The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) is hosting a High-Level Panel session in collaboration with the Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) during the foremost Nigeria Climate Change Forum in Abuja. The High-level Panel session is part of SPP’s commitment to put the subnational actors at the frontiers of climate change action in Nigeria and Africa.
The Nigeria Climate Change Forum and SPP High-Level Panel hold at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel
The Nigeria Climate Change Forum, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to catalyse transformative action that will address climate change challenges in Nigeria and across Africa, provides opportunity for Ministries, Government Authorities, Chief Executives, senior decision-makers, industry leaders, development partners and climate activists from various sector to share ideas and explore multilateral avenues to catalyse national development.
The SPP Team, led by Professor Chukwumerije Okere, in its attempt to galvanise awareness for climate action at sub-national levels in Nigeria and ensure improved climate change action and resilience among the state actors, published the first-of-its-kind mapping report on “Climate Impacts, Policies, and Actions at the Subnational Level in Nigeria” in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Nigeria’s Governors Forum (NGF) in November 2023.
In 2024, the SPP through collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, launched the first-ever climate governance performance ranking report titled: “Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking of Nigeria’s 36 States”. The report, which rated all the 36 states on five thematic areas (Climate Institutions and Governance, Climate Policy and Action Plan, Climate Project Implementation, Climate Budget and finance and Online Visibility), had Lagos, Gombe, and Ebonyi as the top three performing states with Borno and Ekiti states sharing the 4th position.
The SPP High-Level Panel session will feature Professor Sam C. Ugwu, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Enugu State; Ms Aishat Barde, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Taraba State; Yakubu Kolo, Commissioner for Environment, Niger State; Chief Mrs Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ekiti State; and Dr Mrs. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department for Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, to discuss “Subnational (State-Level) Climate Interventions in Nigeria”.
The High-Level Panel session, to be moderated by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, the SPP President, will provide an opportunity for the respective Commissioners to highlight their state-level climate action and network with national and international stakeholders with the hope of attracting climate investment to their respective states.
Other distinguished leaders expected at the Climate Change Forum are Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria; Wale Edun, Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister for Environment; and Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, among other dignitaries.
It is expected that the event will inspire collaborative action between government, private sector and international organisations towards driving sustainable development and achieving net-zero emissions in Africa and SPP is positioned as frontier NGO to provide the platform for subnational government to advance their climate action for sustainable development.
The Nigeria Climate Change Forum holds from January 28 to 29, 2025 at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The SPP High-Level Panel will hold on January 29, 2025, at the same venue.
By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu (Communication Specialist, SPP) and Gboyega Olorunfemi (Project Lead, SPP)
The Enugu State Government says it is targeting 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management and reforestation sectors by 2060.
Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this to newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting in Enugu, the state capital, on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
He said that the State Government had approved the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), making it the first subnational government in the country to adopt a long-term climate strategy that incorporates emissions modelling, microenergy and audits.
Onyia also disclosed that the EXCO also approved the Enugu State Off-Grid Electrification Policy Strategy Plan to expand electricity access to unserved and underserved communities.
This, he said, leveraged the distributed renewable energy solutions to drive economic growth and improve public service delivery.
“This action plan will help us enhance economic growth and are very important for us in job creation.
“We are looking at a situation where we facilitate the creation of 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management, and reforestation by 2060.
“In terms of sustainable economic growth, ESCPAP is projected to drive a 25-fold increase in the state’s Gross Domestic Product by 2060 through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology.
“On energy transition, the state, going by the policy, targets 80 per cent renewable energy usage by 2060, with a 60 per cent emissions reduction in the transport sector and a robust afforestation plan to enhance carbon sequestration,” Onyia said.
He further said that ESCPAP underscored Gov. Peter Mbah’s administration’s commitment to balancing economic transformation, environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness, and climate resilience.
The SSG said the move ensured that the key sectors, such as agriculture, energy, and natural resources were climate-resilient and future-proofed against environmental challenges.
According to Onyia, ESCPAP represents a pioneering effort to facilitate clean energy development, stimulate job creation, and foster green technology advancements.
