NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Environment Day: Society urges local solution to tackling plastic waste
Environment

Environment Day: Society urges local solution to tackling plastic waste

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By Felicia Imohimi
The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has called for collaboration among stakeholders on finding local and innovative solutions to plastic waste crisis in the country.
The society said such collaboration should be geared towards rethink, refuse, reuse, reduce and recycle of plastics for a sustainable environment.
Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, President of NES, made the call at the commemoration of the World Environment Day (WED) in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WED is commemorated annually on June 5 with the theme for 2025 being: “Plastic Waste Pollution Solutions”.
Okobia said solution to plastic pollution was not dependent on government alone but a collective effort of stakeholders, government and private sectors as well as multilateral organisations.
He said the theme highlighted the critical need for concerted efforts to address the widespread and detrimental impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems, public health, and the economy.
Okobia, who identified plastic pollution as a global crisis, emphasised that Nigeria was not immune to its devastating effects.
“Each year, millions of tonnes of plastic waste find their way into our rivers, streets and communities, endangering biodiversity and exacerbating urban flooding.
“We have identified various challenges such as poor enforcement of regulations and laws, lack of adequate waste management infrastructures, and citizens poor behavioural attitude towards waste management.
“There is also lack of awareness on waste disposal laws among others,” he said.
He said that the Society had adopted a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to tackling plastic waste pollution in the country.
Okobia said the Society, in collaboration with partners, intended to establish a recycling facility to help curb the menace on plastic pollution and other waste management issues if the FCT administration allocated land for that purpose.
“We will continue to collaborate with the United Nations in Nigeria, African Union, ECOWAS, and welcome other multilateral organisations and private companies.
“NES will set up a recycling plant with its partners and change the narrative.
“Our collective actions—no matter how big or small—will shape the future of our environment and safeguard the wellbeing of generations to come.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions for plastic waste pollution. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Nigeria,” he said.
He identified solutions to reducing plastic pollution locally to include promoting sustainable alternatives and encouraging the adoption of reusable and biodegradable materials to replace single-use plastics.
“Others are enhancing the collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure to minimise plastic waste leakage into the environment, supporting local innovation and fostering entrepreneurship. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne
WED: Ugbor lauds passage of endangered species conservation bill
Environment

WED: Ugbor lauds passage of endangered species conservation bill

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By Abigael Joshua

Rep. Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, has commended the passage of Nigeria Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, describing it as a landmark legislation.

Ugbor spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja in commemoration of the World Environment Day (WED).

WED is celebrated annually on June 5.

The lawmaker expressed satisfaction over the successful passage of the bill which had completed its third and final reading in the House of Representatives.

He said the bill would be sent to the Senate for concurrence.

“This landmark legislation will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address wildlife trafficking, empower judges to expedite the adjudication of wildlife crime cases, and impose more stringent penalties on offenders.”

Ugbor, a member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue, who is also the sponsor of the bill, said that once assented to by the President, the legislation would address the deficiencies in tracking illicit financial flows.

He added that the bill would also enforce more stringent laws along Nigeria’s borders, bolstering efforts to combat illegal activities.

According to him, the bill is pivotal in combating the illegal wildlife trade and safeguarding Nigeria’s iconic wildlife populations.

“The bill conveys an unambiguously clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the exploitation of its borders for the trafficking of illegal wildlife products, such as pangolin scales and elephant tusks.

“By modernising our laws, we aspire to ensure that future generations can continue to reap the ecological and economic benefits of our rich biodiversity.”

Ugbor said that coordinated security operations in the open border regions through southeastern area to the Middle Belt, a major nexus for transit, would mitigate the influx of unidentified and illegal immigrants, to curb insecurity in the country.

“The bill will be presented to the Senate for concurrence and forwarded to the President for final endorsement,’’ he said.

He said that the bill to repeal and reenact the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act to include the social and health impacts of both public and private sector projects was also underway in the House of Representatives.

