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Bayelsa community in lamentation over 24-hour gas flaring

Michael Simire
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Bayelsa community in lamentation over 24-hour gas flaring

The local community people in Okolobiri Community of Gbarain Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have cried out over continuous gas flares in the nearby Gbarain-Ubie Integrated oil and gas processing plant reported to be on 24 hours. They alerted that it was affecting the health of the people and polluting their lands and water.

Gas flaring at Okolobiri Community of Gbarain Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State

The community is host to the Bayelsa State Government-owned Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital; with Ogboloma and Obunagha communities as two of its closest neighbours. The plant flaring gas used to be operated by Shell but now operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company since Shell’s divestment.

Following a call from the community on June 11, 2025, the field monitoring team of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) led by the Deputy Executive Director, Alagoa Morris, and a journalist, visited the community on Saturday, June14, 2025, and were received by the Paramount ruler of the community, Judah Sukuruowei.

According to EDEN’s observation, the sailing gas is said to be on and off and active for 24 hours every day with its bright light and vibrations putting the community on edge. It was also observed that the street solar lights with panels facing the direction of the gas flare goes off once the volume of the flare increases to certain levels.

Speaking to the visiting team, Sukuruowei stated that the community is in a constant state of shock due to the vibrations coming from the gas flaring plant.

“Recently we have been experiencing serious vibration because of the gas flare in the neighbouring Obunagha community. The flaring volume is too high. The gas flaring is affecting the buildings in the environment. Our people rely on our river water but now we don’t have water to drink because it is polluted by gas. There is not public potable water. Health wise, we are affected; as we are inhaling the noxious gases it is affecting our health. The rate of death has increased in our environment too; even very young children are dying unexpected deaths. It is the gas flaring that is affecting the environment; seriously.”

Also speaking on the issue, a male indigene of the community, Bright Shadrack Esyine, pointed out that the implications of such continuous gas flaring on the climate and the environment of the surrounding communities, adding that it affects the soil and vegetation. He also added that houses in the community are experiencing cracks due to the vibrations from the gas flaring plant.

“We all know, it’s a global fact that when gas is flared it actually results in emission of greenhouse gases. It is a very serious problem, it’s really affecting the lives and the wellbeing of the people in neighbouring communities; especially like Okolobiri community. Recently we had a very intense and increased gas flaring resulting in disturbing noise and vibrations to the extent that it is causing walls to crack and destruction of roofs of buildings. Also, if you look at the immediate environment close to the gas flare you discover that the vegetation there is like they were set on fire. It seems this is a deliberate action by the company.”

He also pointed out that neither the international standards for gas flaring are not being followed by the company, nor are the regulatory agencies paying attention to the harm that is being done to the community.

On her part, Women Leader of the community, Tuaweri Keniwenimo, lamented that the volume of gas flaring in the community has affected soil quality, crops and farming activities, which has resulted in hardship for the women and children in the community.

“I am a mother so when it comes to matters like this I will talk a lot; because it is affecting our children seriously, including our crops and farming activities. Most women in the community built houses to support our husbands through farming. Due to the gas flaring, crops are not as productive as they used to be. It is the same thing with fishing; fishing efforts are not yielding much again. Even the little catch, we discover they are tasteless. We suffer a lot, children getting sick frequently, including mothers and people dying anyhow. Even the roofs of our buildings are getting damaged. We are experiencing many things.”

Commenting on the issue, Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Wiliams, stated that in a sane and working country, open gas flaring should not be allowed around residential areas.

He faulted the relevant monitoring agencies including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) which he claimed has failed to monitor such issues to call the errant companies to order.

EDEN’s Demands

(1) The Federal Ministry of Environment, through NESREA; should take up this matter as a matter of urgency with a view to addressing this lingering issue.

(2) The relevant agencies of the Bayelsa State Government, especially the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Mineral Resources; should step in on behalf of affected communities to ensure the concerns are addressed as soon as possible.

(3) Impacted communities and, especially Okolobiri in this instance, should continue to observe keenly and if possible, document dates and times of incidents; including photo and video evidence.

