By Fabian Ekeruche

Some Lagos residents have expressed concerns over the widely usage of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) across markets, parties and retail spaces in the state in spite of the recent ban.

They expressed their concerns in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

A NAN correspondent who monitored the compliance in some areas of the state, observed that nylon bags, plastic spoons, and other SUPs remain commonplace, particularly in areas such as Ikotun, Ayobo, Okota, Ajao Estate, Ajah and Iyana Ipaja, among others.

NAN reports that the Lagos State Government on July 1 commenced full enforcement of SUPs below 40 microns.

The enforcement followed the expiration of an 18-month moratorium granted after the initial announcement in January 2024.

The ban specifically targets styrofoam food packs, all forms of polystyrene cups (disposable cups), plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and nylon carrier bags with less than 40-micron thickness.

PET bottles, sachet water, and thicker nylon bags are exempted from the ban.
Mr Anthony Ewubare, a resident of Ikotun, told NAN that provision stores in the area continue to use nylon bags as packaging for customers.

“It’s as if nothing has changed. Shops still hand you your goods in nylons like before,” he said.

Mrs Itunu Owokade, who lives in Ayobo, shared a similar sentiment, stating that plastic spoons and disposable cups are still being used at social events.

“I attended a party last weekend, and it was the usual plastic plates and spoons. No change at all,” Owokade told NAN.

Miss Blessing Okoro said the ban appeared to have made little impact in Okota.

“Even food vendors and traders still pack items in plastic bags,” she said.

Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, a dealer of nylon bags at Iyana Ipaja Market, said the producers of the black nylon bags have stopped producing and supplying them in the area.

“What I am selling now is what remained of the last supplies of the producer. They have stopped producing this type in response to the Lagos State Government ban.

NAN correspondent also observed that traders at the Iyana Ipaja Market were still openly selling nylon bags and other banned plastic items, suggesting low compliance and enforcement in some areas.

Also, sellers at Abule Market, Ajao Estate, are not left out.

A tomato seller at the market named Abu, told NAN that he would continue to use nylons until government provides an alternative.

In response to the public concern, the Director, Public Affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Kunle Adeshina, acknowledged that while the ban has taken effect, complete compliance will take time.

“It is not unexpected that we still have instances of people trying to test the will of the law. We will continue to ramp up enforcement alongside sensitisation on the dangers of continued usage,” Adeshina said.

An environmentalist and Publisher of EnvironNews, Mr Michael Simire, commented that it is still too early to fully assess the ban’s impact.

“The government’s efforts to enforce the ban and promote sustainable practices are steps in the right direction,” he said.

Simire disclosed that key areas to monitor as the policy progresses were reduction in plastic waste, especially styrofoam, in drainage and streets and increased use of eco-friendly alternatives by businesses and consumers.

He added that level of compliance across the supply chain—from producers to end-users should be monitored too.

Simire noted that education, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement would be essential to achieving the intended environmental goals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Reporters

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and its counterparts in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states said they have set up machineries to respond to the impending floods in the zone.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency have issued fresh warnings about possible flooding in about 19 states in the country and called for preparedness to prevent the disaster.

NAN reports that NEMA, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other stakeholders have taken proactive measures including sensitising the public across the zone on how to mitigate flooding if it happens.

In Anambra, the state government says it has set up about 16 Holding Centres for possible victims of flooding in the state.

Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (AnSEMA) told NAN that the centres were located in Ogbaru, Aguleri and Ifite Ogwari in Anambra East and Ayamelum Local Government Areas.

NAN reports that Anambra is one of the states exposed to flooding according to the prediction of NIMET and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA).

Odenigbo said the Agency had continued to sensitise residents in the flood exposed communities and trained local people on emergency response skills.

The Executive Secretary, who said the flood was imminent, expressed worry over the reluctance of the people to vacate their homes in spite of several warnings.

He however, said that AnSEMA and NEMA were intensifying their partnership to reduce the negative impact of flooding on the people in riverine communities when it eventually happened.

“We have sensitised the people on the looming danger and told them the need to move; we have also trained local emergency response volunteers on what to do including the early signs.

“We have set up 16 Holding Centres in the Anambra North areas where flood is a problem. 

“We have fumigated and put in place toilet, water, and other essential facilities to make it comfortable when people move in,” he said.

