Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, has urged Nigerians to fight hunger to foster environmental sustainability.
Dr Iziaq Salako, Mr Koffy Kouacou and other delegates at the workshop for project preparation phase of the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP)
Salako said this at a workshop for project preparation phase of the GEF-8 Food Systems Integrated Programme (FSIP) for transformation to sustainable crops, livestock and Aquaculture food systems in Nigeria (Kebbi and Niger states).
“We must tackle frontally the extensive amount of food waste as a resource management issue and a moral imperative to fight hunger, foster environmental sustainability, and aid in securing food security,” he said.
Salako said that managing losses and waste wisely is not only crucial to reducing the hunger experienced by millions suffering from food scarcity but also for the health of the environment.
“Our resolve is to ensure that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for today and the future are not compromised, and growth is ensured in a milieu of environmental benefits.
“Our collective decision and action remain the panacea to forge a positive path for the future of agriculture, ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity for all of us,” the minister reinstated.
Mr Koffy Kouacou, Country Representative of FAO to Nigeria, assured that FAO would continue to support the government of Nigeria in tackling environmental challenges.
According to Kouacou, the project document development will focus on four main components, which are strengthening food systems governance.
“Supporting the introduction and improvement of sustainability standards, financial and risk mitigation products, and incentives for food systems transformation.
“Promoting sustainable and integrated management of landscapes and inclusive value chain enhancing food systems resilience to climate change and other shocks.
“FAO remains committed to supporting the government of Nigeria in achieving its climate action goals,” he assured.
Mr Shehu Muazu, Commissioner for Agriculture in Kebbi, assured that the state would ensure sustainable practices that would secure the environment.
Mr Ibrahim Mami, Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries, Niger, assured that the state would definitely deliver in the area of livestock.
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents to acquire smart bins for domestic storage of waste to promote a clean and sustainable environment.
Muyiwa Gbadegesin,
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, LAWMA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, made the appeal on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at its headquarters in Ijora Olopa during a demonstration of the evacuation of smart bins by waste evacuation trucks.
He described the introduction of smart bins into the state’s waste management system as a significant advancement that would streamline the process of waste collection by assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.
“The smart bin has added features that improve its functionality.
“For instance, this smart bin has a Radio Frequency Identification chain that enables us to know when it is emptied by the PSP operators.
“With this bin, we can monitor and assess their performance,” Gbadegesin said.
According to him, the smart bin is geolocated to a specific residence.
“When you buy the smart bin, we deliver it to a house and pin it to that house. So, the bin is forever associated with that house.
“If it is stolen, we can track it, tell where the bin is, and monitor it remotely from our control room.
“The bins are not only smart but also durable with a 15-year warranty.
“They provide comfort to every resident and offer good quality for money,” Gbadegesin said.
He noted that the durability and tracking ability of the smart bins set them apart from traditional waste bins.
He added that the smart bins were colour-coded to encourage waste separation and recycling among residents.
“Getting this bin means you have now joined the new waste management system we are developing in the state.
“We have two types of bins: the green one for general waste and the blue one for recycling.
“If you have the recycling bin, there is an opportunity for you to receive incentives for the recyclables you collect,” Gbadegesin said.
He urged every Lagosian to embrace the innovation.
“It’s 2024, and with Artificial Intelligence and other innovations, Lagos can’t afford to be left behind.
“If you want to be part of the new Lagos, you need to get this smart bin. It will help us achieve our shared goal of keeping Lagos clean,” Gbadegesin said.
He appealed to Lagos residents to adopt the innovative initiatives introduced by the authority to improve waste management in the state.
Gbadegesin urged them to shun indiscriminate dumping of refuse and engage the services of assigned PSP operators.
The Shehu Maikoli Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, in partnership with RAISE4Sahel (R4S), has inaugurated a tree-planting initiative to combat desertification in Sokoto State communities.
Gov. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State
The foundation’s team leader, Mr Peter Kolapo, said that the initiative was designed to empower local communities economically, environmentally and nutritionally.
Kolapo, who led the inauguration in Wurno and Rabah Local Government Areas (LGAs), spoke on the importance of educating and engaging community members in sustainable tree-planting practices.
“The initiative aims to combat desertification, reduce carbon emissions, restore ecosystems and provide economic opportunities through the sale of tree products.
“This holistic approach not only enhances environmental sustainability but strengthens community resilience against future challenges,” he said.
Kolapo further said that the two LGAs faced complex issues, such as insecurity, banditry and kidnapping, “which exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in the communities.
“Recognising the critical need for comprehensive support beyond basic necessities, the foundation and the R4S Sokoto team joined forces to implement a multifaceted response.
“In tandem with the tree-planting project, the R4S team is delivering crucial healthcare interventions, including life-saving vaccines to children in the LGAs.
“This effort is pivotal in preventing disease outbreaks and safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children,” he said.
Kolapo described the collaboration between the foundation and R4S Team as an example of a greater commitment to comprehensive humanitarian assistance.
The State Programme Manager for R4S, Dr Adebayo Ajibade, emphasised the effectiveness of combining immediate humanitarian aid with long-term environmental sustainability strategies.
“By integrating immediate healthcare interventions with sustainable environmental initiatives, we aim to empower communities to not only survive but thrive amidst adversity,” Ajibade said.
He also said that the initiative sought to create a resilient and empowered society, capable of shaping its own future by fostering self-reliance and community participation.
The Federal Government has activated National Emergency Operation Centre to coordinate responses and provide timely support to victims of floods and public health concerns.
Zubaida Umar, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this at a National Emergency Coordination Forum held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Abuja.
The forum brought together stakeholders to review the current flood situation and strengthen mitigation and response strategies across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Zubaida said the centre would share information, provide timely support to affected areas, collate and analyse flood incident data.
She added that the centre would ensure that emergency responses were as accurate as possible.
The NEMA boss expressed the hope that the step, together with those of other stakeholders will reduce to the barest minimum, the impact of flooding.
She highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to address the predicted 2024 flood disaster by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NISA).
According to her, 20 states and 52 local government areas had already been affected by flooding
She emphasised the need for public awareness and proper waste management to mitigate the impact of floods
Umar said the workshop would awaken NEMA to take more proactive measures to save the lives of the citizens and adequately respond in areas that had been affected.
On his part, Mr Trond Jensen, Head of United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) in Nigeria, commended NEMA for its leadership in disaster preparedness and response.
He emphasised the importance of efficient resource use and anticipatory action to address cholera outbreaks and urged collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance emergency response capabilities.
“Rather than waiting for an outbreak of cholera, what can we do in terms of preparedness, so that we can make sure that the systems that are needed to respond are fully resourced?
“This is one of the things that we are looking at as UN-OCHA, together with our colleagues from UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and other partners,” he said.
Jensen assured the support of his organisation and other partners to safeguard the lives of Nigerians and ensure a resilient community.
TotalEnergies has signed an agreement with Scatec, a Norwegian renewable energy company, to acquire 100% of its subsidiary SN Power, which holds interests in renewable hydropower projects in Africa, through a joint venture (51% SN Power) with Norfund and British International Investment (BII).
TotalEnergies
As a result of this transaction, which is subject to certain previous conditions, TotalEnergies will acquire a 28.3% stake in the Bujagali hydropower plant currently in operation in Uganda. With a capacity of 250 MW, it covers more than 25% of the country’s peak electricity demand.
TotalEnergies will also acquire minority stakes in two projects under development in Rwanda (260 MW) and Malawi (360 MW).
“This acquisition of renewable hydroelectric assets and projects in Africa reflects our desire to contribute to the continent’s energy transition by bringing electricity to the people of African countries. In particular, we are delighted to be able to become a player in hydro power in Uganda, a country where we are also developing a major oil project. This is another example of TotalEnergies’ ability to implement its multi-energy strategy in oil-producing countries to support them in their energy transition,” said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies.
“We are pleased to announce today’s transaction, as we believe TotalEnergies will be a strong asset owner going forward, with the ability to further develop the projects and contribute to the energy transition in Africa. We would like to thank the entire hydropower team for their hard work and dedication over the years, you have made a significant impact. In addition, our gratitude goes to our joint venture partners, host governments, and lenders for the support since 2020,” said Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec.
To date, TotalEnergies has interests in a number of hydropower projects with a gross capacity of 3.7 GW worldwide:
218 MW installed in France (19 MW), Portugal (33 MW) and Turkey (166 MW)
5 GW under development in Mozambique ( Mphanda Nkuwa project)
In the global fight against climate change, the difference between where the world is and where it needs to be is a function of finance. For developing countries like Nigeria, this is especially necessary because the transition to a green, low-carbon economy will address climate challenges, create sustainable jobs, and gainfully employ its teeming population.
Adamu Garba
Nigeria has continued to take actionable steps that will drive its green economy transition, including the enactment of the Climate Change Act, the amended Electricity Act, the launch of the energy transition plan, commitment to a 2060 net-zero target, the launch of the clean cooking policy, ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the pledge to triple renewable energy capacity, among others.