Ugbor assured of the timely passage of the bill.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Waste managers laud Tinubu’s achievements in environmental sustainability
Environment

Waste managers laud Tinubu’s achievements in environmental sustainability

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By Fabian Ekeruche

The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has scored President Bola Tinubu high for his impactful strides in environmental sustainability and waste management in the country.

The National President of AWAMN, Dr Olugbenga Adebola, gave the commendation at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Adebola praised Tinubu’s visionary leadership, which began during his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State, where he introduced the Private Sector Participation waste management model.

He said the model transformed Lagos from one of the dirtiest cities to a model for clean urban development across Africa.

He noted that the celebration of the President’s second year in office coincided with the 2025 World Environment Day with the theme: End Plastic Pollution.

Adebola highlighted key environmental achievements under his administration as the creation of over 500,000 jobs through the Nigeria’s First Cleantech Innovation Policy and Sustainable Energy Access Project in all the local government areas in the country.

Others were circular economy initiatives such as agro-waste to energy conversion and a €7.9 billion methanol complex and Climate Change Act and commitment to net-zero emissions by 2060.

He listed other achievements to include greening the Sahel, with over 10 million trees planted in 2024; oil & gas sector reforms, reducing gas flaring by nearly half and Nigeria’s leadership in climate dialogue through participation in COP28, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and regional summits.

He applauded Tinubu’s support for job creation, industrialisation, and climate resilience, reaffirming their commitment as a legacy of his pioneering policies.

“We proudly celebrate President Tinubu as the Generalissimo of the Environment and stand behind his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“His leadership promises a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria,” Adebola said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Bauchi bans tyres to burn hides
Environment

Bauchi bans tyres to burn hides

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By Ahmed Kaigama

The Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) has banned use of tyres to burn hides and skin during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Its Director-General, Dr Mahmud Bose, who spoke on Wednesday in Bauchi. said the measure would safeguard public health and the environment.

He said the use of tyres to burn hides caused severe health hazards and environmental degradation.

According to Bose, using tyres to burn animal skin releases toxic fumes containing harmful chemicals such as dioxin and furan that pose risks to respiratory health and ecological systems.

“We are committed to protecting the lives of the people and the integrity of the environment. Using tyres to process animal skin is a dangerous practice that must be stopped.

“The ban is part of a broader campaign to instil sustainable environmental habits during cultural and religious festivities,’’ he said.

Bose said the agency had engaged stakeholders and community leaders, as part of  effort to curb the menace in the society.

He said the agency had deployed environmental health workers to communities, to promote compliance and safe practices.

“These teams are tasked with sensitising residents to proper methods for meat processing and safe disposal of animal excretions, to maintain hygienic surroundings during and after the celebrations,” he said.

The director urged residents of the state to support the agency, adopt safer alternatives, and avoid littering, stressing that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility.

He reiterated commitment to enforce environmental regulations and support community awareness initiatives during the festive period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 
Environment

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 

190 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) has stressed the urgent need for intensive orientation in disaster prevention, readiness and mitigation at national and local level.

The society’s President and Chairman of Governing Board, Dr Abbas Idriss, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

RIMSON’s call followed May 27 downpouri in Mokwa, that led to flooding the following morning, claiming 160 lives so far, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

Idris attributed the incident to heavy rainfall, poor drainage system, deforestation and land use changes, soil erosion, river overflow and climate change.

Condoling the Nigeria Government, people of the state and the victims, the president advocated strengthening of the state’s early warning system, reforestation programme, community education and land use planning.

He also recommended development of emergency response plans, and strengthened partnership with non-governmental organisations.

These, according to him, will help in strengthening the state preparedness, mitigation and drastically reduce the risk of flooding and improve recovery efforts.

He said the recommendations would also help Niger government to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of future flooding in the state.

At the national level, Idris recommended the creation of the Office of Risk Management of the Federation to coordinate and monitor risk management efforts across the country as a national security issue.

“There is also the urgent need to ensure disaster management agencies at the national, state and local government levels are manned by qualified risk management professionals.

“There is equally the need to upskill and equip all existing disaster management personnels for greater efficiency.

“The federal government also needs to evaluate existing early warning systems, evacuation plans and structural readiness, and review town planning and ensure strict enforcement of violations.

“There is also the urgent need for incorporation of disaster awareness and education into the national educational curriculum and the National Youth Service Corps scheme,” he said.

The president of the society also called for an upward review of budgetary allocations towards disaster prevention and providing relief to survivors.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations would  enhance existing disaster management efforts and proactively reduce the avoidable tragic human and economic losses.

He commended the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, especially NiMet in providing regular weather forecasts.

He reiterated RIMSON’s  commitment to sustained advocacy in promoting risk management awareness and education till it becomes a national culture that results in a more resilient, safe and prosperous nation. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ekiti Govt to ban single-use plastics
Environment

Ekiti Govt to ban single-use plastics

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By Bolanle Lawal

The Speaker of Ekiti House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, says the Assembly will soon pass a bill banning single-use plastic to address environmental concerns, including flooding and plastic pollution in the state.

The speaker made this known during a pre-legislative stakeholders’ engagement workshop on plastic pollution in the state.

The workshop was organised by the Triple Green Environmental Development, TGED Foundation, in partnership with the Assembly’s Committee on Environment.

The speaker revealed that the bill has scaled the first reading.

Aribasoye pledged that there would be accelerated hearing of the bill for the governor’s assent, hoping that it would help rid the state of pollution caused by indiscriminate disposal of plastics.

The Chief Executive Officer, TGED Foundation, Seyi Ebenezer said the stakeholders’ forum themed: ‘Towards a Plastic-Free Ekiti Building Consensus for Legislative Action’ became imperative because of the risk plastic use poses to the environment.

She used the medium to encourage all stakeholders to preach against single use of plastic in their communities by adopting alternative use of disposing their waste.

The keynote speaker, Mrs Iyabode Fakunle-Okeimen, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, stressed the importance of banning single-use plastics in the state.

The guest speaker from Ekiti State University, Prof. Wole Adebayo, in his presentation tilted “Understanding the Impact of Plastic Pollution, Environmental, Health and Economic Consequences” harped on more awareness and sensitisation of single-use plastic and the danger it poses to the health.

He also said that used plastics can be converted into wealth by purchasing these products and recycling them into a refined product.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of Ekiti State Tourism Board, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, harped on the dangers the single-use pose to human health such as terminal illness, expressing support for the banning of single-use in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders included market women, artisans, hoteliers, plastics manufacturers, students, environmentalists, among others.

NAN reports that the stakeholders noted the need for proper ways of disposing used plastics into the right channels and not on the streets to clog the drains, leading to flooding.

The stakeholders also used the medium to urge the government to turn plastics into wealth by buying them from the people thereby reducing the plastics on the streets and protecting the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Tayo Ikujuni

NBA urges community ownership of environmental projects
Environment

NBA urges community ownership of environmental projects

339 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) has urged greater community ownership of its environmental initiatives to guarantee sustainable benefits for its member countries.

Launched in 2019, the Niger Basin-Iullemeden-Taoudéni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (NB-ITTAS) project aims to improve the management and conservation of natural resources in the region.

These vital water bodies span nine countries in West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Guinea, Cameroon, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The project, originally scheduled to end earlier, has been extended twice and is now due to conclude in June 2025.

Speaking at a regional stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the acting Executive Secretary of the NBA, Mr Zinsou Didier, emphasised the importance of consolidating the project’s gains through stronger grassroots engagement and sustained institutional support.

Represented by NBA Technical Director Mr Adamou Ibro, Didier noted that while considerable progress has been made, “many achievements remain to be consolidated or finalised”.

He outlined the successful implementation of 17 community-based demonstration projects across the Basin.

He said the initiatives addressed key issues, including habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management.

“Beyond these field-level interventions, the NB-ITTAS project has supported studies aimed at strengthening national policy frameworks and legislation, particularly regarding pollution control in the Basin.

“The project has also facilitated the establishment of three regional and seven national platforms to promote coordinated management and governance of shared ecosystems across borders”.