Odenigbo said the four-day flood disaster response simulation exercise codenamed “Ide Mmiri Odachi” held at Naval Outpost in Ogbaru had sharpened skills of personnel.

“The flood is real and escalating due to climate change, poor urban planning, and other environmental factors.

“The entire communities in Anambra, particularly in the riverine belts, are displaced every year, livelihoods destroyed, infrastructure eroded, and lives tragically lost,” he said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have also undertaken an assessment tour of the disaster prone area.

Commandant Olatunde Maku, NSCDC, Anambra, urged residents in flood-prone communities in Anambra to begin to relocate upland ahead of possible flooding and take proactive and  precautionary measures.

He called for collaboration with  traditional rulers, Presidents-General and other relevant stakeholders in disaster preparedness and management across the state.

In response to the anticipated flooding, key stakeholders in Ebonyi have also taken proactive approach through stakeholders engagement.

Mr Clement Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency, said that the measures were implemented through  sensitisation campaigns and town hall meetings to educate residents on flood mitigation best practices. 

Ovuoba, who was represented by the Head of Administration in the agency, Mr Sunday Omoha, added that the public sensitisation featured raising awareness on flood risks, residents living in areas prone to flooding and near river lines should adhere advice to relocate to safer ground.

He highlighted some local government easily submerged by flood to include; Abakaliki, Izzi, Ikwo , Ebonyi and Ivo.

“The stakeholders sensitisation campaign and town hall meetings were held in late July, in collaboration with NEMA on best ways to mitigate flooding.

“It is still ongoing and we have effectively reached residents on live television programme.

“Community heads also took the campaign to the grassroots. We are working seriously towards the warning given.

“We had written to Gov Francis Nwifuru for stockpiling of relief materials, kits in readiness for the imminent flooding,” Ovuoba said.

“We have filed official reports on the spot assessment visit to communities worst hit to include; Onakpoke community in Abakaliki,” Ovuoba said.

In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator, Nigerian and Watershed Management Project, Mr Philip Echiegu, urged residents of flood prone areas to adhere on measures to mitigate the impact of flood disaster.

Echiegu stated that Iyiudele and Iyioku Rivers, which collected water into Ebonyi River, was targeted in the next project to enhance water way.

In response to the imminent flood, NEMA says it has conducted joint flood preparedness simulation with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States as part of efforts to mitigate possible flooding.

The Head of Operations NEMA in Enugu, Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, told NAN in Enugu that the simulation was done in July in Ogbaru council area in Anambra by NEMA, SEMAs officials and other critical stakeholders.

According to Echeazu, the simulation and clear definitions of roles of various agencies and specialised non-governmental organisations were proactive preparation measures in view of the 2025 Flood Prediction and early rainfall in the states.

“NEMA distributed scores of warning letters to governors, council chairmen, community, traditional and religious heads on the need for preparation and currently working with Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to monitor river water levels and water flows.

“We have worked with SEMAs in each state to identify and mark out Internally Displaced People (IDP) centres in higher grounds in flood prone communities,” she said.

The NEMA operations head said it had also sensitised LEMC officials/leaders on actions to take and to contact SEMA and NEMA immediately.

“We recently opened a Whatapp group between NEMA, SEMA and LEMCs in each state for seamless communication, realtime messaging, feedback, photoshot and video recording on what is happening at the communities where incidents of flooding occurs,” she said.

Echeazu said that NEMA had carried out flood sensitisation to markets within Enugu metropolis and its three urban council areas to check flash flood and sensitisation to Amaechi-Idodo community in Enugu East LGA and two communities in Ezeagu LGA.

She said that the agency also had some selected sensitisation to be done in Anambra especially in riverine and flood prone communities by NEMA’s headquarters officials as well as some sensitisation in communities in Ebonyi.

The head of operations revealed that the Nigeria Red Cross would be organising another flood preparedness simulation soon after a meeting with critical stakeholders to intensify response to any flooding disaster.

“In all our programmes done in the past five months on flood preparedness, we have carried along and actively involved SEMAs, LEMCs, Red Cross, FRSC and NDLEA among others,” she added.

She however, urged residents to ensure proper waste disposal; desilt drains and never empty refuse on drains and build structures on waterways among other negative environmental habits.

Reacting, the Chairman of Enugu South LGA, Chief Caleb Ani, said the council had concluded its “Operation Open Drainages” adding that the council deployed resources to ensure that major drainages and waterways were opened.

