By Philip Yatai

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has advised youths in the territory to harness the vast potential of forest resources sustainably.

“This is critical to conserving the biodiversity and ecosystem of FCT for future generation”, the Mandate Secretary, Mr Lawan Geidam, said during a sensitisation in Abuja on Friday.

Geidam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Adayilo, explained that the sensitisation was organised to build the capacity of the youths on forest and wildlife exploration.

According to him, the conservation of biodiversity is critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem that will serve the interest of all.

He emphasised the need for responsible exploitation of forest resources for sustainable livelihood and economic growth.

He affirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to promoting initiatives that protect endangered wildlife species.

This, he said, was being done through sensitisation, training, and empowerment of youth in economically viable ventures like honey production among others.

“FCTA is dedicated to global action against practices that endanger wildlife species.

“This includes promoting eco-tourism, sustainable timber harvesting, non-timber forest products, and carbon offset programmes.

“Such strategies will not only secure the future of youths but also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems,” he said.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary stressed the need for synergy with relevant agencies to address security threats in the forest to make them safer for productive activities.

She said that the FCTA was stepping up efforts to raise awareness and enforce stringent penalties for illegal wildlife trade activities.

This, according to her, is in line with the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022–2026.

While recognising the vulnerability of local hunters to engage in wildlife crime, the permanent secretary urged the youths to take advantage of lucrative bee production and other alternative livelihood opportunities.

Earlier, Mrs Caroline Opara, the Director of Forestry, FCTA, advocated for an awareness campaign against the poaching and selling of endangered species in the FCT.

Opara also said that the Endangered Species Act of 2016, stipulates stringent penalties for wildlife-related crimes.

“This is a crucial tool in safeguarding dwindling populations of wild animals and preserving biodiversity,” she said.

She emphasised that endangered species, when pushed to the brink of extinction by human activities, would disrupt the ecosystem balance.

“The continuous killing of these species not only reduces their populations but also has far-reaching negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health.

“For example, the pangolin, known for its voracious insect-eating habits, plays a vital role in regulating insect pest populations, thereby benefiting agricultural productivity,” she pointed out.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation was against illegal poaching and trafficking of wildlife species as well as capacity building on honey production.

The event had participants from the FCT Bee Farmers Association, and hunters and youth groups from the six Area Councils of the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam and Abiemwense Moru

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), an NGO, have given environmental performance awards to oil and gas industries.

The Director-General of NOSDRA, Idris Musa, said that the awards are a testament to stakeholders’ collective commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and pursuit of excellence within the oil and gas industry.

Musa said this at the maiden edition of the award for the Oil and Gas sector in Abuja.

The award was organised by NOSDRA in collaboration with SDN.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the awardees are TotalEnergies, Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Shell Petroleum Development Company, and Agip Oil, while Akwa-Ibom received the best environmentally-friendly state award.

He said that the award was to recognize the organisation with the best environmental performance for 2022 and 2023.

Musa said that the performance award was conceived to highlight and reward those that have taken bold steps to address environmental challenges.

“It is to showcase significant progress we can achieve when we commit to responsible practices. This initiative also reflects our understanding of the path to sustainability and the need to work together.

” It requires collaboration among industry operators, regulatory bodies, local communities and international partners, “he said

Musa said that by sharing best practices and leveraging on new technologies among others, the nation could drive the transformative change needed to secure a sustainable future for the oil and gas industry.

He said that NOSDRA plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment from the potential devastations arising from the operations of the oil and gas industry.

Musa explained that 73 companies were assessed from 2022 to 2023 based on performance variables, which included submission of incident reporting forms

Other variables are the inventory of spill response equipment stockpiles as a function of preparedness for response.

He said the award is grouped into four categories which included the best environmental performance for both local and international oil companies.

Others are most environmentally-friendly states as well as awards for the 2019 and 2020 Environmental Performance Index carried out by SDN.

Florence IbokAbasi, Country Director, SDN said the organisation’s collaboration with NOSDRA was to encourage improved environmental performance in the oil and gas sector.

She advocated for innovation and technical initiatives that would result in reduced oil spills and gas flare in the industry.

IbokAbasi identified some of the challenges in the industry as oil theft, sabotage and insecurity.

