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Japan to provide $3m assistance to Nigeria toward combating cholera epidemic – Envoy

Michael Simire
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Japan to provide $3m assistance to Nigeria toward combating cholera epidemic – Envoy

The Japanese government on Thursday, February 20, 2025, pledged assistance of $3 million to Nigeria to combat the cholera epidemic in the country.

Hideo Suzuki
Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria

Mr. Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, said this at the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday reception held in Abuja.

He revealed that the assistance was funded by a recently approved supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.

Japan has indeed been a steady partner in providing humanitarian and development support to Nigeria, following the visit of Japan’s former foreign minister in April 2024, Japan announced an emergency loan of 108 million dollars to support Nigeria.

He added that there was also a grant of $5.4 million to enhance the country’s agricultural and health capabilities in 2024.

Japan’s government has been working with international organisations to assist Nigeria.

In 2023, Japan’s supplementary budget allocated two million in emergency aid to support peace and stability in Northeast  Nigeria, and disaster prevention efforts using Japanese expertise.

The envoy said that since the birth of the Emperor in 1960 which also coincided with when Nigeria gained independence; this marked the beginning of a diplomatic bilateral relation that has continued to deepen over the years.

According to him, at the Lagos international trade fair organised by Japan’s external trade organisation (JETRO) held in November 2024, a record of 40 companies exhibited at the Japan Pavillion, this is a clear indication of the high expectations Japanese companies have for the  Nigerian market.

“It is true that Japanese companies in Nigeria are facing various business challenges. I hope that under the strong leadership of the Nigerian government, the business environment will continue to improve.

“I am optimistic about the future of the Nigerian economy. I visited the Dangote refinery which has garnered global attention, and I was impressed by the groundbreaking vision, skill, and cutting-edge technology on display, this experience gave me a profound sense of the huge potential for future development in Nigeria,” he said.

According to the envoy, this year marks a significant milestone in Japan-Nigeria and Japan-Africa relations and in expectation of TICAD 9 which will hold in August 2025 in Yokohama.

Hideo, however, said that he is looking forward to seeing the participation of the Nigerian government from the highest level in TICAD 9 2025.

By Chinenye Offor

We removed 1,329 tonnes CO2 emissions in 2024 through solar storage solutions – Firm

Michael Simire
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We removed 1,329 tonnes CO2 emissions in 2024 through solar storage solutions – Firm

 WATT Renewable Corporation (WATT), a provider of hybrid solar solutions, has announced significant achievements in 2024, including the removal of 1,329 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through its 233-hybrid solar and storage solutions.

WATT Renewable Corporation
WATT Renewable Corporation removed 1,329 tonnes CO2 emissions in 2024 through solar storage solutions

The company disclosed in a statement made available to EnviroNews on Thursday, February 20, 2025, that it increased its installed capacity by 17% to 2.31MWh and improved uptime to 99.50% across its remote sites in Nigeria, furthering its mission to eliminate reliance on diesel generators.

In 2024, WATT added 37 new installations, marking a 16% increase, including 11 financial sector sites and 26 telecom sites. Telecoms accounted for 70% of WATT’s total new capacity and aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to expand digital connectivity through its National Broadband Plan, unlocking community access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

2024 also marked a significant technological advancement for WATT’s solar storage systems, with the transition from traditional Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) batteries to advanced Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) technology. This upgrade provides customers with longer-lasting power, faster recharging after outages, and enhanced energy reliability – offering a dependable solution to mitigate grid blackouts and support growth in energy-constrained environments.

“2024 was a milestone year for WATT,” comments Oluwole Eweje, CEO. “Our $15 million partnership with AFRIGREEN and other strategic investments have fuelled market expansion and delivered tangible value to businesses across the country. By helping clients cut energy costs by 25-30%, we’ve empowered them to reinvest in growth, drive innovation and gain greater energy independence. These achievements reflect our commitment to transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape with reliable, cost-efficient solutions that deliver real impact.”