Ani noted that ward councillors and neighbourhood/street chairmen had been engaged and sensitised on the need to complement what the council had done by desilting drainages and waterways in their areas.

The chairman noted that he had briefed market chairmen that indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the middle of the road and on drainage especially by traders would not be tolerated any more.

“We want to ensure that proactive steps are taken to forestall all forms of flooding be it flash flood,” he said.

(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Mercy Omoike

The Women in Oil and Gas (WEOG) has stressed the need for sustainable awareness creation in promoting climate action ahead of the 2025 World Decarbonisation Day.

The group said this at the Pre-Decarbonisation Day webinar in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WEOG is a forum created to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the male dominated energy, oil and gas industry.

It was created to create opportunities for women to step into leadership roles and pursue their careers, businesses and personal goals in line with the SDG goal number 05.

The WEOG National President, Mrs Tolu Longe, called for the right narrative on climate action.

“It is really an honour for me as we count down to the World Decarbonisation Day (WDD) 2025.

“We started this movement in 2024, when we as women in oil and gas declared the first Decarbonisation Day on September 3.

“We believe that women are not just participants in the energy transition. We believe that we are a powerful catalyst and today’s conversation underscores a truth we must embrace.

“Which is that decarbonisation is not just a technical thing, it is not just for the western world, it is something about you, it is something about me and it is something about the human race and our story as a whole.

“It is important we tell the truth about climate change and decarbonisation in a bold manner, while making sure it is not embellished. The media are great tools in helping us tell our story and efforts on climate change.

“As we unite in the journey toward decarbonisation, I urge everyone that let us tell the stories that matter and create a change. Let us tell the truth that will sting the right places,” Longe said.

She reiterated that the objective of the webinar was aimed at exploring the critical role of climate communication in accelerating public awareness, driving behaviour change, and influencing global and local climate policies.

On her part, Mrs Toyin Alozie, the Chairperson, Women in Oil and Gas/ Future Energy Renewable and Climate Action Committee (WEOG/FERCA), noted that the group is set to take leadership role in Nigeria’s decarbonisation journey.

“FERCA is committed to taking leadership roles and responsibilities in Nigeria’s energy transition towards sustainability.

“Sustainable energy access as well as action to mitigate climate change is our drive.

“WEOG/FERCA are part of the World Decarbonisation Day and we stand with it,” Alozie said.

Also, Mrs Toyin Yusuff, Chairperson, World Decarbonisation Day 2025 (WDD), also called for the communication of the right narrative on Nigeria’s fossil fuels.

“We are in the fossil fuels sector and we are aware that there are nature-based technologies and solutions that can be engaged and used sustainably to meet the net zero emissions target.

“In climate change, there are problems and there are opportunities. We should not be climate victims but climate leaders because we have all it takes to handle our energy poverty issues.

“With the narrative of demonising fossil fuels is not to our advantage. Not everyone can afford solar energy and the likes, by embracing decarbonisation, we can embrace our local technology, we can also attract green investments.

“When we take leadership in decarbonisation, the world will look to us for decarbonisation.

“We cannot decarbonise behind closed doors, we need the media to take positive action and choose to report the positives and the opportunities of decarbonisation and not just the disasters,” Yusuff said.

On his part, Mr Desmond Majekodunmi, a renowned environmentalist activist and founder of Lufasi Nature Park and board member at the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, called for joint responsibility in the addressing climate action.

“Climate change action is a massive responsibility today’s journalists need to bear.

“The role of journalists in climate change discuss is very key. We need to bring the reality of the situation out there because the time is running short.

“Some of the calculations as regards the rapid decline of climate change is at a tipping point. We need to leave a good legacy for our children and not a basket of problems.

“We also need religious leaders to speak to their followers on the need to protect and preserve the earth,” Majekodunmi said.

A climate change advocate and speaker at the webinar, Mr Olumide Idowu, urged the mass media to go the extra mile in the promotion of climate action.

“The media needs to understand the role it plays. Decarbonisation begins with awareness and it’s the media that can tell this story better.

“Journalism is one of the ways we can bridge the gaps between innovation and action.

“Climate change is a time bomb that will affect everyone if necessary actions are not taken.

“Journalism is the bedrock of how the story of climate change is told, it will help influence policies,” Idowu said.

NAN reports that the WEOG in 2024 declared September 3 as the WDD.

The declaration was borne as an African global initiative dedicated to accelerating climate action through inclusive, innovative, and sustainable pathways.

The WDD 2025 summit slated for September 3–4, in Abuja, Nigeria, will convene more than 3,000 stakeholders to spotlight Africa’s leadership in global decarbonisation and sustainable development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Reporters

The Jigawa government says it has constructed 132-kilometre embankment and 32 drains to control flooding in the state.

Gov. Umar Namadi, said this at the inauguration of the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Dutse.

He said the government constructed embankments along Hadejia River, to mitigate floods, protect farmlands and build resilience among vulnerable communities.

Namadi said that his administration was currently constructing drains in 32 different locations across the state, to reclaim eroded and flooded areas.

He said the state government also deployed two amphibious excavators to dredge Hadejia River, and clear blocked channels to ease flow of water.

This, he said, will mitigate perennial floods ravaging the state and protect the environment as well as improve social and economic wellbeing of the people.

“I’m pleased to inform you that towards the end of the year 2023, Jigawa state government acquired two amphibious hydraulic excavators, purposely for channel clearance in areas affected by invasive typha grass.

“Coordinated by a technical committee, these were deployed for the clearance of river channels in the riverine areas, targeting over 159 kilometers to facilitate free flow of water.

“This is to mitigate the occurrence of perennial floods devastating the environment which has had an adverse effect on people’s lives and property over the years,” he said.

According to Namadi, the state government is also distributing manual working tools and materials, to encourage communal efforts to mitigate the disaster.

Abdullahi Sa’id, Chairman, Jigawa Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), said the state government has provided adequate funds to fast track flood mitigation and emergency response services.

He said the measure would enhance flood mitigation and emergency response services in the 21 local government areas, predicted to experience floods this rainy season.

Also, Nura Abdullahi, Head of the Kano Territorial Office, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the agency has scaled up sensitisation activities to create awareness on flood mitigation.

According to Abdullahi, the agency is sensitising communities in collaboration with the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood and Related Hazards.

He said the LEMCs and other stakeholders had been mobilised to fast track proactive flood mitigation activities across the 27 local government areas of the state.

Abdullahi said that NEMA had deployed personnel and volunteers, to disseminate early warning signs to the people in flood prone communities.

“The sensitisation focused on strengthening community-based information sharing and security surveillance in flood prone areas.

“It also aims to strengthen the early warning system in the event of the disaster, and to develop measures in collaboration with stakeholders, to reduce the likely impact of flooding as predicted by the agencies,” he said.

Abdullahi said the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), predicted flooding in 21 out of the 27 LGAs of the state in the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), respectively.

Moreso; Ahmad Tijjani, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa, said the agency conducted sensitisation activities in five flood prone communities in the state.

The exercise, he said, is designed to minimise the impacts of flooding in communities and educate the people on how to mitigate the disaster.

“We’ve done a lot of media engagements, including radio discussions, with a view to educating the public on how to address some of the human induced factors of flooding,” he said.

In the same vein, the Bauchi government has begun a statewide monthly environmental sanitation exercise to mitigate flooding in the state.

Mas’ud Aliyu, Director-General, Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (BASEMA), said the measure was part of an elaborate flood preparedness, to mobilise communities to effectively prevent the disaster.

The campaign, he said, targeted flood prone communities, and urged residents to vacate high-risk zones, to safeguard lives and property.

Aliyu said awareness creation activities were critical to the agency’s early warning strategy as the state braces for possible flooding this rainy season.

“We are working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure that residents understand the dangers of staying in flood prone areas and the need for immediate relocation to safe grounds,” he said.

Also, Dr Mahmud Bose, Director General, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), said the agency was enforcing compulsory environmental sanitation exercise.

He said the exercise focused on encouraging regular drain clearance to prevent the blockage contributing to flooding.

The director said the exercise was being implemented in collaboration with local government councils and environmental officers to ensure compliance by households, businesses and public institutions.

“Our primary objective is to prevent avoidable flooding disasters through proactive environmental management.

“Clearing drains and maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility, and we are committed to ensure that everyone plays his part.

“It is part of a multi-sectoral approach to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding in the state,” he said.

Bose, therefore, urged residents of the state to clear drains and desist from dumping of waste on waterways. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali