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30 years after Beijing: Are women there yet?

Michael Simire
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30 years after Beijing: Are women there yet?

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPA), adopted on Sept. 15, 1995, at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, aims to advance gender equality and empower women globally.

Beatrice Eyong
Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS

Key areas of focus include promoting women’s economic empowerment, eliminating violence against women, increasing female leadership, and protecting the rights of the girl child.

The declaration emphasises the need to strengthen institutions promoting gender equality, with the goal of creating a more inclusive and just society.

Countries are expected to implement and follow up on these commitments to achieve the outlined objectives.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) monitors progress and provides guidance.

Signed by 189 governments, Nigeria is a signatory to the BDPA and has committed to implementing its provisions.

Through various policies, programmes, and institutional mechanisms such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria has shown a commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Nigeria is also required to submit regular reports to the United Nations CSW on its progress in implementing the BDPA.

Thirty years after the adoption of the BDPA, Nigeria, along with other countries, presented its achievements, challenges, and proposed actions to accelerate implementation at the 69th CSW in New York.

Experts and relevant stakeholders have recognised Nigeria’s progress in certain areas, such as increasing access to education for girls and promoting women’s participation in politics.

However, they have also pointed out that Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including high levels of violence against women, limited access to healthcare and economic opportunities, and persistent gender-based discrimination.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, while marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), highlighted the harsh realities faced by women and girls in Nigeria.

She also pointed to several notable policies aimed at achieving the goals of the BDPA.

According to her, the IWD celebration serves as a critical moment to propel gender equality into tangible progress and to rally for bold action to break barriers, close gaps, and empower Nigerian women and girls.

“While Nigeria has made significant progress in enacting gender-responsive laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, full implementation remains a challenge.

“As of today, 35 states have domesticated the VAPP Act, while 34 states have adopted the Child Rights Act.

“While this is a step in the right direction, we need full compliance, effective enforcement, and accountability to ensure that the rights enshrined in these laws become a lived reality for every Nigerian woman and girl,” she said.

The minister also acknowledged that women drive Nigeria’s informal economy, owning 41 per cent of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“However, barriers such as limited access to finance, markets, and digital literacy hinder their ability to scale their businesses.”

To address this, she mentioned that 4.5 million women nationwide will be supported to bridge this gap, while 500,000 women will benefit from skills development under the MOWA-SARA initiative, supported by WEMA Bank.

Regarding women’s political representation and leadership, she noted that in the 10th National Assembly, only four out of 109 Senators and 17 out of 360 House of Representatives members are women, with 15 states lacking any female representation.

“This stark imbalance is not reflective of a progressive democracy. We must accelerate efforts toward political inclusion, ensuring that women have a seat at the table in governance and development,” she said.

Emphasising the need for accelerated action to create a more inclusive and equitable society, she urged all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to tackling the challenges hindering the full potential of Nigerian women and girls.

Also, Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted Nigeria’s progress, particularly in women’s political participation over the past three decades.

She commended the increasing confidence of political parties in including women on electoral lists, while also acknowledging the emerging challenges that require collective action for transformative change.

She emphasised that the consultation was vital for ensuring that Nigeria’s national report for CSW 69 reflected the realities of women and girls across the country.

Similarly, Dr Felicia Onibon, International Lead Consultant, presented Nigeria’s Draft BPfA+30, which showed progress in implementing the BPfA over the past 30 years, particularly focusing on the last five years (2020–2025).

Onibon highlighted significant strides, including the development of two laws and the strengthening of two others under the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria.

She also noted that 99,985 girls and boys had been reached through in-school interventions, with additional outreach to 82,852 out-of-school youths.

“Furthermore, 16,725,584 voices were amplified in communities against gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices.”

Onibon stresses the need to identify gaps and recommends that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs continue collaborating with international development agencies, local partners, and relevant government institutions to accelerate progress.

Other stakeholders echoed the need for stronger policies, increased funding, and enhanced advocacy to tackle issues such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, political participation, and access to education for women and girls.

Dr Joy Shu’aibu, Sightsavers Country Director, also called for urgent action to improve women’s access to employment, particularly for those with disabilities who face multiple barriers to financial independence.

“In Nigeria, the gender gap in employment is 8.4 per cent. Lack of access to resources and workplace barriers continue to exclude millions of women, particularly those with disabilities, from economic opportunities,” she said.

She urged global leaders attending the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) to commit to disability-inclusive approaches.

She emphasised that such approaches could unlock billions in economic potential.

Additionally, she highlighted that these efforts would contribute to advancing gender equality, ensuring that the rights and opportunities for all women, including those with disabilities, are fully realised.

Similarly, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), initiated the “Her Seat in Parliament and Governance” campaign.

The campaign aims to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making across Nigeria.

In partnership with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), the initiative seeks to create more opportunities for women to engage in leadership roles and influence policy decisions at all levels of government.

Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, NAWOJ National President, emphasised that women in Nigeria have long been underrepresented in the legislative system.

Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, National Vice President of NAWOJ Zone D, said the association was campaigning for more seats to influence policies that affect women and other vulnerable groups.

Miss Grace Sim-Auta, Coordinator of the Gender Unit at Hope For Village Child Foundation, emphasised the need for collaboration among key stakeholders in Nigeria.

She called for joint efforts between the Nigerian government, NGOs, and civil society organisations to tackle the challenges faced by women and girls.

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of involving the private sector in these efforts, stressing that a collective approach was essential for addressing the multifaceted issues impacting women and girls across the country.

She stressed the importance of promoting access to education, economic opportunities, and the representation of women in leadership positions.

As Nigeria celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, it is evident that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

To achieve true gender equality and empowerment for women and girls, Nigeria must continue working towards creating a society that values and supports the contributions of all its citizens, regardless of gender.

By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Reactions as COP30 President insists UN climate summits must deliver on promises

Michael Simire
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Reactions as COP30 President insists UN climate summits must deliver on promises

President of the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Andre Correa do Lago, has acknowledged the limitations of such global negotiations, and the need to deliver on promises made at these summits.

Andre Correa do Lago
COP30 President, Andre Correa do Lago

Correa do Lago, a veteran climate negotiator, said it was necessary to be self-critical and push back against the belief that the so-called Conference of the Parties (COP) summits involved lots of talk and “meagre results”.

Calls for reform to the UN process on climate change have been raised for years, including by previous COP presidents and other respected global figures.

“In view of climate urgency, we need a new era beyond negotiating talks: we must help put into practice what we have agreed,” wrote the COP30 president in a letter to nations on Monday, March 10, 2025, ahead of the conference, scheduled for November in Brazil.

In a separate briefing to journalists, Correa do Lago said it was essential to “do our best to link the abstraction of these negotiations and the decisions of the COP to real life”.

He said there was a perception that these talks – which every year convene negotiators from nearly 200 nations for almost two weeks of intense haggling – did not deliver what was needed.

He also spoke of the “limits” of the UN climate process and its landmark accord, the Paris Agreement, in implementing decisions, and thinking more holistically about how to tackle global warming.

At COP30 in Belem, at the mouth of the Amazon River, countries will be judged on their national climate plans and pledges for stronger action to rein in greenhouse gas emissions.

But the timing is not favourable for big new commitments on climate change, with Europe shifting money towards defence, and the United States withdrawing from the Paris Agreement entirely.

“The international context is very difficult for negotiations,” said Correa do Lago.

“Let’s see how we can accelerate what we have already decided.”

Decisions at COP summits – which are overseen by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – are taken by consensus, adding to the complexity in getting any agreement done.

In his letter, Correa do Lago referred several times to the Indigenous concept of “mutirao” – where communities unite around a common challenge – and invited the world to join such an effort.

“Humanity needs you,” he said, urging not just governments but the private sector, civil society and academia to get involved.

The COP30 presidency also wants to bring together a “circle of presidencies” from the past decade and Indigenous leaders.

In a response, 350.org stated that, in the letter, Correa do Lago laid out the initial vision for COP30, listing out key elements of the COP30 vision and noteworthy observations to include:

  • 2.1°C as a Key Benchmark: The letter carefully avoids firm commitments, stating COP30 can be the moment for aligning finance and merging climate and digital transitions.
  • Forests as a Time-Saving Strategy: Reversing deforestation is framed as a critical lever for immediate climate action.
  • NDCs and Climate Ambition: Acknowledges the limitations of multilateral negotiations on NDCs but calls for a candid stocktake to identify obstacles to greater ambition.
  • Energy Transition Signals: References global energy targets (tripling renewables, doubling efficiency, phasing out fossil fuels) but falls short on calling for direct inclusion in NDCs—leaving room for future negotiations).
  • Climate Finance Roadmap: Mentions a “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T” but lacks substantive detail on implementation.
  • Indigenous Leadership: Acknowledges Indigenous contributions but does not yet articulate a clear role for them in COP30’s agenda.
  • Process Innovations:
  • “Circle of Presidencies”: Plans to involve past COP leaders (COP21–COP29) along with CBD and UNCCD presidencies for strategic guidance.
  • Global Ethical Stocktake (GES): A new initiative to gather ethical perspectives on climate action from thinkers, scientists, artists, and Indigenous voices.

Toya Manchineri, General Coordinator of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), said: “The president of the COP is right in seeing forests as an important response to the climate emergency. However, although forest protection is crucial, the true solution to the climate crisis lies in addressing the causes that generate it. Forest preservation will only be effective if we expand the demarcation of indigenous lands, ensure proper direct funding, and transition to a low-carbon society – and this needs to happen quickly.

