By Okeoghene Akubuike

Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for collaboration between the public and private sectors in the financing of energy transition in Nigeria.

They made the call at the maiden edition of the Africa Climate Forum 2023 on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme ” Powering the Future: Financing Energy Transition for Sustainable Progress. ”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was hosted by the Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy (GCLBE).

Sen. Seriake Dickson, Senate Committee Chairman on Climate Change, said collective responsibility was needed to drive energy transition and its financing.

Dickson said that transitioning to a sustainable energy future was not an easy task, however, it was a worthwhile endeavor.

“It requires massive investment in clean energy infrastructure, investment in innovative technologies, and a shift in our energy consumption patterns.

He said the transition to clean energy was not just about mitigating the effects of climate change but also presented enormous economic potential if properly harmonised and financed.

Dickson, however, said for this to be achieved, the forum needed to look at possibilities that promote Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), incentives as subsidies, and issues relating to carbon pricing.

“We have to copy from what others have done successfully in the area of green bonds, technology and innovation, promotion of education, and creating awareness.

“These must be tied up in a national cohesive policy for renewable energy moving forward.

He called for synergy between all related Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, especially the National Council on Climate Change and the Ministry of Environment.

Dickson said financing the energy transition would require legislative intervention and, therefore, pledged the legislature’s commitment to collaborate with all stakeholders.

“We will ensure that any legislative intervention that is needed to regulate the legal framework that will underpin financing, we will be willing to work with stakeholders.

“If it means strengthening existing legislations or proposing and working on new legislations to bring it at par with what obtains globally.

“Essentially as we know cannot make any headway unless we create an environment that will attract the needed financing for this energy transition,” he said.

Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General, National Council on Climate Change, said Nigeria was not going offshore” cap in hand” looking for funding for the basic things the country could do at the national level.

Dahiru said the green bonds established by the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Environment and channeled through the Department of Climate Change provided additional in-country funding.

He said the funding was not only for the energy sector but for all green projects that could help transform Nigeria and improve its economy.

“We are confident that the proceeds of these green bonds will help bridge the funding gap. ”

He said when Nigeria fully implemented its strategies focused on the energy transition, the challenges of financing the energy transition plan would also be greatly improved.

“What is necessary is to have the political will and support, both from the public and private sector particularly the private sector which is expected to lead in this charge.

“Let me assure you all that Nigeria’s energy transition commitment is robust, timely, just and inclusive,

“It is hinged on creating green jobs, green growth, and green sustainability as we journey toward the net zero by 2060,” he said.

Dr George Nwangwu, the Director-General, GCLBE, said the forum aimed to debate some of the challenges affecting energy transition across Africa and collaboratively devise solutions.

Nwangwu said the global community was seeking ways to transit to renewable energy sources to save the planet.

He, however, said if the transition was not handled properly in Africa, it could potentially pose an existential threat to the continent, hence the forum.

“We believe that the energy transition in Africa is going to be driven by the private sector and the resolutions reached in the Nairobi Summit are also going to be implemented by the private sector in Africa. ”

Nwangwu said the forum would address issues on energy access, finance, economic concerns, and climate justice.

” The big question which the conference must address, therefore, is how Sub-Saharan Africa will meet the escalating demand for energy while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Africa has limited resources to fund its energy transition plans. It is, therefore, our task in this forum to find financing models that work in Africa.”

NAN reports that the GCLBE is a leading international organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability, promoting legal excellence, and fostering economic development. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has listed Zamfara, Cross River, Adamawa and Ogun as states with the highest cholera cases in the country.

NCDC’s Incident Manager, Cholera Technical Working Group, Dr Sebastian Yennan, said this at the monthly meeting of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergency Working Group on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the cases are updates from the centre’s Epidemiology week 39, saying efforts were ongoing in providing response commodities to affected states and in the country.

Yennan said NCDC’s intervention through cholera case management was carried out in partnership with the WHO by distributing infection prevention and control kits, WASH kits, chlorine powder among others.