(4) Impacted communities should also officially report in writing to relevant agencies of government, at local, state and federal government levels, about their plights. (5) Social and environmental justice advocacy groups, the media and legal practitioners should also look at areas they can come in to assist these communities achieve environmental justice, taking into consideration Article 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right.

Benue killings: CAPPA demands end to carnage

Michael Simire
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Benue killings: CAPPA demands end to carnage

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has condemned in strongest terms the senseless massacre of over 200 persons in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, decrying the cold indifference of federal and state authorities and the paralysis of security forces in the face of unrelenting carnage.

Hyacinth Alia
Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State

In a statement released over the weekend, the organisation lamented the vicious attacks which left many dead, scores terribly wounded, and families displaced without shelter or medical care. It denounced the atrocity as an “appalling new low in human cruelty.”

According to eyewitness testimonies, attackers suspected to be herders stormed Yelewata in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, armed with sophisticated weapons. They reportedly doused shelters housing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in petrol and set them ablaze during a brutal two-hour rampage. In a separate incident, another group of aggressors descended on Daudu, killing at least five security officers, including both policemen and soldiers during the hit.

“This atrocity, which defies comprehension, is the latest cycle of violence that has plagued Benue State for decades, where agrarian communities and pastoralist herders have long contested land, water, and grazing rights.

“Despite historical precedent, these confrontations can no longer be dismissed as mere resource clashes, since they have metastasised into a ruthless and deliberate campaign of terror, waged with brazen impunity and aimed at the systematic annihilation of entire communities.”

The ramifications, CAPPA warned, extend far beyond Yelewata and Benue State, “they portend a deeper rot in the state’s security architecture and the collapse of basic government responsibility.”

“Worse still, when mourning communities took to the streets demanding protection and justice, the police fired tear gas at them, adding salt to open wounds. Such brutality compounds the initial crime, signalling that the security apparatus is either unwilling or unable to distinguish between victim and perpetrator,” the CAPPA statement observed.

The organisation levelled sharp criticisms at Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration and the federal government, describing their repeated assurances of security as “hollow rhetoric” that has failed to effectively address the root causes of the issues or translated into tangible protection in Benue and other insecurity hotspots nationwide.

For CAPPA, the crisis demands more than public outcry, it calls for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral intervention. The organisation urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia of Benue State to convene an urgent federal-state security summit that empowers a dedicated task force to disarm and dismantle herder militias, apprehend their leaders and prosecute them in transparent, expedited trials.

Civil society and community oversight, CAPPA insisted, must accompany this force to ensure accountability and prevent the re-emergence of rogue elements under different guises.

It called for the formation of community-led peace councils in vulnerable areas, comprising both farmers and herders. These councils, elected by residents, would meet regularly to negotiate land-use agreements, resolve disputes, and defuse tensions before they erupt into violence.

Alongside security measures, CAPPA recommended nationwide modern ranching projects paired with compulsory livestock registration, removing the need for open grazing routes and making cattle movements traceable.

The organisation demanded the creation of a victims’ compensation fund to rebuild lives in Yelewata, and other areas affected by similar circumstances. It insisted that survivors must receive trauma counselling and material support to heal from the unspeakable loss.

CAPPA also called on the Nigeria Police Force to issue a formal apology for the teargassing of distraught indigenes and to adopt dialogue-based protest management protocols, ensuring peaceful assemblies are met with respect rather than force.

In closing, CAPPA warned that without swift actions, Benue State risks sliding into a cycle of recrimination and retribution so entrenched that peace would remain forever elusive. “If all Nigerians are equal,” the CAPPA statement concluded, “then the right to life must be guaranteed for every citizen.”

Africa’s future lies in local resource mobilisation and African philanthropy

Michael Simire
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Africa’s future lies in local resource mobilisation and African philanthropy

For decades, Africa’s development trajectory has been heavily influenced by external aid. While such assistance has and continues to address many immediate needs, it is driven by the policies of the donating countries and often lacks alignment with local priorities, leading to disconnect from the communities they aimed to serve.

