September 8, 2024

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1 EFCC returns vehicles, money to Canadian Police

2 FG grants UTM Offshore licence for 2.8m tonnes floating LNG facility

3 Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply

4 FG conducts clearance operation on illegal mining site in Kogi

5 ECOWAS MPs propose laws to boost subregional healthcare, education

Environment , Metro

Flood: NEMA raises alert of possible hazards in 7 states

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to prepare for potential floods that would soon affect downstream communities.

The states, according to NEMA, include Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in a statement by the Head of Press Unit, Mr Manzo Ezekiel, in Abuja.

She said that the alert followed the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

“The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding.

“It is also important to avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.

“Such areas have suffered misfortune including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures,” Umar said.

She listed some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

The D-G advised communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” she said.

Umar said that NEMA was working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, were available to affected communities.

She said that the  collaboration with  relevant  stakeholders was through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the agency’s headquarters.

She emphasised the importance of early action and community vigilance.

“We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“Preparedness is key to reducing the impact of flooding,” Umar said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Environment

Great Green Wall, UniMaid partner on climate change

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), has restated its commitment towards collaborating with the University of Maiduguri Consultancy Services to enhance the quality of its work.

The Director-General of the agency, Saleh Abubakar disclosed this during an engagement with the University Consultancy Services on Thursday in Kano.

He said the collaboration was for various tree plantation projects.

“We are partnering with the University Consultancy Services to improve our work and have more collaborations.

“We have just had a meeting with them now and we will improve our work. We have built bridges.

“We realised that there were things done in the past, but the results are negative.

“We are going back to the drawing board. With the advice we received from the university consultants gathered here, we are going to do things differently,” he said

He said that the meeting which was attended by 11 frontline states, underscores the significance of the partnership in addressing environmental challenges in the region.

Prof. Adamu Umaru, from the University of Maiduguri, described the engagement as “fruitful” and noted that vital issues would be archived.

He added that the partnership between the NAGGW and University Consultancy Services is expected to boost environmental efforts in the region, particularly in the areas of tree plantation and sustainable land management.

According to him, the consultants are facing challenges in so many areas of their work but expressed optimism that the new director-general will address the hitches for overall success of the agency.(NAN) – www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Environment

Dadin-Kowa Dam secure, fully functional- FG

By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has assured the public that the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe State is in excellent condition, with no threats to its functionality.

In a statement issued after his inspection of the dam on Wednesday, Utsev noted that the dam had undergone rigorous daily monitoring and regular inspections.

Utsev confirmed that the dam was operating optimally, supporting hydropower generation, irrigation, and water supply.

He said that all key infrastructure components, including the spillway and penstock, were functioning as intended.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation’s commitment to maintaining water infrastructure across Nigeria.

He urged the public to dismiss unfounded rumours about the dam’s condition and assured that his ministry remained dedicated to providing accurate and timely updates on all water infrastructure projects.

He stressed the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance food production, job creation, and economic growth.

Utsev also underscored the ongoing benefits of the Dadin-Kowa Dam, particularly through the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMMING) Project and the upcoming Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) project.

This, he added, was aimed at improving irrigation, dam safety, and power generation nationwide.

Dr Bello Goronyo, the minister of state of the ministry, at the visit stressed the importance of accurate information and expert consultation to prevent the spread of misinformation.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding vital national assets in alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Caleb Tyowuah, Acting Managing Director of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, confirmed that the Dadin-Kowa Dam had a live storage capacity of 1.77 million cubic metres.

He added that the dam had no integrity issues and was currently irrigating 2,100 hectares out of the planned 30,000 hectares of land, while also generating 40 megawatts of electricity.

Mr Jayaharan Paul, Project Manager at Mabon Energy Limited, which operates the Dadin-Kowa Hydropower Plant, also affirmed the dam’s robust condition and its huge contribution to the region’s power supply.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was accompanied by a team of water resources experts during his visit.

NAN reports that Abubakar Yelwa, Managing Director, National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), was alleged to have raised the alarm that the Dadin-Kowa Dam was on the verge of collapse.

He called for urgent measures to avert the looming disaster, which had become a significant threat to people and communities living near the facility.

Yelwa also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on flood disasters, noting that the menace has been ravaging several communities in 28 states across the federation.

NAN reports that Yelwa had on Monday briefed the media on measures aimed at mitigating the impacts of this year’s flood.

