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Why traditional leaders must speak now on environmental justice to save Niger Delta’s future

Michael Simire
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Why traditional leaders must speak now on environmental justice to save Niger Delta’s future

Niger Deltans, demanding for environmental justice for pollution and degradation of our lands will be more impactful if our local community and traditional leaders join their voices with that of the youths and shun the temptation of receiving gratification, contracts and employment for their household from the polluting oil companies and their sympathisers. Gas flaring has damaged the respiratory system, unleashed mental health issues and reduced life expectancy in the region to just 43 years, aside destroying the traditional economic means of survival.

Niger Delta traditional rulers
Niger Delta traditional rulers

For over a week now, the people of Gbarantoru community in Bayelsa State have been suffering from intense gas flaring from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility in the midst of the community. Massive gas furnace being flared horizontally has even led to the closure of the only school in that community, due to the noxious fumes being emitted into the atmosphere which is devastatingly compromising their respiratory system.

Families in the area can no longer sleep at night due to excessive heat and massive air pollution. The most painful part is that the residents of the community were not consulted to inform them of the commencement of the flares. We do not know which community will be next to cry out. The government, through its regulators – the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) – needs to wake up to their responsibility.

The IOCs have almost concluded their divestment plans with no strong statement from our traditional leaders to ensure they pay compensations and restore polluted environment before their divestment. Our traditional leaders have forgotten the implication of divestment without environmental restoration, in addition to the environmental damages, the stranded asset, stranded personnel and stranded communities all these the IOCs are leaving for the incoming indigenous companies to inherit, who cannot be held accountable for the previous damages.

We are yet to see any major traditional ruler who has taken a stand in the demand for environmental justice. Our environment is our life. If what we hold sacred, our traditional economy system, which is our only means of building cohesion of the people is almost completely destroyed, what do we have to bequeath to our children and the unborn generation? Our farmlands are completely destroyed. Before oil exploitation in our region, my great-grand father used to share with us the story of the richness of our natural ecosystem and biodiversity in the region.

But, since the advent of oil extraction, the environment and entire natural ecosystem has suffered serious damages – aquatic life, vegetation, forests, land animals and human beings. These have all been greatly and negatively impacted. He also told us that the economic trees like walnuts, mangoes, oranges, and palm oil, among others, were their investment crops, with high yields that come with good economic returns. But, today, these crops only produced, little or no yield, even cassava, yams are also greatly affected. All these are due to environmental pollution – gas flare and oil pollution.

This is the time for our traditional rulers to speak with one voice, and do it now before it is too late. They should join the campaign to #SaveNigerDeltaEnvironmentNow and the demand for environmental audit, remediation, clean energy transition parks/initiatives to create green and environmentally friendly jobs as a sustainable alternative measure and financial compensation for damaged local communities in the region.

Since 1956 when oil was discovered in the region, we have suffered continuous environmental pollution with no substantial benefit for our people. If we must win this struggle against IOCs divestment plans without remediation and compensation, traditional rulers have the greatest role to play. They must stop the quest for personal gratification and self-serving benefits. Together we can make the Niger Delta environment safe again. I do not mind if my life is endangered as I can attest to since after our last local community summit on oil divestment and environmental justice. All I demand is that the truth and justice for our environment must prevail.

By Prince Israel Orekha, executive director of Connected Advocacy, an environmental advocacy group working in the Niger Delta, with the Campaign Save Niger Delta Environment Now

Sam Onuigbo: Dynamics, structures of the National Climate Change Act

Michael Simire
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Sam Onuigbo: Dynamics, structures of the National Climate Change Act

Rep. Sam Onuigbo, Member (South-East) Governing Board and Chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North-East Development Commission, in a keynote address at the Northwest Commissioners’ Summit on Environment and Climate Change in Kano on Thursday, February 29, 2024, stresses that the Nigerian Climate Change Act was designed not only to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also to facilitate adaptation and associated measures that are essential for the sustainability of the environment and the prosperity of the people

Kano Declaration
L- R: Kano State Commissioner of Environment, Nasiru Sule Garo; Founder, Surge Africa Organisation, Nasreen Al-Amin; and Sponsor, Climate Change Act, Rep. Samuel Ifeanyi Oniugbo, at the Northwest Commissioners’ Summit on Environment and Climate Change, in Kano

The imperative of this gathering is that we align our efforts with the objectives outlined in the Nigerian Climate Change Act. This landmark legislation was designed not only to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also to facilitate adaptation and associated measures that are essential for the sustainability of our environment and the prosperity of our people.