“We can no longer delay the elimination of fossil fuels. The caution in the letter on this issue requires more courage and ambition. Otherwise, as the letter itself says, ‘the lack of ambition will be judged as a lack of leadership.’ The Amazon won’t hold up, no matter how much we do our part, if the planet continues to burn.” 

Sinéia do Vale, Co-President of the International Forum of Indigenous Peoples on Climate Change for Latin America and the Caribbean (Indigenous Caucus), said: “The proposed ‘Circle of Indigenous Leadership’ in the letter is a step forward, but we need to ensure that it has a direct and meaningful connection with the decisions of the COP. I missed a greater emphasis on the indigenous leaders and organisations of Brazil, who are on the front lines and have a crucial role to play in this collective effort for climate justice.” 

Ilan Zugman, Latin America and Caribbean Director, 350.org, said: “The proactive and detailed nature of this letter from the COP30 presidency is an encouraging sign – especially in contrast to COP29. This early engagement signals an intent to shape the agenda rather than react to it.  It emphasises unity in the face of climate change rather than cynicism, aligning with Indigenous perspectives on collective action. However, COP30 must be about delivering action, not just having discussions and announcing commitments without clear ways for them to be implemented.

“While the letter acknowledges the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions, Indigenous peoples and renewable energy, it falls short on calling for concrete renewable energy targets and phasing out fossil fuels. The COP30 presidency must not follow the contradictory discourses around fossil fuel expansion that the Brazilian government has been playing with lately.

“It also leaves out a plan for the inclusion of Indigenous leadership in COP30’s decision-making process, as well as how the just energy transition will be tackled. This must be addressed in the coming months. The vision is there – now we need to see the mechanisms that will turn it into reality.”

Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy & Campaigns, 350.org, said: “Outlining a vision for COP30 in such a detailed manner is a welcome shift after last year’s fossil fuel-captured and stagnant presidency. This early engagement signals an intention to shape the summit’s agenda rather than merely respond to it.

“The letter rightly underscores the urgency of new climate targets and the central role of Indigenous peoples at the Amazon COP. However, it falls short in setting concrete energy targets and committing to a fossil fuel phase-out. While it references the Global Stocktake and the landmark decision to transition away from fossil fuels and triple renewable energy, the real test lies in implementation.

“The COP30 presidency must now clarify how it will translate these commitments into action – especially as the world remains dangerously off track, including Brazil’s own continued fossil fuel expansion.”

IWD 2025: How six women are helping their communities adapt to climate change

Michael Simire
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IWD 2025: How six women are helping their communities adapt to climate change

As the planet warms, the fallout from climate change – from droughts, to floods, to superstorms – is getting worse. But not everyone has felt the pain equally. This imbalance is tied to longstanding inequalities: women often shoulder more domestic care responsibilities, have less access to resources, such as land or credit, and are underrepresented in decision-making spaces. 

Women
Women in Tanzania planting trees

But in recent years women have worked to flip that script, emerging as drivers of community efforts to adapt to climate change. In rural and urban areas women are spearheading initiatives to better manage water, farm more sustainably, and prepare for disasters.  

The growing wave of female-led adaptation demonstrates that climate action can also support gender equality and more secure livelihoods. For International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8, 2025, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) looks at six women leading adaptation efforts in their communities.  

Marine Baponampoze, Rwanda

In Rwanda, extreme floods and droughts are hitting harder than ever. For years, deforestation has made these impacts worse by limiting the land’s ability to absorb water and recharge groundwater supplies. With support from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, local communities in the Kirehe District came together to launch beekeeping businesses – which are less reliant on rainfall – and conserve forests. Leading the charge is Marine Babonampoze.

As a team leader in the local beekeeping cooperative, she shows beekeepers how to use modern equipment to increase production. Having restored over 600 hectares of ecosystems to provide foraging ground for the bees, the project is simultaneously reducing the impacts of flood and drought while increasing honey yields. 

“In general, cooperative members work together and care for one another, and everything becomes better when we unite,” she says.

Ahumwire Justine, Uganda

In southwestern Uganda, banana farmer Ahumwire Justine lost 300 trees and two cows during a devastating hailstorm a few years ago. With no insurance, she faced food shortages, unpaid school fees and an uncertain future. Now, a new digital crop insurance system, introduced by NDC Action Project, offers protection. Farmers use smartphones to document healthy banana plants and submit damage photos after storms, allowing quick assessments by agroeconomists.

Justine, a “champion farmer”, shares this tech with fellow smallholders – nearly half of whom are women – boosting resilience and productivity. This innovative approach provides financial security, and fosters hope across Uganda’s growing network of banana farmers. Bananas are integral to Uganda’s economy, with 47 per cent of farmers involved in their cultivation in 2019, according to Uganda’s statistics bureau. 

