The Federal Ministries of Water Resources and the Marine and Blue Economy have pledged to collaborate to enhance food production in Nigeria.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola (second from right), during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev (third from right), in Abuja
This partnership aims at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food production by leveraging the country’s vast water resources.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday, February 6, 2025, when the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, in Abuja.
Both ministers stressed the importance of inter-ministerial partnerships in improving water resource management, marine conservation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Utsev noted the collaboration’s importance following the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation’s emphasis on both ministries’ roles in sustaining Nigeria’s water bodies.
He emphasised that sustainable water and sanitation services are vital for public health, food security, job creation and economic growth.
He outlined the strategic role of various departments within the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
“These departments oversee initiatives such as providing clean and reliable water supply, developing and managing irrigation systems, hydropower generation, fisheries development and flood control.
“These efforts are crucial for food security and economic resilience,” he said.
Utsev expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in advancing the food security agenda.
He further announced that a joint committee would be established by both ministries to develop a working document with a clear framework to guide their collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians.
In his remarks, Oyetola revealed the untapped potential of Nigeria’s water bodies for fisheries, food security and economic growth.
He noted that fish production in Nigeria would be enhanced through stronger collaboration between the two ministries.
Oyetola highlighted the ministry’s role in sustainable water management for healthy ecosystems and pollution prevention.
He called for greater cooperation to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy for national development.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the water resources and sanitation ministry, Richard Pheelangwah, stressed the need for collaboration to optimise Nigeria’s coastal and inland waters.
He noted that sustainable water resource management would improve livelihoods and foster economic development within coastal communities.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Michael Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, along with directors and senior officials from both ministries.
Residents of Takum, a local government area in Taraba State, have raised concern about the negative implications of the conflict between the Nigerian Army and herdsmen, stating that it has displaced many people and subjected them to hunger.
One of the affected communities in Takum
According to some community dwellers who spoke with EnviroNews about the incident, they said the herdsmen stole part of their food, like rice, guinea corn, and yam, while others were burnt down during a military operation in the area.
On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) began a series of clearance operations across various bandit hideouts in the state, including New Gboko and Che Adekpe.
According to a circular signed on Saturday, November 30, 2024, by Captain Olubodunde Oni, acting assistant director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, the operation was conducted as part of the military’s resolve and efforts to prevent the state from becoming a haven for criminals.
Unfortunately, people of these communities have had different reactions to this military drill, asserting that there was no threat to them and that everything was quiet before the invasion disrupted their activities.
“We were all seated in our market square when we received reports that the army was on their way to our village; we ran away,” Avalumun Gbatar, an inhabitant from New Gboko, stated.
Gbatar claimed that his community’s residents are unaware of the factors that led to the military action, which resulted in the burning of their homes and crops that were saved for this year’s planting season.
“As it is, I don’t know what I will do, as a bag of groundnut is close to one N100,000,” he lamented.
Similarly, when recounting her own story, Vic Igba affirmed that there was no crisis in Tor Adekpe at the time the military forces occupied the village.
Igba went on to disclose that everyone was sitting pleasantly when the military arrived with armoured vehicles and began shooting and setting buildings on fire without consulting any locals about their intentions.
“Look at the shells from the bullets they have used; these are sophisticated weapons,” she said, alluding to the fact that they are now living in fear because they do not know exactly the reason behind why their community is under the military siege.
“We at Tor Adekpe village do not know who sent them, but we just want the world to know what is happening,” she hinted.
According to the woman, she and her husband are currently living in the ruins of their burnt-out house because they have nothing to sell to fix it after the army destroyed their principal source of income.
Uzbekistan, host of the upcoming 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), has revealed the official logo for the meeting.
CITES COP20 logo
The CITES CoP20 logo was designed by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It features several elements representing Uzbekistan’s natural and cultural heritage: an ancient petroglyph of an Argali (Ovis ammon), the medicinal Rhodiola semenovii and landmarks from the historic city of Samarkand, where CITES COP20 will take place.
The rock art depiction of the Argali, listed in CITES Appendix II and native to the mountain regions of Central Asia, serves as a reminder of the need to conserve rare and endangered species. It also symbolizes the deep connection between nature and the region’s historical legacy. The flowers of the medicinal plant highlight the vital role of flora in ecosystems and their importance to human health.
Meanwhile, the landmarks of Samarkand, one of the world’s oldest cities, reflect Uzbekistan’s rich history, culture, and hospitality. Samarkand will not only host the conference but also act as a bridge between the past and the future, embodying the unity of cultural and environmental heritage.