Didier, however warned that the continued effectiveness of these platforms depends on their operational sustainability and the active involvement of local communities.

“The Abuja meeting is a valuable opportunity to reflect on successes, identify remaining challenges, and agree on practical strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives,” he said.

He appreciated the Global Environment Facility and the UN Development Programme for their financial and technical support, saying their partnership was crucial to the project’s achievements.

Earlier, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, reiterated the country’s commitment to sustainable management of water resources in the Niger Basin.

Represented by Mr Adeyinka Adenopo, Director of Water Resources Planning and Technical Support Services at the ministry, Utsev said the NB-ITTAS project was a vital step towards sustainable use of water, land, and forest resources.

He explained that the project supports the NBA’s Sustainable Development Action Plan and the development of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Plan for the shared aquifer system.

“The project addresses major environmental challenges including climate change, land degradation, and pollution from agriculture, industry, and urbanisation.

“It has also helped to improve community livelihoods and boost ecosystem resilience through a range of activities, although performance has varied across participating locations.

“In Nigeria, the project is currently active in the Ayele-Iggah and Akpanaja communities in Nasarawa”.

Utsev underscored the project’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, especially its target on integrated water resources management through transboundary cooperation.

He urged all stakeholders to remain fully committed to regional collaboration and knowledge exchange to ensure lasting benefits for the Basin’s people and ecosystems.

Also, Angela Keyede, the NBA’s National Focal Structure Coordinator, described the NB-ITTAS project as a vital source of relief for the millions who depend on the Basin’s resources.

She noted the importance of the workshop in providing a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging lessons learned, and building on the project’s achievements.

Keyede recalled that the NBA received a grant from the Global Environment Facility to support the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) aimed at enhancing ecosystem resilience and community wellbeing.

“While the Convention Agreement was signed in 2018, project activities began in earnest in 2019.

“An in-depth assessment of beneficiary communities showed varying levels of success, underscoring the need for continued dialogue and knowledge sharing”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) is responsible for promoting transboundary water cooperation and sustainable development across its nine member states.

It works to balance environmental protection with the socioeconomic needs of communities within the Basin. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Bade Emirate joins Great Green Wall’s campaign on environmental restoration
Environment

Bade Emirate joins Great Green Wall’s campaign on environmental restoration

295 total views today

By Ahmed Abba

The Emir of Bade, in Yobe, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, says he will partner with the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) in the fight against desertification and environmental degradation in Northern Nigeria.

The royal father made the pledge on Sunday while receiving the Director-General of the agency, Saleh Abubakar and his delegation at his Palace in Gashua.

The visit was part of the agency’s ongoing high-level advocacy tour across the 11 frontline states affected by desertification.

It was to strengthen traditional and institutional partnerships for the successful implementation of the Great Green Wall initiative.

Abubakar said the Great Green Wall project was a pan-African programme dedicated to restoring degraded lands, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions.

He described the emir as a royal father with deep passion for environmental sustainability, expressing optimism that the emirate’s support would accelerate the implementation of the agency’s work plan.

“We are here to seek the support of traditional institutions such as yours, which play a vital role in mobilising communities and ensuring the long-term success of environmental restoration efforts,” Abubakar stated.

Responding, the emir emphasised the critical role of traditional rulers in promoting environmental awareness, mobilising grassroots participation, and protecting restored ecosystems.

“The restoration of our environment is a sacred duty.

“We are honoured to collaborate with the NAGGW in this important national and continental mission,” the emir said.

Suleiman reaffirmed the emirate’s commitment to supporting community-driven development and sustainable environmental practices.

Earlier, the NAGGW delegation had paid a visit to the North-East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) in Gashua, where it explored areas of partnership and collaboration in environmental restoration and rural development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation visited the 40-hectare plantations; woodlots, shelterbelts, fodder grass in Gajammo Community Nguru, 2km shelterbelts, each at Government College Nguru and Government Girls’ Secondary School, Nguru.