“We do recall that Enugu State had started this policy design in the past eight months, and finally, after the surveys and after crunching the numbers from various instruments we used, we have come up with a policy and action plan.
“The comprehensive policy and action plan include the setting up of an ESCPAP Implementation Committee, comprising representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and international donor organisations.
“This is to ensure effective execution of the policy’s goals as well as the introduction of a climate change curriculum in Enugu’s Smart Green Schools to equip the future generations with knowledge and skills in green innovation,” he said.
Also, Onyia said the Off-Grid Policy, “is designed to complement the Enugu State Electrification Policy that was passed in 2023 as the Enugu Electricity Law.
“This provides a framework that would catalyse private sector investment, enhance socio-economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life of Enugu people.
“This policy also recognises the importance of distributed renewable energy solutions, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. These will be the key drivers for electrification in the rural and peri-urban areas.”
“All these, according to the government, are in sync with the Mbah administration’s drive to grow Enugu’s economy to a $30 billion economy by 2031,” the SSG said.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has stated that water, sanitation, and food security are essential to Nigeria’s development.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
Pheelangwah made this remark at the 31st regular meeting of the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation (NCWR&S) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, January 27, 2025.
The theme of the meeting is “Water and Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities in the Face of Daunting Climate Change”.
The permanent secretary, who also serves as the Council’s Chairman, noted that water, sanitation, and food security have a direct impact on public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.
He urged the National Technical Committee, which is holding a five-day session, to identify challenges and propose solutions through the memoranda to be presented.
“The theme of this year’s Council meeting was carefully chosen to reflect the critical importance of water, food security, and the negative impacts of climate change on our people.
“This theme is timely, as it could not have come at a better moment.
“It is important that we continue to meet because what we know today may not hold tomorrow.
“Life keeps evolving, and we must evolve with it; otherwise, what we considered relevant yesterday becomes obsolete today,” he said.
He further noted that President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency on food security necessitates action from relevant ministries and authorities to ensure adequate irrigation and year-round farmland cultivation for food production.
The permanent secretary also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and development partners for their unwavering support of the ministry’s efforts.
In her remarks, Mrs. Emah Udonsek, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised that water and food security are fundamental to human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
She noted the timeliness of the theme, noting its focus on sustainable water resource management and food security for Nigerians.
“The theme also underscores the urgent need for action, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change,” she said.
Udonsek added that the future of food security and water availability is closely tied to the nation’s ability to adapt to climate change.
Development partners and key stakeholders delivered goodwill messages during the opening session of the technical meeting.
The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and all relevant agencies to address critical concerns before any resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland, as currently proposed by the authorities.
Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) Executive Director, Barrister Chima Williams
Stating the organisation’s demands in an interview with newsmen, Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, pointed out that Ogoni communities have suffered environmental degradation, livelihood losses, and violations of their fundamental rights for decades. He stated that the Federal Government must engage the Ogoni people in meaningful dialogue to determine clear entry points and expectations for all stakeholders.
He also demanded for mutual expectations, involving commitments from the government, investing oil companies, and the Ogoni people themselves, adding that a detailed framework of operational guidelines, standards, and environmental protections must be developed and agreed upon by the Ogoni people, environmental experts, and relevant stakeholders.
William’s demands on behalf of EDEN also includes prioritising a blueprint that safeguards the environment, citizens’ livelihoods, and future generations, while calling for the establishment of strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability for any infractions by oil companies. He further charged the Federal Government to provide a clear, transparent process for holding oil companies accountable for environmental damages and community violations.
“Investing oil companies must provide an environmental bond – funds set aside in advance to address any potential mishaps or operational damages, regardless of the cause. The funds must be accessible to regulatory bodies to ensure prompt remediation and compensation without delays.
“Local content laws must mandate that Ogoni professionals are given priority for all technical and non-technical roles in the oil operations. Agreements must ensure the protection of livelihoods for those relying on the land for survival, with clear provisions for compensation and sustainable alternatives.”
Williams added that oil operations in Ogoniland must not resume until these preconditions are met, as he reiterated EDEN’s position on the restoration of Ogoniland’s environment, the protection of its people’s rights, and their active involvement in decision-making are non-negotiable, as anything short of this will be resisted.