WATT said that its success in 2024 was driven by a people-first approach. Its workforce grew by 40%, with women making up 14% of that growth, underscoring a dedication to diversity. Beyond its team, WATT uplifted communities across Nigeria by offering hands-on training to individuals from underserved areas, such as security guards and janitors, helping them develop skills to support long-term livelihoods.

This people-first approach, it added, extended to rural areas without grid access, where WATT installed charging ports and solar security lighting, enhancing safety, accessibility, and opportunity for all.

Discussing the company’s people-centric activities, Sherisse Alexander, Chief Business Officer at WATT, shared: “The growth of our team, particularly the increase in female employees, reflects the incredible talent potential here in Nigeria. By prioritising local talent, we’re empowering communities, supporting skills development and fostering resilience in areas that need it most. This is about creating opportunities that directly benefit Nigerians, both within our company and across the areas where we operate.”

Shell harps on partnerships to develop Nigerian economy

Michael Simire
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Shell harps on partnerships to develop Nigerian economy

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has called for continuous collaboration between professional associations in the oil and gas industry and government agencies to ensure the sector contributes more effectively to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. Such collaboration could result in investments in research and development that will ensure technological innovations not only in the oil and gas industry but also in other sectors of the economy.

Shell
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has announced Chief Tunde Afolabi, MFR, as winner of the NMGS highest award for 2025, the NMGS/Shell Award at the 60th NMGS Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Abuja. The winner, Chief Afolabi (centre) receiving his award from Shell Head Specialist Geologist, Segun Obilaja (left) while the NMGS President, Professor Akinade Shadrach Olatunji, right, watches on

SPDC Exploration Manager, Gogo Eneyok, made the call in Abuja where the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) holds its 60th Annual International Conference on February 16-21, 2025, with the theme “Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water and Construction Sectors through innovations.”

He said: “SPDC has sustained its decades-old partnership with the NMGS, sponsoring conferences, providing internship opportunities for professionals and the academia and supporting research, especially through the provision of real-time data from the industry to improve the quality of academic work.”

Eneyok added: “Shell continues to power progress n Nigeria through our operations on land, shallow and deep-water waters, as well as in gas and renewables and will provide opportunities for industry professionals to innovate and keep pushing the limits of research and development. It is indeed, a time where all professionals and government must deliberate on the various aspects of the energy sector.”

In his address at the conference, NMGS president, Prof Akinade Olatunji, enjoined Nigerian government to trust its citizens’ capabilities to guide the nation on a “trajectory of consistent growth that will wipe out poverty.”

He said: “The NMGS conference has grown from a very humble beginning 60 years ago to become the flagship of all the geosciences and mining professionals’ conferences in Nigeria. We are confronted by a vast changing world order. It is against this background of a changing world order and the fervent need to be self-sufficient in all spheres that we have identified the need for innovation in solving the myriads of challenges in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.”

In a goodwill message delivered at the conference, President of the National Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Johnbosco Uche, said: “NMGS role is critical as it helps to shape the future of earth scientists, foster research and ensure that professionals operate with noble values as the nation exploits natural resources.”

Uche, who is also the Chief Geophysicist for Shell Companies in Nigeria, highlighted NAPE’s collaboration with NMGS: “As colleagues in geosciences, we at NAPE deeply value the partnership with you. Our shared goal of harnessing the earth’s resources responsibly and efficiently requires continuous co-operation and synergy between us.”

NESREA sealed 96 facilities in 2024 for environmental violations – Official 

Michael Simire
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NESREA sealed 96 facilities in 2024 for environmental violations – Official 

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said it carried out criminal enforcement on 96 recalcitrant facilities across the country, including the FCT, in 2024 for environmental infractions.

NESREA
Officials of NESREA during a shutdown operation

Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of NESREA, who stated this at a news conference on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Abuja, said that the agency would continue with the enforcement as long as such facilities failed to live up to their obligations.