NAN also reports that the Great Green Wall initiative, launched by the African Union, aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 and create millions of jobs in the Sahel region. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Vandalism: NAGGW tasks Jigawa communities on safeguarding investments, projects
Environment

Vandalism: NAGGW tasks Jigawa communities on safeguarding investments, projects

342 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has urged communities in its 11 frontline states to take ownership of its projects and assets.

The agency’s Director-General, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, made the call during a high-level advocacy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa in Dutse on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency operates in 11 northern states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

He said community ownership is vital to safeguard projects and reduce vandalism incidents affecting NAGGW’s investments across Northern Nigeria.

Abubakar explained that the visit aimed to promote collaboration, awareness, and support for the agency’s activities within the state.

He stressed that in rural areas, people rely on natural resources, making it crucial to advocate for human capital development and resource diversification.

Abubakar warned that unchecked desertification, land degradation, and climate change could ruin livelihoods, destroy habitats, and trigger conflict or forced migration.

“Human misuse drives land degradation, but through behaviour change and action, communities can reverse the damage,” the DG stated.

He said the visit was designed to raise awareness and encourage communities to protect NAGGW projects by treating them as their own.

He listed agency services, including degraded land restoration, afforestation, and alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on natural resources and boost rural economies.

Abubakar also highlighted efforts in promoting alternative energy, managing water resources, supporting irrigation, and conducting awareness campaigns across the 11 states.

He urged the governor to help protect current investments, replicate the awareness drive, and identify communities needing immediate NAGGW interventions.

Namadi, represented by Jigawa Commissioner for Environment, Dr Nura Ibrahim, praised the DG’s visit and appreciated the state being chosen for the first advocacy effort.

Namadi promised to sensitise residents on project protection and urged NAGGW to involve locals in project implementation for better outcomes.

He said local participation would enhance a sense of responsibility and encourage communities to protect projects in their areas.

“The vandalism of NAGGW facilities causes economic loss and hampers the sustainability of development efforts,” the governor warned.

He added the consequences affect not just communities but the nation as a whole.

“We will ensure our people recognise the projects as theirs and take collective responsibility for their protection,” Namadi assured. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG, ICRC partner on water, sanitation infrastructure
Environment

FG, ICRC partner on water, sanitation infrastructure

353 total views today

By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting Public-Private Partnerships in the water and sanitation sector in collaboration with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

This collaboration is aimed at advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Utsev made this known during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the ICRC, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, and his delegation to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

He stressed that strengthening ties with the ICRC is essential for expanding access to water and sanitation infrastructure across Nigeria.

According to the minister, PPPs remain a vital strategy for mobilising private sector involvement and investment in critical sectors.

“Our collaboration must be sustained to fast-track access to safe water, improve sanitation, and boost food production. We are particularly focused on advancing PPP models through the River Basin Development Authorities,” he stated.

Utsev also outlined the ongoing National Campaign to End Open Defecation, adding that a clean and healthy environment is crucial for attracting investment and improving public health outcomes.

He further disclosed that President Tinubu has directed the ministry to assess the status and structural integrity of all dams across the country to determine their suitability for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation.

According to him, these integrity assessments will help unlock the economic potential of the dams and support the country’s broader development objectives.

In his remarks, Ewalefoh, commended the ministry for its leadership in advancing key infrastructure projects that align with both national priorities and global targets, including Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He underlined the role of PPPs in delivering impactful, transparent, and bankable initiatives.

He cited landmark projects such as the Dasin-Hausa Dam, Farin Ruwa, Manya, Bawarku, Grand Katsina-Ala, Kashimbila Airport, and Gurara II Dam.

Ewalefoh proposed deeper collaboration in expanding rural water infrastructure, rehabilitating dams, enhancing sanitation facilities, and scaling up hydropower initiatives.

He also recommended exploring innovative PPP models such as a National Sanitation Framework, desalination projects, bulk water supply schemes, and smart water utilities under PPP arrangements.

He urged the management of the River Basin Development Authorities to participate in the PPP National Summit scheduled for June 14, 2025, to strengthen partnerships and attract greater investment in the water and sanitation sectors.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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