Accordingly, Section 1 of the Act captures the overall objectives and states, “This Act provides a framework for achieving low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development…”  In addition, the Act provides in Section 3(1) that “there is established the National Council on Climate Change (in this Act referred to as “The Council”), which shall be vested with powers to make policies and decisions on all matters concerning Climate Change in Nigeria.” Furthermore, Section 5(1) (a-u) list the 23-member Council beginning with the President, Vice-President to the Director-General of the Council.

Flowing from the above, let us first delve into the third objective of the Climate Change Act, which emphasises mainstreaming climate change actions in line with national development priorities. The objective recognises that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a cross-cutting challenge that permeates various sectors of society. For the Northwest Region, climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality, manifesting in the form of extreme weather events as prolonged droughts, desertification, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased temperatures.

All these exert immense pressure on our agricultural systems, water resources, health, infrastructure, transportation, energy, resulting in forced migration, poverty, conflict over scarce resources, as well as insecurity. It is therefore important to state that the devastating consequences of climate change and accompanying insecurity were acknowledged by the United Nations in its Resolution UN/R/63/281 of June 3, 2009.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) underscores the importance of building climate resilience in vulnerable regions, stating that “enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change are complementary approaches for reducing and managing climate-related risks.” This quote underscores the need for proactive measures to enhance our region’s resilience to the impacts of climate change, thereby safeguarding the well-being of our communities and ensuring sustainable development.

In 2005, the Africa Union, conceived the idea of forming The Great Green Wall covering 11 countries in the Sahel-Sahara region from Senegal on the West to Djibouti on the East, to “combat desertification, improve soil fertility, and promote sustainable land use practices.” The Great Green Wall, which was launched in 2007, is home to 232 million people across 11 countries.

It should be emphasised that six out of the seven states in the Northwest Region, namely, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, occupy a significant portion of the arid zone states in Nigeria, captured by the Pan African Great-Green Wall.  The other arid zone states recognised by the Great Green Wall are in the Northeast Region, and they are Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe.

To illustrate the urgency of this objective, let us consider some pertinent findings specific to the Northwest region. According to recent studies conducted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), temperatures in the region have been steadily rising over the past few decades, with projections indicating further increases in the coming years. This trend not only exacerbates heat-related health risks but also poses challenges to agricultural productivity, as certain crops become less viable under higher temperatures.

The World Bank estimates that climate-related shocks such as droughts and floods, which have increased in frequency and intensity, have the potential to push millions of people in Nigeria into poverty, with the Northwest being particularly vulnerable due to its arid and semi-arid climate.

The UNFCCC emphasises the importance of mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation into national and subnational policies, stating that “integrating climate change considerations into development planning can help identify synergies and trade-offs, optimize resource allocation, and build climate resilience across sectors.” This quote highlights the need for holistic and integrated approaches to climate action that transcend traditional silos and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

It is an indisputable fact that Nigeria has one of the largest and active youth populations globally. At this juncture, I would like to refer to the Number Three (3) Strategic Objectives of the Surge Africa Youth Manifesto on Climate Change 2023, which states “Promote participation and inclusion of youths in government led initiatives to bridge inclusion gaps and provide opportunities for them to influence decision making.” It is worthy of note that Section 5(1)(s) of the Climate Change Act 2021 recognises the place of young people in the overall drive to actualise the great objectives of the Act, by identifying the importance and crucial role played by the youth. From this provision, it is therefore as clear as day that the Act has secured a permanent and important seat for the youths in the National Council on Climate Change.

In the context of our climate change summit today, which focuses on the role of the subnational, mainstreaming climate change considerations into development planning is essential for ensuring that our policies and programs are aligned with our climate goals and aspirations. This requires a paradigm shift in how we conceptualise development, moving away from business-as-usual approaches towards more sustainable and climate-resilient pathways.

This important recognition informed the contents of Section 5(1)(p) and (q) where the Act recognises the critical roles of the subnational by incorporating the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and the President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) as members of the National Council on Climate Change. From this provision of the Act, it is clear that the subnational are recognised as part of the overall objectives to drive climate action across all strata in Nigeria. Therefore, it is important for states to seize this initiative and pass their own laws and develop their own Climate Action Plans in line with the peculiarities of their states.

Taking a cue from the objectives stated in Section (1)(d), states should work out ways of facilitating the mobilisation of finance and other resources necessary to ensure effective actions on climate change. It is in recognition of this that I urge the critical players in the state – the State Assemblies and the State Executive Councils – to collaborate in taking positive actions on climate change issues for a better and more sustainable future.

To illustrate the significance of this objective, let us consider the case of infrastructure development in the Northwest region. As we strive to address the region’s pressing infrastructure needs, such as road networks, irrigation systems, and energy facilities, it is imperative that we mobilise necessary finance and integrate climate change considerations into our planning and decision-making processes across all tiers of government –Federal, States and Local Governments.

