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Kano unveils climate change policy, targets 5m trees in 2025

Michael Simire
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Kano unveils climate change policy, targets 5m trees in 2025

Kano State Government has officially launched its Climate Change Policy, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development, green infrastructure, and climate resilience.

Kano State Climate Change Policy
Delegates at the official launch of the Kano State Climate Change Policy

The policy, which was signed into law on Jan. 29, 2025, provides a strategic framework to guide the state’s environmental governance and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, July 29, in Kano, Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf described the policy as “a major milestone” in the administration’s vision for “a clean, green and resilient Kano.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Umar Farouk, said the policy was a “veritable investment for future generations” and a key step towards positioning Kano as a sub-national leader in climate governance.

“In our resolve to reposition Kano as a progressive sub-national actor, we have developed and signed into law a comprehensive climate policy framework for coordinated action,” he said.

Yusuf said the policy is supported by a Climate Action Plan focusing on clean energy transition, sustainable land use, green transport, climate finance, and community resilience.

He said implementation was already underway, citing ongoing solarisation of streetlights and public buildings to reduce energy costs and improve public safety.

Yusuf also announced a tree-planting campaign targeting five million trees across the state in 2025, aimed at combating desertification, improving air quality, and protecting biodiversity.

“As a people-focused administration, we believe climate action must be inclusive,” the governor said.

He added that the policy prioritised public awareness, youth engagement, and school-based environmental education.

Highlights of the event included the inauguration of the State Climate Change Steering Committee, its Secretariat, and Technical Working Groups responsible for policy implementation and monitoring.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, described the launch as both symbolic and historic.

“This launch represents a bold and clear declaration of our collective resolve to confront the climate crisis head-on,” he said.

Hashim noted that the policy provides a strategic roadmap for mitigation and adaptation efforts in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and transport.

He said the document reflected broad stakeholder input, including youth voices, expert recommendations, and gender-sensitive perspectives.

Hashim said the government had also unveiled two new legal instruments: the Kano State Environmental Pollution Control Law and the Kano State Environmental Pollution and Waste Control Regulations 2025.

“Published in both English and Hausa, the laws aim to improve accessibility, ensure compliance, and empower authorities to manage pollution, waste, and public health risks.

“These laws send a strong message that environmental impunity will no longer be tolerated in Kano,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support of technical partners, including the British High Commission and the Policy Execution Support (PES) Programme.

In a keynote address, Mr. William Robinson, Head of Governance and Stability at the British High Commission, described the policy as a strategic tool for environmental protection and economic growth.

“This policy is not just a document, it is a declaration of intent, a roadmap for action, and a symbol of leadership,” Robinson said.

He noted that Kano faces severe climate risks such as drought and urban flooding, but has shown strong potential for climate leadership in northern Nigeria.

Robinson called for stronger partnerships among ministries, civil society, and international agencies, and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Kano in three priority areas:

“Strengthening climate governance unlocking access to climate finance. Promoting green initiatives such as the Waste-to-Wealth Programme.

“Policies like this can catalyse investment, empower communities, and drive green economic growth – if supported through effective implementation and collaboration,” he added.

Robinson concluded with a call for global cooperation, noting that “climate change knows no borders.”

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

‘The world’s last chance to act’ – Scientists issue urgent call ahead of final plastics treaty talks

Michael Simire
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‘The world’s last chance to act’ – Scientists issue urgent call ahead of final plastics treaty talks

In a rare collective intervention, more than 60 global experts publish open letters demanding a binding UN plastics treaty grounded in science, justice, and bold political will

With the final round of UN negotiations on a global plastics treaty fast approaching, a group of over 60 leading scientists from around the world has issued an urgent call for governments to agree on ambitious, enforceable action to tackle plastic pollution, such as reducing plastic production and prioritising human health. 

Plastics treaty
Filipino green activists from the EcoWaste Coalition appeal to government negotiators to aim for an ambitious global legally-binding agreement that will protect public health and the ecosystems from plastic chemicals and waste pollution, and advance the right of every person and community to a toxics-free environment

The letters, published on Tuesday, July 28, 2025, in Cambridge University Press journal Cambridge Prisms: Plastics in the run-up to the resumed session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), warn that the plastics crisis has become a defining environmental, health, and social justice issue of our time.

“This is not just a call for action, this is the scientific community bearing witness,” said Professor Steve Fletcher, Editor-in-Chief of Cambridge Prisms: Plastics and Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute. “We’ve watched the evidence pile up for decades. This treaty is a test of whether the world is prepared to govern plastics in a way that reflects the scale and urgency of the crisis.”