This intervention, he noted was being prioritised in the four states, saying the kits distributed could also be used in emergency situations like the lassa fever and diphtheria outbreaks.

“The NCDC has partnered with a third party logistics company in the distribution of commodities and also to bring samples, our cholera response is at the 36 states and the FCT.

“In Zamfara for instance, the governor visited the cholera treatment centre in Anka local government that was built by Doctors Without Borders/MSF, they have received response commodities”.

He said states must do more to prioritise cholera prevention by ensuring that funds were budgeted early and were accessible, adding that the centre was in charge of administration of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

The fund, Yenna said was designed to strengthen the national health system,  calling on states to preposition their needs to access it before, during and after disease outbreak.

He also urged all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships to promote advocacy towards prevention of health emergency in the country.

Also, Mr Dapo Akingbade, a representative from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said following release of excess water from Lagdo dam in Cameroon, 13 states have experienced flooding.

According to him, 171,545 persons  were displaced in affected states, property and farmlands destroyed, with no fewer than 45 deaths.

Akingbade while giving an update as at October 7, said the agency had commenced assessment of flood situation in Adamawa, with the activation of the emergency operation centre for coordination of interventions.

“The flooding in Adamawa has impacted on a lot of people and communities, at the EOC meeting, we recommended that all states should activate their flood response plan.

“Also, we are also awaiting a detailed Needs Assessment report from Adamawa so as to know the appropriate areas of response”.

The NEMA official said there was need for the WASH sector to be well-prepared, saying collective responsibility was needed to mitigate the impact of emergency situations in the country.

Dr Edwin Isotu-Edeh, National Consultant, Public Health and Environment, WHO Nigeria, said there was need for all partners to level up their investments for the WASH sector.

He said by investing in the WASH sector, cholera cases would reduce, citing an example of Cross river state which had a case fatality rate of 21 per cent, but reduced through investment and the One Health approach.

“WASH in Emergency is beyond the distribution of commodities, but in doing more in the dedication of funding support, if we invest in WASH, cholera cases will come down”.

Earlier, Mr Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, a Director, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, noted the need for states to coordinate, take ownership of their challenges and not rely solely on development partners in emergency situations.

He said the ministry would continue to support states through advocacy and coordination, urging the states to take responsibility on cholera preparedness and response plan. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Nigerians to expect flood in nine states as Cameroon began the release of water from its Lagdo Dam.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the states are: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa.

Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director General, NEMA, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja when he briefed newsmen on the release of water from the dam.

He said that the nine affected states which had communities along the banks of River Benue may be affected by the water release, which is expected to last till the end of October.

Ahmed said that the recent release had led to the displacement of communities and could lead to further destruction of crops and other infrastructure.

“NEMA has been alerted on sudden increased inundation of riverine communities and farmlands along the banks of River Niger in Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states in the past 48 hours.

“The sudden situation is attributed to the rapid release of water from Lagdo fam in the Republic of Cameroon and has resulted in the displacement of several inhabitants of the affected communities.

“Furthermore, crops, lands and valuable infrastructure are at risk of getting washed away by the flood waters.

“Situation reports from Adamawa State confirmed the upsurge of flood waters along the flood plains of River Benue.

“The situation is expected to be replicated in downstream states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa as the River Benue joins River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta,” he said.

The director general also cautioned states and local government areas along the River Niger and Benue Basins to immediately activate their emergency response plans to avert potential damage and losses that could arise due to the flooding of communities.

Ahmed added that, so far, 159,157 persons had been affected by this year’s flooding, as 28 persons had lost their lives and 48,168 individuals displaced in 13 states across the country.

He, however, added that the agency would continue to provide further updates as it received more situation reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as well as frontline states’ emergency management agencies.(NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Felicia Imohimi

An NGO under the auspices of Lift Humanity Foundation (LHF) has reiterated the need for capacity building for skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector.

Mr Pius Oko, the Executive Secretary of LHF, said this at a workshop and launching of a policy brief on Renewable Energy Governance and Energy Access in Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

Oko, also the Project Lead, African Coalition for Sustainable Energy Access (ACSEA) said the gesture would ensure affordable, clean and sustainable renewable energy sources.

