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

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

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

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

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

NBy Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), has granted Water Use Licences to BUA Cement and Penstock Energy Ltd.

During the presentation ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, NIWRMC Acting Executive Director, Hajiya Sakinatu Jimeta, urged the companies to use the licences as specified in the terms and conditions.

Jimeta, who said that the licences would be revalidated every two years, noted that the commission would ensure supervision of the companies.

Mr Uba Ajingi, Director of Allocation and Authorisation at NIWRMC, stated that the commission issued licences to ensure equitable water allocation for hydropower, irrigation schemes, and water supply.

According to him, this is based on catchment availability to avoid conflicts and ensure sustainability.

Rabiu Maska, Social Performance Specialist at BUA Cement, and Pamela Gold, Senior Manager of Legal and Regulatory at Penstock Energy Ltd, expressed gratitude to the commission for granting the licences and pledged to abide by the terms of the agreement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIWRMC was established in May 2007 following a Federal Government Public Reforms Committee.

The commission’s objective is to regulate, protect, conserve, and control water sources for equitable socio-economic development.

NIWRMC has revalidated 50 licences for bulk water users under current regulations.

The commission is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the activities of the licensees to ensure compliance with licence terms.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Adebola Adegoke/Mariam Akande
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity have awarded 841,217 dollars grant to support seven organisations to improve hygiene services in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the grant approved by USAID will be implemented through the Capacity Building, Research, and Advocacy Fund.

It is to strengthen the sustainability and help Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in delivering safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

The recipient organisations include the Clean Borehole Water Sellers Association of Lagos, Youth Empowerment Foundation, Optimal Greening Foundation, Lagos Civil Society Participation for Development (LACSOP).

Others are Development Communications Network, Initiative for Disaster Risk Reduction and Urban Resilience, and Organisation for Peaceful Society in Africa.

Some of the grantees spoke to NAN at the sidelines of an orientation workshop organised by USAID and LUWASH in Lagos.

The three-day workshop was to strengthen the technical and managerial capabilities of the grantee organisations and ensure they utilise the grants for successful outcomes of their interventions.

Mrs Anthonia Bakare, Project Lead, Lagos State Civil Society Partnership for Development, said their project was aimed at tackling inefficiencies in the water sector, especially the Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC).

“Even in areas where the corporation is supposed to provide water, they are not available.

“So, our intervention is aimed at checking what is happening in terms of government investment into the sector.

“We are going to start by carrying out studies to find out the budget that the government has been investing for the past few years and what policies are available guiding water resource management in the state.

“To ensure sustainability, we are going to be engaging community members, civil society groups and community based organisations,” Bakare said.

She added that the project, expected to run for 16 months, would 10 target communities namely Agege, Abesan, Baruwa, Ikoyi/Obalende, Saka Tinubu, Lekki, Badore, Iju, Isokan (Bariga) and Surulere

Mrs Bimbo Eluwole, the General Secretary, Clean Borehole Water Sellers Association of Lagos State, said the project would span a period of 18 months with activities such as mapping, needs assessment, training, and surveys on boreholes in Lagos State.

Eluwole said the project is targeted at ensuring people have access to clean and safe borehole water by bringing the sellers under regulations.

“We want to regulate every borehole water seller and charity provider such as churches and mosques and train them on how to install filters, test their water and meet up with regulatory standards.

“Our intervention will also include providing youth empowerment by training them to take up selling water as a business.

“We are collaborating with the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, the Lagos Water Corporation and Ministry of Environment and Water Resources,” she said.

She said the intervention would also create an avenue to sensitise the communities on cholera prevention and control.

“Some people dig their borehole close to their septic tank and even release faecal to the gutters which are close to the borehole.

“This means we are guilty and we have a lot of work to do,” she said.

Mr Akin Jimoh, Programme Director, Development Communications Network, said the intervention would focus on building the capacity of community-based organisations in governance, resource mobilisation and sustainability in providing quality WASH services.

“The provision of clean water is important. Governments private organisations and individuals need to be able provide services according to the rules and standards.

“Our grant contract is for 18 months and we intend to work in three local government areas, six community development associations and 30 community-based organisations,” he said.