The authors argue that the stakes at INC-5.2 could not be higher: this is the world’s best opportunity to secure a binding agreement that tackles plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle.

The open letters provide a coherent evidence-based roadmap for treaty negotiators. Key demands include:

  • Legally binding targets to cap and reduce plastic production. Phase-out of toxic additives and chemicals in plastics.
  • Global health safeguards to protect human health. Structural inclusion of affected communities in treaty design and implementation – especially Indigenous Peoples, informal waste workers, and fence line communities. 
  • Independent scientific oversight insulated from corporate lobbying and greenwashing.
  • Robust financing and compliance mechanisms to ensure treaty enforcement and support for low-and middle-income countries.

Many letters warn that low-ambition countries and industry lobbying risk derailing progress. The politicisation of science in treaty negotiations is another central concern raised in the letters.

Several contributors warn that without the meaningful inclusion of those most affected by plastic pollution, the treaty will fall short. They call for the structural involvement of Indigenous Peoples, small island states, women, young people, informal waste workers, and residents of pollution hotspots, not as afterthoughts, but as key voices in setting the agenda and shaping implementation.

Professor Max Liboiron, Department of Geography, Memorial University, Canada, said: “The current draft of the Global Plastics Treaty falls short by excluding Indigenous Peoples from decision-making roles while incorporating their knowledge in ways that are disconnected from their rights. This is not simply a call for “inclusion”; it is a call for governance infrastructure.”

Professor Tony Walker, School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie  University, Canada, said: “Subsidies and inadequate pricing of externalities have a major role in sustaining the current linear plastic economy, and thus preventing a needed transition towards a more circular economy, which focus on reducing consumption of plastics, phasing out single use plastics and provide a pathway towards a more regenerative and restorative plastic economy.”

The letters highlight the mounting evidence that plastic pollution is a health crisis. Microplastics and nanoplastics have been found throughout the human body. These exposures disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including Indigenous Peoples, waste workers, fence line communities, women, and children, groups who are least protected by regulation and often excluded from decision-making forums.

Dr Cressida Bowyer, Deputy Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, said: “There is clear and growing evidence that plastic poses serious risks to human health. Yet the approach to health protection in the treaty still hangs in the balance. In order to operationalise the global plastics treaty objective to “protect human health and the environment from plastic pollution” the treaty must directly address human health impacts in the core obligations of the treaty.”

The authors call for cumulative risk assessment, exposure monitoring, and transparent chemical regulation. They remind negotiators that the costs of inaction are not abstract, but can be counted in cancers, reproductive harms, and respiratory conditions.

Susanne Brander, Associate Professor, Oregon State University, USA, said: “Incorporating strategic and robust global controls on hazardous chemicals in the plastic treaty is essential to protect human and environmental health, reduce societal costs, and ensure safer and more sustainable plastic chemicals and products. Chemicals of concern are currently intrinsic to plastics and largely unregulated.”

Others argue that trade remains a largely overlooked yet indispensable element in shaping an effective and equitable agreement. Trade, spanning plastic feedstocks, resins, products, and waste, forms the connective tissue of the plastics economy and must be embedded in the treaty’s architecture.

Professor Maria Ivanova, Northeastern University, USA, said: “To be effective, the global plastics treaty must address the real world architecture of the plastics economy, where trade is the connective tissue. At INC-5.2, negotiators must seize the opportunity to design a treaty that is both environmentally ambitious and structurally sound. Trade must be reimagined as a tool for transformation. If trade is the connective tissue of the plastics crisis, it must also be part of the cure.”

An ambitious treaty has backing from over 100 countries. Yet INC-5.2 arrives after prolonged delays, consensus deadlock, and obstruction by a handful of low-ambition states. The letters argue that the treaty’s credibility and effectiveness now hinge on political courage, not scientific uncertainty.

“The scientific consensus is clear,” added Professor Fletcher. “The only question is whether governments will respond. This treaty could be transformative but only if it avoids the traps of voluntary commitments and techno-fixes. This is the world’s last chance to act boldly.”

Drowning coastlines: The ocean devastation of Ilaje land

Michael Simire
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Drowning coastlines: The ocean devastation of Ilaje land

The Ilaje Nation – ancient, resilient, and river-kissed – now stands at the trembling edge of extinction, not by war or pestilence, but by the silent, swelling rage of the Atlantic Ocean. Once adorned with miles of uninterrupted coastlines, thriving fishing settlements, and proud ancestral homes, Ilaje Land in Ondo State is slowly, tragically drowning.