He charged the Ogoni people to remain united and vigilant, rejecting divide-and-rule tactics often employed by corporations, as community cohesion is essential to ensure that the demands made are respected and implemented.
Some health stakeholders say noise pollution is a significant, yet overlooked public health issue.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Abuja, the stakeholders called for action to mitigate its harmful effects on physical and mental well-being.
Noise pollution
They highlighted the serious health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high noisle levels.
Dr Adewale Senu, a public health physician, said that exposure to noise above 70 decibels could lead to hearing impairment, hypertension, stress, and cardiovascular problems.
Senu said that noise disrupted sleep, with chronic deprivation linked to diabetes, obesity, and weakened immunity.
“People living near busy roads, airports, and industrial areas face heightened risks. This is not just about discomfort; it is a serious health crisis,.
“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise exposure during sleep can increase the risk of heart disease by five per cent to 10 per cent,” he said.
For residents like Ms Chaliya Bindul, who lives near a panel beater workshop in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the consequences are already evident.
“I struggle with constant headaches and fatigue. My children also find it hard to concentrate on their studies because of the incessant noise,” she said.
Environmental health experts have stressed the importance of collective efforts to tackle the issue.
Mr. Iniobong Okoh, an environmental expert, proposed solutions like stricter industrial noise regulations, better urban planning with acoustic considerations, and public education on noise reduction strategies.
Okoh urged the government to enforce noise control measures and promote soundproofing in both public and private spaces.
“Noise pollution goes beyond inconvenience, it requires urgent policy intervention to protect public health.
“For individuals, simple actions such as using earplugs, reducing generator use, and observing quiet hours can help minimise exposure,” he said.
A 2024 report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) identified Lagos and Port Harcourt as the most noise-polluted cities in the country.
The report said that daytime noise levels in these cities often reached 85 decibels, far exceeding the WHO’s recommended residential limit of 55 decibels.
Studies further highlight the dangers of excessive noise. Research in Port Harcourt identifies major contributors such as traffic, industrial activities, and generators, all of which elevate noise levels in the city.
Also, a study on traffic noise in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State found average noise levels of 71.7 decibels, well above the WHO’s recommended daytime standard for residential areas.
These findings reinforced the urgent need for targeted noise control measures in urban centres to safeguard public health.
President/Chairman, Board of Directors, African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has called for urgent action on electrification for Africa to drive its development.
AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
He made the call while speaking on “Taking Africa’s Energy Agenda to the Next Level” at the ongoing Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit on Monday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“I want to begin by thanking His Excellency President Zulu Aznani for hosting us in this beautiful country of Tanzania and everyone here for joining this global mission to ensure Africa has the electricity it needs to power itself,” Adesina said.
He highlighted Africa’s pressing energy challenges, stating, “This continent loses three to four per cent of its GDP annually due to the lack of electricity.
“Over 571 million Africans remain without access to electricity, accounting for 83 per cent of the global population living without it. This must change.”
Adesina underscored the need for collaboration among governments, private sector players, civil society, and development partners to address Africa’s energy crisis.
“This isn’t about us as institutions; it’s about the millions of people without access to electricity. We must act for them. This summit must be action-driven,” he stressed.
He urged African governments to lead by example, calling for increased investments in power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
“Countries must prioritise last-mile connectivity, reform utilities, and reduce technical and financial losses. Regional power-sharing agreements are also crucial,” he added.
The Mission 300 initiative, a partnership spearheaded by the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and key global stakeholders, aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
As part of this mission, energy compacts are being signed with 12 countries to ensure access for 145 million people.
Adesina highlighted the importance of accountability, stating, “This is not a talking summit. It’s about delivering megawatts of power, not megawatts of talk.”
On private sector role and investment climate, Adesina acknowledged the private sector’s critical role in achieving energy goals, emphasising the importance of creating a conducive regulatory environment.
“Private investors need predictable and transparent policies. The cost of capital in Africa is three to four times higher than in other regions, which must be addressed.
“The summit also underscores the broader implications of electrification for economic growth, job creation, and human dignity.