She said SDN was collaborating with relevant stakeholders including government agencies, and communities to ensure improved pollution reporting and a safer environment.

Jim Swartz, Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, a recipient of the award, said the organisation has been marked by continuous improvement, innovations and collaboration.

He was represented by Sam Daibo, Director, Government Affairs, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA).

“As we celebrate this environmental protection award, we re-echo our commitment to the partnership with NOSDRA and other stakeholders.

“The partnership is enhancing good environmental practices. Together we can build a sustainable future for Nigeria,“he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Tosin Kolade

The Katsina State Government has pledged comprehensive progress across its 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in implementing the World Bank-supported Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

The benefiting LGAs are Katsina, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Kafur, Dutsikankara, Malumfashi, Daura, Baure, Dutsin- ma, and Malumfashi.

Engr. Aminu Dayyabu, the SURWASH Programme Coordinator in the state, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Stakeholders Forum of the SURWASH programme in Abuja on Thursday.

He said through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, Katsina state aims to leverage the resources provided by the World Bank to implement effective WASH interventions.

“By prioritising the needs of local communities and fostering stakeholder engagement, the state is poised to make significant strides towards achieving its WASH goals”.

Dayyabu highlighted Katsina’s unique position as the only state among seven to report results for Disbursement-linked Indicator (DLI III), awaiting verification by the Independent Verification Agents.

The DLI III shows progress made in number of people provided with basic drinking water service under the programme.

Dayyabu attributed this progress to Gov. Dikko Radda’s commitment to the SURWASH initiative, providing leadership and support to implementing agencies like the State Programme Implementing Unit (SPIU).

He mentioned the comprehensive baseline survey conducted before initiating the approved work plan, targeting specific local governments for intervention with WASH facilities.

According to him, it is a landmark achievement, noting the state’s alignment with SURWASH’s project objectives, particularly focusing on implementing an LGA-wide approach.

He noted that Katsina’s approach has been recognised as a model by the Federal Programme Implementing Unit and the World Bank, advocating for its replication in other states.

Dayyabu highlighted the state government’s commitment, including providing counterpart funds and consultancy services, constituting nearly 30 per cent of the total implementation budget.

He reported tangible results, including 58,000 beneficiaries of water supply in sub-projects and improvements in health centers and schools across the state.

Dayyabu expressed the state’s determination to scale up efforts in year 3, emphasising the need for increased media engagement and awareness campaigns to enhance visibility and dissemination of progress made under the SURWASH programme.

He added that as implementation progressed, the state remains optimistic about the positive impact of the SURWASH programme on the lives of its residents, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

NAN reports that the 700 million dollar- programme, is underway in Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau.

NAN reports that SURWASH will provide six million people with basic drinking water services and 1.4 million people access to improved sanitation services.

The programme will deliver improved water sanitation and hygiene services to 2,000 schools and health care facilities and assist 500 communities to achieve open defecation free status. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Tosin Kolade

The World Bank has urged states implementing the Sustainable Urban-Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme to explore better approaches for the benefit of the people.

The 700 million dollar- programme, is underway in Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau.

Mr Vinay Vantukhur, World Bank’s Sector Leader, Sustainable Development Practice Group, made this call at a one-day Stakeholders’ Forum of the SURWASH programme in Abuja on Tuesday.

The forum was in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

He stated that the programme aims to provide basic drinking water services to six million people, improve sanitation services for 1.4 million people, and establish 500 open defecation-free communities.

Additionally, 2,000 schools and healthcare facilities are slated to receive upgraded WASH services.

Vantukhur noted that the current progress has been sluggish, emphasising the need for a different approach.

He encouraged stakeholders to take ownership of the implementation processes, noting the importance of innovation and exploring new strategies to achieve sustainable progress for the communities.

He highlighted the disparity between the set targets and the current achievements, underscoring the gap between goals and actual implementation.

Dr Nicholas Madu, Director of Water Supply and Support Services at the ministry, pointed out challenges facing the implementation of the SURWASH programme, noting a discrepancy between current investment and progress.

These challenges include; limited knowledge and capacity concerning programme implementation protocols, Interference from political leaders and frequent changes in critical appointments.

He also listed states’ insufficient prioritisation of WASH access due to inadequate funding, which didn’t align with Federal Government’s commitment and action plan.

Madu also stressed the importance of states and local governments taking ownership of public water infrastructure to ensure sustainability.