Barikor said that, in order to achieve effective environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement, NESREA had so far developed 36 National Environmental Regulations, as well as various National Environmental Guidelines.

He said that in enforcing these national environmental legislations, the agency carried out various forms of enforcement procedures, both  administrative, civil or criminal to ensure compliance of facilities in the green and brown environment.

He said that the  ultimate goal of the agency is to achieve a culture of voluntary compliance from the regulated community.

According to him, this is where facility operators proactively adhere to extant environmental legislations without the need for criminal enforcement action.

“NESREA would continue to do that as long as such facilities fail to live up to their obligations towards the environment,” Barikor said.

Barikor said that the the agency made a landmark progress in the Battery Sector which had been unregulated for so long by developing and gazzetting.

He said this was achieved with the support of some development partners, such as  the German Government (GIZ), the National Environmental (Battery Sector Control) Regulations, 2024.

“This sector has hitherto, been plagued with indiscriminate and improper handling of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs) which are associated with severe environmental and health hazards,” he said.

He said that the agency had taken steps  to promote awareness on the circular economy model in Nigeria.

“NESREA has over the years commenced the implementation of the circular economy principles in the country through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.

 “Implementation has commenced particularly in the Food and Beverage, Electrical/Electronics, Batteries, Used Tyres, Domestic Plastics, Rubber and Foam, (and soon to-be Plastic Waste) Sectors,” he said.

He said the continuous development of the capacity of members of staff of the agency was paramount for  efficiency and improved productivity.

“NESREA as an agency works hard to afford Nigerians and all who reside in Nigeria a better environment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

 “This we cannot achieve alone, without the support of Nigerians.

“I urge all Nigerians to be true environmental watchdogs, by blowing the whistle on any crime or infraction that affects the environment while supporting sustainable practices.

“Together, we can build a cleaner and healthier Nigeria for all,” he said.

By Doris Esa

ECOWAS investment bank secures Green Climate Fund accreditation

Michael Simire
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ECOWAS investment bank secures Green Climate Fund accreditation

The Lome, Togo-based ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has been accredited to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), unlocking new opportunities to support climate change initiatives across West Africa.

Dr George Agyekum Donkor
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor

The remarkable accreditation, it was gathered, improves EBID’s ability to finance climate-resilient development across the ECOWAS region, building on its existing sustainability portfolio and green advocacy initiatives. The move positions EBID as a direct channel for global climate funds into critical regional projects.

Through this partnership, EBID will expand its capacity to finance infrastructure, renewable energy, and green economy initiatives, ultimately fortifying the resilience of local communities against the adverse effects of climate change, and accelerate the transition towards a low- carbon, climate-resilient economy while ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As part of its Strategy for 2021-2025, EBID has already committed over $1 billion to sustainability-driven projects. Furthermore, the Bank has solidified its commitment to climate- friendly investments by securing a €100 million credit agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB), aimed at bolstering sustainable development initiatives within the ECOWAS sub-region.

These strategic investments underscore EBID’s commitment to fostering a green and resilient economic future for West Africa through spearheading climate- smart financial solutions that empower member states to implement transformative projects to address climate risks and support sustainable economic growth.

Commenting on the Accreditation, The President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, remarked, “This is a significant step towards a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand. We are committed to leveraging this accreditation to mobilise resources, unlocking opportunities, and building a better future for the people of West Africa.”

As climate challenges intensify across West Africa, the GCF accreditation empowers EBID to deliver targeted innovative financial solutions that create an inclusive and climate resilient economic growth for ECOWAS member states.

For EBID, the accreditation strengthens its capacity to:

  • Design and implement large-scale climate adaptation and mitigation projects,
  • Leverage additional climate finance from international partners,
  • Provide technical assistance to member states in developing bankable climate projects,
  • Align regional development with global climate goals.