“Electricity is a human right. It powers education, healthcare, digitisation, and economic opportunities. Without it, we cannot develop,” Adesina said.
The AfDB boss reaffirmed the commitment of the bank and its partners, urging all stakeholders to work together to make Mission 300 a success.
“We cannot develop in the dark. Together, we will light up and power Africa,” he said.
Also, Mr Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, while highlighting progress made since the initiative’s launch in 2024, noted that regulatory reforms and geospatial mapping were helping to streamline efforts.
He added that the bank had financed partnerships, including a 30 billion dollar to 40 billion dollar commitment, aimed to transform energy access across the continent.
Meanwhile, Dr Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, commended the summit’s African-led approach.
He stated, “This effort must be African-led at every level. With over 30 heads of state committing to energy compacts and private sector engagement, this is an extraordinary moment.”
“An extraordinary gratitude and thanks to both Ajay and Akin for the leadership, they and their institutions, all the work that the teams have shown to bring us to this point.
“You’re right. The world should ask itself, does this summit in Tanzania matter? Will it deliver something that has a chance to be wildly successful? Frankly, at a time when a lot of global politics have moved toward a more inward and populist focus around our planet.
“I am extremely confident that the answer to that question is yes, and there are three core reasons why. The first is we all know, everyone in this room knows, in order to have any chance of being successful, this effort has to be African-led at absolutely every level.”
The summit aims to support the implementation of the Continental Master Plan and the African Single Electricity, while the 12 countries are expected to pledge reforms in low-cost power generation, regional energy integration, increased energy access, enabling private investment, and utility strengthening.
Tagged “Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit” and described as “a landmark” convention, hosting African Heads of State and Government, the approach is to work toward increased infrastructure investment and comprehensive policy reforms across the entire electricity supply chain, to transform lives and improve livelihoods and communities across the continent.
Under the arrangement, over 1,000 participants from across Africa and beyond have assured the world to make the all-important event a crucial milestone engagement in the continent’s journey toward universal energy access.
The process, according to the organisers, will also further consolidate the progress already made towards widespread electrification towards achieving the projected 300 million beneficiaries.
Though, it is claimed that about 600 million people lack access to electricity, representing 83 per cent of global energy deficit, the organisers view convergence of the stakeholders toward electrification of the affected regions affected as a step in the right direction.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for grants to support climate change initiatives, combat illegal wildlife trafficking and support conservation efforts.
Dr. Joseph Onoja
Dr Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the NCF, made the call in an interview in Abuja on Monday, January 27, 2025.
He emphasised the importance of securing grants rather than loans to fund climate initiatives.
“Our lives depend on the environment. It is essential for us to care for it, so it can, in turn, care for us.”
Onoja noted the challenges associated with loans, saying high interest rates place a huge burden on developing countries.
He further stressed the need for Nigeria to be accountable for the grants it receives by ensuring their proper utilisation for development.
Onoja urged greater stakeholder involvement in wildlife conservation, noting the need for awareness to curb illegal wildlife trafficking.
The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit opened on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a clarion call by Dr Doto Biteko, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, for more equitable and sustainable energy for the future.
Dr Doto Biteko
Biteko, who delivered the opening remark, said the summit was a catalyst to ongoing National Compact energy policy to promote energy sustainability, conservation and efficiency on the continent.
According to him, the National Compact policy, developed by 12 pilot countries, will provide a framework for coordinated action to unlock additional investments from government, private sector, development partners in achieving energy targets.
He added the National Compact policy focused on increasing access to modern energy services and the share of renewable energy, as well as security of supply.
“Together, we can drive a more equitable and sustainable energy for the future, and this summit will be part of the solution.
“Again, our objective will be to see what priorities we should set for the policy, solutions and commitments on how to implement the Mission 300 initiatives,” he said.
He said Mission 300 underscored the shared commitment of African countries on universal clean energy access, reducing carbon emission and supporting livelihood.
Biteko said the Dar es Salaam Energy Summit complemented Africa’s desire to power the continent in what he described as the spirit of lightening Africa as envisioned in the African Agenda 2063 goals.
He said after independence in the 1960s, many African countries made significant progress in generating and distributing electricity to their citizens.
He said Tanzania, which had only 21 megawatts during independence, had increased its capacity to 3,160 megawatts.
He said that, in spite of notable achievements in most African countries, the number of Africans who lacked access to electricity was estimated to be 571 million.
He added that the summit was convened with an ambitious but achievable target of increasing electricity access to at least 300 million people in Africa in the next five years.
“Let me express my gratitude to our co-organisers, the World Bank Group, African Development Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, Sustainable Energy for All, the Energy Global Alliance for People and Planet.
“We salute you all for your valuable support and cooperation that made this summit a reality. We also welcome all of you to Dar es Salaam and this important event,” said Biteko.
He said he looked forward to enriching discussions at the summit: “As we work together to shape African energy future, there is no doubt that this summit will be a key milestone to a quest to achieve universal access to electricity.
“In our capacities as ministers responsible for energy, heads of international financial institutions, experts in civil society, we will have an opportunity to discuss a number of issues during this summit.”
In the heart of Benin City, the capital of Edo State, lies the Ikpoba Slope community, a neighourhood affected by environmental pollution.
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State
Once a thriving area, it has now become a breeding ground for infectious diseases.
This is largely due to the 23 abattoirs that operate unchecked, releasing a toxic mix of animal waste, blood, and other pollutants into the environment.
Recently, this once-thriving community has become a mere shadow of its former self.
It wasn’t just the choking stench of animal waste or the smoke from burning cow horns, but the grief of a couple burying their child.
10-year-old Samuel Osarion succumbed to typhoid fever.
Her parents, Ruth and Emmanuel Osarion, had spent their meagre savings on medication, but it was not enough.
“Samuel just got weaker and weaker. We took him to the hospital, but they told us it was typhoid from contaminated water. He didn’t even last two days,” her father said.
Over the past decade, Ikpoba Slope has become synonymous with environmental degradation, health crises, and neglect.
This situation is closely tied to the unregulated abattoirs, which slaughter nearly 200 cows daily and dump waste indiscriminately into the community.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), environmental pollution accounts for 26 per cent of all deaths in Nigeria, with children under the age of five being the most vulnerable.
Walking through Ikpoba Slope, it is impossible to ignore the evidence of this environmental calamity.
The streets are littered with heaps of animal dung, coagulated blood trickles into the Ikpoba River, and decomposing carcasses attract swarms of flies.
The air is thick with the smell of decay and burning cow horns, making breathing a labourious task.
Ken Omusi, a former youth leader and long-time resident, described the ordeal.
He estimated that 80 per cent of households in the community spend their income on medication.
“Every day, we battle flies, mosquitoes, and rats. The stench makes it hard to sleep. Children fall sick almost weekly with malaria, typhoid, and diarrhoea. Our people are dying, and no one seems to care.
“We are always treating the same illnesses. Women and children suffer the most. Often, we bury someone.
“It’s either a child who didn’t survive diarrhoea or an elderly person who couldn’t fight off malaria anymore,” he lamented.
Clearly, the once-thriving residential community is now dominated by abattoirs and non-resident labourers.
Many of the original inhabitants have fled, unable to bear the health hazards and deteriorating living conditions.
“Out of desperation, people sold their homes and moved out. Now, those houses are occupied by wheelbarrow pushers, scrap metal collectors, and other labourers, mostly from Northern Nigeria,” Omusi said.
Residents who remain must endure the daily horror of their environment.
Justin Isaac, who lives with his wife and two children, described the ordeal of simply existing in the area.
“We spray air fresheners all the time, but it doesn’t help. The stench is unbearable, and the flies are relentless. We fear an outbreak of cholera or something worse,” he said.
Another horrifying sight in the community is the Ikpoba River, which used to be a pristine waterway but has now turned into a sludge of coagulated blood, animal waste, and chemical runoff.
Children who play near its banks are at risk of skin infections and other waterborne diseases.
Dr Obinna Magnus Onuoha, a public health expert and veterinarian, warned about the river’s contamination.
According to him, if nothing is done, the situation will only worsen, leading to a progressive increase in illnesses affecting residents around the river and its environs.
