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U-Recycle Initiative Africa launches project to help Nigerian varsities curb plastic pollution menace

Michael Simire
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U-Recycle Initiative Africa launches project to help Nigerian varsities curb plastic pollution menace

U-Recycle Initiative Africa, a youth-led environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Nigeria, has announced the launch of the second edition of its flagship fellowship initiative – PlasticWize 2.0 – to help address the issue of plastic pollution in Nigerian universities.

PlasticWize fellows
PlasticWize fellows, University Campus Advisors, and U-recycle Initiative Africa Executive Team members during the Campus Leaders Training in Abuja

The group, which is committed to promoting environmental education, advancing a circular economy, and driving climate action across Africa, stated in a press release issued on Monday, May 26, 2025, and signed by its Director of Communications, Timilehin Abioye, that it intends to accomplish this by empowering student leaders and lecturers to implement behavioural and systemic changes on their campuses.

Launched in 2022, this initiative is titled “Redefining Sustainable Campuses” and is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The inaugural fellowship engaged over 2,000 students from 100 universities, deploying innovation workshops, providing training for young women, and installing “talking bins” to encourage waste reduction. Additionally, it developed a gamified learning platform and conducted research expeditions throughout Nigeria.

In 2024, PlasticWize 2.0 intensifies its focus on influencing systemic and behavioural changes to foster sustainable campus environments. Eight fellows have been chosen to assist in achieving this goal from four esteemed Nigerian universities: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Each university is represented by two fellows, supported by four distinguished lecturers serving as campus advisors. These advisors provide mentorship and institutional guidance to ensure the success of the fellows’ projects.

The fellowship commenced with a four-day Campus Leaders Training held in Abuja from December 11 to 14, 2024. Over 18 experts led more than 20 training sessions on topics including the circular economy, sustainable waste management, project execution, and grant writing.

Dr. Olaoluwa Ogunkunle, a lecturer from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), lauded the organisers for the campus leaders training programme.

According to him, “This is one of the best programmes I’ve attended in recent times, considering the age range of the participants and the expected outcomes of the training.“

Adeyemo Fathiat, a student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), revealed that as a health practitioner in the making, she has always wanted to learn more about the issue of plastic pollution.

Her desire, she added, sprang from her discovery as a nursing student that plastic posed serious health risks.

“The Campus Leaders Training swept me off my feet, and I have learnt more than I expected,” she disclosed.

In her remarks at the induction ceremony, Oluwaseyi Jesuton, Executive Director of U-recycle Initiative Africa, expressed the sincere gratitude of her organisation to all of the fellows, campus advisors, partners, speakers, and stakeholders who helped make the campus leaders training a success.

After the campus leaders’ training, campus teams returned back to their respective universities to host stakeholder workshops. These workshops engaged internal stakeholders, including restaurant managers, food and snack vendors, lecturers, student association representatives, and staff association representatives.

The focus was on consulting with the university stakeholders on suitable solutions to tackle plastic pollution on the campuses, hearing about the support they need to address plastic pollution and training them on ways to get started with tackling plastic pollution.

Mr. Princewill Nwosa, who owns a business at the University of Benin, said that the stakeholder workshop reinforced his craving to adopt a more appropriate means of disposing of waste.

“I am beginning to see the possibility of using innovative ways of encouraging students to do away with the use of single-use plastics,” he asserts.

As an organisation committed to advancing youth-led innovation to tackle plastic pollution, U-recycle Initiative Africa has outlined a series of ambitious plans- through the PlasticWize fellowship 2.0 beginning now up until 2026- geared towards reshaping the realities of plastic pollution in Africa.

By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja

Minamata Convention: Study proposes ‘leapfrogging’ implementation of children’s amendment

Michael Simire
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Minamata Convention: Study proposes ‘leapfrogging’ implementation of children’s amendment

A recently published article has proposed a unique strategy on oral health policy as a cost-effective strategy for African countries to achieve mercury-free dentistry.

Children
The Children’s Amendment to the Minamata Convention is to protect children from the harm of mercury containing fillings

Tagged “leapfrogging”, the strategy, according to the authors, could also be adopted by developed economies with underserved communities as well as developed economies who desire to save costs.

The unique, cost-effective strategy is to “leapfrog” the implementation of the children’s amendment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP 4.2) in Africa and other developing economies.

According to the paper, titled “Update of Oral Health Policy to Implement the Children’s Amendment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP 4.2)”, the cornerstones of the strategy include update of dental training institutions curricula, review of health insurance policies, integration of the principles of minimum intervention dentistry (MID) into oral health policies with an integration-prevention-promotion-partnerships (‘II-PPP’) framework with the WHO Basic Package for Oral Care.

“We hope this approach will enhance the speedy implementation of the children’s amendment particularly in Africa and other developing economies with poor infrastructure for managing waste,” submitted Professor Godwin Arotiba, the lead author.

The article was published in the Journal of Oral Health & Dental Science.

The founder of Dentists for a Mercury-Free Africa and the former Dean of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Arotiba engaged with several Nigerian professors from his and three other top-notch universities, plus NGO leaders in Nigeria and Cameroun, to produce the landmark paper.

“We have been at this for so long now since 2014 to date. We need to leapfrog to mercury free 21st century dentistry by 2030 in Africa, Other developing economies and developed economies with underserved communities, plus developed economies who desire to save costs as well,” said Aritoba.

The paper concluded: “’Leapfrogging’ to mercury free 21st century dentistry is a feasible, desirable and achievable strategy to adopt for Africa and other developing economies with poor infrastructure for managing wastes.

“It can also be adopted by developed economies with underserved communities as well as developed economies who desire to save costs. The top priorities should include update of dental training institution’s curricula; retraining of general dental practitioners through workshops, conferences, and webinars; update of health insurance policy to favour mercury free restoratives and update of oral health policies with the ‘II-PPP-BPOC’ framework.

“Poverty should not be an excuse to continue the use of dental amalgam (45-55% mercury) in under-served communities and further compromise their well-being. This is a very important consideration in Sub-Saharan Africa where UNEP and WHO have reported a higher percentage (35%) of diseases traced to environmental pollution compared to 25% world-wide.”

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. It contains, in support of this objective, provisions that relate to the entire life cycle of mercury, including controls and reductions across a range of products, processes and industries where mercury is used, released or emitted.

The Children’s Amendment to protect children from the harm of mercury containing fillings entered into force on September 28, 2023, and became mandatory for Parties to the Minamata Convention.

Henceforth, all the 152 nations who are Parties to the treaty must take affirmative steps – ranging from recommendations to complete abolition – to end amalgam use for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Ex-CBN director lauds Dangote Refinery for reducing petrol price

Michael Simire
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Ex-CBN director lauds Dangote Refinery for reducing petrol price

A former Director, Budgetary Department of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Titus Okunronmu, has commended the Dangote Refinery for reducing pump price of petrol from N885 to N870.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

Okunronmu made the commendation in an interview in Ota, Ogun State, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Dangote Refinery had on May 22 reduced the pump price of petrol nationwide by N15, thus making it six times this year that Dangote had adjusted the petrol price.

According to him, that is very good for Nigeria and its citizens, adding that which other products in the national  markets that Nigerians enjoyed falling prices.

“There is the need for federal government to create enabling environment for the refinery to thrive as we are enjoying the benefits of Dangote Refinery investment.

“Dangote can meet our domestic demands with excess production for exports and foreign exchange earnings. Importers of refined petroleum products have no interest of  Nigeria at heart,” Okunronmu said.

 Okunronmu urged the Federal Government to make concerted efforts to halt the importation of refined petroleum products into the country.

Okunronmu noted that the federal government has no justification for granting import licenses for importation of refined petroleum products, adding that lets develop the Nigerian Economy.

By Ige Adekunle

Global Stakeholder Forum gathers over 600 participants to shape future of urban development

Michael Simire
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Global Stakeholder Forum gathers over 600 participants to shape future of urban development

More than 600 participants from over 500 organisations joined the Global Stakeholder Forum on May 22 and 23, 2025, hosted online by UN-Habitat ahead of the resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly.