For instance, incorporating climate-resilient design standards into infrastructure projects can help mitigate the risks of damage and disruption to supply chains posed by extreme weather events. This will enhance the long-term durability and effectiveness of our investments. Similarly, prioritising renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, can not only reduce our carbon footprint but also enhance energy security and resilience in the face of climate-related disruptions. I urge the subnational to leverage the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 on renewable energy and on how to extend power to the rural communities.

In conclusion, the objectives of the Nigerian Climate Change Act provide a robust framework for guiding our collective efforts towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the Northwest region. By promoting climate-resilient development and mainstreaming climate change considerations into our decision-making processes, we can pave the way for a more prosperous and secure tomorrow for generations to come.

From the above provisions, it is clear that the climate change Act recognises and provides for all tiers of governments, the Organised Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations and also the Youths, Women and people with disabilities. In section 22, the Act also provides that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), shall establish a climate change desk to be supervised by an officer not below the Directorate cadre who shall be responsible for ensuring integration of climate change activities into their core mandate.

Therefore, let us seize this opportunity to galvanise action, foster collaboration, and catalyse transformative change in the Northwest region. Together, we can rise to the challenge of climate change and chart a course towards a brighter and more resilient future for all.

Ghana hosts climate summit to call for urgent action to safeguard Africa’s future

Michael Simire
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Ghana hosts climate summit to call for urgent action to safeguard Africa’s future

Climate change is threatening the long-term survival of rural African communities, leaving them unable to grow essential crops and unable to access healthcare due to extreme heat or rainfall.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, addressing delegates during the high-level segment of the 2019 Africa Climate Week in Accra

Researchers from the University of Southampton in the UK and the University for Development Studies in Ghana have found that communities report how this situation has significantly worsened in the last five years. They are calling for urgent intervention to secure their health and future.

The University of Southampton, Ghana Ministry of Health and PACKS Africa are co-hosting a summit in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, to discuss next steps.

The research team surveyed hundreds of people in the rural Mion district, in northern Ghana – with every person reporting some level of food insecurity, a lack of access to, or availability of, food. This is often caused by loss of crops or livestock, soil infertility, unpredictable seasonal changes, and pest or disease outbreaks.

The researchers defined food insecurity for over a quarter of respondents as “severe”.

Most people had also, on at least one occasion in the last year, been unable to reach their local health facility due to extreme weather conditions.

Jess Boxall, Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, led the study. She said: “The results of our research are concerning, with entire communities reporting fears for their future food security. Our research was conducted in rural northern Ghana, but it’s extremely likely the findings are applicable to other Ghanaian communities – and across the African continent. Urgent short-term and long-term interventions are needed to give these communities a fighting chance.”

The research group has produced recommendations to policymakers, including:

  • food aid programmes providing varied food (not just cereal products, as are currently provided) and storage solutions to protect food aid from flooding,
  • improving the transport infrastructure,
  • government intervention to diversify crops,
  • ensure ongoing health system revisions in Ghana consider access to health facilities, and
  • education on climate change and climate smart agriculture practices.

The threat to the availability of varied food leads to malnutrition, leading to additional problems.

Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, explained: “Malnutrition increases the risk of infection, and with mosquito-related diseases such as malaria and yellow fever both present in Ghana and likely to get worse with climate change, an adequate diet is vital to support the immune system and improve immune response to vaccination.”

Dr Victor Mogre, Associate Professor at the University for Development Studies in Ghana and Visiting Academic at the University of Southampton, said: “In northern Ghana, where food insecurity is already severe, climate change worsens the situation by increasing the likelihood that vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, will become malnourished.

“This can result in a cycle of malnutrition that spans generations, diminishes productivity, and yields unfavourable economic consequences. Integral to this strategy should be the promotion of climate-smart agriculture awareness among subsistence farmers and the dissemination of nutrition education to the general public regarding the importance of consuming adequate, diversified diets, particularly among vulnerable groups.”

Climate change summit

The researchers are holding a live-streamed summit – Addressing Climate Change and Health – in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

The event will bring together ministers, charities, academics, industry, health service providers and NGOs to raise awareness of the urgency of the climate change impact on West Africa.

Keynote speakers will include Dr Wisdom Atiwoto, from the Ghana Ministry of Health, and the summit will be chaired by Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of Ghana’s University for Health and Allied Sciences.

By Kofi Adu Domfeh

Nigerians return to charcoal stoves, firewood and matters arising

Michael Simire
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Nigerians return to charcoal stoves, firewood and matters arising

“Our ‘Joko’ charcoal stoves are a must-have for everyone. Easy to use; cook faster; use less charcoal and super durable.