Earlier in his presentation, the Deputy Chief of Party LUWASH, Mr John Soni, said the grant would be managed in compliance with USAID and U.S. Government regulations governing Grants Under Contracts, as well as LUWASH’s internal grant management policies.

According to him, the organisations will implement interventions aimed at improving Menstrual Hygiene Management practices, establishing the Citizens-led Accountability and Inclusion Mechanism for WASH service delivery.

“One of the grants will facilitate effective fecal sludge management and restore water supply and sanitation facilities in the Okobaba community in Ebute Metta East, Lagos Mainland Local Government, among other initiatives,” he said.

He urged the grantees to prioritise the USAID LUWASH principles in implementing their interventions.

“The LUWASH project principles include gender, equity and social inclusion, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, youth engagement, private sector engagement, collaboration, and do no harm principles,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Salif Atojoko

Mr Peter Scott, Global CEO of BURN Manufacturing, says his company plans to construct a full cooking stove manufacturing facility in Ogun.

Scott said this during a visit to Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ngelale said the visit was sequel to an initial conversation with Scott, and the construction of the plant in Ogun, which would be an upgrade to the company’s assemble-only plant in Kano State.

“As clean cooking has become more of a national focus, as not only a wealth-creating opportunity, but also as a central theatre of activity in the just transition, companies will be supported with clean-finance incentives to empower our people to create sustainable solutions for tomorrow.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BURN Manufacturing is an American company, which started operations in 2010.

Its CEO, Scott had spent 13 years as a cooking stove consultant in Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2014, BURN launched its first full manufacturing facility in Kenya – the first and only of its kind, which is solar-powered.

Over the next three years, BURN aims to expand to Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, DRC, Nigeria and Ghana.

Meanwhile, Ngelale said he also hosted the Brazilian Head of Embassy, Mr Joao Soares, and exchanged views on present and future opportunities in the climate action and green industrial spheres.

“As Africa’s and South America’s most populous nations, the two countries stand as critically important allies in the global south,” Ngelale said in a statement.

He said the two nations would need to deepen industrial and other forms of collaboration to advance climate justice and ensure new economic opportunity for their fast-growing populations.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

9By Tosin Kolade

Nigeria on Monday reiterated its commitment to management of transboundary waters for the benefit of the Niger Basin region.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, stated during a regional workshop in Abuja, to validate a mission’s results for a pilot demonstration project.

Represented by Adeyinka Adenopo, Director of Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services in the ministry, Utsev said the project focused on innovative technologies, capacity development, and joint monitoring to support Mount Mandara ecosystem governance.

He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in managing the Mount Mandara Plateau and Sena Oura/Bouba Ndjida (BSB) ecosystems, shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad.

He commended the Global Environment Facility, UN Environment Programme, UN Development Programme and the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) for their support towards enhancing regional water governance.

The minister urged the participants to contribute their expertise to refine the reports, enhance governance and preservation of the transboundary ecosystem.

According to Utsev, preserving the Mount Mandara Plateau and Sena Oura/Bouba Ndjida ecosystems and the role of transboundary cooperation is vital to achieving sustainable management.

Earlier, the NBA Executive Secretary, Mr Abderahim Bireme expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for hosting the workshop and acknowledged the efforts of various stakeholders in organising the event.

Mr Allomasso Tchokponhoué, the Regional Project Coordinator of NB-ITTAS, representing the Executive Secretary, stressed the project’s importance in supporting sustainable management and governance of the Mount Mandara Plateau ecosystems.

He underscored the NBA’s role in promoting international and cross-border cooperation for natural resource management and poverty reduction.

He outlined the project’s goals to enhance knowledge-based management, governance, and conservation of the Niger Basin’s resources and aquifer systems.

Bireme reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to inclusive development initiatives in the Niger Basin and the preservation of the Mount Mandara Plateau’s biodiversity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by representatives of the UNDP, NBA, local authorities, and development organisations.

The workshop served as a platform for presenting consultant reports on capacity building, sustainable management, and establishing a joint monitoring mechanism.

It concluded with a call for continued support and dedication to the objectives of conserving the Niger Basin’s natural resources.

The Niger Basin Authority defines its purpose as the promotion of cooperation among member countries to ensure integrated development of resources.

The nine member states are: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali and Niger and Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza