities and will be losing the opportunity to promote prosperity and peace in the UK and around the globe.”
It concludes: “Without such a pledge, we do not believe that your Party deserves support in the forthcoming General Election.”
The signatories to the letter include 215 current and emeritus professors, and 36 Fellows of the national academies (FRS, FREng, FBA, FMedSci). The vast majority of those signing are eligible to vote in the General Election.
The letter lists the following five actions that would need to be included in a more ambitious programme of climate action:
Publish and implement a credible and legal strategy for ending the UK’s contribution to climate change by meeting the UK’s statutory Carbon Budgets and its target of net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.
Accelerate action across all sectors and all parts of the UK to adapt and become more resilient to those impacts of climate change that cannot now be avoided, in line with UK Climate Change Risk Assessments.
Respect and act on all the advice of the expert independent Climate Change Committee, including its warning in its most recent Progress Report that “the UK will continue to need some oil and gas until it reaches Net Zero, but this does not in itself justify the development of new North Sea fields”.
Lead by example internationally on climate change, including through the implementation of the decision at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, and the commitment to “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science”.
Increase public and private funding and support for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
The letter warns: “It is very clear that a failure to tackle climate change with sufficient urgency and scale is making the UK and the rest of the world more dangerous and insecure. The UK is experiencing growing damage and harm to lives and livelihoods from climate change impacts, such as increases in the frequency and intensity of many extreme weather events and rising sea levels.”
It also states: “The growing impacts of climate change in other parts of the world are endangering supply chains for food and other goods and services to the UK. They are also adding to political instability and forcing many people to migrate away from places that are worst affected. The UK cannot completely insulate itself from the impacts of climate change in other parts of the world. It is in the UK’s self-interest for other countries to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible.”
The joint letter was organised by Professor Emily Shuckburgh, Director of Cambridge Zero at the University of Cambridge, and Bob Ward, Policy and Communications Director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Mr Ward said: “This is a non-partisan letter from experts at British institutions who have published at least one paper on climate change. It sends a load and clear message about the need for greater climate ambition from the next government. Climate change has largely been ignored by Party Leaders so far in this election campaign, demonstrating that they have failed to grasp just how much it is affecting lives and livelihoods in the UK.
“It is in the UK’s own interests to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, inclusive and resilient economy, to reduce our dependence on expensive and insecure fossil fuels, to protect our supplies of food and other goods and services against more extreme weather, and to stop growing climate change impacts from increasing the flow of migrants and refugees from affected countries.”
In furtherance of its commitment to monetise Nigeria’s vast natural gas resources, the NNPC Limited has executed a Project Development Agreement (PDA) with Golar LNG for the deployment of a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria.
L-R: NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan; Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Umar Ajiya; Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye; CEO Golar LNG Ltd, Karl Fredrik Staubo (CEO); and two other officials from Golar LNG, during the signing ceremony of the Project Development Agreement (PDA) between the NNPC Ltd and Golar LNG Ltd for the deployment of a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria, on Monday
The signing ceremony, which took place on Monday, June 10, 2024, was attended from the NNPC Limited side by the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya; Executive Vice President, Gas Power & New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye; and Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, while the Golar LNG team was led by Karl Fredrik Staubo (CEO).
The PDA is another major milestone achievement towards ensuring gas commercialisation through deployment of an FLNG Facility in Nigeria, which is in line with Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to rapidly commercialise Nigeria’s gas assets for the economic prosperity of the nation.
The agreement aims to monetise vast proven gas reserves from shallow water resources offshore Nigeria. The PDA also outlines the monetisation plan that will utilise approximately 400-500mmscf/d and produce LNG, LPG and Condensate.
The Partners, NNPC Limited and Golar LNG have both expressed their commitment to achieve Final Investment Decision (FID) before end of Q4, 2024 and first gas by 2027.
Golar LNG Limited is a renowned independent owner and operator of LNG infrastructure, including carriers, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and floating liquefaction (FLNG) vessels.
Demonstrating commendable water stewardship, BAT Nigeria has placed an emphasis on maximum recycling and zero leakage with the operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant with a 30,000 m3 storage capacity which enables recycling and reusing of all effluent wastewater.
Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT West & Central Africa
Yarub Al-Bahrani, Managing Director, BAT West & Central Africa, who made this known in a statement made available to EnviroNews on June 11, 2024, further stated that, in 2023, the company recycled up to 17,388 m3 of water.
According to him, the facility is an on-site Potable Water Treatment Facility which guarantees the provision of clean, potable water for its operations which further solidified its commitment to water stewardship.
He opined: “BAT Nigeria incorporates water sensor taps in washrooms to minimise unnecessary water usage. The treated wastewater is not just recycled but also reused for sanitation and irrigation purposes, demonstrating a commitment to a circular water economy.
“This dedication to water conservation is further validated by its certification under the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), a globally recognised benchmark for responsible water management. Water stewardship efforts align with the National Water Resources Policy established by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in 2016.
“This policy encourages private sector participation in developing sustainable and equitable water management solutions to meet growing demands. By aligning with these objectives, the company contributes to ensuring sufficient water availability for current and future users while prioritising water quality conservation and environmental protection.
“BAT Nigeria is committed to environmental sustainability, and we are proud of our achievements in water stewardship. Our wastewater treatment plant and use of sensor taps are just some of the ways we are minimising our water usage and impact on the environment. We believe that businesses can be profitable and sustainable, and we are committed to setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in our industry.
“British American Tobacco Nigeria’s sustainability journey is a testament to its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance. By championing decarbonisation, energy efficiency, water stewardship, and waste management best practices, BAT Nigeria is not only setting the standard for sustainability within its industry but also inspiring positive change on a global scale.
“As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, BAT Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can indeed coexist harmoniously,” he stressed.
With a commitment to the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), BAT Nigeria sustainability agenda is built upon four key pillars: reducing the health impacts of the business, excellence in environmental management, delivering positive social impacts and maintaining robust corporate governance.
