NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria’s energy transition should lead Africa’s climate future  – APRI boss
Environment

Nigeria’s energy transition should lead Africa’s climate future  – APRI boss

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By Angela Atabo

Dr Olumide Abimbola, Founder, Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), on Monday said Nigeria should lead the charge for Africa’s climate future through an equitable, homegrown and economically sound energy transition.

Abimbola stated this ahead of a workshop organised by APR in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat scheduled for Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which is co-hosted by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, will draw stakeholders from across the Global South for peer learning.

“This convening is not just about knowledge-sharing, it is about defining Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s climate future and ensuring that our energy transition is equitable, homegrown, and economically sound.

“At the heart of the event is a shared goal to explore how Nigeria can design its own Country Platform for Climate Action (CPCA).

“The CPCA is a coordinated national framework to drive low-emission growth, mobilise climate finance, and ensure a just, inclusive energy transition,” he said.

Abimbola said the insights from the two-day workshop would contribute directly to Nigeria’s forthcoming National Development Plan 2026-2030 and help to mainstream climate priorities across key sectors, including power, transportation, agriculture, industry, and finance.

He said that in the lead-up to the event, APRI had already released a background paper offering practical pathways for Nigeria’s transition.

According to him, the document presents lessons from global case studies, outlining bold, locally relevant strategies for implementing a coordinated, fundable, and inclusive climate framework across policy, infrastructure, and industry.

“The workshop will draw lessons from countries like South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal, which are already implementing Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs),” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Climate Change: NLC seeks inclusion of critical voices in policy formulation
Environment

Climate Change: NLC seeks inclusion of critical voices in policy formulation

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By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to include critical voices in national climate change policy formulations.

Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, NLC, made the call at the opening session of the Post COP 29 Review meeting held on Friday in Abuja.

The meeting was organised by the NLC Climate Change, Green Jobs and Just Transition Programme with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Ugboaja, represented by Mr Ismali Bello, Assistant General Secretary, NLC said such critical voices include the trade unions, women, youths, employees of labour and persons with disabilities, among others.

He said that such inclusion would help address the problem of climate injustice happening in the country.

“The truth is that we cannot be complaining of climate injustice at the global arena and be perpetuating the same at the national level through the shutting out of critical voices in the development of national climate change policies for our country.

“I must remind us that as trade unions, we feel a sense of loss at the denial of the key demands made by the working class and even some slips in major wins secured at previous COPs and COP 29.

“This includes the situation of workers and their communities as the epicentre of the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP).

“In the processes leading up to COP 29 especially the subsidiary bodies meetings, the emphasis on workers and their communities was subsumed under the general blanket of a people centred Just Transition.

“Well, the point is not lost. Even under the canopy of a people-centred Just Transition, we maintain that workers, their families and communities are the major people under consideration,” he said.

He, however, said that climate change was a workplace phenomenon as most of the emissions happen in and around its corridors, adding that workers were also at the frontline of climate change impact and ruin.

He added that this meant that workers, through their trade unions, must be around the driving seat of climate change policy formulations and actions at all levels as its action and associated response measures toll heavily on workers.

“Anything contrary would be an adventure in ghost chasing and grand greenwashing.

“It is on this note that we call for the review of the process for the development of the Just Transition Guidelines for Nigeria,” he said.

Ms Inviolata Chinyagarara, ILO Senior Specialist Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), in her remarks said that the workshop aimed at enhancing trade union advocacy for and contributing to a just transition and green jobs at local, national and international levels.

She said ACTRAV had been clear on the following key messages which were also a call to action for trade unions; for trade unions to play an effective part in the Just Transition.

According to her, building trade unions’ capacity to navigate uncertainty and change, adapting to changing dynamics in the labour markets and changing needs of workers, and positioning themselves strategically for the future is crucial.

“The voice of workers and their trade unions need to be at the centre of Just Transition and green jobs policy dialogue.