To drive the transition, the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set up a presidential committee on climate action and green economic solutions to oversee and coordinate all national policies and programmes related to climate action and green economic development.
However, all plans, policies, and frameworks require adequate funding to actualise them. The Africa Development Bank (AfDB), in its 2023 Country Focus Report, states: “Nigeria’s climate financing needs over 2020 – 2030 were estimated at US$247.3 billion (an annual average of about US$22.5 billion), with mitigation activities constituting the largest proportion (71.5 per cent) of the financing needs.
“Nigeria thus has a total climate financing gap of US$20.5 billion per annum, which is required for investments in renewable energy, smart agriculture, sustainable transport, water and waste management solutions, and so on, among other potential green sectors.”
Given the preceding, the accreditation of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) as the first Direct Access Entity (DAE) in Nigeria to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) announced on July 17, 2024, was met with great enthusiasm by stakeholders across various verticals of the Nigerian green space. The GCF is the world’s largest dedicated fund, helping small island states and the least developed and developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance their ability to respond to climate change.
The accreditation, announced at the 39th meeting of the GCF Board in South Korea, creates new opportunities to boost Nigeria’s green economy. The Federal Government of Nigeria established the DBN with global development partners to address the significant financing challenges facing Nigeria’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
It also aims to allow MSMEs to execute climate-resilient and green projects supporting the global green transition and sustainability drive. The development finance institution has a track record of channelling resources through loans and guarantees and has disbursed over N933 billion in loans.
The direct access feature under the GCF is designed to help developing countries integrate climate funding within their national climate action plans, such that a DAE, in this case, the DBN, is authorised as a national organisation to receive project funds on behalf of the country, streamlining the process and avoiding high transactional costs associated with using external intermediaries.
A significant milestone for Nigeria
The DBN’s accreditation achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s green economy goals. According to the GCF, the organisation has the potential to support its work in mobilising climate finance at scale, enhancing private sector participation, and diversifying the use of financial instruments such as loans.
With scaled climate finance, the Nigerian government will be able to drive innovative climate-smart solutions, advance already existing initiatives, improve efficiency in using natural resources, boost power generation with renewables, facilitate clean transportation, and change production and consumption systems.
Also, access to loans, occasioned by the accreditation, will cause the private sector, especially MSMEs, which make up 96.7% of all businesses and contribute over 45% to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP), to develop innovative and new business models, and low-carbon technologies that will drive Nigeria towards its green economy goals.
These potentials point to the fact that the DBN’s successful accreditation is a step in the right direction, aiding Nigeria in reducing its oil dependence and contributing significantly to global decarbonisation efforts.
It is important to note that the DBN states that all MSMEs (start-up or existing) involved in productive enterprises across Nigerian communities are eligible for loans with a flexible repayment tenure and market-conforming interest rates (up to 10 years with a moratorium period of up to 18 months). So far, they are customers of eligible participating financial institutions (PFIs), such as commercial, microfinance, and development banks.
With knowledge of the intended project areas under the GCF accreditation, which include energy generation and access, transport, health, food and water security, infrastructure, and the built environment, it is therefore advisable that MSMEs be properly positioned to take on sustainable businesses that would allow them to leverage the loan to address climate challenges in Nigerian communities.
To ensure that the fund addresses the intended key areas, the DBN must hold the PFIs, who will be custodians of the loan, to the strictest measures. The PFIs should, in turn, ensure that the MSMEs are held accountable.
Additionally, Nigerian communities, which have, over the years, suffered disproportionately from the adverse effects of climate change, should take advantage of this opportunity to work with rural MSMEs to access funding that will scale local and Indigenous solutions, which would bring succour to affected populations.
The possibilities offered by this single accreditation make one wonder how having multiple accreditations can help a nation tackle climate change challenge. Therefore, other relevant organisations, government bodies, and public and private sector entities should seek to acquire similar accreditation, as this will further bridge Nigeria’s access to the much-needed climate finance intervention.
By Adamu Garba, Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre
There is need for Lagos State Government to support the regulatory commission in carrying out their role for effective regulation in the water sanitation sector of the state in order to achieve equitable service delivery both for the consumers and service providers.
Participants at the Learning Meeting in Lagos
Dr. Adebayo Alao, WaterAid Lagos Programme Lead, made this submission while giving his remarks at the Learning Meeting with the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) on the way forward towards the provision of clean water, sanitation and hygiene for residents of the state.