Charcoal
Charcoal

“Because of its wall insulation, it concentrates all the generated heat onto the food that is cooking for even, and faster cooking.

“The big size sells for N21,500, while the small size sells for N15,000, We are not taking online orders for now only store pickups.”

These and many more are what you find available at website of online store of a popular brand that sells locally fabricated kitchen appliances.

Many of these brands use different catchphrases and advertising strategies as they hustle for customers in the fast-growing charcoal stove market.

From using sponsored advertising campaigns online, the word of mouth and referrals, the advent of charcoal stoves and its acceptability among Nigerians cannot be underestimated.

Due to rising kerosene and cooking gas prices, a Mararaba resident, Hauwa Ladan says she has shifted to charcoal stoves and firewood as primary cooking fuels.

She finds charcoal stoves economical and faster for family meals and has recommended it to friends and neighbours.

Ladan highlights the considerable impact of high cost of cooking gas, saying that it leaves huge holes in household expenditure in Nigeria.

“Nigerians should go back to charcoal. They believe gas cooks faster, whereas charcoal is better!

“There’s no cooking pot you place on charcoal that will go black. It’s only firewood that stains cooking pots,” Mrs. Elizabeth Moyegun told a national daily recently.

The recent blame game by the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) and LPG terminal owners for the high cooking gas prices underscores the complexities in the supply chain.

Industry watchers say such disputes may reveal challenges in distribution, storage, or pricing strategies.

Addressing these issues is crucial to stabilise and potentially lower cooking gas prices for consumers, the NALPGAM says.

President of the NALPGAM, Oladapo Olatunbosun, insists that liquefied petroleum gas, popularly called cooking gas, has risen to at least N1,300 per kilogramme.

Although charcoal and firewood may come handy in this period of expensive cooking gas, experts warn that it comes at a huge cost to the environment.

They come in the shape of deforestation, air pollution, degradation of ecosystems and other potential consequences.

According to a United Nations data, between 2005-2010, Nigeria experienced an annual loss of over 2 million hectares of forest, primarily due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development.

Nigeria is a major consumer of fossil fuel for cooking, with over 120 million Nigerians relying on firewood and charcoal for their cooking needs, according to the International Energy Agency.

A report by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says cooking gas prices surged by 38 per cent, hitting ₦16,250 per 12.5kg cylinder in January 2024.

The NBS says there was a 3.55 per cent month-on-month increase in the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder.

This surge in prices is accompanied by a 37 per cent increase in the price of 1kg of gas, which rose to ₦1,300 from ₦950 during the same period, the agency said.

Dr Temitope Oyetunji, a family health doctor in Abuja, said the use of firewood has dual impact on both users and the environment.

According to Oyetunji, the smoke from burning firewood poses health risks, leading to respiratory and heart diseases when inhaled.

He emphasised that the emitted smoke particles contribute to environmental pollution, impacting the ozone layer.

“The consistent use of firewood and other fossil fuels creates polluted air, affecting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“They include SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 13 (climate action)”.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) points at fossil fuels, as major contributors to harmful emissions, significantly impact global health.

The WHO says 99 percent of the world’s population breathes air exceeding the organisation’s recommended quality limits, thereby posing threats to health.

Consequently, the WHO stresses the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel usage and implement tangible measures to alleviate air pollution.

Analysts say encouraging sustainable alternatives and efficient use of cooking gas could mitigate these environmental impacts and promote a healthier balance between energy needs and environmental conservation.

According to them, promoting sustainable practices, such as reforestation, efficient use of wood, and alternative energy sources, is essential to mitigate these environmental consequences.

An environmentalist, Mr Newton Jibunoh, underscored the detrimental impact of tree felling for firewood in Nigeria, emphasising that it led to loss of biodiversity.

Jibunoh highlighted that deforestation significantly diminishes habitats for diverse plant and animal species, resulting in a notable decline in overall biodiversity.

According to him, the crucial role trees play in preventing soil erosion cannot be ignored, saying that their removal, as seen in the quest for firewood, can lead to diminished soil fertility and an increase in erosion rates.

He drew attention to the role of trees in absorbing carbon dioxide, noting that widespread removal of trees for firewood contributes to elevated levels of greenhouse gases, thereby exacerbating the challenges posed by climate change.

“The significance of trees in regulating water cycles cannot be underestimated, deforestation disrupts local hydrological patterns, potentially affecting water availability in the region.

“Many communities rely on forests for resources, as deforestation intensifies, these communities experience adverse effects on their livelihoods and cultural practices.”