“It is, therefore, crucial for trade unions to build requisite capacities to influence policy makers to develop and consider integrated policy systems.

“This is to ensure policy coherence on how climate and employment goals must go hand in hand. Indeed, this workshop is timely, and it is aimed at scaling up ongoing trade union interventions,” she said.

Similarly, Girzo Adamu, Director, Special Duties and Projects, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the Federal Government was committed to the achievement of the Just Transition Guidelines.

“I want to assure you that the Just Transition Guidelines is about to be 80 per cent delivered.

“I want to encourage you all not to give up on the demands of labour in the inclusion of Just Transition Guidelines.

“Because we were so touched that labour issues were left behind in Just Transition Guidelines and even the consultant accepted the mistake,” he said.

Dr Peter Tarfa, Consultant on Climate Change, urged the NLC to participate in the development of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, for climate action plans due for 2025.

He said the NDC is the roadmap that every country uses for its climate actions.

On the upcoming Climate Change Conference (COP) in Brazil, Tarfa advised labour to put in place work plans before attending the conference.

He also said that proper research should be done for the agenda setting and negotiations pushed forward, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Ecological footprints: UNIDO tasks manufacturers on sustainability practices
Environment

Ecological footprints: UNIDO tasks manufacturers on sustainability practices

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The National Programme Officer, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr Reuben Bamidele, has charged manufacturers to embrace sustainable practices to minimise ecological footprints and environmental impact.

Bamidele made the call at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja Branch 2025, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)/Managing Directors Forum on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed: “Sustainability of the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward”.

He observed that sustainability had become a key focus for businesses across various industries, and the manufacturing sector was no exception.

Bamidele noted that manufacturing activities consumed vast amounts of energy and water, generated substantial waste, and contributed to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

He said by embracing sustainable practices, manufacturers could minimise ecological footprint and reduce the impact the sector has on the environment.

He noted that governments and regulatory bodies were attempting to speed up this process by imposing stricter environmental regulations and standards.

According to him, non-compliance can result in hefty fines, legal repercussions, and damage to a company’s reputation.

“While sustainable manufacturing holds tremendous promise, it is not without challenges such as high initial costs, change management, supply chain complexities, regulatory compliance and data.

“However, to improve sustainability outcomes, manufacturers can improve product design based on sustainability goals, go green across all operations, and upskill people for green transition,” he said.

The Director-General, MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that for Nigeria to deliver on inclusive growth, manufacturing performance must improve.

He stressed the need for continuous engagement with government and all stakeholders to expose the real situation of the country’s real sector.

Ajayi-Kadir also urged government to prioritise the manufacturing sector.

He saluted the resilience of all manufacturing CEOs for staying the course and projected that they would reap the benefits of renewed economic development in Nigeria.

“MAN is poised to support government policies that would promote manufacturing and we would continue to leverage our access to government to ensure they pay attention to the sector to support its growth,” he said.

The General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management, Mr Adefemi Afolabi,  said sewage, which was not really paid attention to, made up a large percentage of waste.

Afolabi urged manufacturers on the importance of abiding to the state’s laws on sewage and other waste products for environmental safety and sustainability.

“We are concerned about waste generated by industries and would continue to engage MAN on sustainable measures on waste disposal and waste management.

“As issues of sanitation have a direct nexus to public health, we would work with the association to create models to monitor and manage waste disposal,” he said.

The Chairman, MAN Ikeja Branch, Mr Robert Ugbaja, noted that the event’s theme spoke directly to the realities industrialists faced in an increasingly dynamic global and local environment.

Ugbaja stressed that sustainability was no longer a buzzword, but an urgent call for manufacturers to embrace.

He expressed manufacturers readiness to embrace insights on global standards, practical interventions, and proper positioning within the sustainable manufacturing framework.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Tinubu urges world leaders to address global climate crisis
Environment

Tinubu urges world leaders to address global climate crisis

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has urged world leaders to demonstrate unity, courage, and sustained commitment in addressing the worsening global climate crisis.