Anaclaudia Rossbach
Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach

The Forum provided a platform for inclusive dialogue, helping shape priorities for the Assembly and align the outcomes of the World Urban Forum with intergovernmental processes. Participants took part in high-level plenaries, policy dialogues, and thematic breakout sessions on topics including housing, land, climate resilience, and urban finance.

The Forum also gathered coordinated input into the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and UN-Habitat’s draft Stakeholder Engagement Policy.

“The success of the Strategic Plan depends on co-ownership, with inclusive coalitions rooted in trust and action,” said Analia Pastran, Founder of Smartly Social Enterprise on the SDGs.

Forum highlights

Discussions centred on three priorities: stakeholder input to the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 – particularly on housing, land, and basic services; the establishment of a Stakeholder Engagement Policy to ensure diverse representation in UN-Habitat processes; and mobilising contributions for the midterm review of the New Urban Agenda and global SDG 11 reporting.

Participants also called attention to youth inclusion, gender equity, data systems, local capacity building, and community-level action to localise the SDGs.

“We need synergy, dialogue, and joint decision making at all levels… an action-oriented platform that operates as an interactive think tank,” said Razapur Varsi, a stakeholder in attendance.

Key outcomes and messages

Stakeholders stressed the urgency of adopting an inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Policy and providing more support for grassroots groups – especially those led by women and youth. Based on Forum input, a draft Stakeholder Declaration is being finalised and will be presented to the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives and the resumed United Nations Habitat Assembly.

“In rural areas, local governments are unaware of the SDGs and unresponsive to our outreach… national governments must actively support and fund local-level implementation,” said Mihai Cenis from Asociatia Azi Elevi.

Participants highlighted the importance of community-generated data, digital tools, and multilevel partnerships to boost accountability and support implementation of UN-Habitat’s strategic plan and the New Urban Agenda. They also called for increased capacity-building, funding for local actors, land governance reform, gender-responsive urban planning, and stronger integration of climate resilience and slum upgrading in national policies.

Next steps

To sustain momentum, participants proposed several follow-up actions: developing a stakeholder engagement roadmap toward WUF13, improving participation in SDG and New Urban Agenda reporting, and contributing to the 2026 midterm review of the New Urban Agenda.

They also recommended launching a global campaign to showcase good housing practices at WUF13, encouraging Member States to adopt a robust Stakeholder Engagement Policy, and ensuring inclusive, gender-balanced representation across all stakeholder platforms.

Nigeria reaffirms commitment to July climate change summit

Michael Simire
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Nigeria reaffirms commitment to July climate change summit

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting the Africa Climate Change Summit, scheduled for July 8 to July 11, 2025.

Malam Balarabe Lawal
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal

Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the OSGF, made this known during a Solar Power CSR Dinner, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Abuja.

The event was organised by PROFOH Nigeria and V&F Solutions Germany in collaboration with ABVIG, Aidez Small Project International (ASPI), and the Africa Infrastructure Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS 2025).

Gagare said the dinner aimed to strengthen German-Nigerian relations in the renewable energy sector.

He emphasised the Federal Government’s openness to public-private partnerships, reaffirming its support for both foreign and local investments in climate change and infrastructure development.

“The preparation for the Africa Climate Change Summit is in top gear. We are taking this seriously because anything affecting the climate has a ripple effect on multiple sectors,” he said.

He noted that the summit had been postponed to July 2025 to allow sufficient time for proper planning and execution.

“We’re optimistic about global participation, given the wide distribution of invitations.

“Government is placing great emphasis on this summit because climate change directly and indirectly affects human lives, animals, and plants. Every effort is being made to ensure its success,” he added.

Gagare also called for a collective approach to organising the summit to attract meaningful investment in climate action and renewable energy.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Moses Owharo, Chairman of the AICIS Planning Committee, commended the Federal Government for prioritising climate change in its policy agenda.

He lauded the Presidency’s commitment and noted the participation of states like Osun, Kwara, and Niger.

“We’re working together to attract investors into Nigeria and Africa at large. Our role is to promote good governance across the private sector, public institutions, and civil society,” Owharo said.

Mr. Matthias Vierheilig, Chairman and Founder of V&F Solutions Germany, highlighted challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly poor electricity distribution.

He stressed that investing in renewable energy could offer sustainable solutions.

According to him, a major hurdle is the lack of reliable feasibility data needed to build infrastructure such as a 50-megawatt power plant.

“We need clarity on how and where to connect to the national grid. It’s a complex system governed by physical laws, so not every type of power can be connected to just any substation.

“This is our key challenge, obtaining critical data from local institutions,” Vierheilig said.

By Fortune Abang

COP31: Pacific leaders urge Australia to reject extension of North West Shelf gas project

Michael Simire
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COP31: Pacific leaders urge Australia to reject extension of North West Shelf gas project

With just weeks until Australia learns the fate of its bid to co-host COP31, Pacific leaders are calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recently re-elected government to reject Woodside Energy’s proposed extension of the North West Shelf gas project out to 2070.

Anthony Albanese
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

The decision, expected this week, is said to be a chance for the Australian government to show it is worthy of hosting the biggest international climate negotiations, to deepen trust with its voters and the neighbouring Pacific Island States calling for stronger climate action, to reset the country’s direction showing political will and true climate leadership, and chart a bold course away from fossil dependence and toward a future free from oil, gas, and coal.

The North West Shelf Extension proposal would allow one of Australia’s oldest LNG processing plants, located in the Murujuga cultural landscape and home to sacred Aboriginal rock art, to continue to operate until 2070.

In terms of emissions, the project would generate more than 4 billion tonnes of CO2, equivalent to over 200 years of combined emissions for the 14 Pacific Small Island Developing States (Cook Islands, Federated State of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu).

Dr. Maina Talia, Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Tuvalu, said: “Pacific leaders have made it clear: there is no future for our nations if fossil fuel expansion continues. The North West Shelf Extension would lock in emissions until 2070, threatening our survival and violating the spirit of the Pacific-Australia climate partnership. If Australia wants to host COP31 with us, it must uphold the trust we placed in it by permanently rejecting this project. This goes beyond politics. It is about the moral clarity to stand with those most affected by climate change.”

Pacific leaders have consistently called for a global just transition away from fossil fuels, including through spearheading the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, supporting the proposal for a Fossil Free Pacific and increased investments in the transition to be the world’s first 100% renewable energy-powered region.

Civil society leaders across the Pacific have welcomed signs of deeper cooperation between Australia and island nations, from renewed engagement in the region to declarations on climate action, but warn that approving the North West Shelf Extension would undermine that trust.

Auimatagi Joe Moeono-Kolio, Chief Advisor, Pacific, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, says: “Every new gas project is a step backwards. The Pacific is calling for a just and equitable fossil fuel phase-out, not fossil fuel lock-in until 2070. This is about matching rhetoric to action. Rejecting the North West Shelf extension would fulfill the Australian government’s promise to its Pacific neighbours that they are serious about regional cooperation and solidarity in this struggle. Approving it would signal the opposite. Prime Minister Albanese: the Pacific is watching. Will you stand with us, or with the polluters?”

This moment presents a historic opportunity for Australia to demonstrate that it is not only serious about hosting COP31, but also serious about tackling the root cause of climate change: fossil fuel extraction. Rejecting the North West Shelf Extension would send a clear message that Australia is ready to stand with the Pacific in leading the world toward a fossil-free future.

California major cities could sink, disappear in less than 30 years – Scientists

Michael Simire
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California major cities could sink, disappear in less than 30 years – Scientists

California State’s biggest coastal cities could soon find themselves underwater, according to a new report from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).

San Francisco
San Francisco, California

Researchers have found that cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Alameda have experienced a noticeable rise in sea levels since 2018.

Among them, San Diego is experiencing the fastest increase, with sea levels rising by 2.6 millimetres per year.