Aiyetoro sea encroachment
The remains of a building wrecked by ocean surge in the Aiyetoro community of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State

With every crashing wave and receding shoreline, a piece of Nigeria’s coastal heritage is lost. What was once a bastion of livelihood and culture is now becoming a watery grave for homes, histories, and hopes.

This devastation is not a distant theory or the alarmist imagination of environmental crusaders. It is a real and present danger. From Ayetoro – that famous floating city built by faith and engineering – to towns like Mese, Idiogba, Gbagira, and Awoye, Ilaje communities are facing what geologists term rapid coastal regression: the coastline is retreating by as much as 30 meters annually. Entire villages are swallowed overnight, with no ceremony, no compensation, and often, no return.

The sea has become both metaphor and monster – relentless, unprovoked, and unappeased. Children go to bed on land and wake up surrounded by water. Schools and churches crumble into the Atlantic. Cemeteries vanish, denying generations even the dignity of remembrance. It is not just land that is eroding – it is identity.

Where is the Outrage? Where is the Urgency?

This unfolding catastrophe has received neither the national outrage it deserves nor the global emergency classification it demands. Yet, the evidence is undeniable. According to climate vulnerability indices, Ilaje is among the most climate-endangered coastal belts in sub-Saharan Africa. The geography is under siege from rising sea levels, tidal surges, saline intrusion, and ecological collapse. Agriculture is dying. Fishing routes are shifting. Groundwater is turning brackish. Poverty is deepening. Youth are fleeing. Despair is becoming institutional.

And still, the silence from the corridors of power is deafening.

Successive administrations – both state and federal – have treated Ilaje like a footnote. Palliative interventions, when they come, are cosmetic at best, corrupt at worst. Erosion control contracts become phantom projects. Jetty promises become broken echoes. No master plan. No international partnerships. No coordinated resilience strategy. The people are left to build sandbags with their bare hands – to pray and perish.

The Double Tragedy: Apata Obe in Exile

Amid this environmental genocide is the long-ignored humanitarian crisis of Apata Obe – a historic community under the Ugbo Kingdom. Over two decades after the tragic Ilaje-Ijaw intertribal conflict, the people of Apata Obe remain forcibly displaced from their ancestral homeland, living in silent exile within their own state. Despite numerous peaceful appeals and efforts for return and reconciliation, they remain locked out of their birthright – lands now desolate, untended, and void of dignity.

It is no longer a matter of if but when these citizens, driven by frustration and desperation, will resort to self-help. Their patience is fraying. Their youths are restless. Their elders, exhausted. And their dignity, assaulted daily by official indifference. It is time the government of Ondo State, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, took decisive steps to resolve this long-standing injustice – not merely as a political necessity but as a moral obligation. The displaced of Apata Obe are ready to return. They want peace, not provocation. They seek justice, not revenge.

What will history say of us – and of you, Excellency – if this cycle of exclusion continues unbroken?

A Call for Conscience and Courage

The time has come to pierce the conscience of power and shake the apathy of the world. Governor Aiyedatiwa – himself an Ilaje son – must now rise above the constraints of party timelines and political convenience. He must lead the charge for a Climate Emergency Declaration for Ilaje Land, backed by measurable investments, donor collaborations, and sustainable shoreline defense projects. And he must spearhead the repatriation and reintegration of Apata Obe – not just for peace, but for posterity.

To do otherwise – to govern while Ilaje drowns and Apata Obe remains exiled – is to betray both legacy and justice.

This is not merely about environmental rescue. It is about cultural survival, economic justice, and strategic national security. Let us not forget: Ilaje communities sit atop vast oil reserves, host critical fishing routes, and represent the largest coastal ethnic nationality in southwestern Nigeria. To lose Ilaje – or to let her fracture further – is to weaken Nigeria’s coastal integrity.

A Moral Imperative for the World

To the global community, Ilaje is your frontline. Climate change knows no borders. The oceans we ignore today will knock at your own shores tomorrow. The UN, EU, World Bank, and climate justice movements must rise with us. Ilaje is not a footnote – it is a flashpoint. This is where adaptation must meet action. This is where silence must yield to solidarity.

The world rallied for the Amazon. It rose for the Maldives. It wept for Jakarta. Ilaje must not be left behind. Her coastlines may be drowning, but her voice must not be.