Experts advocate a shift to sustainable cooking practices in Nigeria by addressing the escalating costs of traditional fuels like gas.

They opine that fostering collaboration and addressing supply chain issues could stabilise and lower cooking gas prices, benefiting both the economy and the environment.

They also propose reforestation and alternative energy adoption to mitigate environmental impacts.

By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

German economy minister heads to U.S. for talks on climate, energy

Michael Simire
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German economy minister heads to U.S. for talks on climate, energy

German Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, is due to set off for the United States on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, for talks on climate and energy policy issues.

Robert Habeck
Robert Habeck

Habeck, who also served as vice chancellor, planned to meet business representatives and politicians in Washington, New York and Chicago.

It is the Green politician’s third trip to the U.S. since taking office.

His ministry said the trip is focused on economic, energy and climate policy issues, particularly in light of current geopolitical crises.

The aim is to strengthen economic relations with the U.S. in the long term and to promote cooperation when it comes to technology.

Environmental Action Germany, a non-profit, called on Habeck to agree to limit liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the U.S. to what is absolutely necessary and to stop the construction of import terminals in Germany.

Germany has been sourcing more than 80 per cent of its total liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S.

But a recent decision by the Biden administration has raised some uncertainty about future deliveries.

The U.S. government had announced in January that it was putting pending authorisations for the export of liquefied natural gas on hold.

The White House said that it would analyse the impact of exports on energy costs, U.S. energy security and the environment.

Habeck’s trip to the U.S. is set to last until Saturday.

Tinubu signs executive orders for oil, gas investments

Michael Simire
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Tinubu signs executive orders for oil, gas investments

President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order to improve the investment climate and position of Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the oil and gas sector in Africa.

President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria

This is in keeping with his commitment to remove obstacles to investments in Nigeria, harness the nation’s resources and diversify the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, February 6, 2024, in Abuja.

The order, Ngelale said, followed the President’s initiation of amendments of primary legislation to introduce fiscal incentives for oil and gas projects, reduce contracting costs and timelines, and promote cost efficiency in local content requirements.

He said that Tinubu, in recognising the urgency to accelerate investments in these sectors, has directed the introduction of fiscal incentives for non-associated gas, midstream and deepwater developments.

He also directed the streamlining of contracting process to compress the contracting cycle to six months and the application of the local content requirements without hindering investments or the cost competitiveness.

The presidential spokesman said that details of these Policy Directives would be gazetted and communicated by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

He said the incentives were developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Petroleum, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Other agencies in the collaboration are the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

Ngelale said the Special Adviser to the President on Energy had been directed to continue coordinating the stakeholders to ensure implementation of the directives.

By Ismail Abdulaziz

ATIDI, Kenya partner to advance renewable energy projects

Michael Simire
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ATIDI, Kenya partner to advance renewable energy projects

The Government of Kenya and ATIDI, the African Trade Insurance Agency, have signed the Regional Liquidity Support Facility Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in identifying, developing, and implementing renewable energy projects across Kenya.

Atidi Kenya
From L-R: ATIDI Ag, Chief Risk Officer. Kefa Muga; Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u; and Cabinet Secretary for Energy Petroleum, pose for photo after ATIDI and the government of Kenya signed the MoU

RLSF, a joint initiative of ATIDI, the KfW Development Bank and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), is a credit enhancement instrument provided by ATIDI to renewable energy Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that sell the electricity generated by their projects to state-owned power utilities. The instrument’s scope has recently been extended to provide support for eligible transmission projects, allowing for possible private sector participation in this key sub-sector.

ATIDI will issue liquidity instruments, or “RLSF policies”, backed by cash collateral from KfW and Norad, to IPPs or private transmission companies for a maximum tenor of up to 15 years; each RLSF policy will cover up to a maximum of 12 months’ worth of revenue for the project. The RLSF cover is available to renewable energy projects of up to 100 MW (larger projects can be considered on a case-by-case basis), and private financed transmission projects. With the RLSF MoU now in place, ATIDI will engage with IPPs in Kenya with the expectation that advanced hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind projects may benefit from this instrument in the near future.

The projects will not only focus on leveraging the country’s abundant natural resources to generate clean and sustainable energy but will also reinforce its power generation and transmission capacity.

Statistics show that over 80% of Kenya’s electricity is generated from renewable energy sources. This places the country of over 50 million people well on its way to meeting its goal of transitioning to 100 percent clean energy by 2030; signing of the RLSF MoU will provide an additional incentive for private sector participation in achieving this goal as recipients of this liquidity instrument will benefit from ATIDI’s positive credit rating of A and A3 from S&P and Moody’s, respectively.