He noted the frequent breakdown and abandonment of water infrastructure projects, emphasising the need for proactive measures to address these issues.

Abdulhamid Gwaram, the SURWASH National Programme Coordinator, said the progress achieved in implementing the programme has been overshadowed by population growth, with investment not keeping pace.

Quoting from the WASHNORM 2021 report, he highlighted that only 18 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely-managed sanitation services, underscoring the urgent need for a change in approach.

Gwaram emphasised the wide-ranging implications of inadequate WASH services on national development, including economic losses, health impacts, stunted child development, poor education outcomes, and loss of dignity.

While acknowledging the commitment demonstrated by states towards the sustainable development and progress of the SURWASH programme, he called for renewed dedication to address these challenges effectively.

Goodwill messages from Ukeme Essien of WaterAid Nigeria, Jane Bevan of UNICEF Nigeria, and the representative of the Special Assistant to the President on Health emphasised the crucial role of partnership and intentional collaboration between government tiers.

They all underscored that effective and sustainable implementation of the SURWASH programme hinges on such partnerships.

The forum’s highlight was a discussion on the theme “SURWASH Programme 2022-2024: Which Way Forward,” during which participants deliberated on the challenges and way forward in accessing safe drinking water and sanitation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have pledged to improve bilateral relations, particularly in agriculture, trade and economic opportunities.

This commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between a delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by its Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Alfadley, and Nigerian officials on Thursday in Abuja.

The Nigerian delegation was led by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, was also present.

Kyari said that Nigeria had abundant agricultural potential and investment opportunities.

He said efforts were being made to boost food production for both domestic consumption and export to strengthen the economy.

He said the meeting aimed to strategically harness the opportunities, following discussions between President Bola Tinubu and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Utsev, who highlighted the importance of water for irrigated agriculture, said that Nigeria was happy with the partnership and willing to provide all that was needed to enhance food production.

Utsev expressed optimism that the partnership would also benefit Nigeria in the area of sanitation and hygiene sector.

On his part, Abdulrazaq affirmed the readiness of Nigerian governors to allocate lands for agricultural purposes, emphasising the potential for domestic consumption and export.

In his remarks, Bagudu, said the partnership would benefit the two countries especially in the areas of economic development and job creation.

Alfadley echoed the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on areas of comparative advantage such as agriculture, investment, and job creation.

Business community representatives also participated in the meeting, contributing to the dialogue on enhancing bilateral cooperation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Tosin Kolade

Self Help Africa, an Irish charity organisation, has unveiled its five million pounds Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Systems for Health Programme to enhance access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in two states.

The states are Cross River and Kano.

Dr Joy Aderele, Self Help Africa’s Country Director, made this known at the organisation’s 25th Anniversary event in Abuja.

She said the organisation is committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods and ensuring healthy lives for all amid a changing climate.

Aderele stated that the mission of the organisation is to alleviate hunger, poverty, social inequality, and the impacts of climate change through community-led, market-based, and enterprise-focused approaches.

According to her, the newly-launched five-year programme aims to promote sustainable food systems by conserving agriculture and diversifying production through climate-smart agriculture.

The country director highlighted the organisation’s expertise in WASH and waste management, providing sustainable, safe water supply in Benue and Cross River states to ensure safe water for communities.

She said through its Community-Led Total Sanitation approach, they have implemented sanitation and hygiene improvement projects in both states, reaching over 1.2 million individuals and promoting open defecation-free environments.

On livelihood interventions, Aderele mentioned that small business owners have been empowered by providing access to livelihood assets and addressing negative social norms that limit women’s participation in decision-making processes.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Bello Goronyo, noted the significant progress made in the country’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector over the past decade.

He emphasised the collaborative efforts of his ministry, alongside dedicated organisations and community leaders, in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) targets and enhancing sanitation standards.

He said the FCDO-supported programme was a crucial catalyst for further advancement in the WASH sector, noting the importance of strengthening WASH systems, engaging communities, and empowering local stakeholders to drive sustainable change.

He pledged the ministry’s commitment to building upon past successes, outlining future priorities, including expanding equitable WASH services with a focus on underserved communities.

He emphasised the utilisation of innovative technologies, reinforcing partnerships across sectors, and promoting accountability and transparency to ensure universal access to safe and sustainable WASH infrastructure.

The minister however affirmed the collective effort required from international partners and the Nigerian people to continue the country’s WASH success story, which would pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for all.

Mr Dave McConalogue, Head of Health at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), highlighted the threats of climate change to ecosystems, emphasising the impact on water and fossil fuels due to rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

He stressed the importance of water availability and quality for people’s well-being, urging for carbon reduction efforts to mitigate climate change’s effects on essential resources.

McConalogue noted the need to build climate resilience by adapting water and agricultural systems to climate shocks, noting the crucial role of water experts in promoting sustainable water management practices.

He cited successful achievements in climate resilience, including reports on conservation techniques and initiatives promoting climate-smart agricultural practices like agroforestry.

Self Help Africa CEO, Mr Feargal O’Connell, noted the importance of the Nigeria Strategy 2023-2027 in enhancing environmental quality and system strengthening.

He highlighted the programme’s focus on sustainable landscapes, resilient food systems, and healthy communities, expressing confidence in its ability to drive economic growth and achieve gender equality outcomes.

O’Connell stressed the broader impact of sustainable WASH Systems on economic growth, gender equality, and hygiene challenges, thanking the stakeholders for their support and underscoring the programme’s potential to benefit communities.

He also expressed gratitude to government partners for their collaboration, emphasising Nigeria’s strong relations with global partners in addressing water sanitation issues.

Highlight of the event include a panel discussion on ‘WASH Systems Strengthening and its Impact on Health Outcomes’, with discussants emphasising the role of collaborative efforts, systems strengthening and deliberate fundings for WASH sector sustainability. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ahmed Kaigama

The WaterAid Nigeria on Tuesday inaugurated a rural water project at Rigar – Jeji, Hardawa Community in Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The project was being implemented by the WaterAid Nigeria with support of the Global Supply Chains and the DP World under its Sustainable Climate Resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme.

Evelyn Mere, Country Director of the WaterAid Nigeria, said the project aimed at enhancing access to safe drinking water and sanitation services to improve public health.

She said that, “millions of women and girls are faced each day with the burden of traveling miles to collect water. Sadly, with the increasing impact of climate change on water, they are faced with a greater workload”.

Represented by Nanpet Chuktu, Head of WASH in the organisation, Mere said the project also focused at promoting women economic empowerment and encourage them to be part of the WASH decision-making processes in their communities.

According to Mere, the organisation is targeting 15,000 people with access to basic water supply services; 4,000 with hygiene behavior change interventions and 1,000 others with basic sanitation services in the state.

Also, Andre Bresler, the Managing Director, Logistics of the DP World, said the organisation in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria would address critical challenges militating against enhancing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services.

On his part, Garba Iliyasu, the District Head of Hardawa, lauded the project over the construction of the solar powered borehole in the community.

He said that the Rugar – Jeji community with an estimated 1,000 population, relied on three open walls for water supply..

Iliyasu said the solar-powered borehole and sanitation facilities provided in the community would address water scarcity and  poor sanitation as well as improve the livelihoods of the people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation (FMWRS) has been called upon to implement and disseminate the National Roadmap to Hand Hygiene for All (HH4A), spanning from 2021 to 2025.

The call was made in a press statement to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5, signed by Ms. Ganiyat Afolayan, the Communications Officer at Mangrove & Partners Limited (MPL) on Sunday.

The statement emphasised the critical importance of handwashing, noting its capacity to prevent up to 50 per cent of avoidable infections acquired during healthcare delivery.

According to the statement, hand hygiene has a means to reduce infectious diarrhea cases by 23-40 per cent, particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems, and to decrease school absenteeism by over 50 per cent.

The organisation stressed the urgent need for innovative training and education to enhance knowledge and capacity building among health and care workers, particularly in infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene.

Afolayan highlighted the crucial role of media practitioners and WASH experts in raising awareness and sensitising the public on the importance of hand hygiene.

She noted the necessity of implementing the National Roadmap to Hand Hygiene for All (2021-2025) to address hand hygiene issues effectively in healthcare facilities and among caregivers.

“Nigeria developed a road map to hand hygiene for all in the year 2021. However, since its launch on September 6, 2022, and one year to its endline date, the document has been unavailable to the public.