Dr. Samora Otieno
Dr. Samora Otieno

With national priorities changing every time, coupled with cyclical political and leadership changes, it is not uncommon to find donor-funded programmes having to change their priorities midstream. In recent years, we have seen the traditional Western donors putting their national interests first and increasingly cutting down on their aid budgets to Africa.

As donor funding to Africa continues to decline, the stark reality is setting in, Africa must mobilise its own resources and cultivate a culture of homegrown philanthropy to secure a sustainable and self-determined future. This moment of shifting global priorities is not just a challenge, it is an invitation to African governments, private sector actors, and individuals of means to step up and invest in the continent’s potential.

Local resource mobilisation is more than a funding strategy; it is a moral imperative that reflects ownership, accountability, and long-term commitment to the communities we serve. When African citizens invest in African solutions, the impact is not only deeper but more enduring.

As we look toward the CorpsAfrica All-Country Conference 2025, slated for Nairobi this June that will bring together 1,000 stakeholders including youth from 10 African countries for a week of mutual learning and innovative exchanges, the message is clear, Africa’s development will have to be led and funded by Africans.  

CorpsAfrica’s model, that seeks to empower young Africans to serve in under-resourced communities within their own countries, offers a bold departure from conventional development paradigms. While mobilising local resources, volunteers live in under-served communities and work together to identify local needs and assets towards co-creating and co-designing small-scale but high-impact projects.

From water systems to education programmes – based on a community-led development approach, these immersive experiences foster deep empathy and understanding between educated urban youth and rural communities. The volunteers gain critical skills in leadership, project management, community-building, and resilience, thus nurturing the next generation of change-makers – committed to Africa’s collective progress.

These are the kind of initiatives that African philanthropy must rise to support and scale in agency and dignity-not just as charity, but as a strategic, catalytic investment in innovation, social cohesion, and human capital. For meaningful impact and change, African communities must be at the forefront of identifying and prioritising their development needs while designing and implementing these homegrown solutions.

A new generation of African philanthropists – entrepreneurs, business leaders, and everyday citizens – must now rise up to lead the way. By mobilising local resources and empowering grassroots action, Africa can not only weather this funding transition but emerge stronger, more resilient, and more self-reliant.

The future of African development should be built on African resolve, determined and shaped by the people who live their experiences here.

By Dr. Samora Otieno, Chief Programme Officer, CorpsAfrica

Foundation moves to turn plastic waste into economy benefits

Michael Simire
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Foundation moves to turn plastic waste into economy benefits

Splendour Empowerment Foundation (SEF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), says it is set to pioneer a transformative approach to turning plastic waste into economy benefits.

Philippines
Plastic waste pollution

The Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs. Vera Abisoye, made this known in a statement made available in Abuja on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Abisoye explained that the project would be integrated into the foundation’s community-driven initiatives with cutting-edge digital solutions.

“This strategy will not only address the pressing issue of plastic pollution, but also contributes significantly to carbon emissions reduction, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

“The pressures of competition over natural resources, displacement of residents and increased vulnerability to conflicts particularly in already fragile communities are alarming.

“Plastic waste poses a significant environmental challenge in Nigerian urban and rural communities with improper disposal leading to clogged waterways, increased flooding, pollution’s and adverse health effects as the country generates 2.5 million tons of it annually,” she said.

She added that the foundation had recognised the need for a comprehensive solution to implement a community-led model that leveraged digital technology to enhance waste collection, recycle them and for environmental education.

Abisoye revealed that the foundation had employed the mobile collection platforms as digital solutions for waste management.

She also revealed that the foundation had developed mobile applications that enable community members to log in and manage waste collection activities, adding that the platforms offered real-time data on waste volumes.

The executive director explained that the platforms would also help identify the types of waste and collection locations, streamlining reporting and enhancing the efficiency of recycling operations.

“Each plastic collection efforts is recorded on a secure digital ledger, providing verifiable data that eliminates concerns of green washing and strengthens donor and investors confidence.

”Digital dashboards will also be provided for stakeholders with visual reports on the outcomes of waste management efforts; these tools track key performance indicators for the project, ” she said.