During his announcement at the opening of the 78th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee (SC78), Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said: “The COP20 logo serves as a symbol of Uzbekistan’s commitment to safeguarding our precious wild species. Each of its elements carries a special meaning, reflecting the inseparable connection between nature, culture, and the history of our region. Uzbekistan is proud to host COP20 – an important platform for discussing global challenges related to biodiversity conservation, particularly international trade. We are confident that the upcoming meeting will mark a step forward in strengthening international cooperation and developing effective mechanisms for wildlife conservation.”
CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero
“We are deeply honoured by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Abdukhakimov at SC78 and warmly congratulate the Ministry on the remarkable design of the logo,” said CITES Secretary-General Ms. Ivonne Higuero. “This emblem of Uzbekistan’s magnificent wildlife beautifully captures the spirit of CITES’ 50-year legacy of conserving both plants and animals and represents a concrete step in setting the stage for our critical discussions and decisions ahead at COP20.”
CITES COP20 will take place in historic Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from November 24 to December 5, 2025. A CITES Party for nearly 30 years, Uzbekistan’s natural wealth includes numerous CITES-listed species, such as the snow leopard, the saiga antelope and medicinal plants.
By bringing the world wildlife conference to Samarkand, Uzbekistan says it is demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation and the future of wild fauna and flora species.
For generations, the Ava Guaraní, one of the Indigenous Peoples living in eastern Paraguay, have been harvesting the green leaves of the yerba mate tree to make the bitter, caffeinated brew beloved in South America and beyond. However, the leaves they traditionally harvested in the wild have become increasingly scarce, partly due to climate change.
The project is building on the ancestral knowledge and techniques of the Ava Guarani Indigenous Peoples to protect the forest and its inhabitants. Photo credit: FAO/Cristian Palacios
Ariel Benitez, a descendant of the Ava Guarani, is working to change that. He and his fellow community members in Ka’atymiri San Francisco, about 230 kilometres from the capital, Asuncion, cultivate seedlings to grow the crop. They’ve planted more than 1,500 in combination with several other species of native trees, which are important for both the local ecosystem and as traditional sources of food and medicines.
“They (the trees) are adapting and growing very well. You can tell that they are in a land that is familiar to them,” says Ariel.
It’s part of the $90.3 million “Poverty, Reforestation, Energy and Climate Change” (PROEZA) project, financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Government of Paraguay with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
This cross-cutting project promotes forest planting and reforestation, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience in local communities by encouraging sustainable agroforestry. Families are given supplies, machinery, and external technical assistance to help plant trees and care for the crops.
The community leader, Ariel, had just been born when his family settled in the middle of 600 hectares of forest and yerbales (an area where mate is plentiful) in the Capiibary district of the department of San Pedro.
For Ariel and his community of about 25 families, “Yerba mate is a sacred plant used for our consumption and as a natural remedy,” he explains. “When there are religious ceremonies, it is always present.”
PROEZA taps into community knowledge and ancestral wisdom. The community has long been replicating the techniques practised by the Ava Guaraní Indigenous Peoples since before the arrival of the Spanish in the country. These techniques, involving knowledge of the lunar cycles for pruning and harvesting, natural control of pests and diseases and soil conservation are reliable and environmentally friendly.
The yerba mate seedlings planted in May 2022 will be ready for harvesting from the fourth year onwards. Once they reach that stage, they can look forward to over 60 years of productivity, judging from experience elsewhere in the country. Paraguay’s average yield per hectare is 5,000 kilogrammes per hectare, generating an average gross income of $1,100 per hectare annually, a significant amount for the average family in this community.
Rebecca Gauto Alegre has reforested her farm with native trees, innovating her subsistence farming practices with the agroforestry techniques implemented in the PROEZA project. “Most of us who are participating in PROEZA in the community are women. I believe women are taking good ownership of the project. The forest is almost all gone; it’s all disappeared. There is very little left. This work means our children may once again have trees.” she says.
Nature’s supermarket
In many countries, drinking yerba mate infusions with hot or cold water is a part of daily life. The plant, whose scientific name is Ilex paraguariensis, is increasingly being exported to countries worldwide, where it is sold mainly as an energy-boosting tea.
But it’s far from the only resource in Ariel’s community. “The forest is our supermarket. It has everything we need: remedies, food, wild animals, fruit…,” says Treli Gabriela Fernández, Ariel’s partner. She adds that they feel strongly about protecting and strengthening the remaining forest with the help of traditional practices that have been passed down the generations and will be shared with the couple’s four children, now aged between three and 12.
The most challenging times for the community are those when not enough food is produced in certain cycles of the year or because of the impact of the weather. Responding to this need, the PROEZA project also promotes the production of beans, maize, watermelons, melons and cassava for families’ own consumption and income generation.
Conserving nature
When grown together with other trees and under their shade, yerba mate is an asset for conserving the native forest. Much remains to be done to increase the forest cover, including strengthening the enforcement of environmental legislation, but communities are starting to feel a positive impact from the project.