“The worst-case scenario is the resultant deaths of people. You can see the example of the cholera outbreak that we have been experiencing in many states, with Lagos particularly hit hardest.
“It is very disheartening to know that these harmful actions;the dumping of cow dung/wastes are happening year after year, and we can see their debilitating effects on people.
“There is nothing healthy or beneficial in dumping cow dung/waste or any animal waste for that matter into water sources that may feed back to our communities.
“Water is life and we depend on it for all our domestic needs. We depend on water for sustenance.
“The least we can do is ensure that such water sources are safe for people to consume without fear of sickness or injury.
“Children, pregnant women, and the elderly or those with underlying health issues are those most at risk of being severely affected by the contamination of the Ikpoba River,” he pointed out.
The Abuja-based public health specialist called on the state government to exhibit political will and allocate resources to address the issue.
“The State Government is only as strong as its indigenes are able to contribute to its economic activities and growth. A healthy youthful population is a blessing, and it will benefit the State to reap the demographic dividends,” he said.
Onuoha also called for the establishment of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in the state.
He further urged that all abattoirs operating around the Ikpoba River be required to safely dispose of all animal waste, away from potential water sources and residential areas.
“Designate animal waste dump sites that are beyond living areas to avoid contamination with residents. Resources need to be deployed to transport these wastes under the strictest hygienic conditions as much as possible.
“All biosecurity measures in and around abattoirs or animal farms must be adhered to. The Veterinary Service of the State must be empowered to enforce these regulations and policies,” he proposed.
The residents insist that they have taken their plight to the government, the courts, and regulatory agencies, but all to no avail.
Omusi explained the community’s frustration, saying, “We have written countless letters to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment.
“We even sued the abattoir owners, but they hired Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to quash the case. Money rules the judiciary here”.
The residents also accused the government of prioritising revenue collection over public health.
“They collect N10,000 per cow slaughtered, yet they do nothing about the waste,” said Osagieduwa Imafidon, the acting community leader.
Imafidon alleged that the government was more concerned with money than their lives.
Sunny Omokaro, the newly elected National President of the Butchers Employee Union of Nigeria, acknowledged the dire state of the abattoirs in Ikpoba Slope.
“What I saw there shocked me. It’s unacceptable,” he said.
Omokaro, however, criticised both the community and the local government for their roles in creating this crisis.
“The land for these abattoirs was sold by the community, and the councils issued permits without proper site analysis.
“Most of these abattoirs don’t even meet the minimum land requirements, but they were approved anyway.
“Before abattoirs are licensed, local governments must inspect the locations to determine whether it is suitable or not, but they don’t do that,” he said.
He said that, according to the law, the minimum land space for an abattoir is 100 by 200 feet.
According to him, out of the more than 23 abattoirs in the area, only two or three meet the requirements, while many measuring 50 by 100 feet were approved by the government.
The union president called for immediate action, including relocating the abattoirs to non-residential areas, establishing proper waste disposal systems, and deploying veterinary doctors to ensure the safety of meat for consumption.
The residents of Ikpoba Slope are pinning their hopes on Gov. Monday Okpebholo, who promised during his campaign to address environmental health issues.
“We voted for him because he promised us change. Now we are waiting for him to act,” Imafidon said.
Omokaro suggested forming a government task force to regulate abattoir operations.
“We need security agents, health officials, and butchers on this task force. The government should also reduce the number of abattoirs and enforce strict hygiene standards,” he said.
As the sun sets over Ikpoba Slope, the cries of children mix with the hum of mosquitoes and the distant roar of generators.
For families like the Osarions, life here is a daily battle against sickness, despair, and neglect.
“We just want to live like humans again,” Ruth Osarion said, still grieving over the loss of her son.
She said, “We want our children to grow up healthy. We want the smell to go away. Is that too much to ask?”
Sadly, the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 reports that 34 per cent of children under the age of five in Edo suffer from diarrhoea, while 25 per cent are afflicted with malaria.
Nevertheless, Mr Jude Ekpu, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, in his reaction, said abattoirs in the state were being managed and supervised by the ministries of environment, agriculture, and local government councils.