She added that the foundation’s approach emphasised the active participation of local communities in waste management activities through the training of individuals in waste sorting, recycling techniques, and the use of digital tools.

According to her, the foundation empowers residents to take ownership of their environment.

”This participatory model not only improves waste management practices but also creates economic opportunities through the sale of recycled materials and plastic credits.”

She noted  that the integration of digital solutions had led to significant environmental benefits, enhancing recycling rates, with digital tracking improving the efficiency of recycling processes, leading to higher volumes of plastic being recycled.

Abisoye also explained that by diverting plastic waste from incineration and landfills, the foundation’s initiative will contribute to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal.

According to her, the promotion of recycling and waste reduction fosters a culture of sustainability, encouraging communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

“SEF innovative use of digital solutions in community-led plastic waste management serves as a model for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.

“By combining technology with community engagement, the foundation will create a scalable and impactful framework that not only addresses plastic pollution, but also contributes to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, flooding, and explosive violence.

“The foundation is ready to forge collaborations with governmental agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities to secure funding and resources for scaling up initiatives,” Abisoye stated.

By Aderogba George

Dangote to distribute petrol, diesel free to large users nationwide

Michael Simire
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Dangote to distribute petrol, diesel free to large users nationwide

Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Sunday, June 15, 2025, announced the commencement of what appears to be a significant national initiative designed to transform Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery CNG-powered tankers

Effective August 15, 2025, the refinery will begin the distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country, with free logistics to boost distribution network.

To ensure smooth take-off of the scheme, Dangote Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers. This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe.

The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution.

This strategic programme is said to be a part of the organisation’s broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

“It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians,” disclosed the company in a statement.

Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support, according to Dangote Refenery, adding that key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from the initiative, “as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth. Players in these key sectors and others can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery”.

In addition, the refinery will offer a credit facility to those purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres – allowing them to obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee.

“This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in our vision to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector. Dangote Refinery is dedicated to ensuring that no place is left behind. Our goal is to provide equitable access to affordable fuel for all Nigerians, regardless of location, making energy more accessible and sustainable for everyone, wherever they may be.

“It is expected to revitalise previously inactive petrol stations, thereby driving job creation, stimulating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increasing government revenue, improving fuel access in rural and underserved communities, and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

“This initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reflecting our shared commitment to economic progress, stability, and inclusive development. We sincerely thank the Federal Government for its continued support, especially through the Naira-for-Crude scheme, which has helped stabilise fuel supply amid global price volatility. It marks a major revolution in the midstream and downstream sectors and stands as a key example of President Bola Tinubu’s bold and reformative economic policies.”

The company invites marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecom companies, and all key stakeholders to embrace the initiative.  The registration process, including Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, will take place from June 16 to August 15, 2025, spanning a total of 60 days.

EU, UK block African debt reform at UN meeting

Michael Simire
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EU, UK block African debt reform at UN meeting

The European Union and United Kingdom led wealthy nations in blocking debt reform proposals backed by African countries at United Nations negotiations on Friday, June 13, 2025, derailing talks ahead of a major financing conference.

African debt reform
Twenty-four African countries are in debt distress or at high risk

The countries rejected a provision that would establish a U.N. framework convention on sovereign debt, ignoring calls from the African Union Commission and other developing nations facing mounting debt crises.

Twenty-four African countries are in debt distress or at high risk, according to the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development.

Four African nations have defaulted, with none completing restructuring under existing frameworks.

“The move by the EU and the UK disregards the debt plight being faced by African countries and African citizens,” said Jason Rosario Braganza, AFRODAD’s executive director.

The blocked provision, paragraph 49(g), would have committed to creating an intergovernmental process for a binding U.N. convention on sovereign debt.

The Africa Group, Alliance of Small Island States, Pakistan and Brazil championed the proposal.

Seven African countries pay more in debt service than on education, while 25 pay more on debt service than on health care, AFRODAD said.

The negotiations preceded the fourth Financing for Development Conference scheduled for Seville, Spain, later this month.