Dr. Alao said: “The cholera outbreak currently rampaging the state can be traced to the contamination of the water bodies but if there is adequate regulation of those that are managing sanitation especially those that are providing water services even at the level of council or community level, they are suppose to have the necessary and the skills to know that water facilities should not be located or sided close to each other because of that interaction, then you will see that some of these things will be greatly reduced.
“So, the government should should support the regulators in their quest to have well sanitised water sanitation sector. I am also happy to see that the Water Sanitation Hygiene Policy that has been approved by the government has helped us to clarify roles and responsibilities, so through that policy issues around overlapping functions have been removed so every agency is now very clear on their mandate and what responsibility they have in relation to water sanitation hygiene services. There is need for those at the local government level to cooperate with the regulators at the state level because practices that abound at the council level is more dealing with those that are not licensed to operate. Laising with those at the state level will help bring sanity into the profession which will bring about quality service delivery.”
Dr. Alao reiterated: “WaterAid is interested in making sure that everyone everywhere has access to adequate sanitation and water supply services in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals-SDG 6 that says everyone should have access to safely managed sanitation by year 2030, that is why we are collaborating with with government agencies to enable us meet the target.”
The Learning Session helped build a stronger relationship with LSWARCO, in their areas of responsibility, operational scope, and challenges relating to WASH and aligning efforts to improve water and sanitation services.
The stakeholders meeting sponsored by Later-Day Saints Charities witnessed representatives from Lagos Water Cooperation (LWC), Lagos State Waste Water Management Office (LASWAMO), as well as three LCDAs (Ikorodu North, Ojodu and Ikotun Egando) and other relevant agencies and MDAs.
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council has confirmed speakers for the 47th edition of the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) 2024. The event will take place from August 5 to August 7, 2024, at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, under the theme “Petroleum Industry Value Chain Optimisation: The Inevitability of Midstream and Downstream Development.”
Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola
His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, Olowu of Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta and a past Chairman of the SPE Nigerian Council, will honour the event as the Special Guest of Honour.
The confirmed line-up of distinguished speakers includes: Terry Palisch, 2024 SPE International President; Herbert Krapa, Minister of Energy, Ghana; Farouk Ahmed, Authority CEO, NMDPRA; Roger Brown, MD/CEO, Seplat Energies; Elohor Aiboni, MD, SNEPCO; Gbite Falade, MD/CEO, Aradel Holdings; Sanjeev Verma, Vice President, Halliburton; Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Managing Director, Falcon Corporation; and Debo Fagbami, MD, NEDOGAS, amongst others.
“Our line-up of speakers for NAICE 2024 truly reflects the pinnacle of expertise and innovation in the petroleum industry. These esteemed leaders and visionaries are set to inspire and challenge us, ensuring that our discussions drive real value chain optimisation and transformative progress across the midstream and downstream sectors. Their participation underscores the event’s reputation as a hub of ground-breaking ideas and collaborative solutions,” said Salahudeen Tahir, Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council.
This year’s NAICE will also feature two pivotal panel sessions. These sessions will explore “Unlocking Upstream Value: Developing Markets, Trade Access, and Facilitating Partnerships in the Midstream and Downstream” and “Energy Security: Exploring the Interplay Between Technology, Market Dynamics, and Organisational Capabilities.” Additionally, the Topical Issues Workshop will address “The Outlook of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry, Post IOC Divestments and Exits: Challenges and Opportunities,” examining the sector’s future landscape.
“This year’s conference will focus on current market trends and economic forecasts while highlighting the crucial roles of inclusivity and leadership development in our industry,” Tahir said.
Other highlights of NAICE 2024 include the Young Professionals’ Workshop, The Women Leadership Programme, the Oil Industry Night & Awards Dinner, Family Recreation Activities, and Exhibition.
NAICE 2024 will feature the Young Professionals’ Workshop, focusing on “Market Trends and Economic Outlook in the Downstream and Midstream Sector,” to provide emerging professionals with crucial insights and skills. The Women Leadership Programme will address “Equality by Design,” promoting gender inclusivity through discussions led by influential female leaders.
The Oil Industry Night & Awards Dinner will celebrate excellence and innovation, presenting awards to outstanding professionals and organisations. According to the promoters, attendees can explore cutting-edge technologies at the exhibition, while family programmes offer entertainment, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all.
The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council is a premier professional association dedicated to advancing energy resource development and production. SPE supports its members through publications, events, training courses, and online resources, fostering excellence and innovation in the industry.
Scientists from Purdue University (US) have found that, in a few years, West Africa, South Asia and the Midwest in the US will become dangerous for human life due to climate change.
