Global unemployment is expected to rise in 2024, with glowing inequality and stagnant productivity also a cause for concern on the economic horizon, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned.
Gilbert F. Houngbo, ILO Director-General
ILO gave the warning in a statement on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
The UN labour agency stated that just over five per cent of the world’s workforce is without a job, according to the World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2024 report.
This is a better situation than before the pandemic but it isn’t set to last, as an extra two million people are expected to be looking for a job over the next 12 months, the ILO said.
The UN agency’s findings chime with a new World Bank report released on Tuesday, indicating that the global economy is on track for the slowest half-decade of growth in 30 years.
In addition to the uncertain jobs market outlook, ILO noted that the majority of the world’s richest nations had seen living standards eroded, because of inflation, which is now in decline in many major economies.
The erosion of living standards resulting from inflation is,“unlikely to be compensated quickly”, the UN agency said.
ILO experts underscored that there were significant differences between higher and lower income countries. While the jobs gap rate (the number of jobless who are looking for work) in 2023 was 8.2 per cent in richer nations, it stood at 20.5 per cent in poorer countries.
Similarly, while the 2023 unemployment rate stuck at 4.5 per cent for wealthier countries, it was 5.7 per cent in low-income countries.
ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo, warned that “falling living standards and weak productivity combined with persistent inflation create the conditions for greater inequality and undermine efforts to achieve social justice.
“And without greater social justice we will never have a sustainable recovery.” He called for workforce challenges overall to be tackled “quickly and effectively.”
Despite quickly declining after 2020, the number of workers living in extreme poverty (earning less than US$2.15 per person per day) grew by about a million in 2023.
“Income inequality has also widened, the trends show the erosion of real disposable income, bodes ill for aggregate demand and a more sustained economic recovery.”
Despite various policy initiatives to tackle the underground economy, the number of people employed informally is expected to remain static, accounting for around 58 per cent of the global workforce in 2024.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency in May 2023 but the aftershocks of the pandemic were still being felt, the ILO report revealed.
Residual symptoms and health problems for those 20 per cent or so who suffered ‘long COVID’ persist for many and have impacted productivity.”
Many who re-entered the labour market post-pandemic tended not to be working the same number of hours while the number of sick days taken had increased significantly.
Women’s participation in the job market had bounced back quickly but a notable gender gap still persisted, especially in emerging and developing nations. Youth unemployment rates continued to present a challenge.
The report also found that despite technological advances and increased investment, productivity growth had continued to slow.
The Nigerian Navy has lunched “Operations Delta Sanity” to further combat crude oil theft and other criminalities in the nation’s maritime space.
Crude oil theft in the Nigerian Niger Delta region
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, flagged-off the Operation on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the NPA Jetty, Warri, Delta.
“Operation Delta Sanity” replaces Operation Dakatar Da Barawo.
In his remark, the CNS said that Operation Delta Sanity was timely, considering the renewed effort of the Federal Government toward attaining sustainable development of Blue Economy.
He said that Operation Dakatar Da Barawo was launched in April 2022 to stern the tide of crude oil theft.
Ogalla said that the menace of crude oil theft and illegal bunkering had constituted a substantial threat to the nation’s economic prosperity.
“As of December 2021, Nigeria’s crude oil production had fallen from 1.579 million barrels in 2020 to 1.197 million barrels.
“This loss was attributed to pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and operation of Illegal Refining Sites (IRS).
“Accordingly, no effort should be spared in combatting oil theft which constitutes a grave national security threat,” he said.
The naval chief said that it was on this premise that the Operation Dakatar Da Barawo was launched.
He said that during the operation, the Navy engaged in kinetic and non-kinetic initiatives across the Niger Delta.
The Naval chief said this led to arrest of several vessels and crude oil and refined products.
“These include the landmark arrest of MT Heroic Idun in Aug. 22, which prevented the theft of about three million barrels of crude oil.
“A total value of over N105 billion worth of crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products were seized during the operation.
“As a result of the Operation Dakatar Da Barawo, as at September 2023, Nigeria’s crude oil output rose to 1.35 million barrels per day, from about 1 million barrels per day.