Louise Mabulo, the Philippines

When Typhoon Nock-ten ripped through the Philippines in 2016, chef Louise Mabulo noticed cacao trees still standing amid the wreckage. It was at that moment that she realized cacao trees were relatively resilient to storms and she launched “The Cacao Project”, training over 200 farmers in agroforestry and planting more than 150,000 trees.

By focusing on cacao’s climate resilience and high market value, her initiative combats deforestation, revitalises farmland and empowers communities to withstand future storms, which are expected to become more common as the climate changes. Recognised as a Young Champion of the Earth, Mabulo was said to exemplify how women’s leadership can transform adversity into opportunity. 

Anti Rohey Ceesay, the Gambia

In Gambia, climate change is causing more severe flooding. Fishers in the countryside sometimes lose their lives because they lack reliable forecasts and receive no alerts of when to avoid open water. Anti Rohey Ceesay, a forestry expert from the Central River Region, decided to take matters into her own hands a few years ago. After nine weather stations were built in her district with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Ceesay was able to gather weather alerts and travel via motorbike from village to village sharing vital warnings.

In Ceesay’s culture, knowledge is often passed on through song and dance, so she organised ‘climate theatre’ performances in villages to educate her community about climate change and how to adapt. Since Ceesay began providing advanced warnings, the number of deaths from climate impacts has fallen in her community, Ceesay said. 

Vivienne Rakotoarisoa, Madagascar

On Madagascar’s southeast coast, climate change has led to erratic and unpredictable rainfall. For rice farmer Vivienne Rakotoarisoa, floods and droughts devastated her family’s harvests. Determined to adapt, Rakotoarisoa now cultivates rambo—a drought-resistant reed—and transforms it into hats, mats and baskets. Although the plant is not edible, it’s more resilient than rice and its popularity as a weaving material makes it a valuable crop.

With funding from GEF, Rakotoarisoa and hundreds of villagers gained new skills, providing them with alternative, climate-resilient incomes. Weavers would traditionally forage for rambo in the wild, but now they can sustainably farm and sell the reed, which maintains a steady income even if the rice harvests fail.  

Michelle Delgado, Mexico

With precipitation patterns changing in Xalapa, Mexico, local homemaker Michelle Delgado once believed restoring forests was “for men.” But through a project funded by the GEF and implemented by UNEP, workshops were organised to teach women how to plant and nurture tree species. Alongside other participating women, Delgado reforested the riparian forest of the Arroyo Papas stream, helping protect communities from landslides and floods while building a more sustainable future.

Women collect native seeds, germinate them, and distribute trees to households – “one tree for every home”. Now called “guardians of the forest” by their communities, these women’s efforts are dismantling gender stereotypes and empowering them to shape decisions that build resilience and curb climate impacts.

Minister seeks U.S. collaboration with Africa to end energy poverty

Michael Simire
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Minister seeks U.S. collaboration with Africa to end energy poverty

The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, says there is a need to strengthen collaboration between the U.S. and Africa to tackle energy poverty, drive sustainable development, and foster economic growth.

Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, speaking at the 10th Powering Africa Summit (PAS25) in Washington D.C.,

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications in Abuja on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Adelabu spoke while delivering a keynote address at the 10th Powering Africa Summit (PAS25) held in Washington D.C., U.S.

The summit, with the theme: “The Future of the U.S. and Africa Energy Partnership,” was sponsored by Sun Africa and held from March 6 to March 7.

The summit brought together African leaders, global investors, and energy sector experts.

“The outcomes of the summit include a platform for building strategic relationships with global investors and industry leaders.

“Additionally, the summit highlighted policy frameworks to support the growth of Africa’s energy sector.

“The summit also highlighted the immense potential for strengthening U.S.-Africa partnerships to drive progress in the global energy landscape,” Adelabu said.

The minister emphasised the significant progress achieved through initiatives such as Power Africa, which had played a pivotal role in expanding electricity access, mobilising investments, and supporting policy reforms across Nigeria and the African continent.

Adelabu commended the recent inauguration of “Mission 300,” an ambitious initiative aimed at providing 300 million Africans with electricity access by 2030.

He called for stronger partnerships among stakeholders to achieve this goal, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology transfer, infrastructure development, and capacity building to accelerate the energy transition and drive economic growth.

During the summit, the minister also met with U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, who reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to partnering with African nations to address energy poverty and promote sustainable development.

Wright expressed his country’s enthusiasm to deepen collaboration in renewable energy, off-grid solutions, as well as private-sector investments.

By Constance Athekame

Groups condemn govt’s bid to import EU waste, urge focus on local management

Michael Simire
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Groups condemn govt’s bid to import EU waste, urge focus on local management

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have strongly condemned the Federal Government’s bid to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union (EU), warning that such a move could exacerbate the country’s waste management crisis.