Parties to the MoU include the National Treasury; the Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Geothermal Development Company (GDC), Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO), and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). The RLSF MoU supplements the membership agreements already in place between ATIDI and the Government of Kenya.

Kenya becomes the tenth ATIDI member state to sign the RLSF MoU after Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Togo, Uganda and Zambia, with the expectation that more of ATIDI’s member states will sign up. To date, RLSF policies have been issued in support of six renewable energy projects in Burundi, Malawi and Uganda; enabling total financing of $207.5 million and a total installed electricity generation capacity of 136.3 MW.

Manuel Moses, CEO, ATIDI, said: “We are pleased to be crossing this key milestone with the Government of Kenya. Not only does this send out a positive message to project developers, lenders, and other prospective stakeholders looking to invest in Kenya’s energy sector, it also reinforces the various ways in which multilateral financial institutions, such as ATIDI, are constantly looking for innovative ways to increase financial flows into African countries. Our support for new projects in Kenya via RLSF will build on our historical involvement in the country’s energy sector, having supported projects such as the Lake Turkana and Kipeto wind projects in the past.”

Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, said: “On behalf of the Government of Kenya, the National Treasury is constantly looking for various ways to encourage private sector participation in the financing of key infrastructure, such as the development of renewable energy power plants and key transmission infrastructure. With this MoU with ATIDI, a multilateral institution that we are proud to not only be a founding member of but to host with its headquarters in Nairobi, the provision of RLSF policies will hopefully enable more projects to advance whilst reducing the need for government-backed credit enhancement tools.”

Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, said: “The planned collaboration between ATIDI and the Government of Kenya particularly through our power utilities, GDC, KETRACO, and KPLC should make a positive contribution towards the attainment of the country’s long term development agenda – the Vision 2030 – which aims to ensure Kenya becomes a ‘newly-industrialising, middle-income economy, providing a high quality of life to all its citizens in a clean and secure environment’ – increased energy access and greater reliability, courtesy of instruments such as RLSF and similar alternatives, is a key enabler of this vision.”

Disturbing revelation into microplastics crisis in Africa

Michael Simire
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Disturbing revelation into microplastics crisis in Africa

The sacred Osun River in Nigeria has recorded the highest measured level of microplastics in a river in the world, and researchers are calling for a ban on single-use plastics.

Plastic items on Lagoon Lagos
Plastic items on Lagoon Lagos

Microplastics are everywhere, and Dr Gideon Idowu, an Environmental Chemist at Nigeria’s Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has conducted a massive research project across eight African countries to understand their levels and impacts in riverine and marine systems.

Idowu and his team have published some of their findings in the “Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances”, in an article titled “Why Nigeria should ban single-use plastics: Excessive microplastic pollution of the water, sediments and fish species in Osun River, Nigeria”. Idowu said that “the levels of microplastics that we found in the Osun River were very high, but for one of the sites, the levels are really, really high, at 22,079 particles/litre”. The Osun River is a UNESCO world heritage site and a vital water source for many communities in Southwestern Nigeria.

Over 300 million tonnes of plastics are produced every year around the world, and the OECD has forecast that by 2060, fossil-fuel based plastics would amount to 1.2 billion tonnes, of which over one billion tonnes may go to waste. Microplastics have infiltrated almost all environments and organisms, and the particles, says the OECD, kills more than a million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals per year.

In response to the hazard, Greenpeace International has now called for a Global Plastics Treaty, and newspaper headlines reflect public anxieties about the pervasiveness of microplastics: “We inhale a credit card’s worth of microplastics each week,” reports the BBC; “Potentially toxic microplastics are found in 100 percent of human placentas tested by scientists,” reports the Daily Mail; “Microplastics found in sediment layers untouched by modern humans,” reports Futurism; “Researchers find a massive number of plastic particles in bottled water,” reports NPR.

Microplastics are fragments of any type of plastic less than 5 mm in size. Talking about microplastics in river waters, Idowu said “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t see the majority of them if we didn’t put them under the stereo-microscope that enabled us to detect and count them. You would probably just think it’s normal water that’s a bit turbid. You wouldn’t know that those things are there.”

Idowu’s study, which is funded by a Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant of $150 000, highlights how microplastics are formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items, as well as from manufacturing processes that generate plastic pellets and nurdles. These tiny particles have been found to wreak havoc on ecosystems, affecting organisms’ physiological functions and reproductive capabilities. They also have the potential to adsorb harmful chemicals, posing a threat to any organisms that ingest them.

The study on Osun River was conducted to assess the overall levels of microplastics in the water, sediments, and commercially important fish species in the river.