“It peaked at 1.57 million barrels per day in October 2023.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to terminate Operation Dakatar Da Barawo and Flag-off Operation Delta Sanity.
“I wish all the officers and ratings of participating units fair winds and following seas,” he said.
The CNS said that the Blue Economy initiative of President Bola Tinubu sought to maximise the Nation’s potential by deriving optimal benefits from Nigerian Maritime Environment for economic prosperity.
He said that the initiative beholds on the Navy to rejig the ongoing anti-crude oil theft, anti-illegal bunkering and related operations.
Ogalla said that the Navy conducts its military, policing and diplomatic roles in line with its constitutional mandate.
He said that the Navy policing role encompassed enforcing and assisting in coordinating the enforcement of anti-bunkering laws of Nigeria.
The naval chief stressed the need to ensure greater integration of Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to enhance situational awareness of the Area of Operations.
He said renewed strategy on environmentally sustainable handling of seized products, and arrested vessels had been reconstituted under Operation Delta Sanity.
“The operation will incorporate complimentary kinetic and non-kinetic measures to consolidate the successes of the Operation Dakatar Da Barawo in the Niger Delta area, “he said.
He charged all participating commands, units and establishments to strive towards realising the desired operational objectives of Operation Delta Sanity.
“I seek the support of concerned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as maritime stakeholders to ensure the success of this Operation.
“I believe that all hands will be on deck towards achieving the desired objectives of this Operation.
“This would foster the much-desired economic recovery and development of our great nation,” he said.
The naval chief thanked Tinubu for his continuous support to the Nigerian Navy.
Also speaking, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta thanked the Navy for the new initiative and promised to offer support.
Oborevwori was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu.
In a remark, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), thanked the Navy for ridding Nigeria’s maritime environment of crimes.
He said that the Navy made giant strides in its maritime policing efforts in line with its constitutional mandate, especially through prevention of oil theft and others.
Hr urged all participating units and formations to pursue the desired operational objectives of Operation Delta Sanity vigorously and sincerely.
“I equally solicit the support of all stakeholders and partners to the Navy so that we can derive optimal benefits from this noble initiative,” he said.
The CNS also inaugurated a building project at the premises of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.
In attendance were Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, Commander, Joint TaskForce (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS); Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle represented by Director of Navy, Dr Raji Ogunsola; and Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya.
Others are Mr Austin Oruoye, member representing Warri South Constituency, representatives of other military and paramilitary, among others.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to ensure food security in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this when Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State paid him a courtesy call on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Abuja.
He said that Katsina State remained one of the frontline states in the quest to achieve President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“There is no gainsaying that we are out to achieve Mr President’s agenda of food security, poverty reduction and job creation,” he said.
Kyari said that the ministry was also committed to achieving the Federal Government’s plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of arable lands to ensure food security.
“Like I mentioned before, we have to collaborate with the states and local governments to come up with genuine and verifiable farmers list.
“This is very important because we have to know who the real farmers are, and by so doing we have to collaborate with the local authorities.
“This is so they can buy into our programmes, and so we can succeed in what we set out to do,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. Radda disclosed that insecurity affecting food production and security of lives and property had been reduced by 70 per cent in Katsina.
Radda said that without adequately tackling insecurity, there couldn’t be food production due to the activities of criminal elements in the state.
He said that these criminal elements had previously made it very tough for farmers to access their farms.
The governor said that plans were underway to revive the livestock industry in the state.
“We want to revive the livestock industry, and we want to create a livestock centre in Katsina, which will encompass everything from fattening and pasture development to artificial insemination centres.
“It will also include meat processing and cooling chains, use of cargo terminal in the state in agreement with neighbouring countries to export meat products.
“We want to process cow meat and take it to Lagos, and that is a huge investment; we are looking for a lot of partners who are interested in this initiative.
“Katsina is also the highest producer of maize in this country.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security should give Katsina a priority in maize production, just as Jigawa was given priority in wheat production,” Radda said.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, visited the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe. and the Commissioner for Insurance of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Sunday Olorundare Thomas, at their respective offices in Abuja.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, in a handshake with the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, after the visit of the visit of the Executive Secretary to the NUPRC’s chief executive on Tuesday in Abuja
The visit by the new NCDMB boss was aimed at familiarising himself with chief executives of institutions that are represented on the NCDMB’s Governing Council as well as exploring areas of collaboration.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary conveyed the willingness of the NCDMB to deepen its partnership with key agencies of the Federal Government to achieve the economic aspirations of President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that cooperation and teamwork were key to accomplishing any noble objective.
He promised that NCDMB would work closely with NAICOM to review and operationalise the insurance services regulations jointly issued by both agencies in June 2022, to get Nigerian oil and gas companies to patronise local insurance firms and retain spend in the economy.
The Commissioner for Insurance of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas, congratulated the Executive Secretary on his appointment, noting that he would be building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors. He described NCDMB as a formidable institution and commended the founding fathers of the Board for their foresight in creating such an important agency. He also lauded the former Executive Secretaries of the NCDMB for their innovative projects and achievements while in office that added value to the economy.
The Commissioner for Insurance described insurance as the oxygen of business operations. He expressed concern that the insurance services regulations that were signed by the commission and NCDMB were yet to be implemented. He requested the Executive Secretary to address the challenges, hinting that implementing the regulations would bring the needed changes in the insurance subsector of the oil and gas industry before being extended to other key sectors of the economy.
At the NUPRC, the Executive Secretary reiterated the need for teamwork and partnership amongst various agencies under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to sustain the growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. He hinted that collaboration would create an enabling environment that would attract investments and new projects into the sector, helping to create employment opportunities for youths and address insecurity in the polity.
While noting that Local Content development would be stunted if projects and investments in the oil and gas sector do not flourish, the Executive Secretary suggested that NCDMB and NUPRC should organize workshops to examine and resolve concerns identified by investors as obstacles to investments and new projects. He hinted that investment decisions by international oil and gas companies are often affected by their assessment of their Return on Investments (ROI).
In his comments, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, congratulated the Executive Secretary on his appointment, noting that the industry was pleased to have a person of his pedigree as the new helmsman of the NCDMB.
The NUPRC’s boss highlighted the important role of the NCDMB in the operations of the upstream sector of the petroleum industry and commended the new Executive Secretary for seeking closer cooperation among the agencies. He described the move as expedient, especially at a time when every hand is on the deck towards increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production, earning higher revenue for the nation, and reviving the economy.
He remarked that the Nigerian upstream sector is facing severe pressures because of the low crude oil production and lack of investment in recent years. He pointed out that the energy map of the world had changed considerably with the emergence of several new oil-producing countries. This situation he said, had induced a high level of competitiveness for investment capital, stressing that strategic actions must be taken to make the Nigerian environment investor friendly.
According to him, “we must vacate entry barriers for investment. This is common logic when there is high competition. We need to work together to lower barriers and do everything possible to motivate investment.”
He assured that the NUPRC would partner closely with the NCDMB to achieve some of the programmes it had planned for 2024.
The Network of Civil Society in Environment has expressed deep concerns over climate change, while reviewing the draft climate change policy for Kaduna State.
Members of the Network of Civil Society in Environment in Kaduna
The review was in collaboration with Open Gov Innovation Hub Kaduna, and Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanism.
At a one-day technical session to review the state’s draft climate change policy on Monday, January 8, 2024, in Kaduna, the state capital, the Coordinator of the network, Gloria Bulus, recalled that, in 2023, the Kaduna State Government developed a climate change policy document.
She explained that the review was to see through the opportunities and gaps in the documents and come up with observations.
“The document was validated last year where there seems to be no consultation with the CSOs. We feel we are critical stakeholders in terms of developing any document within the state which upholds participatory governance through the Open Government Partnership,” she said.
She added that the review would provide avenue to develop key observations and recommendations to influence the policy document, while assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the policy in addressing the current and projected impacts of climate change on the state and its people.