Non-hazardous waste
Non-hazardous waste

The protest comes after Nigeria and 23 other non-OECD countries applied to the European Commission (EC) for inclusion on the list of nations eligible to import waste from the EU ahead of the February 21 deadline for applications.

In a joint statement, Nigerian environmental groups – including members of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Nigeria, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZeWA), and Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) – denounced the government’s involvement in what they termed “waste colonialism.”

A Waste Management Crisis

The CSOs highlighted Nigeria’s severe waste management challenges, noting that the country generates over 32 million tons of waste annually. Lagos alone produces about 13,000 metric tons daily, yet a significant portion remains uncollected, ending up in open dumpsites, drains, or being burned. According to them, this lack of proper waste management leads to severe environmental and public health hazards.

“The informal waste sector plays a crucial role in waste collection and recycling, yet it operates with little recognition or support,” the CSOs said. “The lack of investment in environmentally sound management of waste, recycling facilities and more importantly reducing upstream plastic production, further worsens the situation, leaving Nigeria to bear the burden.”

Dr. Leslie Adogame of SRADev Nigeria, speaking on behalf of GAIA Nigeria members, emphasised the devastating impacts of poor waste management.

“Plastics clog waterways, causing severe urban flooding, while open burning of waste releases toxic chemicals, leading to respiratory diseases. Additionally, landfill leachates contaminate soil and groundwater, posing long-term risks to food security and public health,” he said.

He also pointed out the dire working conditions of informal waste pickers, who handle much of the country’s recycling without protective gear, exposing them to injuries and illnesses.

“The uncontrolled disposal of waste also threatens biodiversity, as plastics and other pollutants harm marine and terrestrial ecosystems,” he added, pointing out that Nigeria till date does not have any sanitary landfills to manage its increasing land-based waste. 

According to the obligations of the application to import waste from the EU – non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries must demonstrate their ability to manage the waste they wish to import from the EU in an environmentally sound manner under conditions equivalent to those applying in the EU. Such an equivalence ceases to exist as Nigeria continues to grapple with its current waste complexities and adversities, say the campaigners.

Why Importing Waste is a Dangerous Move

Faith Paulinus, Coordinator of Zero Waste Ambassadors and Lead of Governance Reforms and Anti-Corruption at Policy Alert, questioned the rationale behind Nigeria’s application to import EU waste at a time when the country is grappling with weak enforcement of waste policies, limited recycling infrastructure, and low public awareness of sustainable waste practices.

“The government struggles with inadequate funding for waste management programmes, leaving Nigeria reliant on informal and often unsafe waste disposal methods,” he noted.

Echoing these concerns, the Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, warned that Nigeria’s waste management systems are already overwhelmed.

“Additional imports could overburden landfills, worsen pollution, and further strain our already inadequate recycling infrastructure. This influx could also discourage domestic waste reduction efforts such as the recent single-use plastic ban and undermine local recycling industries,” he cautioned.

He added that weak enforcement of waste regulations raises the risk of mismanagement, leading to further environmental and health crises. “This decision contradicts Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable waste management and could turn the country into a dumping ground for Europe’s waste.”

Call to Action

The Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin, reminded the government that Nigeria’s decision to increase its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from 43% to 45% was partly due to commitments in the waste management sector.

“Nigeria must ban waste imports and focus on managing local waste rather than becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste,” he stated. “The government should, above all, commit to a global reduction target on plastic production within the context of the Global Plastics Treaty, invest in environmentally sound recycling infrastructure, strengthen waste reduction policies, support informal waste pickers, implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and promote public awareness campaigns on waste management and recycling.”

The CSOs called on the government to reject the importation of waste and prioritise sustainable waste management strategies that empower local communities and safeguard public health.

This, they said, is especially crucial in light of the EU’s upcoming ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD countries, set to take effect on November 21, 2026. They insist that allowing such imports would essentially be an act of perjury.

“More than 27 years later, it is high time that Nigeria ratifies and fully implements the Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes not only the health of the environment, but that of her people,” declared the CSOs.

A new decade for advancing gender-responsive climate policies that benefit all

Michael Simire
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A new decade for advancing gender-responsive climate policies that benefit all

The UN Climate Change celebrated a new decade of action to advance gender equality in the face of climate change on Friday, March 7, 2025, the eve of International Women’s Day.

Gender mainstreaming
The AF project in the Mahaweli River Basin of Sri Lanka, implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), introduces climate-smart and non-chemical agricultural practices to strengthen livelihoods, providing hope and employment to women and igniting the passion for cultivation among the younger generation, Photo credit: UNDP

At COP29, Parties decided to extend the Enhanced Lima Work Programme on Gender and Climate Change for another 10 years. The decision acknowledges the critical role of gender mainstreaming into all relevant goals and targets outlined in the Convention. This integration is seen as contributing towards enhancing the effectiveness, fairness, and sustainability of climate policy and action.

“As we know, stronger climate action delivers huge benefits for people in their daily lives. More jobs, more economic opportunities, and lower health costs.” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “Applying a gender-responsive approach ensures that those benefits are shared equally.”

Recent UN climate change reports highlight the benefits of including a gender perspective in various areas of climate action, demonstrating how such inclusion improves efficiency and provides broader social benefits. For example:

  • Gender-responsive low-carbon mobility can improve access to and use of low-carbon climate-friendly options by all.
  • Prioritising projects that consider the unique vulnerabilities, needs and contributions of all people can increase the effectiveness of adaptation finance.
  • Indigenous women’s expertise in areas such as seed-saving techniques and weather forecasting enhance their communities’ food security and improve their ability to prepare and respond to rain and drought.
  • By adopting a gender-lens, just transition policies can reduce occupational gender stereotypes and increase the chances that women and men equally benefit from new jobs created in the emerging green and blue economy.

In 2025, under the Paris Agreement, countries will submit new national climate action plans (NDCs 3.0), which must be more ambitious and robust than the previous ones. Parties are also developing new national adaptation plans. While developing these strategies, they have a unique opportunity to prioritise policies that promote climate and social justice. These policies can help pave the way for a just transition that offers significant benefits for society as a whole. 

As a result of years of work to implement the mandate of mainstreaming gender across all areas of the Convention, UN Climate Change has developed a range of tools and knowledge products that include gender- and social-inclusion considerations. These resources, available for consultation here, can help policymakers identify entry points and best practices for integrating gender into climate policy and action, including in areas such as adaptation, loss and damage, technology, and mitigation.

2025: a key year for advancing climate action that benefits women and girls worldwide

At COP29, Parties also committed to developing a new gender action plan to be adopted at COP30, which will outline concrete measures for the effective implementation of gender-responsive climate action moving forward.

As this new gender action plan is developed in 2025, Parties can shape an ambitious roadmap to implement the new decade of action on gender and climate change in a way that benefits all women and girls worldwide.

They can thus contribute to advancing gender equality, a human right and foundational piece for sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous societies. Parties and observers can contribute to this process through the call for submissions, which is open until March 31.

IPCC holds First Lead Author Meeting for Special Report on Climate Change and Cities

Michael Simire
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IPCC holds First Lead Author Meeting for Special Report on Climate Change and Cities

The First Lead Author Meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Cities taking place in Osaka, Japan, from March 10 to 14, 2025, brings together almost 100 selected experts from more than 50 countries.

Winston Chow
Winston Chow, Co-Chair of Working Group II, IPCC

The meeting, hosted at the Osaka International Convention Centre by the Ministry of Environment of Japan, brings together experts with backgrounds in physical science, impacts, adaptation, vulnerability, and mitigation, including researchers and practitioners from urban communities designated to serve as Coordinating Lead Authors and Lead Authors on the report, who have been selected by the scientific bureaus of the three Working Groups.

“The IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities will provide a foundation for all of us to harness the full potential of our cities in tackling climate change, ensuring that they are resilient, inclusive and sustainable for generations to come. We look forward to the insights that our invited experts will bring to developing a robust and actionable report,” said Winston Chow, Co-Chair of Working Group II.

The meeting marks the beginning of the drafting process for this Special Report, which is the only Special Report of the seventh assessment cycle and is scheduled to be finalised in March 2027. Selected authors will work on developing the report based on the outline agreed by the Panel during its 61st Session held in Sofia, Bulgaria from August 27 to July 2, 2024. In this lead author meeting, authors will discuss the literature to be assessed in the report, and how the different chapters will complement each other.

The Special Report on Climate Change and Cities will provide a timely assessment of the latest science related to climate change and cities, including climate impacts and risks, as well as adaptation and mitigation solutions.

“It is exciting to meet the leading experts selected from all corners of the world and diverse fields who come together to draft this Special Report. We applaud the commitment of the scientists and practitioners who volunteer their time and work towards a more liveable future of our cities.” said Diana Ürge-Vorsatz, Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee for the scoping of the Special Report and Vice Chair of the IPCC.

Jigawa, UNICEF sensitise 600 women to environmental sustainability

Michael Simire
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Jigawa, UNICEF sensitise 600 women to environmental sustainability

The Jigawa State Government has begun the training of 600 women in environmental sustainability to enhance their social and economic wellbeing.

Umar Namadi
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State

The beneficiaries would receive training through the Waste to Wealth Initiative being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Mr. Adamu Sambo, Managing Director, Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), stated this at an event to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Dutse, the state capital.

The theme of the event is: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” aimed to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all.

Sambo said the state would partner with the UN agency to expand the scope of the programme and mobilise participation across the 27 local government areas of the state.

“We want to ensure that more women in Jigawa State can participate and benefit from the upcycling and waste-to-wealth programme,” he said.

He said the occasion was not only to celebrate the strength, resilience and achievements of women, but also highlighted the role they play in environmental sustainability and economic development.

According to Sambo, the inclusion of women in environmental sustainability is not just a matter of equity but a necessity for creating sustainable solutions.

Sambo described women as agents of change in their communities and beyond, stressing that when empowered, they would implement practices that foster environmental conservation, waste reduction and climate resilience.

He stressed that through upcycling and the waste to wealth initiative, women could be provided with the chance to protect the environment and secure a better future for their families.

Sambo said the programme provided opportunities to convert waste into wealth in spite of global challenges in waste management that threatened the environment.

The exercise, he said would encouraged integration of upcycling waste into marketable products, to ensure economic empowerment and environmental impact.

According to him, the initiative will bridge gender gap by providing marketable skills in waste upcycling, entrepreneurship and sustainability, to enable young women to contribute to household income and national economic growth.

Sambo said the training exercise would leverage on the Youth Opportunities Marketplace (YOMA), also an initiative of the UNICEF.

The director said that YOMA was an innovative digital platform ecosystem aimed at connecting young people to learning, earning and social impact opportunities.

He said the programme would enable the youths to access online courses, mentorship, skill building challenges and employment opportunities.

“YOMA will equip young women with digital and entrepreneurial skills, connecting them to real world economic opportunities beyond their immediate environment.”

Sambo commended the state government, Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria (WAPAN) and other stakeholders for their supports to the agency.

He retreited commitment to ensure women inclusion to transform waste into valuable and marketable products.

The Wife of Jigawa State Governor, Amina Namadi, lauded the initiative, adding that women inclusion in environmental sustainability would provide a visible impact in the state and across the globe.

Namadi urged the participants to avail themselves the opportunity to sanitise their environment and change their lives for the better.

By Aisha Ahmed

NCDMB acquires 20% equity in 100kbpd refinery project

Michael Simire
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NCDMB acquires 20% equity in 100kbpd refinery project

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has sealed a deal to acquire 20 per cent equity in a 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery project being established by African Refinery Group Ltd, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC Ltd).

NCDMB
3rd from left: Managing Director, African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited, Mr. Tosin Adebajo; Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe; Director Legal Services, NCDMB, Mr. Naboth Onyesoh, Esq; Director Finance and Personnel Management, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha and General Manager, Commercial Ventures, Mr. Ejiro Dortie, at the signing of share purchase agreement in African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited in Abuja on Thursday

The share purchase agreement for this investment was signed on Thursday, March 7, 2025, and it will make NCDMB a key partner in the African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited (ARPHL), being co-located with Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, operated by the NNPC Ltd, in Alesa Eleme, Rivers State.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe signed the agreement at the Board’s liaison office in Abuja, while the Managing Director, African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited, Mr. Tosin Adebajo, signed on behalf of the company.

The NCDMB boss remarked that the equity investment is the first to be sealed under his leadership. He confirmed that the Board subjected the proposal through rigorous technical, commercial and regulatory reviews and decision gates, in line with NCDMB’s Commercial Ventures Investment Policy.

The Board has also instituted a robust corporate governance procedure that will safeguard its investment and ensure optimal performance of the refinery project, he added.

The deal is part of the Board’s commercial venture programme, which is supported by section 70 (h) of the NOGICD Act, where NCDMB is charged to “assist local contractors and Nigerian companies to develop their capabilities and capacities” in furtherance of Nigerian content development in the oil and gas industry.

The Board’s commercial venture investments are also geared to catalyse Federal Government’s strategic policies, provide job creation opportunities in the construction and operation phases, and add value to the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.

The shares for the African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited project were purchased under the Nigerian Content Intervention Company LTD/GTE, a company limited by guarantee, and wholly owned by the NCDMB.

Details of the investment indicate that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) holds a 15 per cent equity investment in the refinery project, having executed a share subscription agreement in 2024.

The promoters of the project, African Refinery Group, had in 2016 won a competitive bid to co-locate a crude oil refinery within the site of the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex (PHRC), and it executed an agreement to run and operate a 100,000 BPD refinery on 45 hectares of vacant land within the battery limit of the refinery complex.

The company also signed a sub-lease agreement with NNPC in 2019, giving her 45.466 hectares of land within the refinery complex for a tenure of 64 years.

According to the investment plan, NCDMB will divest from the refinery at the end of the seventh year, counting from the commercial operations date.

Some of NCDMB’s investments in refining of petroleum products include the Waltersmith 5000 barrels per day (bpd) modular refinery located at Ibigwe, Imo State, Azikel group’s 12,000 barrels per day (bpd) hydro-skimming modular refinery, at Gbarain, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, and Duport Midstream’s 2,500 bpd modular refinery at Egbokor, Edo State, and they are at different levels of operations and development.