Presidents from Zambia, Ghana and Nigeria have called for debt architecture reforms, along with the U.N. secretary-general, the International Monetary Fund managing director and the World Bank president.

Countries blocking the provision included Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland alongside the EU and Britain.

“It is unconscionable that the EU and the UK would act in this manner where lives are at stake,” Braganza said.

“AFRODAD stands in solidarity with the Africa Group, Alliance of Small Island States, Pakistan, and Brazil.”

The civil society organisation called the reforms “non-negotiable” and warned the EU-UK position could doom the Seville conference.

Developing nations have long sought equal representation in debt restructuring processes, arguing that current mechanisms favour creditor countries and lack binding legal frameworks.

The latest negotiation document showed attempts to delete proposals “on establishing an intergovernmental process to agree to a UN Convention on Sovereign Debt”, according to AFRODAD.

AFRODAD urged conference co-facilitators not to abandon ambitious debt reform despite pressure from wealthy nations citing budget constraints.

By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief

Can African Energy Bank transform continent’s refining and downstream future?

Michael Simire
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Can African Energy Bank transform continent’s refining and downstream future?

Set to launch in June 2025 with an initial $5 billion in capital, the African Energy Bank (AEB) is positioned to catalyse a shift in Africa’s energy sector. Established by the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) in partnership with multilateral financial institution Afreximbank, the AEB aims to mobilise capital for upstream, midstream and downstream energy projects, addressing a continent-wide investment shortfall estimated at up to $50 billion annually.

Abuja
The African Energy Bank is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria

By providing accessible, Africa-focused financing, the AEB is expected to reduce dependency on foreign capital and imports, especially in the downstream sector where over 80% of refined petroleum products are currently imported.

The AEB’s role in advancing refining capacity and downstream development will take centre stage at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. As Africa’s premier platform for energy dialogue and investment, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will spotlight the AEB’s potential to transform Africa’s energy landscape.

Driving Refining Capacity Through Local Investment

Despite holding over 125 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Africa continues to struggle with insufficient refining capacity, forcing nations to export crude oil and re-import refined products at a premium. Institutions such as the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) have long advocated for investment in modernising and expanding Africa’s refining infrastructure. Current projections indicate that African petroleum demand will increase from 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd) to 5.3 million bpd by 2040 – a trend that underscores the urgency of building self-sufficient refining systems.

As such, the AEB – headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria and scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2025 – is uniquely positioned to support strategic investment across Africa’s downstream and refining sectors. With an ambition to grow its asset base to $120 billion, the bank is positioned to unlock domestic value chains and catalyse large-scale projects that meet the continent’s rising demand for petroleum.

Momentum in Downstream Expansion

Recent developments across the continent reflect growing momentum to scale refining capacity. Angola expects phase one of the Cabinda refinery to begin operations in 2025, bringing 60,000 bpd to the market. The country has a goal to increase capacity to 445,000 bpd and is on track to reduce imports of derivatives by 14% by 2026.

Nigeria’s 650,000-bpd Dangote Refinery began producing diesel and aviation fuel in 2024, marking a significant milestone for domestic processing. Similarly, upgrades to the Port Harcourt Refinery and ongoing expansion to Ghana’s Sentuo Oil Refinery highlight national efforts to meet growing demand.

Equatorial Guinea’s recent agreement with Shanghai SupeZet to build a new refinery and expand the Bata facility further illustrates the strategic push toward local processing. These efforts not only reduce import dependency but also create jobs, enhance energy security and promote regional trade in refined products.

Aligning Regional Integration and Investment

Africa’s refining and energy infrastructure ambitions are closely tied to broader goals of economic integration. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement, ratified by more than 48 countries, creates a platform for cross-border energy projects by removing trade barriers and harmonising investment policies. It also supports the development of regional supply chains, enhancing the commercial viability of shared infrastructure.

The AEB will play a central role in supporting these regional ambitions by working with over 700 African financial institutions and APPO member states to channel funding into integrated, cross-border energy systems. By reducing the time, cost and risk associated with project development, the bank could accelerate the pace of infrastructure buildout across the continent.