Bulus, who doubles as the Executive Director of Bridge That Gap Initiative, stated that in proferring solutions to climate change issues, all hands must be on deck, adding that the policy document did not came about through wider consultation.
“The critical things we need to see in the documents were not there; there are alot of irregularities, it is not rushing to have a document, but to ensure quality and a document that reflects a true reality,” she said.
Speaking further, the Coordinator explained that the issues of climate change were cut crossing, which calls for multi-sectoral synergy to address them.
She mentioned the health, agriculture, education, transportation and other sectors which are affected by climate change.
Also, Mr Abel Adejor, the State Lead of Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn (PERL), said the environment is full of opportunities, and the world emphasis is on it globally.
He added that even development partners are making emphasis on climate change because they understandd its impact and roles it plays in different sectors.
“Programmes that have components of climate change keep coming in, where some come solely on it. There are quite alot of opportunities for the government, individuals and CSOs to also tap into it.
“The impact of climate change affects everybody, the level of vulnerability however differs. There are quite a lot of opportunities for us in terms of accessing funds to enable us build resilience to put in mitigation and adaptation strategies,” Adejor said.
Speaking further, Adejor said that most of the donors now support accountability mechanisms.
He urged the media to keep up to the responsibility of engaging the policy makers in the state in order to put them on a spotlight to know the impacts they have made in their constituents on projects and others endeavours aimed at mitigating climate change.
The Heads of States and Government of the African Union met in June 2014, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and adopted two decisions and two declarations which are directly related to Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA)
The CAADP signposts Africa’s ambitious agriculture transformation and food security agenda in the 2015-2025 decade.
It is Africa’s policy framework for wealth creation, food security and nutrition, economic growth and prosperity.
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) prioritised the integration of science-driven innovations into its programmes and initiatives throughout Africa, supported by solution-focused research and development.
The AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, and Innovation (CoE-STI) is leading an endeavour to harness the potential of genome editing, a rapidly evolving suite of biotechnology tools.
Food security experts say the primary objective of the initiative is to promote the widespread adoption of genome editing tools among AU Member States.
They say it will focus on effective science communication and advocacy to drive viable and competitive agricultural and agro-industry transformation.
According to crop genetic experts, genome editing comprises a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism’s DNA.
These technologies allow addition, removal, alteration of genetic material at particular locations in the genome.
President Bola Tinubu has declared state of emergency on food security to underscore his administration’s recognition of agriculture as a key element in national development and wealth creation.
Biotechnologists and other experts speak favourably about the efficacy of the technology when applied in agriculture, attesting to its ability to revitalise productivity by developing crops and livestock with high nutritional qualities.
“The growing population strains available resources and raises food consumption. Rising demand exacerbates inflation, worsening people’s living conditions.
“As the population grows so will the demand for food. An increase in demand that is not balanced by an increase in production will demand exceeding supply, resulting in food insecurity,’’ said Tersoo Tavershima and his team of researchers in a study.
The study on “Food Security and Population Growth in Nigeria” was published in Direct Research Journal of Agriculture and Food Science.
Apart from economic downturns and conflict, it is believed that climate change is also a key driver of food insecurity and genome editing is said to be a climate smart technology.
Recently, Tinubu launched a national agriculture extension policy document targeted at driving increased food production and development.
However, in the bid to boost food production, the government would do well to also consider leveraging CoE-STI genome editing initiative.
In December 2022, in collaboration with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), CoE-STI hosted a six-day writing workshop and policy dialogue on genome editing technology.
Dr Adeleke Mamora, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, who was represented by the Minister of State, Chief Henry Ikoh, said Africa was positioned to benefit from the technology of genome editing.
He said it was the responsibility of governments to strengthen capacities to keep up with the dynamism of the technology.
Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Supervisor at the CoE-STI disclosed that the initiative was meant to increase crop productivity and engender economic growth on the continent.
He said that agriculture would play a crucial role for the Agenda 2063, Africa’s development blueprint, to be achieved.
In July 2023, the CoE-STI of AUDA-NEPAD with NABDA, convened another workshop to review and validate genome editing communication strategy for Nigeria.
Akinbo said that the technology has been accepted by some African countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswantini and Ethiopia.
“We believe that innovation leads to a prosperous nation, hence it is paramount that policy makers should be able to identify and acknowledge the benefits of innovation.
“The mandate of the Centre of Excellence is to drive the implementation of Agenda 2063 which has the slogan ‘The Africa we want’. Africa is tired of policies without implementation,’’ Akinbo said.
Akinbo said Nigeria has lots of experts in the field, adding that all they required was to be given the enabling environment to contribute their quota to food security.
He said with Nigeria’s estimated 200 million population and the growing food need Nigeria should key into the technology.
He advised that Nigeria should take advantage and opportunities offered by agriculture to grow its GDP instead of over dependence on the oil sector.
Similarly, Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, Acting Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, NABDA, and Facilitator of the CoE-STI genome editing initiative, said Nigeria needed the technology.
“The efforts that we are putting in it is because it is important that Nigeria does not miss out of this technology.
“We have started well and this workshop is to crown our efforts in ensuring that we are able to adopt and adapt this technology at all levels.
“If we are successful, it is going to have an impact on the development in Nigeria, especially when it comes to food security because this technology is precise,’’ Solebo said.
She further said that genome editing would improve crop productivity by enhancing the characteristics and traits that were giving farmers problems.
She expressed optimism that the successful domestication of the technology in Nigeria would translate to enhanced agricultural productivity.
In November 2023, the CoE-STI of the AUDA NEPAD held the first series of its virtual regional engagements: Genome Editing to Optimise Agriculture in Africa, which was to enhance genome editing and produce development.
The meeting, which was moderated by Akinbo, served as a platform for uniting diverse stakeholders, fostering collaborative learning, and advancing genome editing in agriculture.
During the technical and practical considerations, a participant, Prof. Charles Adetunji, Director of Research and Innovation, Edo State University, highlighted the successful role genome editing played in effective management of pests and diseases.
Prof. Steve Runo of Kenyatta University expanded on the broader spectrum of genome editing products currently under development, encompassing maize, sorghum, teff, and rice.
In addressing the overarching landscape of genome editing, he underscored the critical necessity of harmonising legislation and guidelines.
He also advocated leveraging regional blocs to facilitate the harmonisation of guidelines and legislation, thereby streamlining the genome editing process across diverse African nations.
In December 2023, again, the AUDA-NEPAD CoE-STI in collaboration with the NABDA, via a two-day workshop, further sought to promote the inclusion of genome editing into Nigerian university education curriculum.
The workshop was organsised to strengthen institutional capacity in genome editing and biotechnology through strategic alliances with Nigerian Universities and agricultural research institutions.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, NABDA Director-General, said the workshop marked a pivotal moment in the collective efforts to propel Nigeria’s agriculture sector towards sustainable development.
He said genome editing and biotechnology were at the forefront of scientific advancements, offering unprecedented opportunities to revolutionalise agriculture.
Prof. Lawal Bilbis, Vice-Chancellor, Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, said the technology had continued to advance knowledge and urged canvassed its introduction into the curriculum of Nigerian universities.
Prof. Julian Osuji, Director, Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Bioresources Research, said: “For the desired results to be achieved, government should be prepared to equip the programmes.
“Government should be ready to provide the equipment because having it done theoretically without practical knowledge would make it redundant.”
By Sylvester Thompson, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
No fewer than 15,000 most vulnerable households affected by 2022/23 flood are to benefit from Federal Government Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) in Borno State.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State
The Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Habib, made this known in Maiduguri, the state capital, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the commencement of the intervention for victims in Borno.
Habib, represented by the Team Leader of SNELEI in Borno, Mr Aliyu Shehu, said 660,884 households were selected and verified to benefit from the intervention nationwide.
“This intervention is also expected to drive the sustainable socio-economic resilience of the targeted most vulnerable individuals.
“NEMA staff were deployed to conduct the verification of the target beneficiaries in collaboration with personnel from SEMAs, State Agricultural Development Project and other relevant stakeholders,” Habib said.