Let the Sea Not Win

Let history record that Ilaje cried out – not as helpless victims, but as a people demanding visibility, justice, and dignity. Let it be known that a community stood against the tide, not with weapons, but with will. And let it also be recorded that leaders with vision answered the call, not with excuses, but with courage.

Ilaje is drowning. Apata Obe is exiled.

But they do not seek pity.

They seek policy. They seek protection. They seek return.

The sea must not win.

By Kunle Odusola-Stevenson

Group questions Plateau’s commitment in early warning amid Jos flooding

Michael Simire
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Group questions Plateau’s commitment in early warning amid Jos flooding

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an environmental advocacy organisation, has expressed concern over the recent catastrophic flooding that devastated several communities in Jos, Plateau State, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of families.

Caleb Mutfwang
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State

In a statement endorsed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all who have suffered losses as a result of the disaster.

“We stand in solidarity with affected communities and call for immediate humanitarian support and long-term sustainable solutions,” he submitted.

While flooding in parts of Nigeria has become a seasonal threat, what remains unacceptable is the persistent lack of preparedness and failure to act on early warning signals by relevant government agencies at both federal and state levels, Nwafor stated, adding that the flooding in Jos is not merely a natural disaster but also a consequence of systemic negligence and poor environmental governance.

He noted: “It is alarming that despite repeated alerts from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) forecasting high flood risks in 2025, little was done to preempt or mitigate the impacts in vulnerable areas like Plateau State. The absence of coordinated early warning dissemination, poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, and unregulated developments along flood plains are clear indicators of institutional failure.

“FENRAD strongly faults the Plateau State Government and relevant federal agencies for their inertia and poor disaster risk management framework. The lack of political will to implement climate adaptation strategies and enforce environmental regulations has left many communities defenseless in the face of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.”

The group called on the Plateau State Government to:

1. Establish a functional Early Warning and Rapid Response System in collaboration with national agencies and community stakeholders.

2. Review and enforce urban and environmental regulations, especially in flood-prone zones.

3. Engage in sustainable drainage and infrastructure development to reduce flood risks.

4. Invest in climate adaptation and resilience measures, including public awareness, ecological restoration, and community-based disaster preparedness.

“We also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other stakeholders to expedite relief efforts, ensure equitable distribution of aid, and begin long-term recovery planning that includes rebuilding with resilience.

“FENRAD remains committed to advocating for environmental justice, sustainable development, and accountable governance. We will continue to monitor the situation and push for policy reforms that protect both people and the planet,” stressed the group.

Sponge bathing debate: A look into the effects on skin health

Michael Simire
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Sponge bathing debate: A look into the effects on skin health

Daily sponge bathing is a widespread habit. However, dermatologists warn that using sponges particularly loofahs and synthetic mesh types more than two to three times a week can harm the skin and increase infection risk.

African net bath sponge
African net bath sponge

Skin experts caution that sponges, if not properly cleaned and dried, can harbour harmful microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and mold. These can cause irritation, rashes, and even serious infections.

The topic has sparked debate. While some defend the practice, others share cautionary tales.

Mrs. Amidu, a businesswoman, shared that while sponge use hasn’t seriously affected her, some of her relatives; particularly her grandmother; have experienced negative effects. “Lately, I’ve also felt itchy after using a sponge,” she said.

Miss Oyindamola Abu, who sells wines, said she had to stop using sponges due to itching.

“Each time I bathe with a sponge, especially the normal ones, my body itches terribly. When I stopped using it and just used soap and water, the itching disappeared. But once I resumed, it got worse.”

According to her, she limits sponge use to occasional exfoliation.

African traditional bath sponge
African traditional bath sponge

Others, however, insist that sponge use is necessary based on their daily work.

Mr. Iyiola, a driver, in an interview emphasised that mechanics, bricklayers, and carpenters get really dirty in the course of their work, stressing that water alone can’t clean their bodies, so sponges are essential.

He added, “It’s easy for office workers in AC to skip sponges, but people who sweat and get stained need them. I use a sponge every day – I can’t do without it.”

Mr. Tope Opeyemi, a commuter, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I actually feel lighter and more refreshed after using a sponge.”

Whether for or against, the conversation about sponge bathing continues. Experts advise moderation, but many say the decision ultimately depends on personal skin type, lifestyle, and hygiene preferences.