Speaking on Wednesday during a high-level virtual dialogue on climate and the just transition, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to forging a paradigm shift in which climate action and economic growth advanced together, not in opposition.

“The global climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership.

“For Nigeria, the urgency of this moment is clear: we view climate action not as a cost to development, but as a strategic imperative,” the President said.

The meeting, co-hosted by Mr António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, and Luiz Inacia Lula da Silva, Brazilian President, aimed to accelerate global climate ambition ahead of COP30, which Brazil will host.

Leaders from 17 countries, including China, the European Union, climate-vulnerable states, and key regional blocs such as the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States, participated in the meeting.

Addressing the session from Abuja, President Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) as a bold, pragmatic roadmap for reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.

The ETP targets five core sectors – power, cooking, transportation, oil and gas, and industry – and identifies a financing need of over $410 billion by 2060 to achieve these goals.

“We are, therefore, in the process of aligning our regulatory environment, fiscal incentives, and institutional frameworks to ensure that energy access, decarbonisation, and economic competitiveness proceed in lockstep. We are also taking leadership on energy access,” he said.

Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s role as an anchor country in the Mission 300 initiative, implemented in partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

The initiative aims to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

He recalled his participation in the Dar es Salaam Declaration earlier this year and Nigeria’s presentation of its National Energy Compact, which outlined reform commitments, investment opportunities, and measurable targets to expand clean energy access and clean cooking solutions.

“This compact is among the first of its kind in Africa and lays out our policy reform commitments and specific investment opportunities in the energy sector. It sets quantifiable targets to grow electricity access and increase clean cooking penetration.

“We are working to build capacity and ensure that we meet these targets, reflecting not just our ambition but also our commitment to deliver on that ambition measurably,” he said.

As part of the broader energy reforms architecture, Tinubu announced the finalisation of the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Policy in March 2025.

He said the policy would unlock up to $2.5 billion by 2030 in high-integrity carbon credits and related investments.

He said Nigeria was actively updating its Nationally Determined Contributions in line with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, with plans to present a comprehensive revision by September 2025.

“Our climate strategy is not limited to planning and regulation – it is also rooted in market reform.

“We are working to position Nigeria as a premier destination for climate-smart investment through the development of a Global Climate Change Investment Fund.

“This will serve as a platform to blend public and private capital, de-risk green infrastructure, and finance clean energy solutions at scale,” he said.

The fund will support key national priorities such as green industrial hubs, e-mobility infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy mini-grids for underserved communities.

Tinubu thanked international partners, particularly the United Nations and Sustainable Energy for All, for their advisory and technical support.

“These partnerships are a shining example of the value of multilateral cooperation in climate delivery. We are prepared to collaborate, lead, and deliver – because we understand that the time for climate action is not tomorrow; it is now,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience
Environment

Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience

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By Abigael Joshua

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda on Wednesday pledged to allocate 30 per cent of the state’s annual budget to climate resilience, as part of efforts to establish a Green Investment Fund.

Radda made the pledge at the Katsina State Climate Action and Green Investment Summit in Abuja with the theme, ‘Turning Climate Challenges into Development Opportunities in Katsina State’.

“We will allocate 30 per cent of our annual budget to climate-resilient infrastructure and establish a Green Investment Fund to de-risk projects”.

He added that the state government would also accelerate implementation, with an initial capitalisation of five billion naira and mechanisms to leverage additional private capital.

“Today marks another milestone in the history of the state’s future. I am proud to unveil our blueprint for a sustainable future, which is tagged ‘Katsina State Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA)’.

“KAGGA is a roadmap to harmonise economic progress with ecological preservation. It commits to scaling up drip irrigation, drought-resistant crop varieties, and agroforestry to protect our farmers from climate shocks.

“My administration will enact the Katsina Climate-Related Laws within 12 months to institutionalise accountability and create a stable policy environment for green investments, ” Radda said.

The governor stated that, to combat water scarcity and promote irrigation, the state had constructed 120 solar-powered boreholes across the state, worth N2.4 billion, with an additional 60 currently under construction.

“This means more water for farmers, more food on our tables, and more income for families.

‘We’ve already planted over 100,000 economic trees and are nurturing three million more, spread across schools, institutions, and shelterbelts.

‘We also invested N5.9 billion in rainwater harvesting structures, turning seasonal floods into a year-round blessing for irrigation,” he said.

Radda noted that the state is setting the pace in climate action, not just in Nigeria, but across the global dryland ecosystems.

“We plan to electrify 500 rural communities with solar mini-grids by 2030, bridging the energy access gap that currently affects 60 per cent of our rural population.

‘KAGGA expands our participation in the Great Green Wall Initiative with an ambitious target of 10 million trees planted by 2030. These trees will focus on indigenous species that thrive in our conditions.

“Additionally, we are launching a ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ programme to turn the 500 tons of plastic waste generated daily in our state into eco-friendly products, driven by youth entrepreneurs,’” he explained.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, noted that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat.

“We are witnessing the consequences of climate change today in the form of desert encroachment, extreme heat, flooding, droughts, dwindling agricultural productivity and resultant insecurity in our nation.

‘The Sahel region where Katsina state is located is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

“However, this region is also rich with opportunities that can turn adversity into advantage through strategic climate action and green investments”.

The minister said that the summit signalled Katsina’s readiness not just to adapt to climate change, but to lead with innovation.

“It also presents a unique platform to attract responsible private sector investment that aligns with both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

“Our generation has a singular responsibility which is building a greener, more equitable, and climate-resilient Nigeria.

“This cannot be achieved by the Federal Government alone. We need strong, visionary states like Katsina to rise as champions of climate justice and green growth,’” Lawal noted.

Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, in her keynote address, pledged to support the state in its green economy initiatives.

Mohammed, who was represented by Mohamed Fall, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, said that climate action is a ticket to a cleaner, safer, and better future for all.

“For all of us, not just Katsina state, it is time to shift from climate reliability to climate leadership. From energy scarcity to growing prosperity. A green economy means clean, affordable energy for homes, schools, hospitals, and for all basic services,” she said.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the governor for aligning climate action with gender equality to empower women as key agents of change in the green economy.

Eyong, who was represented by Mr Desmond Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at the agency said that climate mitigation and women’s empowerment are closely linked through initiatives like biogas technology.

“In Katsina state, where over 70 per cent of household energy depends on firewood, this transition can bring significant environmental and health benefits, especially for women and children,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions
Environment

Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions

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By Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s sanitation sector have called for a shift towards Market-Based Sanitation (MBS) as a more effective means of improving access to safe and dignified toilets across the country.

With Nigeria struggling to meet its Open Defecation-Free (ODF) targets, experts say MBS could be instrumental in accelerating progress towards healthier and cleaner environments for millions of citizens.

At a high-level seminar held in Abuja on Wednesday, officials from tiers of government, development partners and civil society organisations gathered to assess the country’s sanitation efforts and explore private sector-led solutions.

Mr Shadrach Guusu, Head of Programmes at Self Help Africa, described the seminar as a timely and strategic engagement for the sector.

“This seminar provides a valuable platform to reflect on current MBS efforts, evaluate existing approaches, and introduce new insights from global experts such as PSI.

“It also enables us to strengthen collaboration and capacity development among government bodies, civil society, private actors, and development partners laying a stronger foundation for scaling MBS in Nigeria”.

Guusu underscored the need to confront tough questions: “How far have we come with market-based sanitation, and what must we do differently to achieve the 2030 target?”

He noted that MBS aims to provide households and communities, especially those underserved with access to improved toilet facilities through affordable and sustainable private sector-driven models.

He added that in spite ongoing initiatives, inadequate sanitation remains widespread in homes, markets, schools, and public spaces across the country.

According to him, the seminar formed part of the WASH Systems for Health Project, currently being implemented in Cross River and Kano states in partnership with other stakeholders.

Mr Chukwuma Nnanna, Team Lead at Toilet Pride Initiative, explained that their work focuses on addressing the root causes of poor sanitation and the lack of accessible and affordable toilet options.

“Open defecation is not always due to poverty, many families simply don’t know where to get a toilet or that low-cost options exist.

“Toilet Pride is helping bridge that gap by connecting households to suitable products and reliable installers”:

He added that MBS represents a shift from traditional approaches, which often encouraged toilet construction without addressing availability, affordability, or consumer support.

“Now, we offer families a range of products such as those from manufacturers like Lixil, and guide them from product awareness to installation.

”This model, we believe, will help move millions of Nigerians up the sanitation ladder”.

The seminar also featured global experts from Population Services International (PSI), who shared lessons from more than a decade of experience in strengthening sanitation markets.

Mr John Sauer, Deputy Director of PSI’s WASH Programmes and Lead Facilitator at the event, noted the importance of knowledge exchange and market development.

“PSI is pleased to share over 12 years of experience in market-based sanitation with Nigeria’s WASH sector.

“We believe that by applying systems thinking and market-driven approaches, Nigeria is well-positioned to fast-track universal access to safe, sustainable sanitation,” Sauer said

Earlier, Mrs Iquo Bassey, a representative from the Cross River Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, noted that while six local government areas have been declared ODF, sustaining these gains has been challenging.

She described the meeting as timely, expressing hope that it would help address poor sanitation outcomes and promote long-term sustainability through shared learning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that albeit the federal government’s Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, launched in 2019, the country remains off track to meet its 2025 goal of eliminating open defecation.

With over 48 million Nigerians practising open defecation, experts warn the country may miss its 2030 SDG 6 deadline without a major strategy shift. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Stakeholders urge joint investment in Nigeria’s energy transition
Environment

Stakeholders urge joint investment in Nigeria’s energy transition

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By Akpan Glory

Stakeholders in the environmental sector have called on governments at all levels, civil society groups, and individuals to collaborate and invest in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition process.

Speaking at a conference held in Abuja on Tuesday to commemorate the 2025 World Earth Day, they emphasised the need for substantial financial and technical investments from government and the public.

The event was themed “Our Power, Our Planet: From Policy to Action” and was organised by Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD) in partnership with Climate Justice, Creative Culture and Communities for Peace (CCC for Peace).

It was also in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, TrashMongers, Ecocykle, Basic Rights Watch, the Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness, the Coalition for Socioecological Transformation (CoSET), and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Mohammed Abdullahi, former Minister of Environment stated that many Nigerians are more concerned with daily survival than with reducing their carbon footprint.

He asserted that to achieve Nigeria’s ambitious climate goals, the government must prioritise breaking the cycle of poverty through targeted programmes.

This, he said would empower citizens to afford climate-friendly solutions such as fuel-efficient cookstoves, LPG and biogas systems, solar home installations, and electric or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

“The government should place greater emphasis on innovation in energy infrastructure, optimal utilisation of domestic financing, and harmonisation of existing energy policy frameworks.

“In industrialised countries, energy systems have powered decades of development but also caused environmental damage, warming oceans, melting glaciers, and extreme climate events that disproportionately affect poorer nations.

“To truly transition, we must move from a mindset of short-term consumption to long-term restoration. The shift to renewable and sustainable energy is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

“And within that necessity lies an extraordinary opportunity to lead the way toward a better future”.

Abdullahi stressed that a just energy transition must ensure inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable communities, indigenous populations, and marginalised groups.