He explained that each household was entitled to food items and non food items, agricultural inputs and livelihood support of grinding and sewing machines.
In his remarks, the North East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Sirajo Abdullahi, urged beneficiaries not to sale the items but to make better use of them for maximum result in their recovery process.
Also speaking, the Secretary of Borno State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Mohammed Sheriff, lauded the intervention by the Federal Government, describing it as “a commitment to building a resilient nation”.
The Chairman of Hawul, Mr Inuwa Bwala, his counterpart of Maiduguri Metropolitan, Mr Tijjani Bolori, and that of Chibok, Mr Umar Ibrahim, who spoke for beneficiaries, lauded the intervention, particularly the involvement of local governments in the distribution exercise.
They said their involvement would ensure that the items were delivered to the targeted beneficiaries at the rural areas.
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno while presenting the items to some of the beneficiaries, lauded Federal Government for the gesture which he said would go a long way in empowering the affected households.
Zulum, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the success of such interventions.
He said that the intervention was aimed at improving the livelihood of citizens recovering from disasters in the state.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Nigeria has destroyed a total of 2.5 tonnes of confiscated wildlife stockpiles – ivories and elephant tusks – under its custody.
Elephant ivory
Dr Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, disclosed this at the crushing/ pulverisation exercise on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Abuja.
The minister reaffirmed government’s zero tolerance for wildlife trafficking.
Salako said that the destruction of the products was a move to combat the illegal ivory trade and protect dwindling elephant population.
It is the first-ever ivory crush destroying significant stockpiles of confiscated elephant tusks weighing 2.5 tonnes.
“This accumulated confiscated wildlife specimen which has been properly stored and documented by NESREA in its Temporary Holding Facilities (THF) are gradually becoming over stretched.
“While there is the need to create more space in the Holding Facilities for safe keep of future seizures, many of these specimens have long been in the storerooms and their viability can no longer be ascertained.
“Therefore, there is need to avoid contracting any animal related diseases by the managers of the store rooms
“Nigeria has opted for the outright destruction of these stockpiles through pulverisation of elephant tusks and ivories, while pangolin scales and other skin products were earlier incinerated on Oct. 16, 2023.
“The option of outright destruction is aimed at showing the entire world that Nigeria is zero tolerant to illegal wildlife trade at any level and to serve as a deterrent to the illicit wildlife traffickers who uses Nigeria as their transit route.
“Today, a total of about 2.5 tonnes of ivories and elephant tusks specimen will be destroyed through the support of the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) African Fund, the US Embassy, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).
“Others are Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Wild African Fund, and other development partners and the Federal Ministry of Environment being the parent ministry,” he said.
In his address, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro, said that the destruction of the confiscated ivory was a tangible step towards stamping wildlife trafficking.
“We stand united against the illegal ivory trade, and our actions today are not only crucial in preserving the majestic elephants for future generations.
“Also in sending a clear message that Nigeria will do whatever it takes to protect our elephants and other endangered wildlife.
“This disposal exercise being witnessed today is strictly guided by the provisions of the International Environmental Convention,” he said
He said the resolutions by the Conference of Parties (COP) allowed member countries to dispose its confiscated live, dead /derivatives and accumulated specimens using the best applicable method(s) in lieu of country’s peculiarity.
Jauro said NESREA had opted for pulverisation to dispose-of the elephant tusk and had earlier incinerated the scaly specimen to reduce emission from open burning that may pollute the environment.
Earlier, Mr Korogone Sinagabe, a representative of the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPI), said that the destruction of the ivory was a demonstration of the determination to end the illegal and destructive elephant trade.
“We must join our efforts to end ivory trafficking and to raise awareness.
“Elephants are entwined in Nigeria’s history and culture, but tragically, today, only a few hundred survive in this country.
“We must inform people of this alarming situation.
“We are pleased to see that the Nigerian authorities are committed to conserving wildlife, for the benefit of current and future generations.
“Together, we can change the course of history, protect our biodiversity and preserve the natural heritage that belongs to all humanity.