The GCF is the United Nations’ primary mechanism for providing financial support to developing countries in their fight against climate change. Officially launched at the Durban Climate Change Conference (COP17) in 2011, the GCF facilitates the transfer of funds from developed nations to the most vulnerable economies, financing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate adaptation measures.

Through EBID’s partnership with the GCF, the Bank has enhanced its ability to support ECOWAS Member States in meeting their climate commitments while advancing their sustainable development goals to create sustainable economic opportunities for their citizens and the future generations.

ActionAid, partners seek equitable access to land for women farmers

Michael Simire
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ActionAid, partners seek equitable access to land for women farmers

ActionAid, the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), and other stakeholders have urged state governments and community leaders to prioritise women’s rights to land and their participation in agriculture.

ActionAid
Stakeholders at the ActionAid-SWOFON meeting in Abuja

According to them, such measures would maximise agricultural production and ensure food security across the country.

The stakeholders made this call at a meeting organised by SWOFON in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Abuja.

ActionAid Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, identified women’s rights to land and resources as fundamental, adding that without such access, all efforts towards food security and sustainable income would be in vain.

Mamedu, who was represented by Ms. Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny, Director for Business Development and Innovation at AAN, stressed the importance of women owning and having control over land to enable them to cultivate their desired crops effectively.

He emphasised the need for women to have access to resources that would enable them to purchase land and become economically independent rather than relying on others for land.

According to him, “If there is a challenge of inadequate land at the community level, women should be allowed to form cooperatives to gain access to agricultural land.

“Traditional leaders, who are the custodians of community land, should begin to rethink land allocation in terms of women’s access at the community level.

“So, if the land is given to them, they will be able to own it and cultivate any kind of crops they intend on those lands.

“We advocate to governments to allow women easy access to land, and they should relax conditions that restrict this particular group from such access.

“By prioritising women’s land rights and participation in agroecology, we can unlock their full potential as agents of change in sustainable agriculture and contribute to achieving broader development goals related to food security, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation.”

Mr Chris Kaka, a consultant for SWOFON, identified conflict within the institutional framework as one of the key challenges affecting women’s access to land.

According to him, “Based on Sections 43 and 44 of the Nigerian Constitution, there is no discrimination regarding sex in terms of access to land, likewise the Land Use Act.”

He noted that customary law states that the right to own land rests with men, while women can only gain access through marriage.

“Women owning land helps determine the kind of crops they grow, such as economic crops, among others. So, it is important for women to own land and for the government to provide land at a subsidised rate for women.

“Sustainable Development Goals are also tied to women’s access to land.

“Research has consistently shown that when women have secure rights to land, agricultural productivity and household food security improve, leading to broader economic and social development outcomes.

“Moreover, women tend to prioritise sustainable land management practices, contributing to the long-term resilience of agricultural systems and environmental sustainability.”

By Felicia Imohimi

National Assembly backs FMBN recapitalisation for affordable housing

Michael Simire
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National Assembly backs FMBN recapitalisation for affordable housing

The National Assembly says its support for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria’s (FMBN) recapitalisation efforts aims to enhance the bank’s capacity to deliver affordable housing and reduce the nation’s housing deficit.

FMBN
Dignitaries at the top management housing sector retreat in Lagos

Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, stated this on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Lagos during a top management housing sector retreat.

The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, aimed to deliberate on strategies for actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development.

Tambuwal said the Senate would ensure adequate funding and back FMBN recapitalisation drive toward affordable mass housing delivery for Nigerians.

He said the theme, “Actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development: Examining Strategies, Identifying Opportunities to Boost Scale and Impact”, was both timely and significant.

He said that housing and urban development play a pivotal role in national economic growth and social stability.

According to him, achieving scale and impact requires adopting innovative strategies that unlock opportunities for affordable housing, expanding private sector participation, and strengthening institutional frameworks.

Tambuwal reaffirmed commitment of his committee to supporting policies and legislative frameworks, noting that it would help to drive efficiency in the housing sector.