As the varied testimonies suggest, it’s important for individuals to assess their needs, understand potential risks, and make informed choices about their hygiene practices.

By Omowumi Abraham

Championing wildlife and protected areas in Cameroon

Michael Simire
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Championing wildlife and protected areas in Cameroon

The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation friend of the month, Joseph Lekealem, a dedicated conservation leader who has spent decades working to protect Cameroon’s wildlife and forests. As the Director of Wildlife and Protected Areas in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, Cameroon, Joseph’s work plays a key role in safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable coexistence between people and nature. In this feature, Joseph shares insights into his career journey, his passion for conservation, and the critical work being done to protect wildlife and habitats in Cameroon

Joseph Lekealem
Mr. Joseph Lekealem at APAC Congress Kigali

Could you tell us a bit about your current work?

I have the great pleasure of serving as the Director of Wildlife and Protected Areas in Cameroon’s Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. In my role, I oversee wildlife and conservation activities at both the central level and across 36 protected areas in Cameroon. This includes coordinating management plans for protected areas, managing human-wildlife conflicts, overseeing the ivory stockpile, and working closely with government institutions, NGOs, civil society, and local communities. I also ensure that Cameroon fulfils its commitments under key international wildlife and conservation conventions.

Can you share a bit about your background?

I graduated from the University of Dschang in 1996 with a degree in Forestry and Wildlife (Ingénieur des Eaux et Forêts). After my studies, I joined the Government Civil Service, where I’ve served ever since, working in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Prime Minister’s Office, and now in the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. Over the years, I’ve participated in several specialised training programmes in countries such as the United States and Botswana, covering topics like wildlife crime investigations, ivory identification and stockpile management, and One Health issues.

I’ve also served as Cameroon’s National Focal Point for several key programmes and conventions, including the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme and agreements under AEWA and CMS. Additionally, I’ve helped coordinate strategic documents and management plans for protected areas, anti-poaching strategies, human-wildlife conflict resolution, and the conservation of species like elephants, lions, giraffes, parrots, and hippopotamuses. Throughout my career, I’ve held positions such as Chief of Service, Sub-Director, Research Officer, and now Director.

What inspired your passion for forest and wildlife conservation?

I grew up in the Mweh community of Lebang in Cameroon’s Southwest Region, where conservation was an integral part of our culture. Our traditional systems strongly emphasised sustainable natural resource management and the protection of sacred forests and cultural sites. My passion deepened during my student internship in 1994 at the Limbe Botanic Garden as part of the Mount Cameroon Project, where I worked on fauna and flora surveys, engaged with local communities, and wrote field reports. That hands-on experience truly sparked my lifelong dedication to conservation.

What are some highlights from your career so far?

Looking back on my career, there have been so many rewarding milestones. I’ve had the privilege of leading the development of management plans for over 15 protected areas, each one a step toward safeguarding Cameroon’s incredible biodiversity. One of my proudest achievements was establishing Cameroon’s National Ivory Stockpile Management System, complete with operational procedures that set a new standard for transparency and accountability.

I’ve also been deeply involved in resolving human-wildlife conflict and driving anti-poaching efforts, while building capacity by training ecoguards, local communities, and government officials. Empowering people to take ownership of conservation has been especially fulfilling, seeing communities actively participate in managing their wildlife resources is truly inspiring.

Beyond our borders, I’ve worked to strengthen transboundary cooperation with countries like Chad, Gabon, Congo, the Central African Republic, and Nigeria, recognising that wildlife knows no boundaries. And on a global scale, I’ve helped ensure Cameroon’s effective participation in key international conventions, while also drafting strategic documents to tackle wildlife crime and protect flagship species. Each of these moments reflects my commitment not just to protecting wildlife, but to building a future where conservation and community thrive side by side.

What advice would you give to the public on helping to conserve wildlife?

I would encourage people to support conservation agencies, work closely with local communities, collaborate with government ministries, and help promote transboundary cooperation. Most importantly, we need sustainable financing mechanisms to keep these initiatives running long-term.

Human-elephant conflict is a growing challenge. What solutions do you recommend?

We need a human-wildlife coexistence strategy and action plan, better land-use planning to reduce conflicts, and less reliance solely on technical mitigation measures or compensation. Addressing the root causes through better planning and coexistence strategies is essential.

 Are you optimistic about human-elephant coexistence in Cameroon?

The Government has taken this issue very seriously, establishing an inter-ministerial committee to address it holistically. I truly believe coexistence is possible with the right strategies in place.