“As you may be aware, Nigeria records flood every year with varying level of devastation on the lives and means of livelihood of the affected communities. These incidences mainly attributed to natural causes and conditions, can sometimes occur because of human activities.”

Yelwa said that reports has shown that this year, flood has so far claimed nearly 200 lives, displaced over 208,000 people in 28 states, and washed away many homes and farmlands.

He said this could be attributed to poor infrastructure, failure to follow environmental guidelines and ineffective dams management. 

Yelwa commended President Bola Tinubu for the swift response in directing the release of victim support funds to states affected by flood this year. 

“This will go a long way in supporting the victims in this trying moment. 

“However, looking at the devastation this year as it affects critical infrastructure and people’s means of livelihood coupled with prediction on more flood to come, we call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on flood especially in N-HYPPADEC member states.”(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

Stakeholders urge unified action to scaled-up climate finance for Africa

By Muhyideen Jimoh
Stakeholders have called for a unified action to secure scaled-up climate finance for Africa.
The stakeholders spoke at the 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XII) in Abidjan.
The conference served as a crucial platform for African leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the urgent climate challenges ahead of the upcoming COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The theme of the conference is, “Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Africa”.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Environment, Jacques Konan, said that the theme resonates deeply as Africa continues to grapple with the disproportionate impact of climate change.
Konan said that this was in spite of it contributing less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Combating climate change is the greatest challenge humanity has faced in the last century.
“There is need for adequate financing to support Africa’s adaptation efforts, which is critical to mitigating the continent’s vulnerability to climate-related impacts,” Konan said.
Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlighted the ongoing shortfall in global climate finance.
“Despite the 2009 pledge of 100 billion dollars annually, only a fraction of the estimated 1.3 trillion dollars needed to support global climate resilience has been mobilised,” she said.
Morsy called for innovative financing mechanisms to avoid exacerbating Africa’s debt burden, suggesting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be leveraged to channel investments into the efforts.
Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, emphasised the immense financial requirements for Africa’s climate commitments.
According to Sacko, African countries will need approximately three trillion dollars to fully implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.
She urged the continent to unite and speak with one voice at COP 29, stressing the importance of securing grants over loans or debt, to finance impactful climate projects.
The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, Anthony Nyong, stressed the need for recognition and compensation for Africa’s contributions to global mitigation efforts.
“Our priority must be fostering climate-resilient development while balancing adaptation with climate-informed investments.
“Achieving this goal hinges on securing adequate financing, technology transfer, and capacity building,” Nyong said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that CCDA-XII aims to catalyse bold actions and commitments that will address Africa’s immediate climate challenges.
It is also meant to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.
The conference, convened by a coalition of partnerships known as ClimDev-Africa, including the African Union Commission, the ECA, and the AfDB was hosted by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited  by Kadiri Abdulrahman
Environment

NEMA advises immediate relocation as flood hits 27 states

By Philomena Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Thursday issued a stern warning to residents living in flood-prone communities across 27 Nigerian states to start relocating.

The Agency also reported that the floods  caused significant damage to 32,837 homes and 16,488 hectares of farmland.

Mr Manzo Ezekiel, NEMA’s spokesperson, made this known  in a statement in Abuja.

NEMA added that mobilised search and rescue teams are distributing essential relief supplies in partnership with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs).

“27 states in Nigeria have been impacted by recent floods, affecting 227,494 individuals and damaging 32,837 houses and 16,488 hectares of farmland.

“NEMA is conducting assessments and deploying relief items to support affected communities,” it says.

NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, emphasised urgency for communities in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground as the rainy season progressed.

Umar also called for increased  public awareness on proper waste management to help prevent future flooding.

“The agency emphasises the importance of public awareness on waste management to prevent flooding and advises at-risk communities to relocate to safer areas.”

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, reassured farmers about the temporary dry season, pointing out that it would  soon pass.

Community leaders and stakeholders were urged to implement rapid response measures to mitigate the ongoing flood threats. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

Environment

Great Green Wall agency promises to combat desertification

By Abigael Joshua

Mr Saleh Abubakar, the new Director-General (D-G) of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), has promised to combat desertification to ensure sustainable development of dry lands in the country.

Abubakar made the promise in his interaction with journalists, after he assumed office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The new D-G also promised to achieve the mandate of the Agency fully and attend to staff welfare promptly.