He said that the entire National Assembly would continue to collaborate with the ministry, its agencies and other stakeholders to ensure best global practices that aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, a key part of achieving this agenda is the funding of priority projects to enable the ministry to discharge its mandate effectively.

Tambuwal, while highlighting ongoing projects and those receiving attention, added that the Committee was also working to reinstate the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in the federal budget.

He noted that this would enable it to replicate past successes such as FESTAC Town and Gwarimpa Estate.

“In addition, I urge all participants at this retreat to identify legislative amendments that may be necessary to strengthen the housing sector,” he said.

Tambuwal reassured that the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development would expedite action on the necessary amendments to ensure their swift passage into law.

He said the committee would offer all necessary support to federal agencies and other stakeholders in the housing delivery value chain for efficiency.

Tambuwal urged participants to use the retreat as a collaborative platform to accelerate realisation of collective visions.

Mr Abiante Awaji, Chairman, House Committee on Regional Planning and Urban Development, while delivering a goodwill message, also shared insights on how to bridge funding gap.

He said a lot has to be done in terms of research to provide local alternatives to foreign building materials to make housing affordable and available.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, commended the National Assembly for its efforts in supporting the ministry.

“When the Budget Office presented their budget, the ministry initially received a significant reduction from the amount provided in 2024.

“We engaged with the National Assembly Committees, and they intervened to increase our budget by an additional N50 billion,” he said.

Dangiwa said their support helped the ministry create additional jobs, while businesses and individuals were empowered to positively impact on the economy.

He stated that the ministry had requested an additional N360 billion to expand the spread of the Renewed Hope Estates to 18 more states.

According to him, the additional funds will also extend the urban renewal programme to cover over 100 more sites, and address outstanding liabilities, among other needs.

By Grace Alegba

How climate change is heating up West Africa’s cocoa belt – Study

Michael Simire
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How climate change is heating up West Africa’s cocoa belt – Study

Climate change, due primarily to burning oil, coal, and methane gas, is causing hotter temperatures to become more frequent in the four West African countries responsible for producing approximately 70% of the world’s cacao – the key ingredient in chocolate.

Cocoa
Harvesting cocoa

Cocoa prices have risen 400% in recent years as study shows climate change made 2023 heatwave in West Africa 10 times more likely.

Indeed, during the past decade, global warming has increased the number of days above the ideal cocoa growth temperature range in West African growing regions by two to four weeks annually – mostly during the main crop cycle.

This is one of the outcomes of an analysis by Climate Central, which entails how warming temperatures, attributed to climate change, affected the number of days with maximum temperatures above 32°C during the main and mid-crop cycles in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria over the past 10 years (2015-2024).

Findings indicate that temperatures beyond the optimal range for cacao growth are becoming more common in West Africa’s cocoa belt, particularly during the main crop harvest season, compared to a world without climate change.

Beyond intensifying heat, climate change is also altering rainfall patterns in West Africa – an important factor in cacao growth – and contributing to soil degradation, further straining cacao production. However, rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are just two of the factors at play. Illegal mining, smuggling, and the spread of cacao swollen shoot virus through mealybug infestations are also significantly impacting the quantity and quality of cacao harvests, driving up chocolate prices and compounding challenges for farmers.

The study also found that nearly all the analysed cacao-producing areas in West Africa saw at least three additional weeks’ worth of days above 32°C added by climate change each year during the past decade – but many experienced much more.

Out of the analysed temperature data in 44 cacao-producing districts, regions, or states across West Africa in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria, nearly all areas (43) saw at least three weeks’ worth of days above the optimal temperature range for growing cacao added each year due to human-caused warming.

In 2024, more than two-thirds of cacao-producing states or regions analysed in West Africa saw at least six additional weeks’ worth of days above 32°C.

Additionally, climate change added more days above the optimal temperature range during the main crop cycle than during the mid-crop cycle across nearly all cacao-growing regions in 2024.