ICCDI enlightens young lawyers, activists on climate justice in Ibadan

Michael Simire
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ICCDI enlightens young lawyers, activists on climate justice in Ibadan

In a significant step towards fostering awareness and action on climate issues, the International Climate Change and Development Institute (ICCDI) recently conducted an enlightening workshop in Ibadan, Nigeria, focused on educating young lawyers and activists about climate justice.

Young lawyers
Participants at the ICCDI enlightening workshop on climate justice in Ibadan

The initiative aimed to empower the next generation of legal professionals and advocates to become effective agents of change in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

The workshop was designed with specific goals in mind, such as:

Enhancing Legal Knowledge: To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate laws, policies, and their implications, particularly within the Nigerian context.

Skill Development: To equip young lawyers and activists with essential advocacy skills, enabling them to communicate effectively and mobilise their communities for climate action.

Networking Opportunities: To create a platform for participants to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with like-minded individuals committed to promoting climate justice.

The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including environmental lawyers, policymakers, and seasoned activists, who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussions.

Some of the key highlights included:

Insightful Presentations: Experts shared valuable insights on Nigeria’s climate policies, the role of international treaties, and how young lawyers can leverage these frameworks to advocate for environmental justice.

Interactive Workshops: Participants engaged in hands-on activities, including mock trials and advocacy training, which helped them apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Community Case Studies: Real-life examples of successful community-led climate initiatives were presented, illustrating how grassroots movements can influence policy and promote sustainable practices.

Feedback from the workshop participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed enthusiasms about the knowledge they gained and the practical skills they developed.

Oluwabusayo Amoran, a lawyer, noted, “The workshop has not only informed me about climate justice but has also inspired me to take concrete actions in my community.”

Building on the success of the Ibadan workshop, ICCDI plans to roll out additional educational programmes in Abuja, focusing on various aspects of climate justice and sustainability.

These initiatives will include follow-up sessions, online resources, and opportunities for participants to engage in community projects.

The ICCDI’s workshop in Ibadan represents a crucial investment in the future of climate advocacy in Nigeria. By empowering young lawyers and activists with the necessary tools and knowledge, ICCDI is nurturing a new generation ready to tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.

This initiative not only strengthens the capacity of individuals but also contributes to building resilient communities capable of advocating for a sustainable future.

By Rukayat Odebiyi, Director of People’s Development, ICCDI Africa

Fridays For Future to hold Global Climate Strike during COP30 in Belém

Michael Simire
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Fridays For Future to hold Global Climate Strike during COP30 in Belém

The global youth-led climate movement, Fridays For Future (FFF), has announced a Global Climate Strike to take place on November 14, 2025, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. Under the banner #JustTransitionNow, young people around the world will mobilise to demand urgent, justice-centred action to phase out fossil fuels and build a sustainable future for all.

Fridays for Future
Fridays For Future (FFF), will hold a Global Climate Strike during COP30 in Brazil

The timing is said to be intentional. COP30 marks a decisive moment for global climate negotiations, and FFF is calling on world leaders to move from promises to concrete action that delivers a truly just transition, one that centres science, human rights, and communities most impacted by the crisis.

“Global leaders must stop listening to fossil fuel lobbyists or seeking alliances with groups like OPEC+. It’s time they start listening to science, to young people, and to traditional communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis. A just transition is not a luxury or a campaign to be used for greenwashing; it’s a matter of survival and securing our future,” says Daniel Holanda from Fridays for Future Brazil.

“This summit in Belém must elevate the knowledge of Indigenous peoples, who have long protected the planet. We cannot allow fossil fuel expansion in the Amazon while the world watches. This region is being drilled by the oil industry while the conference is taking place. As Fridays for Future, we must denounce it,” declares another activist.

The Fridays for Future movement seeks to emphasise that, “on November 14, the streets of Belém and cities across all continents will see youth rising up with a unified message: COP30 must be a turning point—a moment when climate action aligns with climate justice.”.

 The global strike will highlight the urgent need to:

  • Accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels: End the financing and expansion of coal, oil, and gas projects.
  • Massively invest in renewable energy: Call for a significant increase in clean, affordable energy for all.
  • Ensure a just transition for workers and communities: Safeguard livelihoods and promote social justice in the shift to a green economy.
  • Advance climate justice for the Global South: Demand reparations and financial support for developing countries disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.