“Its dissemination and implementation has been stalled by a lack of funding for Hygiene related activities”.

Afolayan, quoting WHO, emphasised its fundamental role in safe and effective healthcare systems and its contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8 on universal health coverage.

Regarding Nigeria’s current hand hygiene landscape, Afolayan pointed out the inadequate access to basic hygiene services, with only 17 per cent of households having such access.

She also highlighted the disparities in proper handwashing practices, with proper demonstration standing at a mere 8 per cent.

Afolayan lamented the challenges faced in implementing the hand hygiene roadmap since its launch in 2021, attributing the delay to a lack of funding for hygiene-related activities.

Despite Nigeria’s ambitious investment goal of $2.5 billion over five years to achieve hand hygiene for all by 2025, Afolayan emphasised the pivotal role of government funding in realising this vision.

Afolayan however, urged the federal government to prioritise hand hygiene initiatives and allocate adequate resources for their implementation.

She emphasised the need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to ensure a healthier and safer future for all Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Road-map to Hand Hygiene for All (2021-2025) adopts a three-phased approaches.

They are; Response, focusing on immediate COVID-19 needs; Rebuild, aimed at reconstructing hand hygiene systems; and Re-imagine and Sustain, establishing a long-term hygiene culture.

It identifies political leadership for budget allocation and advocacy; an enabling environment for policies and technical capacity; and increasing demand and supply for behavior change and logistics as key components. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Gabriel Yough

By Taiye Olayemi

Prof. Edem Eniang, Executive Director, Biodiversity Preservation Centre in Uyo, has expressed disappointment at continued engagement of some Nigerians in tree felling and wildlife killing for commercial purposes.

Eniang told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday that in spite of warnings, some Nigerians had continued in the acts, making the effects of climate change to be worse.

According to him, trees serve as physical barriers capable of reducing wind speed and redirecting its force.

” Thereby helping to prevent soil erosion, which can damage crops and destroy wildlife habitats.”

He added that trees could reduce the likelihood of damage to buildings and other structures by strong winds.

He said that wildlife species being killed were capable of attracting eco-tourism traffic to the nation and aid in generating foreign exchange earnings.

He advised Nigerians to refrain from the acts and rather engage in tree planting and general biodiversity conservation.

“In Nigeria, the challenge of endangered species conservation has become a matter of urgent concern requiring positive actions from governments at all levels and all individuals.

” We must all work together to address this situation for a better future, balanced ecosystem, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in our country by 2050.

” We have disregarded, disrupted and altered the planetary boundaries within our spheres of influence, allowing our daily activities as humans to have a negative impact on the environment or ecosystems.

“Acid rain is now a reality; our water is acidified, and if we do not take action, 2025 will bring even worse consequences with increased temperatures and more severe wind disasters.

“Currently, the only opportunity we have to view our wildlife species is presented by those sold at the bushmeat markets, whereas those are the same species that could have drawn eco-tourism traffic and bring in the much-needed foreign exchange.

“Unfortunately, they are, on daily basis, displayed at wildlife markets or at pepper soup joints, where they are being sold indiscriminately.

“We are cooking crocodiles, antelopes, gorillas, chimpanzees, dolphins, African manatees and more. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Eniang said that, to safeguard Nigeria’s endangered wildlife species, the Federal Government should consistently educate Nigerians about the dangers of killing them.

He said that due to reckless killing of some wildlife species, animals such as Forest elephants, Atlantic humpback dolphins, African manatees, red-capped mangabeys, colobine monkeys and pangolins were on the verge of extinction.

“ also species such as the Ukpam stingray, snakefish, two-headed snake (Calabar ground python), Angwantibo, Nigerian-Cameroonian chimpanzee, Cross River gorilla and the Slater’s monkey, declared in 2000 as the 15th most important monkey on the planet, are all on the brink of extinction.

“ Cheetahs, Giraffs and hunting dogs have disappeared from Nigeria.

“Since the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, many Nigerians cannot afford the cost of PMS, diesel and kerosine; so, they have embraced firewood to cook.

“This development has increased the rate at which trees are brought down and converted to charcoal. Nigerians must desist from it,” he said.

Eniang urged Nigerians to make conscious efforts in the preservation of Nigeria’s fauna and flora endowments for wealth creation and environmental preservation. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola