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A broken law: Nigeria’s Disability Act and PWDs battle for equality

Human Welfare

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March 31, 2024

A broken law: Nigeria’s Disability Act and PWDs battle for equality

Persons with disabilities in Nigeria may seem to have seen a significant degree of institutional relief when President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, five years ago.

Also known as the National Disability Act, it aims to uphold the dignity and rights of people with disabilities by outlawing discrimination in a variety of spheres and punishing violators with fines and jail terms, among other penalties.

Despite this trailblasing legal instrument, which guarantees equal rights to the estimated 25 million citizens with disabilities, many of them still struggle due to a lack of enforcement and numerous obstacles.

As it relates to building and transportation modifications, the Act sets up a five-year transitional time for altering public buildings, structures, and vehicles so that individuals with disabilities can use and access them.

January 17, 2024, saw the end of the five-year transitional grace, with some public buildings and transport companies yet to comply with this Act.

“The implementation of the Act has been very slow; I will not rate it very high, though a lot of things have been happening since the enactment of the law,” says Agbo Christian, a person with a disability.

According to Christian, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, the Ministry of Works and Housing, which is expected to engage other government organisations to ensure public buildings are duly modified, has been lackadaisical in that regard.

“Activists with disabilities also pushed for the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which is saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Act.

“I can say to an extent that if the government has accepted to establish this commission, it means there has been an effort to implement the Act, but unfortunately, after five years of the enactment of the Act, we will not say much has happened.

“I will rate the government around 40 percent because, aside from the establishment of the commission, not much has been done.

“This is because, when we go to some of the public buildings housing different ministries, departments, and agencies of the government, the compliance is low, and no modification has happened to allow easy access to persons with disabilities,” a worried Christian said.

Christian, like many other people with disabilities who have difficulty accessing public buildings or transportation, either stays at home or relies on friends and family to help them get things done.

In a 2023 survey conducted by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Lagos State ranked first as the only state that exceeded the required criteria for implementing access to infrastructure and other services for PWDs.

The survey, which was done to assess the level of implementation of the Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) criteria across different Nigerian states, saw a lot of states lagging.

However, Mr. David Anyaele, the Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, has attributed this unimpressive report and low implementation of the Act to a lack of adequate awareness of its provisions.

“In terms of access to public buildings and transportation facilities among my community of persons with disabilities, it has remained weak.

“Both government and privately owned transportation facilities are not accessible to persons with disabilities,” he said.

Anyaele added that the absence of political will, ignorance of the important players in policymaking, and lack of funding for disability-related issues and groups such as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities had continued to hinder the complete implementation of the Act.

Miss Diana Omueza, a journalist and PWD advocate, describes this worrying situation as a major blow to the community of PWDs, as it has crippled their sense of belonging and self-confidence.

According to her, the impact of non-implementation of the Act would be grievous in the lives of PWDs, as issues around lack of accessibility could seriously affect their mental health.

“For now, and from my observation, the majority of the building modifications have been done by private organisations such as hotels, especially in Abuja, the nation’s capital, and Lagos.

“I have also heard of stories where PWDs missed their flights because there was no one to readily attend to them to get them wheeled to the aeroplane.

“Even though there is a section where you can identify that you are a PWD while booking your tickets, just to signify that there is a need for a wheelchair.

“It’s so sad and unfortunate that after the five-year moratorium period for public buildings and transportation facilities to be remodified to allow access to PWDs, nothing has significantly been done.

“From my years of working with PWDs and listening to their stories, I can tell you that there is low awareness of the provisions of this Act, even among Nigerians,” she added.

However, the government has called on PWDs to contact the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to file their complaints about non-compliant public buildings that have yet to be modified for easy accessibility.

Mr. Mohammed Isa, senior special assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, said that the government is not unconcerned with the challenges facing PWDs in the country.

Isa said that training programmes are already being developed to enlighten architects, engineers, and construction professionals on how to design and modify these buildings to meet accessibility standards.

“The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 mandates that accessibility standards are met, as individuals can also seek legal assistance if they encounter inaccessible buildings.