Heat stress
West Africa and parts of South Asia are among the most vulnerable, according to the research – regions which have very dense populations and often little access to air conditioning.
Richer countries will fare better but will not escape unscathed. Hotspots of extreme humid heat will emerge in parts of the US, including the Midwest, as global warming ticks up, the study found.
Today’s searing-hot summers will likely seem cool by future standards, and the heat we experience is changing in ways that are not in our favour.
Extreme, humid heat is persisting at nighttime, depriving the body of vital time to recuperate.
And we can expect more back-to-back heat waves, slamming regions with successive cycles of brutal heat, said Jane Baldwin, assistant professor of Earth system science at the University of California Irvine.
Heat already kills an estimated 489,000 people each year, according to the World Health Organisation, but the real toll could be higher because heat-related deaths are so hard to track.
Deaths may be attributed to heart attacks or strokes, with no reference to the fact they happened during a scorching heat wave.
“We’re absolutely undercounting in a serious way,” said Bharat Venkat, director of the UCLA Heat Lab.
Every week of summer brings more stories of people like the ultra-marathon runner Philip Kreycik, whose tragic, early deaths are entirely preventable.
Heat lacks the blunt force of a hurricane, the scorched earth of a wildfire or the sweeping devastation of a flood – all of which leave a visible and immediate trail of devastation, destroying homes, tearing up roads and flattening towns.
Instead, heat is a creeping threat, a steady hum in the background. Its worst damage is not to property but to our bodies, Venkat said. And it is an “invisible, silent killer.”
A well-known Mexican newspaper Milenio has published an article about the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan.
Baku in Azerbaijan hosts COP29 in November 2024
According to the Azerbaijani Embassy in Mexico, the author said this year marks an important stage in the global fight against climate change, emphasising that Azerbaijan, located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and transition to a low-carbon economy.
According to the author, it is gratifying to see how in today’s volatile and turbulent world, Azerbaijan, famous for its inclusiveness and multiculturalism, which chaired the Non-Aligned Movement and is active in many issues on the international arena, is taking a step forward in addressing such an existential problem as climate change and receives great support from the international community.
Speaking about Azerbaijan’s leadership in this context, despite the oil industry, the author stated that the serious approach of such countries to the problem of climate change gives hope. The author noted that Azerbaijan has made significant progress in the field of sustainability, invests in renewable energy sources, in particular solar and wind energy, and makes appropriate decisions to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, becoming a regional leader in clean energy thanks to its strategic location and important natural resources.
The author recalled that the wind energy potential of the Caspian Sea is about 157 GW. The article states that Azerbaijan is a country with great potential in terms of renewable energy sources and technical capabilities, where solar (Garadagh, Shafag) and wind (Khizi-Absheron) stations have recently been built, and additional wind and hydroelectric power projects are being implemented.
The article emphasised that these initiatives reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to expand renewable electricity generation capacity as part of a strategy to achieve a 30 percent renewable energy share in electricity production by 2030.
Regarding Mexico’s position on climate change, the author noted that, under the leadership of the newly elected president of the country, active environmental advocate Claudia Sheinbaum, the country attaches great importance to its climate change commitments. The author stated that Mexico, as an important actor on the international arena and a member of the G20, given its good bilateral relations with Azerbaijan, can demonstrate its commitment and active participation in this important issue, and that both countries face similar challenges in adapting to climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
The author also emphasised the importance of developed countries’ financial assistance to developing countries to implement strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Recalling that Mexico is largely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the author spoke about the possibility for the country and other developing states to benefit from climate financing that will be discussed at COP29.
“This funding is crucial for green infrastructure projects, renewable energy sources and climate resilience programmes. The COP29 agenda will include discussions on climate finance mechanisms, implementation of the Paris Agreement and international cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is expected to address topics such as climate justice, resilience of vulnerable communities and technological innovations to combat climate change,” the article says.
In conclusion, regarding Mexican-Azerbaijani ties, the author notes that relations between the two countries are strengthening, and the two countries share common interests in areas such as education, culture and especially environmental protection. The author emphasises that cooperation on sustainable development projects can benefit both countries in terms of knowledge exchange and green technologies.
“COP29, which will be held in Azerbaijan, is a unique opportunity for countries to reaffirm their commitment to the climate agenda and cooperation in innovative solutions. This conference will be an important platform for Mexico under the leadership of Sheinbaum to once again reaffirm its commitment to environmental issues and explore new opportunities for international cooperation,” the article notes.