Abubakar commended Dr Yusuf Bukar, the outgoing D-G for his professionalism in restoring degraded lands.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Abubakar’s assumption of office on Monday followed his recent appointment by President, Bola Tinubu, on July 13.(NAN)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

Environment

Disaster management is everybody’s business – NEMA

By Toba Ajayi

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), says disaster management is everybody’s business and not just the business of government agencies.

Zainab Suleiman-Saidu, Hajiya Zainab Suleiman-Saidu, Head of Operations, NEMA, Minna Operations Office said this at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on Sustainable Waste Management and Flood Preparedness, on Tuesday in Ilorin.

According to her, flood preparedness and waste management require a collaborative effort from governments, private sector and local communities to build resilience against natural disasters.

She said with the increasing frequency and severity of floods due to climate change, proactive measures are essential.

“Disaster management is not just the business of NEMA or government agencies. It is everybody’s business.

“We must put our heads together to manage disaster in year 2024. We must show concern and stop showing negligence.

“Flood preparedness is very vital for safeguarding lives and property. Sustainable solutions are achievable through cooperation and dedication,” she said.

She warned that Kwara had been marked among the high risk areas this rainy season, and called for pro-active measures to mitigate the disaster.

The NEMA official urged the people to desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste in drains to keep the environment safe, adding that waste should be properly dump in designated collection centres.

“Drop the waste into a designated place and it can be taken to a recycling company to be re-used.

“It is not every waste that is useless. Most are very useful when they get to the recycling companies,” she said.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge, also appealed to the public to adhere strictly to the warnings of NEMA.

Represented by Mrs Mary Mustapha, an official of the ministry, Buge stressed that the public must be safety-conscious and stop being careless about the environment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Environment

FG shuts down illegal gold mine in kogi

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has shut down an illegal gold mine site in Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, stated that the move was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to combat illegal mining and reposition the sector to boost Nigeria’s economic profile.

In a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori on Friday in Abuja, the operation was carried out by the Mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.

According to Tomori, the operation involved dislodging illegal miners whose activities had prevented lawfully authorised miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site for 16 years.

He said that reports indicated the nefarious activities have gone unhindered for more than 20 years.

He said that the operation, led by Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, also resulted in the arrest of seven suspects leading various groups of illegal miners in the area.

Tomori said that the site workers have been given five days to completely vacate the site, as operations to effectively secure the area and ensure its full recovery for lawful mining activities would continue in earnest.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government, on July 12, announced the arrest of eight Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining at Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment , Metro

Nigeria records 22 building collapse, 33 deaths in 7 months – COREN

By Angela Atabo

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the regulatory body governing the practice of engineering, has said that Nigeria recorded 22 building collapses between January and July 2024.

The President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

The news conference is themed,’’The Incessant Spate of Building Collapse in Nigeria in Recent Times-A Call for Sustainable Collaboration by All Stakeholders.”

Abubakar said that from January to 14 July, alone, at least 22 cases of building collapse have been reported in Nigeria with Lagos accounting for 27.27 per cent, Abuja and Anambra 18.18 per cent each.

He added that Ekiti and Plateau followed with 9.09 per cent each and Kano, Taraba and Niger states accounted for 4.55 per cent each.

’’Records also showed that Lagos takes the lead in the incidences of building collapse.

’’As a matter of fact, over 91 buildings have collapsed resulting in the death of over 354 persons in Lagos from 2012 to date.

’’Similarly in Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed from 1993 till date resulting in the death of more than 64 persons and injury of many.

’’The most recent occurrences of building collapse close to DMGS Onitsha , Anambra state on June 12 and that of a school (Saint Academy)in Plateau on July 13 where 22 students died and 134 injured as well as the building collapse in Kubwa , Abuja.

He said that the incidents were worrisome.

According to him, this calls for deep reflection and collaboration of all stakeholders in stemming the tide.

’’While we commiserate with all victims and families, we want to commend the efforts of all emergency and security services for their prompt response at the time.’’

According to Abubabkar , the leading causes of building collapse varies from one location to the other.

He said some buildings collapse as a result of aging and from some investigations and research conducted over time, use of substandard construction materials and structural failure were also responsible.

He said that other factors included :illegal change of use of buildings, illegal addition of floors, quackery, inadequate or lack of supervision and oversight.

He added other factors were faulty foundations or lack of conduct of soil/geotechnical investigation, sharp and corrupt practices amongst others.

Abubakar also commended the respective affected state governments for constituting a panel of enquiry to look into the various cases with a view to finding out the immediate and remote causes and preventing future occurrences.

’’This is not the time for apportioning blame or contest of superiority within the built environment but a time for all stakeholders to unite and proffer workable and lasting solutions, particularly in the prevention of building collapses.

’’All professionals within the built environment have a role to play in this.

’’In this regard we have identified and categorised many stakeholders that we will be engaging shortly,’’he said

The President said that the proliferation of illegal miners even within residential areas as reported in some quarters was a danger to the structural stability of buildings.

He added that the council had, therefore, urged affected states to take urgent steps to reverse the trend adding that it was also time to enforce the compulsory insurance of some buildings under construction.

Abubakar said that perturbed by the incessant and avoidable incidents of building collapse in Nigeria and loss of lives in recent times, COREN had deemed to make major moves.

He said that COREN had taken some steps in monitoring and prevention of building collapse by training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors.

Abubakar added that COREN had reconstituted its Council Committee on Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) and added an additional role of enforcement to its responsibility in line with the amended COREN Act.

He said that COREN had constituted ERM&E Task Force at regional levels including Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, FCT, Gombe and Lagos among other steps to tackle building collapse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Environment

Africa to set new standards in mining – Alake

By Martha Agas

The Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), has reiterated its commitment to setting new standards in the mining industry.

Chairman of the group, Dr Dele Alake said this at the opening of the 2024 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS), on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AMSG established in February, is an initiative by African Governments to facilitate international cooperation in sustainable critical minerals development.

Alake, who is also the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said that the group would ensure that Africa secured an equitable share in supplying the world with critical minerals.

He said that AFNIS provides a unique opportunity for African countries to forge partnerships aimed at attracting investments that would drive the development of the region’s natural resources.

According to him, AMSG is committed to creating a business-friendly environment that encourages foreign direct investment, and fosters mutually beneficial collaborations.

“By leveraging global expertise, technology, and capital, we can transform our natural resources into a catalyst for sustainable development.

“Innovation is a key driver of growth in the natural resources ecosystem, therefore, we will continue to embrace technological advancements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainable practices,” he said.

According to him, Africa is determined to extend the benefits of natural resource development to local communities.

He said that they would ensure that mining activities served as catalysts for local economic growth, which would improve the quality of life for its citizens.

“Through robust Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and proactive community engagement, our goal is to empower communities and foster inclusive development.

“This commitment is reinforced by the recent revision of the Community Development Agreement (CDA), which I initiated shortly after assuming office as minister.

“This updated framework ensures that local communities are integral partners in mining ventures, safeguarding their interests and ensuring direct participation in and benefits from resource extraction projects.

“The CDA exemplifies our unwavering dedication to sustainable development, transparency, and the enduring prosperity of all communities involved,” he said.

The minister described the summit as a significant milestone in collective efforts toward harnessing Africa’s vast natural resources for sustainable economic development.

Alake said the summit would explore how Africa’s abundant resources could be leveraged to drive economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as part of its commitment to economic diversification.

He said that the approach of the agenda was multifaceted, focusing on policy reforms, sustainable practices, infrastructure development, and human capital enhancement.

The minister said that Nigeria was currently implementing comprehensive reforms that would create a conducive environment for investment in the solid minerals sector.

According to him, the reforms aim to enhance transparency, regulatory clarity, and investor confidence, fostering a competitive and thriving industry.

“We are adopting best practices that minimise environmental impact and promote social responsibility.

“Our goal is to ensure that mining activities contribute positively to the economy while safeguarding the environment and enhancing the well-being of local communities, reflecting the ethos of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

“Recognising the critical role of infrastructure in enabling mining activities, we will encourage investments in key projects, including transportation, power supply, and technological advancements.

“These investments will facilitate efficient extraction, processing, and transportation of minerals, thereby, boosting productivity and competitiveness,” he said.

He said that the solid minerals industry would continue to enhance the capacity of its workforce to participate meaningfully in the industry as well as drive growth.

NAN reports that the theme of the summit, which opened on July 16, and will close on July 18 is “Natural Resources for Economic Development.’’

The summit is the third edition and is being hosted by the Federal Government in partnership with Core International Mining Company. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

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