Organised by youth across the five continents, it is believed that the mobilisation will send a clear message to world leaders: “The time to act is now. #JustTransitionNow is not a choice, it is an urgent necessity.”

When stakeholders examined agroecology principles to advance food sovereignty in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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When stakeholders examined agroecology principles to advance food sovereignty in Nigeria

Agricultural systems across the world are under increasing pressure to meet growing food demands. This pressure is high in Nigeria due to purportedly high population indices, coupled with climate change impacts, declining soil fertility, inadequate support for farmers and insecurity.

National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology
Some participants at the National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology

As the nation grapples with these challenges, it must ensure that whatever actions taken are such that address the core barriers to food productivity, and that ensure environmental sustain-ability, public health, and economic resilience for smallholder farmers.

Agroecology presents viable solutions to these interconnected challenges by emphasising ecological balance, biodiversity, farmer empowerment, and food sovereignty. The shift toward agroecology and organic agriculture is gaining momentum in Nigeria with the active support of civil society, public institutions, and farmer-led initiatives. However, there is need for cohesiveness of efforts to ensure not only the adoption of agroecological practices but also an enabling policy environment as well as relevant research.

The National Stakeholders’ Conference on Agroecology held on July 21, 2025, brought together key actors in the agroecology and organic agriculture space including farmers, researchers, civil society organisations, youth and women’s groups, policy advocates and the media for a full day of dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning. The conference also featured a reportage on the progress of Agroecology and Organic Agriculture in Nigeria.

The conference was themed: “Advancing Agroecology Principles and Practice for Food Sovereignty in Nigeria.”

Specifically, the conference showcased and discussed the current state of agroecology and organic agriculture in Nigeria; fostered collaboration among farmers, civil society organizations (CSOs), government ministries, academia, and the media; identified policy gaps and opportunities to scale agroecological and organic practices and exposed false solutions to the food and climate challenges.

Observations

During dialogue at the conference, the following observations were made:

  • Agroecological practices can increase food sovereignty- which, beyond food security protects and promotes the right of choice and control by local communities and people of their seeds and foods.
  • Agroecology assures healthy and culturally appropriate nutrition, increased crop diversity, improved soil health by enhancing and improving soil microbial populations, climate change mitigation through reduced emissions from industrial processes, climate change resilience through biological diversity and empowerment of local communities.
  • Success stories abound on how agroecology can transform food systems e.g the introduction of drought-resistant orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Pelungu, Ghana, improved food security and nutrition in a dryland farming area. In Kenya, the Participatory Ecological LandUse Management (PELUM) Network promoted African leafy vegetables, reviving traditional agricultural practices and organic farming techniques. This led to improved livelihoods, increased crop production, and stronger community-based enterprise. In Malawi, the “NeverEndingFood” initiative uses permaculture-based agroecology to combat food insecurity. By diversifying food production and improving nutrition, it has created year-round food sources for communities, transforming degraded land into productive farms.
  • In Nigeria, the Be the Help Foundation Agroeforestry farm effectively demonstrates how agroecology through agroforestry can assure economic empowerment for farmers as well as environmental sustain-ability.
  • Barriers to agroecology and by extension, food sovereignty include limited knowledge, poor access to land (including land grabs) and credit for farmers, poor extension service, and dependence on toxic/synthetic agrochemicals.
  • Another major barrier to food sovereignty in Nigeria is the spread of GMOs, which creates dependency on multinational corporations for seeds and food production. GMOs also lead to soil degradation through the use of toxic herbicides.
  • The goal shouldn’t be merely to achieve food security but food sovereignty where healthy food is guanranteed, and the local people are in control of their seed and food systems. Food sovereignty must take precedence over mere food security.
  • Food security cannot be achieved without local control over food systems, seeds and agricultural processes (food sovereignty). But this can only be achieved by creating policies that protect farmers’ rights and agricultural autonomy.

Declarations

Participants therefore declared their commitment to:

  • Champion the adoption of agroecological practices across Nigeria’s farming communities.
  • Prioritise food sovereignty over food security in policy discussions and implementation.
  • Advocate for research and development in agroecological methods suited for the Nigerian context, and strengthen both academic and farmer-led research initiatives.
  • Ensure farmers’ rights to seeds, land, water and other resources as well as a preservation of their traditional seed varieties.
  • Address the critical knowledge gap regarding agroecology’s importance for our national development.
  • Promote local food systems that preserve indigenous knowledge and cultural food practices.
  • Push for government investment in agroecological research and extension services
  • Create improved communication channels and knowledge-sharing practices among farmers, communities, researchers, and policymakers to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of agroecological methods.
  • Follow up with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on the plan to mainstream agroecology into national policies following the inclusion in Nigeria’s NDC 3.0.