“Now, the heat and wind can be extreme, but we don’t feel it so much because there is still a little bit of forest left,” says Treli. “We regret climate change because the trees are disappearing.”
From generating income opportunities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to reviving forests and reinforcing spiritual practices, the PROEZA project delivers multiple environmental, economic and cultural benefits to the Indigenous Peoples and to nature. The Ka’atymiri San Francisco Indigenous community’s success and ongoing efforts with yerba mate show how agriculture, combined with ancestral knowledge, can go hand in hand with nature to forge a path towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly future.
Story originally published by FAO in 2024. Edited by Zeenia Dastur and Deborah Hong in 2025
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced the training of 364 young farmers as part of broader efforts to enhance agricultural production in the Niger Delta.
Officials at the LIFE-ND training for 364 farmers in Port Harcourt
Dr Winifred Madume, the NDDC’s Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, disclosed this development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Madume stated that the training was organised under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) initiative.
She explained that the LIFE-ND programme was funded by the Federal Government through a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with counterpart funding from the NDDC and state governments.
“The programme aims to equip farmers with skills that will enable them to become agribusiness entrepreneurs.
“No fewer than 350 incubatees (trainees) and 14 incubators (groups) are participating in the training from across the nine Niger Delta states,” Madume noted.
The Niger Delta states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Edo, Delta, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
She pointed out that the NDDC was funding LIFE-END activities in Akwa Ibom, Imo, and Rivers, while Ondo receives support from IFAD.
Madume highlighted that the programme was established to promote income generation, food security, and job creation for rural youth and women through sustainable agribusiness development.
“The project seeks to create 38,250 agriculture entrepreneurs using an incubation model that pairs aspiring farmers with experienced agribusiness entrepreneurs for mentorship.
“The approach ensures that the young farmers acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and manage successful enterprises,” he explained.
Mr. Abiodun Sanni, National Project Coordinator of LIFE-ND, said the programme was a collective commitment of IFAD, NDDC, and the nine Niger Delta state governments to promote food sufficiency in the region.
He stressed the importance of the training in equipping youths, women, and persons with disabilities with the knowledge and resources needed to succeed in agriculture.
“Fostering youth inclusion in agriculture is crucial for sustainable development, job creation, and food security.
“This training aims to empower young agripreneurs to actively participate in the agricultural value chain, drive innovation, and contribute to the economic growth of rural communities,” Sanni said.
Meanwhile, the LIFE-ND Project Coordinator in Rivers, Loveday Itatat, revealed that the 364 farmers were selected from 30 incubator groups, drawn from a pool of 1,568 applicants.
He added that prior to the training, awareness campaigns were conducted in 20 communities across five local government areas in Rivers in 2024.
Afghan authorities have officially inaugurated the third phase of the Kamal Khan hydropower dam in western Afghanistan’s Nimroz province.
The Kamal Khan hydropower dam
The country’s Ministry of Energy and Water said in a statement on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
“This project (the third phase of this dam), was built at a cost of $85 million with a water storage capacity of 52 million cubic meters, is capable of irrigating 174,000 hectares of agricultural land.’’
Mohammad Jamail Sahiqi, head of project quality control of the ministry, told Xinhua.
“We are excited about the launch of the third phase of this dam. Water management will be implemented, and canals will be built to supply water to the residents,’’ said a local resident.
Kamal Khan Dam, one of the largest dams in Afghanistan, was constructed in Chahar Barjak district of Nimroz province, about 790 km from the capital Kabul.
It was designed to manage monsoon flooding and provide irrigation for agricultural lands, while also having the capability to generate six megawatts of electricity.
Afghanistan, a landlocked country, is facing a severe drought situation.
To address this issue, the Afghan caretaker government has been constructing huge and small dams, developing water supply systems, and building water canals throughout the country to enhance and preserve groundwater resources.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Ltd. (First E&P) Joint Venture (JV) has achieved 96 per cent reduction in routine flaring of Associated Gas (AG).
Gas flaring
Mr. Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., in a statement on Thursday, February 6, 2025, by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said the reduction was achieved from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.
Kyari said it was a significant stride toward supporting Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent unconditionally and 47 per cent conditionally.
This, he said, was stipulated in the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
“This remarkable milestone was attained through the implementation of an AG reinjection strategy into a designated underground storage reservoir at the Madu field, situated in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa.
“The initiative ensures that gas, which would have otherwise been flared, is now safely stored, significantly mitigating environmental impact.
“The reduction in AG flaring aligns with the regulatory framework set forth by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), underscoring the JV’s compliance with national environmental standards and global best practices,” he said.
He said the achievement underscored its commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals.
“It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices,” the GCEO added.