The Board’s investment with Waltersmith modular refinery was executed in 2018, and it served as the proof of concept. It operates optimally and provides refined petroleum products to its environs, creating hundreds of direct and indirect job opportunities.

The project is also a commercial success, as the holding company, Waltersmith Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited, posted a profit-after-tax of N23.6 billion in April 2024, for the year 2023, and total dividend of N4.5 billion, pending final approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

NCDMB holds 30 per cent share in the company, and it received an interim dividend payment of N450 million out of the N1.5bn that was declared for the year ended 2023.

IWD 2025: SELF, Bridge That Gap push for women’s empowerment to drive growth

Michael Simire
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IWD 2025: SELF, Bridge That Gap push for women’s empowerment to drive growth

It is unfortunate that, despite the important role that women play in society and their achievemes, many of them still face several barriers in accessing some socio-economic benefits and exercising basic fundamental human rights.

Adamawa Advocate Women's Inclusion
Cross section of Adamawa Advocate Women’s Inclusion group during an advocacy visit to the State Assembly

In Nigeria, for example, females are still under-represented in leadership positions and have limited access to equal education, a problem that has been largely attributed to widespread gender discrimination and a lack of financial resources.

This setback has restricted their chances to compete with their male counterparts and also prevented many of them from reaching their full potential.

According to Hyellagiziya Naiwa Fakuta, women in the northeastern region of the country are often left behind due to deeply rooted societal norms, cultural beliefs, and systemic exclusion.

Fakuta, who is the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Sustainable Education and Livelihoods Foundation (SELF), said that this rat race must end if accelerated action is to be achieved.

“However, we must not allow these challenges to define our future,” she stated, in a circular that EnviroNews obtained from her organisation,

Her strong determination to overcome these boundaries and fulfil her aspirations, like any other man’s, inspired her to establish SELF, a non-profit organisation she uses to promote gender equality, empower women, and build a society in which every girl and woman has an equal chance of success.

The politician and social rights advocate believes that an educated and empowered woman helps not only herself, but also her family, society, and the nation, as they play key roles in driving growth.

Taking into account her comments and relating them to this year’s celebration’s theme, “Accelerating Action,” it is important to go beyond simple conversations and start implementing audacious, tangible steps that will lead to real-world change.

She took advantage of this beautiful event to honour all of the hard-working, exceptional women who continue to push boundaries, inspire others, and make a difference in their respective fields of endeavour.

“To the women who wake up every day to fight for their dreams, to those who support and empower others, and to the women making sacrifices for their families and communities – we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you,” Fakuta stated.

The campaigner hopes that this year’s anniversary will inspire governments, lawmakers, NGOs, and individuals to take action in all areas impacting women’s lives.

Truth be told, this would mean that gender equality should not be a distant dream – it should be a present reality, which is why the founder of SELF is vehemently appealing that “we must work together to create a world where women are not just included but are empowered to lead and succeed.”

This would mean stepping up efforts in the areas of leadership to remove obstacles preventing women from sitting at the table, education to guarantee that all girls have access to high-quality education, and governance to guarantee that policies reflect genuine gender inclusion and create an atmosphere where women can thrive.

Similarly, Gloria Kasang Bulus, Executive Director, Bridge That Gap Initiative, emphasised that on the International Women’s Day, the world has come together to celebrate the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” highlighting the essential roles that women and girls play in promoting environmental sustainability and combating climate change.

“As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, the rights and empowerment of women and girls are more crucial than ever. Climate change does not affect everyone equally; it disproportionately impacts women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities. This inequity underscores the urgent need for their voices and leadership in climate action,” she disclosed in a statement made available to EnviroNews.

She listed the intersection of gender and climate action to include:

  1. Empowerment through Education: Educating girls about environmental issues equips them with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in sustainability. When girls are empowered with education, they can drive change in their communities and advocate for their rights.
  2. Equal Participation in Decision-Making: Women bring unique perspectives to environmental challenges. Ensuring their equal participation in decision-making processes leads to more effective and sustainable solutions. We must create spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued.
  3. Rights as a Foundation for Action: Protecting the rights of women and girls is fundamental to achieving environmental goals. When women have access to resources, land, and opportunities, they can implement sustainable practices and contribute to climate resilience.

On the International Women’s Day, Bulus urged governments, organizations, and communities to:

  1. Promote Gender Equality: Implement policies and programs that ensure equal rights and opportunities for all women and girls, particularly in environmental sectors.
  2. Support Women’s Leadership: Foster leadership programmes that empower women and girls to take active roles in climate action and decision-making.
  3. Raise Awareness: Continue to create awareness campaigns that highlight the critical intersection of gender and climate issues, and showcase the contributions of women and girls in environmental stewardship.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let us commit to advancing the rights, equality, and empowerment of all women and girls. Together, we can build a more sustainable future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” she stated.

By Racheal Fatima Okolo, Abuja

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