He said the workshop was aimed at creating awareness on renewable energy access in Nigeria.

The workshop has the theme “Shaping Renewable Energy Future in Nigeria’’

The launch was organised by ACSEA and LFH.

“Over the years, we have been importing renewable energy sources that are expensive.

“Therefore we are calling for capacity building for skilled labour within the local communities so that those technologies can be developed within our local context.

“We are calling for investment on skilled labour, capacity building so that our youth can go into renewable energy sources, with that we can have them in abundance.

“The youth can drive the process of renewable energy that is affordable, clean and also sustainable,” he said.

Oko urged the government to prioritise inclusion of multiple stakeholders such as private sectors and civil society organisations in renewable energy initiatives and programmes.

According to him, this inclusion will minimise the probability of leaving out vital issues and foster cooperation in addressing renewable energy development across various levels of governance.

Oko, who attributed the challenges in the country’s renewable energy initiatives and programmes to lack of implementation of policies added that there have been lots of policies in this direction.

The team lead said the importance of renewable energy in Nigeria could not be overemphasised.

He said that as a fast developing nation, it was confronted with rising energy demands both for its rapidly expanding population and economy.

Oko said, “Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydro power provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution to these energy needs.

“In addition, renewable energy can help lessen Nigeria’s reliance on infinite and expensive fossil resources.

“However, effective governance is necessary for successfully integrating renewable energy into Nigeria’s energy mix.

“Governance context such as policies, regulations and institutions significantly impact the development of renewable energy in the country.

“These governance contexts can either support or hinder the development of renewable energy. “

He said that the policy brief was based on the findings of a study conducted that sought to analyze the interactions of the renewable governance in Nigeria on its renewable energy governance context and its sub-components.

The brief, according to him, was also on renewable energy alternatives based on criteria such as cost, maximum capacity, environmental impact, job creation and security.

“Governance context’s supportiveness for renewable energy development using the gap assessment tools to ascertain supportive and restiveness to renewable energy development, “he said.

Mike Terunqwa, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GEFSEP) said the country had everything that could be used for renewable energy in abundance but took them for granted.

He said the nation has abundance of solar, wind, biomass among others.

“It is actually a development issue because of the energy property that we have in this country.

“It is the quickest and fastest means through which Nigeria can attain energy, power the entire country within the shortest possible time,” Terunqwa said.(NAN)(www.nannewsng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Tosin Kolade

The Government of Egypt has announced its commitment to help Nigeria achieve its water resources and food security goals in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

This was the thrust when Mr Moustafa Awad, the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev in Abuja and made available in a statement on Friday.

According to him, both countries enjoy cordial relationships in many areas, saying such cooperation had seen a positive impact in their citizens’ lives.

Awad said his country would continue the partnership in various aspects of water management, flood management, Irrigation, Crop cultivation, and Sanitation.

He highlighted the ongoing discussions regarding Public Private Partnerships with Rice Farmers Association and other stakeholders in Nigeria, with focus on areas such as Animal husbandry and food production.

The ambassador said finalisation is expected soon.

The Minister noted the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration to ensure the success of its ‘Food Security Mandate’ and ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’.

Utsev said the pivotal role of water resources in achieving food security and overall economic stability could not be overlooked.

He highlighted the ministry’s inclusion of ‘Sanitation’ in its name as timely, expressing optimism about advancements in this critical area.

He however accepted the Ambassador’s invitation to the upcoming Egyptian Water Week, scheduled for October 29, 2023, in Egypt.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for water resources and sanitation, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, emphasised the vast potentials for mutual benefits in this collaboration, especially in ensuring food security, given the extensive land areas of both nations.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that draft copies of Memorandum of Understanding and an invitation to the Cairo Water Week were presented to the minister. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza 

By Rita Iliya

Dr Mohammed Abubakar, General Manager, Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA), has called on residents to change their attitude toward indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

Abubakar made the call during a meeting with staff of the agency on assumption of office on Wednesday in Minna.

“It is not going to be business as usual; we need to change our attitude towards lots of things.

“You cannot generate waste and confidently bring out that waste and dump it in an open ground, we want to ensure responsibility in management of waste and this include disposal of waste,” he said

He said that the agency would come up with new policies on waste disposal in the state.

The general manager said that the new policies would be either disposal of waste at a primary dumping site, or secondary collection points depending on the peculiarity of the area.

He said that the era of people dumping waste indiscriminately was over, adding that the urban renewal policy of Gov. Umaru Bago could only succeed in a clean environment.

Abubakar said that the governor had given a matching order to reposition the agency within the next six months to become a revenue generating agency.

In her remarks, Hajiya Halima Ndanusa, who had been overseeing the agency, expressed optimism that the new general manager would bring his wealth of experience in waste management.

She said the agency was faced with the challenge of inadequate funding, and lack of modern equipment to enable it discharge its responsibility effectively. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Joseph Edeh

By Abigael Joshua

Creative Vision Development Foundation (CVDEF) an NGO supported by Christian Aid Nigeria has planted trees in some selected communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to mitigate climate change.

Karshi, a suburb within the FCT is the first beneficiary with 80 trees planted, followed by Junior Secondary School, Kurudu with 25 trees planted.

Mrs Funmilola Oladejo, Executive Director of the NGO spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during the tree planting  exercise in Karshi community on Tuesday.

“We have planted 80 trees in Karshi today to mitigate climate change within the community. More trees of different varieties will be planted in the FCT and  some selected schools.

“Planting of economic trees is essential in the environment because it serves as shade, cover, food, climate change mitigation, gives cooler temperature and ensures a healthy environment amongst others.

“We will continue to collaborate with communities at the grassroots and plant more trees in secondary schools within the FCT to mitigate climate change,” Oladejo assured.

She said that the NGO was carrying out a project called  Youth Advocacy for Climate Action (YACA) with support from Christian Aid Nigeria.

The YACA (project) tree planting theme is; “Plant trees. Save the World. Let the earth breathe ”.

Jude Gagah, Programme Intern with the NGO also corroborated that the trees planting was aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change within the area.

“One of the issues affecting humans in the environment is due to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and the indiscriminate disposal of wastes within the community ” Gagah said.

He decried the attitude of most residents who drop their wastes in drainage lines believing that when the rain falls it would wash the wastes away, but instead the wastes block the water channels which causes flooding.

Gagah expressed displeasure over what flooding could cause in the society after such acts of indiscriminate waste disposal, and called on residents to be more cautious and embrace tree planting to sustain their environment.

Also speaking, Alhaji Ahmed Doka, Hakimi Karshi, who represented the Emir of Karshi, HRH Dr Sani Bako expressed satisfaction over the tree planting saying it was a welcome development for the people of the community.

“We are having soil erosion in our community so with the planting of trees it will help us control the erosion,” Bako said.

He urged the people to monitor the trees that they have planted to ensure survival.

NAN reports that during the tree planting activity at Junior Secondary School, Kurudu the management team of the school were excited over the exercise.

Teachers and students were actively involved in the tree planting.

Similarly, Emmanuel Oresanya, Programme Intern at CVDEF lectured the students on the benefits of tree planting.

Responding, Mr Samuel Obu, the coordinator of the school environment club in the school thanked the NGO for the support towards sustainability of the school environment.

“This intervention will go a long way to sustain our environment. CVDEF is coming at the right time to support us,” Obu said.

NAN reports that after the tree planting exercise, three student each from the environment club were allocated by the club coordinator to nurture and monitor each of the trees planted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AIJ/ORO
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Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Fortune Abang

The Federal Government has urged stakeholders of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to work closely to advance investment in infrastructural development and climate change.

Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said this on Tuesday in Abuja.

He spoke at the inter-ministerial meeting centered on preparation for the Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS) + Exhibition, to hold from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2023 in Washington DC, U.S.

He commended the planning committee for the AICIS + Exhibition initiative, describing it as worthy to promote investment in climate change and infrastructure development.