“As of my last update, progress on the implementation of building modifications under the Act has been gradual.

“Efforts are being made to establish and enforce accessibility standards, especially in public buildings; initiatives are also underway to raise public awareness about the importance of accessible buildings and the rights of persons with disabilities,” he assured.

In their deprivation, PWDs and PWD advocates believe that there is a sense of cautious optimism.

Notwithstanding the implementation gap, the stakeholders recognise the significance of the Act.

They, however, note that for the Act’s full potential to be actualised, more cooperation and more robust enforcement procedures are fundamental.

By Ruth Oketunde, a Master of Art student at the University of Derby in the United Kingdom

Air pollution: Egypt, Nigeria, SA are Africa’s most polluted countries – Report

Pollution

Michael Simire

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March 31, 2024

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Air pollution: Egypt, Nigeria, SA are Africa’s most polluted countries – Report

Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa have emerged as Africa’s most polluted countries in terms of air pollution disease burden, with profound health consequences for Africa’s people and exacerbated impacts on climate change, a report prepared by Greenpeace Africa and Greenpeace MENA has revealed.

Titled “Major Air Polluters in Africa Unmasked,” the report investigates the biggest human sources of air pollution across Africa, focusing on major industrial and economic sectors, including the fossil fuel industry. Every year in Africa, as many as 1.1 million premature deaths have been linked to air pollution.

Dr Aidan Farrow, Senior Scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories, said: “In many parts of Africa a lack of air quality monitoring has allowed pollution to remain hidden. However, there is abundant evidence that African nations face a serious public health crisis from air pollution. The root causes of this crisis are the air pollutant emitters.

“Data from satellites and even fuel sales in each country allow scientists to investigate emission sources. These data point towards the biggest hotspots, the biggest contributions to pollution and who is responsible for them. The data are clear, areas like Mpumalanga in South Africa, where coal burning for electricity is a major industry, really stand out.”

The report found that Africa is home to some of the worst nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide hotspots in the world, all of which are primarily linked to thermal power plants. The report also found that Eskom, a public utility company that has the government of South Africa as its sole shareholder, operates many of the most polluting plants in South Africa.

Key findings compiled by the report include:

Exposure to air pollution is the second leading risk factor for death in Africa (HEI 2022) and achieving World Health Organisation guidelines could result in significant gains in life expectancy.
Pollutant emissions lead to a considerable number of premature deaths in Africa. Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa consistently exhibit large disease burdens, with the highest mortality linked to fossil fuel air pollution in these nations.
Six of the world’s 10 largest NO2 emission hotspots identified were found in Africa, all in South Africa.
Two of the world’s 10 largest SO2 emission hotspots identified are in South Africa.
Of the 10 largest SO2 point sources identified in Africa, nine are thermal power stations, and one is linked to a smelter complex in Mali. Four of the power plants are located in South Africa owned by ESKOM, two in Morocco and Egypt, and one in Zimbabwe.
Health impact studies suggest that life expectancy could be improved by up to 3 years in some African nations if air quality met WHO guidelines.

According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, can cause both short- and long-term health problems. These include heart and lung diseases, pregnancy problems, kidney issues and cancer.

“We urgently call upon North African governments to adopt the report’s recommendations particularly the installation of air quality monitors and ensuring access to real-time data. This proactive approach empowers affected communities to address their governments for action, to take charge of their well-being, make informed decisions, and collectively work towards cleaner and healthier environments,” stresses Sarra Ben Abdallah, Greenpeace MENA Campaigner.

“For too long, the people of Mpumalanga have borne the burden of South Africa’s coal dependency, not just in the air we breathe but in the opportunities we’re denied. The pollution from coal plants like those operated by Sasol in our region has not only tarnished our health, leading to failed health assessments and chronic diseases, but it has also clouded our future, leaving us jobless as companies opt to hire from outside, citing our ‘unfitness’ for work.

“This report by Greenpeace sheds light on our struggle, linking every breath of polluted air to the systemic injustice that fuels unemployment and health disparities in Secunda,” discloses Fana Sibanyoni, an activist from the Mpumalanga region.

The report presents recommendations to address the critical issue of air pollution in Africa, emphasising the need for investment in clean technologies, especially in the energy sector. International institutions share a significant responsibility in sustainably developing the African continent.

Many of the causes of air pollution, such as the combustion of oil, coal, and gas, are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Policies aimed at reducing air pollution, therefore, offer a win-win strategy for both climate and health.

Chisom John: Shifting fuel subsidies to empower communities with renewable energy

Renewable Energy

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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Chisom John: Shifting fuel subsidies to empower communities with renewable energy

In a world where reliable electricity is not a luxury but a necessity for everyday life, the citizens of many nations find themselves grappling with the dire consequences of erratic power supply. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is no exception.

The persistent issue of epileptic power supply has plagued the nation for decades, causing immense frustration and hindering socio-economic development. As citizens endure blackouts and voltage fluctuations, the blame game ensues, often pointing fingers at the government’s failure to address the root causes.

One of the key factors exacerbating Nigeria’s power woes is the persistent reliance on fossil fuels, particularly the issue of fuel subsidy removal. While the government may justify such measures as necessary for economic reform, the repercussions on the populace, particularly in terms of energy access, cannot be overlooked. The removal of fuel subsidies in 2024 has leads to increased costs of living, further burdening the already struggling masses.

With the government set to inject N1.6 billion for on-grid electricity subsidise through the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), we must not forget the over 45% of the population without electricity mostly in rural areas, and the poor electricity supply by the on-grid players who lack transparency and accountability, poor metering plans and lack a grid expansion plan – as much as we know it.

However, amidst the gloom and discontent lies a potential solution: the shift from centralised power generation to Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE). Unlike traditional fossil fuel-based grids, DRE systems harness energy from abundant renewable sources such as sunlight, wind, and water, offering a decentralised and sustainable alternative. Yet, despite its potential to revolutionise energy access, DRE adoption remains hindered by various challenges, including high cost for renewable solutions, lack of available consumer financing for poor informal groups, inadequate incentives to transit to clean energy solutions and policy frameworks that are not implemented.

One glaring irony is the failure of governments to reallocate subsidies from fossil fuels to incentivise DRE adoption so as to ease the suffering of the masses and bridge energy access. Instead of perpetuating dependency on finite resources with volatile prices like fossils, the governments should redirect these funds towards promoting renewable energy solutions that empower citizens and foster resilience against power disruptions.

Imagine a scenario where generators anxiously allocated to fuel subsidies are channeled into initiatives that promote DRE adoption at the grassroots level and medium and small-scale businesses across Nigeria – boosting their production activities, cutting business operating cost by 40% which was previously used to fuel generators, and creating more jobs.

Subsidies could be redirected to subsidise the cost of solar panels, wind turbines, or mini-hydro systems, making renewable energy technologies more accessible to households and businesses alike. Additionally, government-backed incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans could spur investment in DRE projects, stimulating economic growth while addressing energy poverty.

Furthermore, investing in DRE infrastructure not only enhances energy access but also mitigates environmental degradation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. By embracing renewable energy, nations like Nigeria can position themselves as leaders in sustainable development, harnessing their abundant natural resources to drive progress while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

The shift towards DRE is not merely a matter of technological advancement but a paradigm shift in governance and energy policy. Governments must prioritise the welfare of their citizens by investing in resilient, decentralised energy systems that provide reliable power and empower communities to thrive. And where the government feels its lacking resource and technical capacities to deliver reliable decentralised energy, it must explore partnership and support the work of development partners and private sector players making bold investment and delivering support to make DRE accessible to Nigerians.

For instance, international partners like All On, is stepping forward to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. Since inception, All On has facilitated over 80,000 off-grid solar connections, revolutionising energy access across the nation. Collaborating with 50 off-grid energy companies, they’ve enabled 8,000+ mini-grid connections, sold 45,000+ solar home systems, and empowered 2,500+ users with solar refrigerators.

Their impact extends beyond numbers: 14 MWh of installed capacity, cutting 29,000+ MT of CO2 emissions, and generating 1,900 kWp of power across 21 mini-grid sites. Moreover, over 400,000 lives have been directly impacted, with 800 jobs created and 560 businesses powered by clean energy, fostering socio-economic growth from the grassroots.

The success of All On’s initiatives underscores the urgency for decentralised renewable energy adoption. Redirecting subsidies towards DRE initiatives could subsidise solar panels, wind turbines, and mini-hydro systems, making renewable technologies accessible to all.

In conclusion, the plight of epileptic power supply underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to transition towards a more sustainable energy future. By shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to Distributed Renewable Energy, governments can not only alleviate the burden on citizens but also catalyse a green energy revolution that benefits both people and the planet.

As Nigeria navigates towards a greener future, partnerships like All On exemplify the transformative power of decentralised renewable energy. Together, we can illuminate a path towards prosperity, driven by clean, decentralised energy solutions that empower communities and protect the environment. It’s time to shift subsidies, energise communities, and embrace a brighter tomorrow for all.

Let’s Light up Nigeria.

Chisom Clement John is with REAN, Abuja

EU climate policy: How the EU could regulate carbon removal

Climate Change

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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EU climate policy: How the EU could regulate carbon removal

For the EU to effectively remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere in the future, it is not only important to develop the technical capabilities but also to have a proper regulatory structure in place.

In a new study, a research team led by PIK Director, Ottmar Edenhofer, presents an economically sound concept for this. A European carbon central bank that is to be established plays a key role in the concept.

The EU has passed far-reaching resolutions for the rapid reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As in the energy and industry sectors, it will also cap CO2 emissions in the problem sectors of heating and transport from 2027 onwards by means of emissions trading in order to achieve climate neutrality. Unavoidable residual emissions are to be offset primarily by technologies in which CO2 is directly or indirectly removed from the atmosphere and then stored.

“Carbon removal as the second pillar of climate protection will cost us a lot of money in the second half of the century – estimates range from 0.3 to 3 percent of global economic output,” says Ottmar Edenhofer, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and one of the authors. “We provide a very concrete concept of how this Herculean task can be accomplished.”

Linking EU subsidies to the permanence of CO2 extraction

The study, published in the journal FinanzArchiv, addresses the issue of carbon removal from an economic point of view: Just as regulators make CO2 emissions more expensive in order to limit their negative consequences, they should subsidize CO2 removal.

Max Franks, PIK researcher and co-author of the study, explains: “As a basic principle for cost minimisation, the price for removing and permanently storing one ton of CO2 should be equal to the price for emitting one ton of CO2 into the atmosphere. A notable challenge is addressing the issue of non-permanent CO2 removal, where the greenhouse gas needs to be repeatedly taken out of the atmosphere.”

Seemingly cheap land-based options, such as afforestation or carbon sequestration in farmland, can thus become decisively less attractive compared to, for example, air filter systems with permanent underground storage. Therefore, it seems sensible to initially link EU subsidies to the permanence of extraction (“upstream pricing”), the authors conclude.

Only when CO2 emissions in the land sector have also been comprehensively determined and are subject to pricing can withdrawals be subsidised indiscriminately. The four key levers are quantity control of net emissions, regulation of liability for non-permanent removals, financial support for expansion and innovation of carbon removal, and certification of providers.

For the first two tasks, the study proposes a European Carbon Central Bank, plus two further authorities for financing and quality control. According to the study authors, this proposal would be quite feasible under the current EU political architecture.

Food matters: Healthy diets increase economic, physical feasibility of 1.5°C – Study

Climate Change

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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Food matters: Healthy diets increase economic, physical feasibility of 1.5°C – Study

A global shift to a healthier, more sustainable diet could be a huge lever to limit global warming to 1.5°C, researchers at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) find.

The resulting reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would increase the available carbon budget compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and allow to achieve the same climate outcome with less carbon dioxide removal and less stringent CO2 emissions reductions in the energy system. This would also reduce emission prices, energy prices and food expenditures.