Sampling locations were strategically chosen along the river, including areas upstream and downstream of the Oshogbo metropolis, with a population of over 714 000. Idowu said “the particular site where we got the very high value happens to be close to the city centre, where people throw in all sorts of waste, including plastics. It was difficult to access the river sediments in the first place, because everything we lifted up was just one plastic item or the other. That tells you the magnitude of pollution of the river, and probably explains why microplastic levels were extremely high for that location, which was one of the five sampled locations on the river. But what we did not expect was that the microplastics found at this location would be the highest reported so far, for a river water globally, as it has now turned out to be”.

The microplastics were of diverse types. Analyses revealed “seven polymer materials, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), that have not been commonly reported for river environments.” Fish species crucial for local economies were also found to be contaminated with microplastics, raising concerns about human consumption.

“Microplastics ranged averagely from 407 to 1691.7 particles in the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) of six fish species analysed, with silver catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) having the highest concentration.” Idowu said that while levels found in the fishes were higher than those reported for fishes in Asia and Europe, they were “similar to other plastic pollution hotspots in Africa”.

Idowu noted that “across all the sites where we conducted research, we found that the countries which recorded the highest levels of microplastics were Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and the lowest were Kenya and Tanzania, where there have been some ban on single-use plastics”.

That is why “for us to see a significant reduction in the levels of microplastics in the environment, there is a need to ban single-use plastics, like carrier bags and styrofoams. Our research indeed confirmed that black particles from black carrier bags were abundant in the river environment. There is a need to ban those categories of plastics because people just use them and throw them away, they don’t reuse. We need to shift to the type of bags that people can use again and again. And where possible, there should be a substitution of this type of bags with paper alternatives”.

Idowu said that while there are clear environmental impacts, as demonstrated by the presence of microplastics in the gut of the fishes, there are also health hazards posed to humans. “People are ingesting the microplastics when they consume the fish. Some sections of the river that we analysed are also used for drinking. This clearly shows that people are consuming microplastic-laden water”.

“A ban on some plastics may reduce profits to the manufacturers, but the preservation of the environment would be a win-win thing for Africa. We will have more vibrant aquatic systems, which would support the growth of fish and other resources that serve as livelihood to some other people. If we look at the slow pace of infrastructural development in Africa, it implies that many rural communities would still depend on rivers for some years to come. We would reduce the level of microplastics to which these people are exposed.”

Idowu said that while the message is getting to the policymakers and the government of Nigeria, for instance, is considering a ban on single-use plastics, he said “there are different forces, different interests, and so a pronouncement has not been made yet for the whole of the country. But there are individual states, where there have been bans”.

“We emphasise the need for the Nigerian government to ban certain single-use plastics, as a step towards reducing plastic pollution of Nigerian rivers, that shelter important fish species and provide water for religious and domestic purposes,” he said.

To reduce plastic pollution and microplastic levels in Africa, Idowu noted that “we need more countries to ban single-use plastics. At the moment, about 10 countries are considering or already have a partial ban on single-use plastics. The more countries that ban these, the better for the region.”

Co-ordinated and comprehensive action is necessary across African countries, said Idowu, because “we saw in Kenya for example, when they banned single-use carrier bags, and production was not banned in neighbouring countries, then the bags were smuggled into Kenya. Now we’re finding those bags back in the environment. We have to fight plastic pollution as a region, and not just as individual country,” said Idowu.

The article is available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S277241662400010X?via%3Dihub

By Gideon Aina Idowu, Adewumi Yetunde Oriji, Kehinde Oluwasiji Olorunfemi, Michael Oluwatoyin Sunday, Temitope Olawunmi Sogbanmu, Oluwatoyin Kikelomo Bodunwa, Oluwatosin Sarah Shokunbi, and Ademola Festus Aiyesanmi

Bayelsa community expresses shock over Shell’s gas furnace – HOMEF

Michael Simire
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Bayelsa community expresses shock over Shell’s gas furnace – HOMEF

The people of Gbarantoru Community, in Ekpetiama Kingdom of Yenagoa LGA, Bayelsa State, have expressed shock over the sudden onset of a massive gas furnace lit by Shell close to homes in the community, without prior notice and consent.

Gas flaring Ecuador
Gas flaring. Photo credit: Neil Ever Osbourne

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) considers the fact that oil companies responsible for gas flaring have often perpetrated such a polluting act close to homes in communities, with or without any form of permission.

“This is yet another testament to the impunity with which these oil multinationals operate in the Niger Delta,” said HOMEF.

Community members are reportedly lamenting the pain of being left in the lurch without any consultation or help. A community woman stated that she was alarmed by the noise from the huge gas furnace and massive smoke.