“Let us commit ourselves to making this destruction a symbol of our determination to build a future in which the harmonious coexistence of human and wildlife is a cherished objective,” he said.
Nigerian Virologist, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, has called for the assessment and maintenance of COVID-19 infrastructures across the country.
Board Chairman, BIOVACCINE Nigeria Limited (BVNL), Prof. Oyewale Tomori
Tomori, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited (BVNL), said this in an interview on Monday, January 8, 2024, in Abuja.
The professor of virologist emphasised the need to take stock of the investments made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
He stressed the importance of assessing the current state of COVID-19 investments – specially equipped isolation wards, laboratories, oxygen production factories, etc-to determine their functionality across the country.
He highlighted the need for regular provision of funds to ensure the maintenance and continued operation of these facilities.
Furthermore, he proposed integrating the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) with existing epidemiology divisions and departments in each state of the Federation.
He emphasised the necessity of providing funds needed for the basic activities of these divisions, including transportation and funds for field investigation, sample shipment, and laboratory reagents and diagnostics.
“These are sine qua non for effective epidemiological surveillance, early disease detection, reliable laboratory confirmation, and rapid institution ofeffective response,” he said.
He underscored that adequate recurrent funding was essential for sustained and effective disease surveillance in the country.
He also emphasised the importance of prevention over outbreak control, stating that it was more cost-effective to invest in preventive measures.
He urged all the tiers of government to recognise that eternal vigilance is the price of freedom from disease outbreaks.
“We cannot afford to take our eyes off the surveillance ball, therefore, we must regularly and timely allocate sufficient funds accordingly,” he advised.
Atthe onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline healthcare workers received training and infrastructure for managing suspected cases while following safety protocols.
Capacity development targeted isolation facilities, COVID-19 testing, and training, resulting in 131 accredited treatment centers with 7,040 beds in 6 months.
The The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) decentralised testing, leading to 98 operational laboratories by December 31, 2020.
Over 35,500 healthcare workers were trained on infection prevention, and protocols for case management were established.
The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, in collaboration with various partners, played a crucial role in these efforts, conducting regular national case reviews.
The surveillance and epidemiology pillar, led by the NCDC, focused on early case detection, reporting, and coordinated outbreak response through three phases: prevention and preparedness, containment, and control and mitigation.
In the prevention and preparedness phase, the NCDC trained and deployed staff, identified entry points, developed guidelines, and conducted simulation exercises.
The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, destroyed 233 illegal refineries during “Operation Still Waters 3’’ in four states in 2023.
Illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta
The refineries were destroyed in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta and Rivers.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) the division, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, made the declaration on Monday, January 8, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on the side-line of the 2023 West African Social Activities celebration of the army.
He said the division also arrested 1,112 suspected oil thieves during the special military exercise in the four states.
“In 2023, we successfully completed scheduled exercises with a lot of positive gains. Worthy of note is the field training exercise tagged ‘Exercise Still Waters 3’.
“The exercise has gone a long way in curtailing criminal activities and other heinous crimes in the 6 Division’s area of responsibility.
“Over the duration of the exercise, we were able to make 1,112 arrests; destroyed 233 illegal refineries, and seized 1,111,900 million litres of illegally refined petroleum products.
“Troops also impounded 72 trucks and other vehicles and recovered more than 356 arms and ammunitions during the period,’’ he said.
Abdussalam assured that the army would consolidate on its achievements in 2023 to enable the Federal Government to attain its set target for crude oil production in 2024.
According to him, the army can only meet expectations if troops remain dedicated, focussed, and committed in the discharge of their collective responsibilities.
“We must ensure zero tolerance for oil theft and activities that will affect peace and stability across the Niger Delta and the country as a whole.
“We will continue to contentiously perform our constitutional roles to defend democratic values.
“We will not rest, and we will continue to go after criminals who attack us until we get them and make them to pay a higher price for their crimes,’’ Abdussalam stressed.
The GOC also gave the assurance that the division would do whatever it took to ensure that crude oil output rose in 2024.