“We find that a more sustainable, flexitarian diet increases the feasibility of the Paris Agreement climate goals in different ways,” says Florian Humpenöder, PIK scientist and co-lead author of the study published in Science Advances.

“The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions related to dietary shifts, especially methane from ruminant animals raised for their meat and milk, would allow us to extend our current global CO2 budget of 500 gigatons by 125 gigatons and still stay within the limits of 1.5°C with a 50 percent chance,” he adds.

Putting a price on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the energy and land system is an important policy instrument to stay within the limits of 1.5°C warming.

“Our results show that compared to continued dietary trends, a more sustainable diet not only reduces impacts from food production within the land system, such as deforestation and nitrogen losses. It also reduces GHG emissions from the land system to such an extent that it cuts economy-wide 1.5°C-compatible GHG prices in 2050 by 43 percent,” explains co-lead author, Alexander Popp, leader of the working group land-use management at PIK.

“Moreover, healthy diets would also reduce our dependency on carbon dioxide removal in 2050 by 39 percent,” he adds.

Flexitarian diet could make a marked difference for the feasibility of the 1.5°C target

Up to now, existing literature did not allow to single-out the contribution of dietary shifts alone for the feasibility of the 1.5°C limit. In the new study, PIK scientists investigated how dietary shifts would contribute towards the feasibility of 1.5°C transformation pathways relative to a scenario without dietary shifts.

The researchers used the open-source Integrated Assessment Modelling framework REMIND-MAgPIE to simulate 1.5°C pathways, one including dietary shifts towards the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet by 2050 in all world regions.

“The EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet is a flexitarian diet predominantly featuring a wide variety of plant-based foods, a marked reduction of livestock products especially in high- and middle-income regions, and restricted intake of added sugars, among other things,” says co-author Isabelle Weindl from PIK.

However, considerable challenges are yet to be addressed: Decision-making in food policy is often dispersed across different institutions and ministries, which hinders the implementation of coherent policies in support of healthy diets. Moreover, social inclusion and compensation schemes are central for a just transition to healthy diets, the authors state.

The results indicate that a shift in our diets could make a considerable difference if we do not want to crash through the 1.5°C limit in the next 10 to 15 years.

“This calls for globally concerted efforts to support the transition towards sustainable healthy diets,” concludes Johan Rockström, PIK director and co-author of the study.

We must tackle underlying causes of insecurity to achieve energy stability – Lokpobiri

Oil & Gas

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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We must tackle underlying causes of insecurity to achieve energy stability – Lokpobiri

The Federal Government says addressing the underlying socio-economic causes of insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment, is crucial to achieving lasting stability in the energy sector.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), said this at the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum 2024 (OLEF), organised on Thursday, March 28, in Abuja by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

“This can be addressed through implementation of the Host Community Trust Fund, Gas Infrastructure Fund and other intervention mechanism,” he said.

The SPE-OLEF, hosted by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has its theme as “Stability in the Energy Sector: Integrated Strategies for Infrastructure, Transportation and Security”.

The OLEF, which commenced in 1991, is focused on contributing to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry policy development, in commemoration of the first commercial oil discovery in Nigeria by Shell D’Arcy at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State in 1956.

Lokpobiri, represented by Mr Kamoru Busari, Director, Upstream of the ministry, said over the years, insecurity had posed as one of the most pressing challenges to stability in the Nigerian energy sector.

He said there had been cases of pipeline vandalism, oil theft and sabotage that had caused significant threat to the sustenance of the country’s energy infrastructure and smooth operations.

The minister said that concerted efforts were being made to address the security threats in the sector, with the awarding of surveillance contract to Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited.

This, he said, had culminated in substantial increase in oil production.

He said the government would continue to explore better ways resolving some of the bottlenecks in the sector especially through the use of modern technological.

“Government is open to harness all possible advancement pathways by implementing policies and promoting partnerships that will transform the current energy system to a low-carbon energy system, with hydro, solar and natural gas playing important roles.