“I ran out of my apartment screaming, what are they burning at that end?” she submitted.

According to another resident of the community, “Nobody has come to talk to anybody before flaring this gas.”

A community person who had the massive gas flare on video record lamented: “See how SPDC is flaring their gas. Look at the residence, very close. SPDC is causing havoc, and damage to the people of Gbarantoru, health-wise, noise pollution. The government should come to our aid. They should relocate the occupants of all the buildings. Houses are vibrating, windows are shaking, and children are scared. There’s no way to sleep at night; heat all over.”

According to some community persons, as of Saturday, March 2, 2024, Shell’s massive gas furnace had raged for about four days.

The Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, called for an end to gas flaring, citing its socio-ecological, health, climate, and economic impacts on the people of the Niger Delta.

“We consider the activity of Shell as contravening the fundamental right to life and dignity of the people of Gbarantoru and their neighbours, as specified under sections 33 and 34 of the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as affirmed by a High Court ruling in November 2005 in the case of Jonah Gbemre against Shell,” he said.

Bassey further stated: “The flaring of gas is pervasive in the Niger Delta and is a harmful and wasteful practice. Aside from being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change, the impacts of gas flares on the health of community people, their ecosystems, biodiversity, aquatic resources, agricultural production, livelihood sources, as well as the larger Nigerian economy are deleterious.”

HOMEF notes that calculations made, using World Bank figures, showed that from 2013 to 2019, about 319.48 standard cubic feet of gas were flared into Nigeria’s environment, amounting to a waste of $1,080,390,000 without a cost put to the amount of pollution caused.

Again, PwC figures have shown that between 2020 and the first two months of 2024, 595.1 million standard cubic feet of gas have been flared in nine Nigerian states amounting to another waste of $1.9 billion and more damage to the environment.

HOMEF said: “Niger Delta people have had to deal with over 65 years of environmental pollution and degradation by oil multinationals. We believe that it is high time that stringent measures are taken to put an end to gas flaring in Nigeria and to chart a path towards a just and equitable energy transition. Communities in the Niger Delta have continually raised alarm over this illicit activity of the oil and gas sector.”

Uphold ban on sale, use of mercury dental amalgam – Group

Michael Simire
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Uphold ban on sale, use of mercury dental amalgam – Group

Toxic watchdog group, BAN Toxics, has raised the alarm over the continuous selling of mercury dental amalgam (in capsule) in the market and online despite the prohibition in the country.

Mercury dental amalgam
Mercury dental amalgam in capsule

In the recent market surveillance conducted, the group has purchased and documented sellers of mercury dental amalgam in dental supply stores in Manila and likewise monitored more than 35 sellers in both Lazada and Shopee platforms and in Facebook Marketplace.

Based on the description as written in the container’s label, the capsules contain metallic mercury with a manufacturing date of April 2017 and expiration date of April 2027. It has a “Warning/Danger Poison” label with written recommendation for personal protection including the use of gloves, glasses, protective clothing and adequate ventilation when using.

Additional label includes California Prop 65 warning – This product contains mercury, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.  The manufacturer/Importer is from Southern Dental Industries – Australia.

“This is alarming to find out the over the counter and online selling of mercury dental amalgam (in capsule) considering the regulation has been enforced since 2020,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.

“We call the attention of dental supply stores and online shopping platforms to strictly comply with the ban and immediately remove from the shelves all mercury in dental restorative procedures,” he added.

The Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order No. 2020-0020, otherwise known as “Guidelines on the Phase-out of Mercury Use in Dental Restorative Procedures in 2020”. The AO covers the phasing-out on the importation, distribution, manufacture, storage, transport, handling, use (including dental schools and research) and disposal of dental amalgams in the Philippines.

The Food and Drug Administration issued FDA Circular No.2022-003 that bans all mercury-added thermometers, sphygmomanometers, dental amalgam capsules and liquid mercury for use in dental restorative purposes.

Dental amalgam, commonly known as silver fillings, is used to repair decayed or broken teeth. It often contains silver, tin, small amounts of copper and zinc, and mercury. Mercury is cited by the World Health Organisation as one of the top 10 chemicals of major concern due to its adverse impacts to human health and the environment. The chemical is known to negatively impact our nervous, digestive, and immune systems.

The group wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration/Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry to report the matter and recommend conducting surveillance and confiscation action to once and for all stop the selling of mercury dental amalgam to protect human health and the environment.

“BAN Toxics will continue to advocate for mercury-free dentistry in and outside of the Philippines. Our children deserve a toxics-free future, and this is amplified in our call to stop the manufacture, trade, and use of dental amalgam and the promotion of safer and more accessible alternatives,” the group added.

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