“This includes creating new opportunities for workers displaced by the fossil fuel phase-out and ensuring their access to retraining and dignified work within the emerging green economy.

“The world today faces an existential crisis driven by unsustainable energy practices, climate change, and environmental degradation. Yet, this is also a moment of unprecedented opportunity,” he added.

Peniel Ibe, Coordinator of CCC for Peace, explained that the initiative seeks to empower Nigerian youth to participate meaningfully in both local and global climate discourse and advocacy.

She noted that the initiative aimed to introduce young people to justice-centred climate solutions and to demonstrate how such solutions could be applied within their local contexts.

“YouPaD serves as a platform for youth engagement in policy, climate change, security, governance, and development”.

Ibe expressed appreciation to the participants, noting that their presence demonstrated a collective commitment to securing not only the future of the planet and Nigeria, but also a future grounded in justice, inclusion, and action.

“As we mark World Earth Day, we are reminded of both the planet’s fragility and the power of our collective resolve as Nigerians.

“The climate crisis challenges us to rethink our approach. We cannot afford to serve both the fossil fuel industry and the renewable energy cause.

“We cannot promote justice and injustice simultaneously, as the consequences, especially for Nigeria would be dire”.

She observed that although momentum is growing across Nigeria and Africa for renewable energy adoption, the transition risks replicating existing inequalities in the fossil fuel extractive industry, if not deliberately planned and inclusive.

She explained that the conference was part of an ongoing initiative by CCC for Peace and YouPaD to bridge the gap between policy dialogue and the lived experiences of communities most affected by climate change, with a focus on youth engagement.

“Policies are often crafted without input from the very communities they affect most. We felt the need to create a space for diverse voices to reflect and respond to a critical question: how do we move beyond policy to meaningful, inclusive action rooted in community realities?

“The fight for a liveable planet, one in which Nigerians are safe, is not only scientific and technical, it is also profoundly social, political, and moral,” she added.

Ibe expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference would translate into tangible actions within tools, strategic frameworks, and collaborative networks.

Other speakers, including David Arinze (Off-Grid Energy), Tengi Ikoli (Natural Resources Governance), and Salaudeen Hashim, of the CLEEN Foundation shared the views of both Abdullahi and Ibe.

They highlighted the importance of policy in promoting renewable energy use in Nigeria.

The conference also featured a panel discussion and fireside chat focused on how young professionals can contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.

Additional sessions explored strategies for ensuring the transition is rooted in environmental justice.

The event concluded with a screening of Drifting Away, a documentary series by Simpa Sampson, followed by an open discussion session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, as a fossil fuel-dependent nation, Nigeria is undertaking a transition aimed at diversifying its energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.

This aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2060, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS).

The Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) is a locally developed, data-driven, multi-faceted strategy designed to guide the nation towards net-zero emissions through reforms in energy consumption.

It outlines a roadmap for reducing emissions across five key sectors: Power, Cooking, Oil and Gas, Transport, and Industry sectors responsible for approximately 65 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Key targets under the ETP include achieving an installed electricity generation capacity of 250GW by 2050, with 90 per cent of this derived from renewable sources.

By the same year, 80 per cent of vehicles are expected to run on electricity, and clean cooking technologies should be adopted by 80 per cent of the population. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Namadi restates commitment to sustain Jigawa’s ODF status
Environment

Namadi restates commitment to sustain Jigawa’s ODF status

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By Aisha Ahmed
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has restated commitment to sustain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in the state.
Namadi stated this during a courtesy visit by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) Monitoring Team, in Dutse.
He said that his administration would invest more resources and innovations to sustain the feat achieved.
“The Open Defecation Free (ODF) status we have attained, was not an effortless feat yet sustaining it is even more challenging.
“I want to assure you that the Jigawa State Government has put in place comprehensive strategies backed by strong commitment and resources, to ensure the sustainability of our ODF status,” he said.

He said the state government had set up a Steering and Technical Committee, comprising key permanent secretaries and professionals, to enhance monitoring of sanitation services in the state.

Namadi said the government also introduced a hygiene programme which underlined its commitment and dedication, to ensure cleanliness and public health standards.

The governor announced plans to construct toilets in public schools and markets across the state under a public private partnership arrangement to effectively manage the facilities.

This, he said, would ensure accountability and preserve the investment in sanitation infrastructure.

“When it is managed by the private sector, they see it as a means of livelihood. They will maintain it better than the government,” he said.

According to Namadi, the state will be a beacon of progress in sanitation, health and environmental resilience, for other states to draw lessons from it.

Earlier, the NTGS Team Lead, Mr Benson Attah, commended the state for attaining the ODF status, describing it as a “landmark achievement and a model for other states.”

Attah urged the state to maintain this status through consistent policies, community involvement and infrastructural investments.

He also lauded the political commitment displayed by the Namadi administration, adding that it has created an enabling environment for impactful WASH initiative.

“I would like to commend Your Excellency for your commitment and the political will you have shown towards the improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the state.

“Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been any need to dispatch members of the National Task Group on Sanitation to monitor and assess the sustainability of the ODF status in your state,” he said.
He assured support of development partners to help the state in sustaining its progress. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
NGO demands urgent action on drug cultivation, use
Environment

NGO demands urgent action on drug cultivation, use

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By Akpan Glory

The Ashnik Alternative Development Initiative (AADI), a non-governmental organisation, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the cultivation and use of illicit drugs in Nigeria.

Prof. Bala Shehu, Director of AADI, made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He raised concerns over the increasing cultivation of Cannabis sativa (commonly known as Indian hemp), especially in Southern Nigeria.

He labelled the trend an ‘environmental crime’, noting that cannabis farming is causing deforestation, altering rainfall patterns, raising temperatures, and depleting soil fertility.

This, he said, further exacerbates the country’s food insecurity.

“Data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) underscore the scale of the problem.

“In 2013, the agency destroyed 847 hectares of cannabis plantations. By 2014, that figure had risen to over 4,500 hectares, a staggering increase of more than 400 per cent in just one year.

“Likewise, a 2019 survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) documented 8,900 hectares of cannabis cultivation across six states in Southern Nigeria.

“Despite intensified enforcement efforts under the leadership of Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), which have resulted in the seizure of over 9.9 million kilogrammes of assorted drugs and the destruction of numerous cannabis farms since 2021, illicit cultivation continues to flourish”.

Shehu noted that the problem is severe in the South-Western states of Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun, as well as Delta and Edo in the South-South.

According to him, more young people in these areas are abandoning legitimate agriculture for the more profitable, yet illegal, cultivation of cannabis.

This shift, he said, is driven largely by international drug trafficking networks which promise high returns, but expose young people to the risks of arrest, violence, and exploitation.

“Significant quantities of cannabis grown in these regions are trafficked to black markets in Europe, Asia, and North America, while local consumption is also on the rise.

“While the South struggles with illicit cultivation, Northern Nigeria is battling a parallel crisis: a surge in drug addiction, particularly among young people.

“States such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Gombe, Adamawa, and Borno are witnessing increasing abuse of cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and other synthetic drugs, many of which originate from the South or are smuggled into the country”.

The professor pointed to an undeniable link between cannabis farms in the South and addiction in the North, warning that traffickers are profiting from both ends of the trade.

He emphasised that families are being torn apart by the social and economic consequences of drug abuse, productive agricultural labour is being lost, and insecurity is on the rise.

He noted that in response to these challenges, the NDLEA created the Alternative Development Unit (ADU) in September 2023 to address the root causes of drug cultivation, such as poverty, hunger, and unemployment.

The unit aims to shift illicit cannabis farmers to food and animal production through the Crop Substitution Programme (CSP), enhancing food security in affected regions.

Shehu said the initiative has earned international recognition, including endorsement from the United Nations, which acknowledged it as the first of its kind in Africa.

“The NDLEA is currently building strategic partnerships to scale the programme.

“One such collaboration is with the Niger State Government, which is incorporating alternative development into its agricultural transformation agenda to provide viable livelihoods for drug users and other vulnerable groups”.

Shehu underscored the need for support from policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector.

He also called for increased technical and financial backing from international partners.

He stressed that land used for illicit farming must be reclaimed and repurposed for legitimate agriculture, backed by policies that incentivise private investment in affected communities.

He further called for enhanced law enforcement and surveillance capabilities, including the use of satellite technology and drones to monitor illicit farms.

“Increased funding and staffing for the NDLEA, he said, would improve its capacity to dismantle entrenched drug trafficking networks.

“In addition, sustainable livelihood programmes must be introduced to train former cannabis farmers in legal agricultural practices and provide them with access to farming tools and credit through cooperative schemes.

“Grassroots campaigns are also needed to raise public awareness about the dangers of illicit cultivation, and robust regulations must be put in place to prohibit drug-related deforestation”.

Shehu also highlighted the importance of psychological support and reorientation programmes to help individuals transition from illicit to legitimate livelihoods.

Founded in 2021, the Ashnik Alternative Development Initiative (AADI) promotes humanitarian and correctional justice approaches to tackling drug-related issues.

The organisation works to build peaceful, sustainable communities and improve the prospects of young Nigerians through alternative livelihoods and development-focused interventions.  (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NEWMAP-EIB commends Ekiti’s N1.1bn fund pledge
Environment

NEWMAP-EIB commends Ekiti’s N1.1bn fund pledge

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By Akpan Glory

The Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project, supported by the European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB), has commended the Ekiti State Government for pledging N1.1 billion as its counterpart funding for the project’s implementation.

The National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba, made the commendation in a statement on Friday following the team’s visit to the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, represented Gov. Biodun Oyebanji during the engagement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team was in the state to assess Ekiti’s readiness for project implementation and fund disbursement.

These are key requirements set by the European Investment Bank.

He expressed appreciation for the state’s financial commitment, but appealed for the full release of the pledged N1.1 billion to enable immediate commencement of project activities.

“All proposed sites in the state have met the selection criteria,” he confirmed.

Ayuba, however, raised concerns over the worsening condition of erosion-prone areas, particularly in Efon Alaaye Local Government Area and the Olorunda community.

Describing the situation as life-threatening, he recommended the urgent application of the Gully Rapid Action and Slope Stabilisation (GRASS) approach to prevent further degradation, pending the implementation of long-term solutions.

In his response, Adebayo thanked the NEWMAP-EIB team for their visit and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to environmental protection.

He confirmed that the N1.1 billion allocation had been approved and would be released at the appropriate time.

He also praised him for his proactive leadership and dedication to ensuring effective implementation of the project across participating states.

Adebayo noted that the NEWMAP-EIB project aligns with two pillars of Governor Oyebanji’s “Shared Prosperity” agenda of Infrastructure, Industrialisation and Good Governance.

He added that the governor remains committed to delivering democratic dividends and fostering sustainable development for the people of Ekiti state.

Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Tunde Balogun, commended Gov. Oyebanji for demonstrating strong political will by allocating over a billion naira to the project.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator for NEWMAP-EIB, Dr Akinyugha Akinyemi, gave an overview of the initiative.

He noted that Ekiti had already benefited greatly from the first phase of NEWMAP, which covered nine local government areas, impacted 2,000 rural residents, and achieved 100 per cent completion of civil works.

Key sites included health centres, the Ogbomu culvert, and the Ajalogun Bridge in Ikere-Ekiti, a major route connecting Ekiti to Kogi State.

According to Akinyemi, the current phase of the NEWMAP-EIB project will focus on areas including Efon and Efon Alaaye local government aea, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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