“Nigeria is working towards achieving its Energy Transition Plan goals, which involves significant emission reductions across key areas like power, cooking, oil and gas, transport and industry with an ultimate target for carbon neutrality by 2060,’’ he said.

According to the minister, areas of infrastructure, transportation and security are fundamental to the efficient functioning of the energy sector and its inter-dependent to ensure stability and sustainability.

He said following the strong commitment made by President Bola Tinubu at the recent COP28, there was an ongoing robust approach by the government to revamp the energy sector.

This, he said, was not only being implemented domestically but was being extended to the international communities through friendly competitions of energy supply to the international market.

In the theme lecture presentation, Mr Abdulrahman Mijinyawa, General Manager, Development and Subsurface Nigeria, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), said Nigeria’s energy infrastructure was largely inadequate, mostly outdated and often damaged.

Mijinyawa, while saying that products were not getting to the desired destination, explained that transportation was a critical aspect of the energy sector for enabling movement of products.

He said for an improved transport system, transport cost should be streamlined, logistic overhead reduced, while public private partnership should be encouraged to fund intermodal connectivity.

According to him, good policies, fiscal incentives, integration and collaboration would go a long way to unlock the industry challenges.

By Emmanuella Anokam

Uganda faces malaria funding crisis as int’l donors withdraw support

Health

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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Uganda faces malaria funding crisis as int’l donors withdraw support

Uganda’s Ministry of Health said on Friday, March 29, 2024, that international donors have significantly cut funding for malaria projects in the country over global crises, including conflicts and climate change.

Jimmy Opigo, Head of the National Malaria Control Division at the ministry, said this at a news conference in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

He said the withdrawal of external funding would have adverse effects on malaria control and treatment costs in the East African country.

“The cost of malaria control in public health has been 95 per cent donor dependent.

“The funding has been allocated to mosquito nets for prevention, residual indoor spraying, test kits for malaria, and first and second-line malaria treatment.

“And this treatment is in both the private and public sectors, which the donors have been subsidising,” said Opigo.

Minister of Health, Ruth Aceng, told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday that the donors were turning their focus on global issues, like conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as well as climate change activities.

Aceng also raised concerns about Uganda’s heavy reliance on donor funding for the health sector, revealing that 85 per cent of the country’s health budget for the financial year 2024/2025 was externally funded.

According to the World Health Organisation, Uganda has one of the highest malaria incidence rates in the world, accounting for about five per cent of all cases worldwide.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, out of every 10 sick people in Uganda, three have malaria.

Among children under five years of age admitted to hospitals, six out of 10 have malaria and face the risk of death.

Additionally, out of every 100 pregnant women, 20 have malaria, putting both their lives and the lives of their babies at risk.

USAID, SON partner to tackle lead poisoning in Nigeria

Health

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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USAID, SON partner to tackle lead poisoning in Nigeria

The United States Government through its Agency for International Development (USAID) has agreed to collaborate with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) towards mitigating cases of lead poisoning in Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the U.S. Embassy, Aisha Gambari, in Abuja.

Gambari said that USAID’s Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa Jones, made this known during a courtesy visit to SON’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, in Abuja.

Gambari explained that the partnership included plans to enhance surveillance, regulation, and enforcement of standards related to consumer goods and paints in Nigeria.

“USAID is committed to leading the Government of Nigeria’s mitigation efforts to save Nigerian children from further risk of lead exposure.

“USAID will provide technical assistance to SON to raise awareness about the safe use of products that contain lead, support Nigeria in joining the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint Alliance).

“It will aid SON in enacting legislation to identify lead-containing products and its manufacturers, while SON will lead engagement with other federal agencies working on lead removal in high-risk communities,” the statement quoted Jones as saying.

She said Okeke explained that to limit lead in consumer goods and paints, SON had adopted global and regional standards prohibiting the production and importation of paint products with lead concentration beyond 90 parts per million.

He said that in April 2024, SON would participate in a U.S.-Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting, to contribute to technical discussions on policy framework, regulation, and sensitisation on lead mitigation in Nigeria.

“A 2011 survey by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that unsafe mining and ore processing are the leading causes of lead poisoning in Nigeria.

“USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help nations progress beyond assistance.

“In Nigeria, USAID supports health systems strengthening, transparent and accountable governance, basic education, and a more market-led, trade-friendly economy,” she further said.

Lead can affect individuals of any age, but children are particularly vulnerable due to their behavioral patterns and susceptibility to toxicity at lower exposure levels.

Globally, an estimated one-third of children have blood lead concentrations that impair cognitive development and contribute to learning disabilities and attention deficits.

By Mark Longyen

Easter: LAWMA urges responsible waste management

Waste Management

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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Easter: LAWMA urges responsible waste management

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged the residents of the state to ensure a clean and sustainable environment through responsible waste management practices.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, gave the advice in a statement on Friday, March 29, 2024, against the backdrop of the Easter celebration.

Gbadegesin urged residents to shun indiscriminate waste disposal and embrace recycling as integral components of their Easter festivities.

“Easter symbolises joy and renewal, but it also serves as a reminder of our duty to preserve the environment for future generations.

“LAWMA implores all residents to prioritise sustainable waste management practices during this festive period by minimising waste generation and actively participating in recycling efforts.

“It is also important to highlight the need for residents to avoid food wastage and use only materials that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, to minimise environmental impact.

“The Easter festivities provide an excellent opportunity for individuals and communities to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability,” Gbadegesin said.

He encouraged residents to make use of designated waste collection points and recycling facilities across the state.

He added that the authority would continue to sensitise the populace on proper waste management during and after the celebration.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability, LAWMA has launched several initiatives aimed at encouraging recycling and waste reduction.

“These include community clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses and organisations,” he added.

He noted that by working together and engaging in recycling practices, “we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for all”.

While wishing Lagos residents a happy Easter celebration, the LAWMA boss urged them to bag and containerise their waste for fast and seamless evacuation by assigned Private Sector Participants (PSPs) operators.

He assured residents that the authority would provide backup services to complement efforts of PSPs.

Gbadegesin urged motorists to drive with caution to safeguard the lives of sanitation workers carrying out their duties during this period.

By Fabian Ekeruche

2023: NCF planted over 2,000 trees in Lagos – Official

Conservation

Michael Simire

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March 29, 2024

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2023: NCF planted over 2,000 trees in Lagos – Official

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has said that it planted over 2,000 trees across Lagos State to safeguard the ecosystem in 2023.

The NCF Head of Communications, Mr Oladapo Soneye, said this while speaking to journalists at the reopening of the Lekki Conservation Centre on Friday, March 29, 2024, in Lagos.

Soneye noted that the tree planting was in line with its Green Recovery Nigeria programme.

“Our Green Recovery Nigeria programme is the flagship programme for our tree planting activity, forest restoration and afforestation programme.

“Tree planting falls under this programme and we have been doing this for years. The programme was initiated in 2017.

“Last year, we planted over 2,000 trees, so this year, we will plant more, depending on the availability of fund and partnership.

“As you know, non-governmental organsations do not have money to execute any project but partners,” he said.

Soneye said the foundation was ready to plant as many trees as possible if there were partners.

“If we have state government or Federal Government agencies that are ready to give us land and money, we are always ready to plant trees,” he said.

On the reopening of the Lekki Conservation Centre, Soneye said that the shutdown was to achieve a greater experience for tourists.

“After festival periods, we shut down for maintenance and checks to be sure the facilities are in good order.

“In the course of our maintenance, we discovered that we need to do some repairs, so we extended it.

“The Lagos State Government and Lagos State Safety Commission visited the Lekki Conservation Centre to conduct an on-site assessment of the maintenance and repairs on the facilities.

“We made repairs on the canopy walk, board walk and some facilities around the family park was also repaired,” he said.

Soneye who said that millions of naira were spent to enable tourists to enjoy nature, added that the centre would be opened daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.

“Because this is an eco-tourist centre during festive period, we always expect large crowds.

“Any visit here is a memorable experience. You have all manner of snakes, monkeys and animals. We have a tree house which is the tallest tree in this forest.