Similarly, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Managing Director/CEO of FIRST E&P, said the milestone reflected their unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production.
“By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and communities we serve.
“The JV remains focused on commercialising the stored gas and other stranded gas resources within the Niger Delta, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship and the advancement of sustainable energy solutions,” he said.
A renowned environmentalist and climate change expert, Mr. Mohammed Ya’aribe, has underscored the significance of biogas technology toward mitigating deforestation in Nigeria.
Biogas plant
Ya’aribe, stated this in an interview on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in Bauchi, noted that biogas technology offers multiple benefits, including reducing the reliance on firewood and promoting environmental sanitation, while providing a clean source of energy for women.
Ya’aribe noted that the utilisation of biogas technology could help reduce deforestation, a significant contributor to climate change.
He explained that biogas can be produced from waste products, such as refuse and cow dung and providing a sustainable alternative to firewood.
He also highlighted the challenges associated with adopting biogas technology, including the high cost of bio-digester chambers and the need for technical expertise.
The environmentalist, however, emphasised that the benefits of biogas technology far outweighed the challenges.
Ya’aribe said the use of biogas technology could also help to reduce health risks associated with the use of firewood for cooking.
He revealed that the smoke from firewood could cause respiratory problems, particularly among the women and children.
Ya’aribe further emphasized the importance of promoting environmental sanitation through the use of biogas technology.
He explained that the technology can help reduce waste disposal problems, promote cleanliness, and create a healthier environment.
The climate change expert called for increased awareness and education on the benefits of biogas technology, particularly among the rural women.
Ya’aribe noted that the technology had the potential to transform the lives of women and communities, providing a clean, sustainable, and reliable source of energy.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in the ongoing cleanup programme in Ogoni.
HYPREP officials before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts
Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, reaffirmed this commitment in a statement made available in Abuja on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
His remarks followed his appearance before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, where he emphasised his long-standing stance on transparency and accountability.
’‘I have always been a strong advocate for transparency and accountability, even before assuming my current role as the Coordinator,’’ he stated.
Briefing the committee on HYPREP’s activities and its efforts to ensure transparency, Zabbey noted that the project is making significant progress in accelerating the cleanup process.
He said HYPREP regularly updates its website (www.hyprep.gov.ng) to keep the public informed on project progress.
He noted measures to enhance transparency, such as monthly contractors’ meetings to ensure work meets specifications and deadlines.
He highlighted the establishment of a Milestone Evaluation Committee to oversee contract milestones, ensuring quality control and value for money.
He also cited the Technical Coordination Committee (TCC) for strategic guidance and the Remediation Document Review Committee (RDRC) for evaluating site characterisation and remedial action plans.
“In line with its policy of transparency and accountability, HYPREP organises regular stakeholder meetings involving youths, community leaders, Civil Society Organisations, sponsors, and regulators,” Zabbey added.
According to him, these engagements have fostered a robust stakeholder framework, allowing HYPREP to keep stakeholders informed, gather valuable feedback, and incorporate their input into planning.
“For fiscal responsibility, the Project’s books are audited monthly, quarterly, and annually by internal and external auditors, as well as by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation”.
He apologised to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts for his previous inability to attend earlier invitations, citing official responsibilities.
He assured the committee that his office holds the National Assembly in high regard and would not disregard its authority.
Sen. Aliyu Wadada, Chairman of the committee, accepted Zabbey’s explanation and requested that HYPREP provide additional documents when it next appears before the committee.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the Federal Government for placing a ban on the exportation of crude oil allocated to local refineries.
Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN’s National President
Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, PETROAN’s National President, gave the commendation on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, while reacting to the development.
Gillis-Harry urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to take swift action against refineries, cargo vessels and companies that would default on the directive.
The NUPRC had warned oil exploration and production companies against diversion of crude oil designated for domestic refineries, saying it is a contravention of the law.
The commission said it would no longer grant henceforth disallow export permits for exportation, designated crude oil cargoes meant for domestic refining.
The PETROAN President, however, said that the move was expected to boost local refining capacity, reduce the importation of refined petroleum products and ease pressure on foreign exchange supply.
According to PETROAN, the exportation of crude oil meant for domestic refining has led to the abandonment of local refineries.
“It has been a major racketeering scheme, with producers and traders prioritising quick foreign exchange proceeds over local refining.
“Approximately 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day are allocated for domestic refining, but these volumes often find their way to the international market.
“The ban is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as refining crude oil locally will enrich the petrochemical industries and agricultural sector.
“It will reduce inequalities in income and enable Nigeria to transition from a raw material supplier to a value-added product supplier.
“I believe that this policy will guarantee sufficient refined petroleum products in the country, leading to price reductions and better days ahead for Nigerian consumers,” he said.