For instance, the number of days above 32°C added by climate change during the mid-crop cycle was greater than the days added in the main crop cycle in only five areas: Imo, Oyo, Kogi, and Kwara in Nigeria; and Bono East in Ghana.

Other factors impacting cocoa production in West Africa were listed to include inconsistent rainfall patterns, invasion by Mealybugs insects and cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV), as well as smuggling and illegal mining,

In a reaction, Director of Power Shift Africa, Mohamed Adow, weighs in on the issue, saying: “This is another example of the African livelihoods that are coming under threat from the extreme weather caused by carbon pollution. That is why we need to see more rapid roll-out of clean, renewable energy, and more targeted financial support for African farmers to help them adapt.”

International charity, Christian Aid, is warning that chocolate and the livelihoods that depend on it are at risk and is calling for action to cut emissions and target climate finance going to cocoa growers to help them adapt.

Chocolatiers are likewise feeling the heat: “It’s a nightmare, I don’t think any business involved in chocolate has avoided this impact, and it’s all down to climate change,” said Andy Soden of Kernow Chocolate.

Lagos begins public display of draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan

Michael Simire
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0
Lagos begins public display of draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Physical Planning, is set to commence the display and public inspection of the Draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan (2024-2044). 

Draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan (2024-2044)
The Draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan (2024-2044)

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who made this known on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, said that the essence of the public inspection of the draft Model City Plan was to make its proposals available to the public and welcome further recommendations from residents in line with the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 as amended.

His words: “It is imperative to know that public inspection of the draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan is in tandem with the state’s culture of citizens’ participation and international best practices in the preparation of Physical Development Plans. This is the process that the state government adopts to produce good desirable outcomes and bring about community ownership and seamless implementation of our Physical Development Plans.”

The Commissioner disclosed that the inspection of the Draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan would start on Wednesday, February 26, and end on Friday, April 4, 2025, in five different centres, including the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja; Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat; Lekki Local Council Development Area Secretariat, Lekki; Epe Local Government Secretariat, Epe; and Lagos State Physical Planning Permits Authority, GRA, Ikeja.

He urged residents to participate actively in the inspection and provide feedback on the draft Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm within working days of the stipulated period.

He emphasised that the public inspection of the draft plan was important as it was a precursor to the final presentation of the Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plan to stakeholders on April 11, 2025, at Lekki LCDA Hall to signal the inception of the Plan.

EU to introduce new rules to cut food, textile waste

Michael Simire
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0
EU to introduce new rules to cut food, textile waste

The Representatives of European Union (EU) member states and European Parliament on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, agreed on new rules to reduce food and textile waste.

Anna Zalewska
Polish EU lawmaker, Anna Zalewska

Waste generated during food processing and manufacturing would be cut by 10 per cent by 2030, and waste from retail, restaurants, food services and households by 30 per cent.

According to the negotiators, these are the first EU-wide reduction targets for food wastes.

The new rules are also to incentivise donations of unsold but safe food.

Polish EU lawmaker, Anna Zalewska, who led the negotiations for the European Parliament, said: “We succeeded in ensuring feasible and realistic provisions for member states to implement food waste reduction policies.

“We also set up the legal framework to ensure that producers contribute to the effective separate collection of textiles they produce.”

She said to tackle textile waste, producers are to cover the costs for collecting, sorting and recycling.

According to her, this is to include companies “using e-commerce tools and irrespective of whether they are established in an EU country or outside the EU.”

Textiles targeted by the new rules include clothing, accessories, footwear, blankets, bed and kitchen linen, curtains, hats and mattresses.

“Over 59 million tonnes of food waste are generated in the EU each year, representing an estimated loss of €132 billion,” a press release said.

“The EU also generates 12.6 million tonnes of waste textile per year.

“Clothing and footwear alone account for 5.2 million tonnes of waste, equivalent to 12 kg of waste per person every year.”

The deal still needed to be endorsed by EU ministers and the EU parliament which is considered a formality.

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