SB62: Urgency of climate finance, Loss & Damage for Nigeria at Bonn

Michael Simire
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0
SB62: Urgency of climate finance, Loss & Damage for Nigeria at Bonn

With the world gathering in Bonn, Germany, for the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nigeria especially has to pay close attention to climate financing and loss and damage. Significant climate change endangering the nation’s economy, ecology, and way of life for millions of people calls for attention. Resilience against climatic effects and sustainable development for Nigeria depend on addressing these challenges by means of international collaboration and finance.

Olumide Idowu
Olumide Idowu, Founder & Executive Director, ICCDI Africa

Particularly in underdeveloped countries, climate funding is the financial support for projects linked to climate change. For Nigeria, this money is absolutely essential for various purposes.

Climate funding can enable Nigeria create infrastructure more suited to resist the effects of climate change. This covers expenditures on better water management systems, flood barriers, and climate-resilient farming techniques.

Nigeria’s economy depends mostly on oil exports; hence it is sensitive to environmental damage and price swings. By helping to promote economic diversification and job creation in sustainable industries, climate finance can enable a change towards renewable energy sources.

Improving public health depends on investments in climate-resilient health systems to help to mitigate public health hazards connected with climate change. Climate funding can help projects aiming at the prevention of climate-related illnesses and guarantee that communities have access to necessary healthcare facilities.

Access to climate financing fits Nigeria’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those meant to eradicate poverty, guarantee clean water and sanitation, and support sustainable cities and communities.

Loss and Damage are the negative outcomes of climate change that cannot be controlled or adjusted for, therefore having major social and financial implications. For Nigeria, the ramifications are dire:

Economic Losses: Climate-induced catastrophes such floods and droughts have already caused significant economic losses influencing livelihoods, infrastructure, and agriculture. As climate conditions deteriorate, populations can be compelled to flee their homes, resulting in internal displacement and more strain on metropolitan centres.

The loss of biodiversity and ecological degradation brought on by climate change might have long-term effects on Nigeria’s natural resources, therefore influencing livelihoods and food security.

Nigeria has a special chance at SB62 to promote better procedures to mitigate loss and harm as well as more climate financing. Important areas of concentration should consist in: Nigeria has to advocate for wealthy countries to keep their financial obligations and create trustworthy financing sources to assist in climate adaption and recovery projects. Technology Transfer: Talking about the creative ideas and technology transfer can help Nigeria to embrace sustainable practices and strengthen resistance against climate effects.

By means of education and training programmes, investments in local communities will equip them to successfully address climate problems and support the resilience of the country. Strengthening alliances with other countries and organisations can help Nigeria to solve climate problems and maximise available resources.

It is impossible to emphasise the seriousness of climate financing and loss and damage for Nigeria as the debates at SB62 progress. The country confronts major issues endangering its future, and the whole community has to come together to offer the required help.

Nigeria can build a sustainable and resilient future by ensuring sufficient climate funding and mitigating loss and damage, therefore preserving the welfare of its people and the condition of its ecosystems.

Turning the tide against the effects of climate change depends critically on the international community’s desire to assist Nigeria in these activities.

By Olumide Idowu, Founder & Executive Director, ICCDI Africa

Researcher develops gender-responsive tool for climate change

Michael Simire
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Researcher develops gender-responsive tool for climate change

A researcher and lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr Chinwoke Ifeanyi-Obi, has developed a Gender-Responsive Smart Monitor (G-SMART) tool to track gender inclusion in agricultural adaptation initiatives.

Gender-responsive
Stakeholders at the validation meeting on the Gender Responsive SMART Framework held Saturday in Abuja

Ifeanyi-Obi, the university’s Acting Head of the Department of Agriculture Extension and Development Service, said the tool aimed to ensure that policies moved beyond intent to measurable action.

She made the remarks at a stakeholders’ validation meeting on the Gender Responsive SMART Framework, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Abuja.

“The G-SMART monitor is a simplified framework designed to achieve two objectives: providing real-time assessment of gender responsiveness in climate change policies and evaluating policy implementation from the beneficiaries’ perspective,” she explained.

In her presentation, she said the G-SMART monitor was part of her Policy Innovation Project (PIP) under the ongoing Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP) Fellowship.

The GRASP Fellowship is a career development programme targeting mid-career African women in the policy field.

It aims to catalyse the design and implementation of gender-responsive agricultural policies across Africa.

The fellowship is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development.

Ifeanyi-Obi described the G-SMART framework as a gender analytical tool for assessing the gender responsiveness of climate change policies and programmes in the agricultural sector.

According to her, Nigeria, being a climate hotspot, is facing growing risks to food security and rural livelihoods, with projections indicating that climate change could lead to a 30 per cent drop in crop yields.

She said, “The menace could also reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by six to 30 per cent by 2050.”

Ifeanyi-Obi lamented that women and girls were disproportionately affected, with climate risks exacerbating existing gender inequalities.

“In Nigeria, women make up 60 to 79 per cent of the rural agricultural workforce, yet men are five times more likely to own land.

“Although the government has made efforts through various ministries to address gender gaps in climate adaptation by enacting policies and frameworks, implementation remains a challenge.

“Many existing policies lack specific measures and actionable strategies to effectively address gender inequality, hence the need for the G-SMART tool to bridge this gap.

“The framework will not only support responsible governments in adhering to gender commitments in existing policies but will also guide the development of new policies toward gender responsiveness,” she added.

She categorised the framework into two sets of indicators: those measuring gender responsiveness in climate change adaptation, and those assessing successful gender-responsive policy implementation.

Ifeanyi-Obi said the first section comprised 12 thematic areas of climate change that required gender mainstreaming to foster equality in adaptation policies and initiatives.

“These include involvement in decision-making and leadership, access to improved farm inputs and climate-resilient crop varieties.

“Other thematic areas are access to climate information and services; access to and ownership of agricultural assets including land; access to climate finance, credit finance, and insurance.

“Also, capacity building and education on climate adaptation,” she said.

By Felicia Imohimi

UN reaffirms support for Nigeria’s environmental protection

Michael Simire
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0
UN reaffirms support for Nigeria’s environmental protection

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling plastic pollution to strengthen sustainable environmental protection.

Mohamed Fall
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall

Fall made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at a one-day sensitisation campaign themed “Ending Plastic Pollution,” on Saturday, June 14, in Abuja to commemorate World Environment Day 2025.

The event was organised by UN entities including the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), and other partners.

According to Fall, plastic pollution is at a crisis level.

He noted that the recent passing of the UN resolution to curb plastic pollution marked a historic step toward environmental protection.

“Every piece of plastic that litters our soil or blocks our waterways threatens ecosystems. More dangerous still are microplastics contaminating our food, health, and bodies.

“Across our agencies, the UN is supporting Nigeria to tackle these challenges by promoting sustainable growth and boosting job creation.

“UNDP is strengthening national and state efforts to promote inclusive models, while UNIDO is investing in eco-friendly industrial solutions, among other initiatives,” he added.

Fall also highlighted the partnership between the UN, Green Hub Africa, and NES, which was increasing advocacy efforts focused on building global treaties to end plastic pollution.

“Ending plastic pollution is not only an environmental imperative; it is a human right to health, dignity, and a planned future,” he said.

Mr. Osu Otu, Programme Officer at the UNIDO Regional Office Hub Abuja, decried ineffective waste management, which often resulted in greenhouse gas emissions.

“In Nigeria, plastic accounts for 13 per cent of total waste. Proper management of plastic waste can boost job creation, private sector investment, and foreign direct investment in the country.

“It will also reduce plastic leakage into the environment,” he stated.

Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, President of the Nigerian Environmental Society, said the organisation had evolved beyond environmental campaigns to achieve meaningful goals.

“There is a gap between separation, collection, and distribution of waste during disposal, which remains a challenge.

“Our work involves serious research and engaging responsible stakeholders, which we have done over the years,” Okobia said.

He added that NES’s partnership with Green Hub Africa and the UN Information Centre had helped advance measures to end plastic pollution.

By Fortune Abang

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