Call to Action

At the end of the stakeholders’ conference on agroecology, the participants call on:

  • Government at all levels to recognise agroecology as essential for national food sovereignty and agricultural sustainability, and to create a supportive policy framework.
  • Nigerian citizens to embrace subsistence farming in their homes, support local food systems, and advocate for a healthy food policy.
  • Government at all levels to ban GMOs and promote/invest in agroecology research and practice for increased food productivity.
  • All stakeholders to promote structured youth training programmes in agroecology to ensure the intergenerational transfer of indigenous knowledge and sustain Nigeria’s cultural food systems.
  • Academic institutions to integrate agroecology into school curricula and prioritise it within research institutes to deepen knowledge and innovation in sustainable agriculture.
  • Government to enact policies to create and promote national seed banks that preserve indigenous seeds and protect farmers’ sovereignty.
  • Government and relevant authorities to address growing insecurity and lack of access to land for farmers, particularly women and youth, by ensuring secure, equitable land tenure systems and protection for farming communities.
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to develop and implement a comprehensive national standard for organic and agroecological practices, ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability in production systems.
  • Government to train and deploy extension workers with specialised knowledge in agroecology to support farmers in adopting sustainable, climate-resilient practices.
  • Government to create an enabling environment for marketing and promotion of agroecological produce and product.

Uganda launches NDC 3.0 process, reaffirming commitment to climate action, ambition

Michael Simire
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Uganda launches NDC 3.0 process, reaffirming commitment to climate action, ambition

The Government of Uganda, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), has launched the stocktake of Uganda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and initiated the commencement of the NDC 3.0 development process.

Josephine Ngure
Dr. Josephine Ngure, African Development Bank Acting Country Manager for Uganda

The launch, held at an inception workshop at in Kampala on July 15, 2025, represents a major step in Uganda’s climate action agenda, aligning national efforts with the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement. It aims to strengthen Uganda’s climate ambition while addressing key national priorities.

A cross-section of stakeholders participated in the workshop, including senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and members of academia. The sessions featured an overview of Uganda’s NDC 3.0 roadmap, outlining the next steps: assessing the implementation of the updated 2021 NDC, identifying emerging priorities, refining targets, costing new commitments, and preparing bankable investment plans to support implementation.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Josephine Ngure, African Development Bank Acting Country Manager for Uganda, emphasised the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement in the NDC process.

“As we adopt the inception report to take stock of Uganda’s updated NDC implementation and kick off the preparation for NDC 3.0, I am encouraged by the strong participation from government leaders, development partners, private sector actors, civil society, and academia. This inclusive approach is critical to ensuring that NDC 3.0 is ambitious, achievable, and finance-ready,” she said.

Dr. Anthony Nyong, the Bank’s Director of Climate Change and Green Growth Department, highlighted the significance of the event. “Quality NDCs will foster credibility and transparency in raising ambition on climate finance and other means of implementation,” he noted.

Strengthening the technical capacity of Regional Member Countries is at the core of the African Development Bank’s Climate Change and Green Growth Strategy 2010-2030. The Stocktake of Uganda’s Updated NDC is funded through the Africa Climate Change Fund Multi-donor Trust Fund.

Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, reaffirmed Uganda’s leadership on climate action and the significance of developing an investment-grade NDC.

“We aim to develop an investment-grade NDC that is implementable and trackable. Our focus is on adaptation, creation of green jobs, and security for the future of the next generation,” he stated. He also urged the private sector to actively engage, citing the vast opportunities embedded within the NDC process.

Participants reviewed the draft inception report developed by the independent consulting firm HEAT GmbH and discussed a proposed set of national indicators to guide the stocktaking exercise. Discussions focused on tracking implementation progress, identifying data and capacity gaps, and aligning Uganda’s climate targets with its long-term development aspirations.

The workshop adopted the draft inception report, identified key areas for refinement, and recommended a vigorous campaign to raise public awareness about the NDC 3.0 process. Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to developing a robust, inclusive, and actionable NDC that integrates adaptation, mitigation, and financing strategies.

With this launch, Uganda is taking decisive action toward submitting its third NDC under the Paris Agreement, reinforcing its commitment to a low-emission, climate-resilient future in line with Vision 2040.

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