By 2050, the report warns that these cities could face even higher sea levels, leading to severe flooding in densely populated and economically vital areas.

The VIMS report also highlights that East Coast cities like New York and Boston are similarly vulnerable to sea-level rise.

The Public Policy Institute of California estimates that rising sea levels along the coast could threaten $18 billion worth of infrastructure due to flooding.

In the San Francisco Bay Area alone, the VIMS study suggests that $110 billion may be needed to adequately protect homes and residents from future sea-level threats.

NEITI lauds NUPRC’s licensing rounds, unveils energy transition, climate accountability framework

Michael Simire
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NEITI lauds NUPRC’s licensing rounds, unveils energy transition, climate accountability framework

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for notable progress in the conduct of the 2022–2023 Mini Bid Round and 2024 Licensing Round.

Orji Ogbonnaya Orji
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI

The commendation followed NEITI’s independent monitoring of the pre-qualification and technical bid processes.

The exercise is in line with its mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard.

An Advisory Report released by NEITI on Sunday, May 25, 2025, also highlighted notable improvements in inclusivity, digitalisation, and procedural integrity.

The report was presented to the NEITI National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) at its statutory meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, on May 9.

It described the licensing rounds as a significant milestones in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, designed to attract credible investments, unlock hydrocarbon potential and advance national development objectives.

The Advisory Report said that the licensing process was generally professional, transparent, and inclusive, with adherence to published criteria as required by the PIA and EITI provisions.

“Special concessions granted to indigenous and emerging firms were acknowledged as a progressive step that enhanced stakeholder participation and public confidence,” it said.

It identified areas for improvement, including strengthening the evaluation methodology and metrics; enhancing transparency in result disclosure and improving public access to bidder information.

It also identified other areas for improvement to include ensuring full disclosure of beneficial ownership and integrating technical and commercial value assurance in evaluations.

The report offered actionable recommendations to bolster future rounds, emphasising transparent disclosures, standardised scoring, and consistent stakeholder engagement.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, expressed commitment to working collaboratively with regulators, civil societies, and industry stakeholders to institutionalise transparency, good governance and sustainable development in Nigeria’s extractive industries

“The NSWG commended NUPRC’s cooperation with NEITI and encouraged the adoption of the recommendations outlined in the advisory,” he said.

At the meeting in Umuahia, the NEITI Board also adopted a comprehensive Energy Transition and Climate Accountability Framework, developed in alignment with Nigeria’s national energy transition plan.

The framework also aligned with the global climate obligations under the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the 2023 EITI Standard.

The framework redefines NEITI’s role in the energy transition, introducing a transparent and accountable mechanism for tracking greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks and monitoring divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs).

It aims at overseeing the implementation of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the PIA, promoting just transition planning and climate disclosures and aligning NEITI’s reports with national climate instruments.

Orji said that the framework positioned Nigeria at the forefront of climate-compliant resource governance.

“It is our bold response to the urgent need for transparency in how oil investments and divestments affect host communities and the environment,” he said.

To operationalise this policy, NEITI has outlined key implementation steps covering oil, gas, and solid minerals reporting, stakeholder engagement, institutional coordination, and bi-annual performance reviews.

The framework is being developed with support from the Ford Foundation as part of NEITI’s ongoing study on the impact of energy transition on Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Govt completes 565 water projects in two years – Minister

Michael Simire
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0
Govt completes 565 water projects in two years – Minister

The Federal Government says it has completed and inaugurated 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities within the last two years.

Prof. Joseph Utsev
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, who disclosed this in an interview on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Abuja, explained that these achievements were part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He noted that the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in boosting agriculture and ensuring food and water security.

According to him, the government has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue.

“These projects are expected to support irrigation, enhance electricity generation, and promote agro-industrial development.”

Utsev also announced the successful concessioning of the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba, and the integrated Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which generated more than N7.1 billion as commencement fee for the first five years into the federal concession account.

On irrigation, the minister disclosed that four projects which include the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, respectively, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming have been completed.

”Two micro-irrigation projects have also been completed in Oyo and Jigawa to support smallholder farmers,” he said.

Utsev also disclosed that four major water projects have been completed in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT, while three others in Gombe and Yobe were already 90 per cent completed.

”Through collaboration with states and partners, 565 water supply schemes were constructed under PEWASH, SURWASH, and the AfDB programmes, serving over 450,000 people,” he added.

He also announced that 40 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 across the country.

”We have constructed 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and developed advocacy jingles in five languages, reaching more than 25 million Nigerians,” he said.

Utsev further revealed that 14 dams and several irrigation projects were near completion across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara states, while more than 100 new water supply projects were awarded in 2024.

”The ministry has also commenced the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in 20 states to modernise existing infrastructure and explore hydropower generation,” he added.

He emphasised efforts to revitalise River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) by partnering with the private sector and state governments.

”We have leased 4,429 hectares of farmland to commercial farmers and developed irrigation infrastructure for 154,000 hectares, creating jobs for more than 1.6 million farmers.

”Other notable agency activities include issuing 24 water use licenses by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, training of 1,377 youths in plumbing and drilling by the National Water Resources Institute.

”We also have the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency,” the minister revealed.

Utsev said the ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, roll out school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance.

”We will continue to work towards food security, job creation, and economic growth through sustainable water management,” he added.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.

By Tosin Kolade

Nigeria to explore biotech innovations to revolutionalise agriculture

Michael Simire
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0
Nigeria to explore biotech innovations to revolutionalise agriculture

The Federal Government of Nigeria says it will take steps to build public trust in biotech innovations to revolutionalise agricultural practices.

Biotech
A presentation at the public lecture

The decision was reached on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Abuja at a public lecture hosted by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), and the University of Abuja

The lecture, themed “Advancing Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security and Economic Growth in Nigeria’’, was attended by policy makers, scientists, stakeholders and industry leaders.

Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin, AATF Director of Product Development and Commercialisation, said that agricultural biotechnology when responsibly developed and effectively adopted, offered a powerful set of tools that help address challenges.

“Nigeria and Kenya, along with Ghana, stand out as leaders on the continent, having made significant progress in commercialising biotech crops such as Bt Cotton, Bt Maize and PBR Cowpea.

“These innovations are not just scientific milestones, they represent real opportunities to transform lives, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance national food systems,’’ Okogbenin said.

Also speaking was the AATF Director who was represented by Yarama Ndirpaya, AATF Tela Programme Manager/Out-Grower Strategy Lead in Nigeria, said it was imperative to acknowledge hurdles.

According to him, regulatory uncertainties, persistent misinformation, and public skepticism continue to slow adoption.

“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ he said.

While the Director-General of the NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said biotech innovations hold promise for tackling agricultural challenges like unrest, stress and pandemics, offering solutions, for a better future.

The NBRDA DG, who was represented by Dr. Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department of the NBRDA, disclosed that the lecture would discuss transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria.

“Through the harnessing of science and technology, we can develop resilient crop varieties, improve pest and disease resistance, enhance nutritional content, all while ensuring that our agricultural practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly.’’

Prof. Patricia Lar, Ag. Vice Chancellor of Uni Abuja, said agriculture in Nigeria faced monumental challenges, food insecurity, climate change, pest infestations, and soil degradation which threaten the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

She noted that, in spite of these challenges, opportunities still existed for innovation, collaboration and transformation, and that the lecture served as clarion call to action.

Lar, represented by Prof Ahmed Dan-Kishiya, Dean, Faculty of Science, expressed optimism that the power of agricultural biotechnology could be harnessed in Nigeria, such that no family would go hungry.

“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ he said.

Earlier, Vitumbiko Chinoko, Project Manager of Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB), outlined the objectives of the lecture.

The lecture aims to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, while expanding collaboration and innovation opportunities in agricultural technology.

Highlight of the first session featured expert presentations and a panel discussions on, “The Science of Agricultural Biotechnology: Case of Nigeria with a focus on PBR Cowpea.’’

The second session focused on creating an enabling environment for the development of GM crops in Nigeria.

By Sylvester Thompson

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