According to him, the Ministry of Environment oversees sanitation at the abattoirs and their surroundings.
He assured that inspections are regularly carried out to ensure cleanliness.
“We have an enforcement department that ensures sanitation in the abattoir environment and other open and public spaces like markets to maintain a clean environment.
“We visit the abattoirs regularly, and where they fail to meet sanitation standards, we serve abatement notices.
“If they still don’t comply, we issue quick notices and take them to court to enforce compliance.
“We also expect that the communities housing these abattoirs report any irregularities to the ministry for immediate action, as we are concerned with the wholesomeness of the meat we consume,” Ekpu said.
He noted that the ministry also monitors the discharge from the abattoirs to prevent any health hazards.
Before any cow is slaughtered, Ekpu explained, it is inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure it is suitable for consumption.
“The Ministry of Environment, on the other hand, ensures that the environment is clean and that the by-products of the slaughter are disposed of properly”.
Ekpu, nonetheless, urged the community members to alert the ministry and the government promptly if they have concerns about abattoir activities.
All in all, stakeholders say time is running out for Ikpoba Slope, and without immediate intervention, the community faces not only an epidemic but also the loss of its very essence.
Will the government listen to their cries, or will they remain buried under the weight of waste, stench, and neglect?
Some residents of Igabi and Kaduna North Local Government Areas (LGAs) have decried the existence of multiple dump sites within their communities.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State
The residents bore their minds while speaking to journalists who were on an assessment tour of refuse dump sites with support from an NGO, Bridge that Gap Initiative, in Kaduna.
Speaking in separate interviews, some of the residents said the poor state of the refuse dump sites had exposed the community to a myriad of health and environmental hazards.
A resident of the community, who craved anonymity, described the dump sites as “nightmarish and horrific”.
She alleged that the smoke from the burning refuse was the cause of respiratory illnesses especially Asthma.
She lamented that whenever they take action towards stopping people from dumping refuse on the site, they sometimes threatened their lives.
“Some time ago, a young man brought out a knife and threatened to stab me because I stopped him from dumping refuse on the site because, according to him the site does not belong to my father.”
Another resident, Mustapha Almustapha, decried that the refuse dump has become a breeding ground for rodents, snakes, and other dangerous animals that have invaded homes in the community.
He said that the situation could lead to an outbreak of diseases in the area, as all the pleas with the relevant authorities to ensure its evacuation fell on deaf ears.
Almustapha urged the government to take immediate action to address the environmental hazard.
Similarly, Usaini Ahmad, a trader in the community, appealed to the government to provide alternative dumping sites and improve waste management in the community.
He said the community has suffered for too long due to the neglect of the refuse dump.sites, seeking theit prompt evacuation to prevent further environmental degradation and health hazards.
“The situation in Tudun Ilu community highlights the need for effective waste management and environmental protection in urban areas,” he said.
Bala Ilu, Head of Tudun Ilu community, said the refuse dump site was a disturbing environmental problem to their community, hence an urgent attention was needed to avoid the recurring environmental hazards.
Ilu added that, some weeks ago, some blocks of classrooms were burnt down by fire that was linked to the burning of the refuse close to the school.
He added that the Kaduna central market, which has some of its parts like the 69 drugs market and businesses along the railway track, also contributed heavily to the problem.
He said the community sometimes hired workers who would stop the people from dumping refuse in the site.
He urged the media to amplify the environmental challenge for the government to take decisive action to salvage the situation.
Earlier, the Team Lead and Executive Director of the NGO, Gloria Bulus, said the visits to the dump sites were to look at the burning issues affecting the area and how to address by getting first-hand information.
Bulus expressed optimism that the visits would help the NGO to make good suggestions on the required interventions to the government and the communities.
“We have interacted with some members of the communities and they told us their gory experiences, especially as regards to their health.
“We are all aware of the harmful impact of burning refuse in terms of contributing to the green house gas emissions which impacts climate change.
“This is happening right in the community, and it is very sad. Reflecting on it makes me feel what can be done immediately on the spot for them,” she added.
The tour was in partnership with the media and supported by Bridge That Gap Initiative and a Network of Civil Society Organisations.