Akinremi said, “Past government administration did their best and now, the new administration has shown it will really focus on infrastructure.

“So we need to take this very seriously, I want you to look into it, if it has anything to do with your MDAs.

“You have a lot to say on this matter; some of us were there when the Paris Agreement was signed and you know the battle we have to go through now.”

Speaking, Mr Moses Owharo, Chairman, Planning and Organising Committee of AICIS, said the support from MDAs had become important to tackle climate change and infrastructural deficit issues.

He identified climate change issues to include electricity power generation, alternative energy, hydro-electric facility for agricultural purpose, water/dam to fight deforestation in Africa till 2028.

According to him, others are environmental impact assessment on climate, soil, livestock, fauna, green vegetation and green belt replenishment.

“These are global issues and of national concern, because climate change and infrastructural deficit cut across states and local communities.

“The main goal of the programme is for Africa infrastructural development and Climate Change funding that government may not be able to cover.

“Maybe due to shortage of resources they can access funding; this is the main reason we want to go to the U.S., and mobilise for such fund.

“This fund will be focused solely for Africa and will be used to tackle issues faced in Africa,” Owharo said.

Also speaking, Amb. Fatima Joshua, Vice-President of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) Asia, commended the initiative saying more would be done to encourage relevant support.

Joshua, also Member of AICIS Planing/Orgasing Committee said, “We have been pursuing the cause in the U.S., to see how we can have medical support in Nigeria.

“Now we have two fleet of containers loaded with medical equipments given to us freely to bring to Nigeria.

“To support communities having health crisis and where there is no adequate hospital, we have talked to many nations and they are ready to support us.”

The meeting was attended by stakeholders of MDAs, diplomatic community, Nigeria Immigration Service and AICIS planning committee. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba Jegede

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has called for more innovative solutions that will reposition the water resources and sanitation sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this call at the opening of a three-day Top Management Retreat on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the retreat is, “Strategic Planning for Achieving Ministerial Mandate.’’

Utsev, represented by his Minister of State, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, said the retreat was an opportunity to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to strengthen water governance in Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria can build a future where every citizen has access to clean water and sanitation services, and the environment thrives for generations to come.

He said Nigeria was faced with numerous challenges, from population growth to climate change and it was the ministry’s duty to rise above these challenges and find innovative solutions.

“I believe that through knowledge exchange, and collaboration, we can develop strategies and action plans that will lead to tangible improvements in the sector across the country.

“I am confident that this retreat will not only equip us to meet the challenges of our expanded mandate, but will also strengthen our resolve to create positive change in the water resources and sanitation sector.

“Therefore, let us work together to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and sustainable irrigation practices for a healthier and more prosperous future,’’ he said.

Utsev gave an insight into activities to promote improved access to clean water and sanitation, dam and irrigation, climate change and flood management.

He said the issues were being addressed in alignment with the eight presidential target areas, adding that the retreat was an important step towards achieving them.

The minister urged the participants to develop strategies and plans that would reposition the ministry’s policies, saying it should be in line with the expanded mandate and shared vision for a better future.

He also urged them to push aside sentiments and ensure that the ministry’s Standard Operating Procedures, vision, mission, mandates and functions aligned properly with the present administration’s focus areas.

Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Didi Walson-Jack, said the ministry’s role in ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s water resources by providing access to safe and clean water for all was crucial.

According to her, addressing the various challenges associated with water supply, irrigation, sanitation and water related hazards should be embraced by all.

“This retreat has become necessary to restrategise and reposition the ministry to deliver on its expanded mandate following its redesignation.

“We will focus on the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation’s programmes and other key policies and mandate that shapes our work”.

She said the vision, mission, mandate and structure of the ministry guided the programmes and actions, saying they contributed to overall water resources development and management.

The permanent secretary said the retreat would foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovative thinking.

Walson-Jack said the aforementioned factors would bring actionable strategies to achieve the ministry’s goals and objectives.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the workshop was an opportunity for dialogue in moulding strategic framework to represent Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. (NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo