NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NGO sensitises CAN leaders on building regulations
Environment , General News

NGO sensitises CAN leaders on building regulations

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By Mercy Omoike

 

Thrivescape Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, has sensitised Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders, Alimosho Chapter, on compliance with urban planning and building regulations to prevent building collapse and drive zero demolition.

 

Ms Tosin Ayodele, during the “Avoidance is Better than Building Collapse/Demolition” campaign, on Thursday in Lagos, emphasised the importance of bridging knowledge gaps in constructing a building.

 

According to Ayodele, the thrivescape campaign is designed to tackle the root causes of demolition and structural failures.

 

She called for partnership in achieving zero demolition and building collapse to promote livable and sustainable cities where everyone can thrive.

 

Ayodele outlined key factors that led to building demolition to include encroachment into setbacks and rights of way, construction under high-tension power lines, building in flood-prone zones, canals, or other unsafe areas.

 

She noted that development without obtaining physical planning permits, construction on government acquisition lands, non-compliance with approved building plans and poor building maintenance resulted in distressed structures.

 

Ayodele added that use of substandard materials and unqualified personnel, foundational failures, poor structural design and inadequate building maintenance contributed to the menace.

 

She called on the faith leaders to champion the cause of safer buildings by encouraging their congregations to always obtain the necessary development permits.

 

She implored them to engage qualified professionals instead of unlicensed builders, adhere strictly to approved building plan and avoid constructing in unsafe or unauthorised locations, regardless of cost.

 

“Demolitions and collapses are devastating and heart-wrenching.

 

“They are often preventable, and we must treat prevention as a moral and civic duty,” she stated.

 

Ayodele called on CAN leadership to collaborate with Thrivescape Initiative by inviting them to their worship centres to extend this awareness campaign to them.

 

The Chairman, CAN, Alimosho Chapter, Rev. Samuel Adeyemi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely, relevant, and necessary.

 

Adeyemi expressed their commitment to collaborating with Thrivescape Initiative on outreaches and to educate more citizens, with the ultimate goal of eliminating building collapses and demolitions in Lagos State.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Climate Change: Plant trees rather than throw parties- NCF DG
Environment

Climate Change: Plant trees rather than throw parties- NCF DG

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By Wandoo Sombo

The Director- General of Nigeria Conservative Foundation, (NCF),  Mr Joseph Onoja, has called on Nigerians to organise tree planting events to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries rather than throw lavish parties.

 

Onoja made the call on Friday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the Abuja Garden Festival against the backdrop of severe heatwave being experienced across the country.

 

He said that being intentional about tree planting by channelling resources to it would  go a long way to reduce the effects of climate change in the country.

 

“Rather than throwing parties during your anniversaries and birthdays, organise trees planting events.

 

“This is so that we will have trees around us that will be able to play the role we are supposed to play to create more resilience,  especially, in the face of climate change.

 

“In the coastal areas, we have erosions while in the North, we have desertification coming in. So, we need to have trees around us to be able to stop that from happening.”

 

Sen. Ede Dafinone, in a keynote address, said that the Federal Capital Territory had taken some steps to revamp green areas in the city.

 

“The existing trees should be protected, the initiative to plant trees in schools is a laudable initiative.

 

“The green areas must remain green areas. Resident associations, schools, faith based organisations should be encouraged regarding tree planting.

 

“Everyone deserves access to clean green space in the FCT. Planting a tree is a bold step to protect our future and Abuja should lead by example,” he said

 

Also speaking, the facilitators of the event, Mrs Eyamba Nzekwu and Mrs Nana Gbolahan, said the need to protect the environment motivated them to organise the event.

 

Nzekwu said that since Abuja was still being developed as a city with a lot of construction going on, trees were being cut down without replacement.

 

“The onus is on us as residents to improve our well-being by contributing to our environment to start planting trees.

 

“If you have a tree, the tree has a lot of benefits, it provides shade from the elements.

 

”If you have trees around your house and there is severe windstorm, the trees act as a wind breaker to break those winds from getting into your premises to destroy your roofs or your property.

 

“Some trees are even medicinal, a lot of trees are being exported from Africa for their medicinal benefits,” she said.

 

Gbolahan said that if people continue to cut down trees, the effect would be erosion, desertification, excessive heat and even some other plants would die.

 

“We need the trees to provide a protective shield for us, Abuja has been very hot and then, you also have an extreme heat that is affecting our plants in the environment.

 

“We decided to focus on the environment and get more people on board. You don’t just have to get gardeners; you need people that are affected by the climate which is everybody.

 

“This year, our focus is to plant more trees and we are starting this initiative from schools in the FCT,” she said.

 

Gbolahan added that the initiative was to complement the efforts of government as well as to get support from the government in their effort too.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by garden owners, people who sell natural flowers and other natural foods.

 

NAN also reports that seedlings were given to those who attended the event to plant and report the progress at the next festival.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria
Environment

World Bank pledges disability-inclusive WASH programme in Nigeria

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By Akpan Glory

The World Bank has reiterated its commitment to promoting disability-inclusive access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Nigeria through its $700 million Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

This reaffirmation came during a roundtable discussion on disability inclusion in WASH sector on Friday in Abuja, in collaboration with sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and representatives of persons with disabilities.

The meeting was aimed at assessing progress, identifying gaps, and proposing inclusive solutions within the SURWASH implementation framework.

Ms Awa Diagne, the World Bank’s SURWASH Task Team Lead, stressed that the programme is not a one-off intervention but a systemic, performance-based platform designed to strengthen national delivery systems across the country.

“SURWASH is not a project, it is a programme that aims to strengthen national systems to deliver WASH services to everyone, with special consideration for people living with disabilities,” she said.

Diagne explained that SURWASH integrates disability inclusion into its performance-based financing model and supports the development of context-specific policies and guidelines to improve service delivery.

“We are not just financing infrastructure; we are helping states design policies that embed inclusion and resilience from the start, a major focus of the discussion was the importance of inclusive design that goes beyond physical infrastructure.

“Accessibility must go beyond ramps and handrails, it must reflect the full spectrum of disabilities, mobility, visual, hearing, cognitive, and must begin with meaningful engagement of stakeholders from the outset”.

She added that disability inclusion must be viewed not as an add-on, but as an essential part of design, planning, and implementation.

She further called on state-level implementers to take the outcomes of the roundtable back to their respective regions and translate discussions into action.

“We need to be more conscious of who we consult, and what we mean by disability inclusion,” she urged, adding that monitoring, evaluation, and accountability must be strengthened to ensure inclusive outcomes.

Also speaking, Cindy Ikeaka, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist, noted challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing essential services in Nigeria.

She cited statistics indicating that more than 25 million Nigerians live with disabilities, many of whom are excluded from public services due to inaccessible infrastructure and weak enforcement of inclusion policies.

“We have children with disabilities who cannot go to school simply because the buildings are not designed to accommodate them,” she said.

Ikeaka underscored the need for stronger implementation of Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, passed in 2019.

“While some states have domesticated the law, enforcement remains inconsistent, it is not enough to pass a law, there must be mechanisms to ensure it is enforced,” she said.

She also pointed to other inclusive development efforts by the World Bank, such as the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, which promotes inclusive education, including for girls living with disabilities.

She stressed the importance of participatory engagement in all phases of development programmes.

“A person with a disability understands the barriers better than someone without one. If we want to ensure accessibility in schools, water points, or health centres, we must engage those directly affected.

“Inclusion is not optional but essential to achieving sustainable development and equitable service delivery,” she said.

In his remarks, Mr Abdulhamid Gwaram, SURWASH National Programme Coordinator, reiterated that disability inclusion in Nigeria’s WASH sector is both a development priority and a legal obligation.

He referenced the 2019 disability rights law, which mandates inclusive public services and infrastructure.

“Disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative, it is enshrined in Nigerian law,” he stated.

Gwaram noted that inadequate planning and design continue to limit access to water and sanitation for persons with disabilities, undermining their dignity and well-being.

He explained that the SURWASH framework incorporates inclusive principles to address this gap, but stressed the need to decentralise the initiative.

“We now have partnerships with key stakeholders like the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, but we must take these conversations to the states and local governments to ensure real impact,” he said.

Also contributing, Mr Tony Agwuna, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, called for greater disability inclusion in WASH programming across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said inclusive WASH must encompass participation, non-discrimination, gender sensitivity, accessibility, staff training, and effective monitoring.

He recommended the disaggregation of programme data to reflect the experiences of people with disabilities and ensure their inclusion from planning through to implementation.

“All MDAs should institutionalise the needs of people with disabilities in their programmes,” Agwuna added.

“Inclusive WASH is a human rights issue and is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that SURWASH programme is being implemented in seven states of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Katsina. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability
Environment

FG inaugurates River Basin boards, urges innovation, accountability

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By Akpan Glory

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has inaugurated the newly appointed Governing Boards and Executive Management Teams of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja on Friday, Utsev congratulated the appointees and emphasised their role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the appointees to prioritise performance, integrity, and innovation by setting clear strategic directions and fostering collaborative, respectful relationships with executive management to achieve results.

The minister emphasised the importance of ethical leadership, adherence to regulations, and a thorough understanding of the River Basin Act and Water Resources Master Plan.

He stressed that effective management of water resources and the expansion of irrigated farming are key to achieving national food security.

“Appointees have been urged to fully understand the ethical rules and regulations guiding public office in order to promote integrity, accountability, and respect in their conduct.

“They are also expected to familiarise themselves with the River Basin Act, the Water Resources Master Plan, and relevant policies to help shape strategic direction and introduce innovative ideas that will transform the sector.

“Furthermore, the Federal Government emphasised the need for a strong commitment to expanding irrigated agriculture across all River Basin Development Authorities, with the goal of supporting all-season farming and enhancing national food production”.

The Minister with the newly appointed Board Chairmen of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities

Utsev also highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as the partial commercialisation of RBDAs and youth empowerment programmes, aimed at boosting food production, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.

He encouraged the new leadership to explore alternative funding sources and public-private partnerships to enhance financial sustainability.

“As a strategic extension of the ministry, you must uphold high standards to deliver on national priorities. Synergy, innovation, and commitment will be crucial to your success,” the minister said.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, described the induction retreat organised for the board members as crucial in repositioning the sector for national development.

Pheelangwah congratulated the appointees and stressed the need for strategic leadership, collaboration, and financial discipline to achieve core mandates in food security, irrigation, clean water access, and rural development.

The Minister with the newly appointed MDs of River Basin Development Authorities .

He noted that the retreat would foster synergy and deepen governance understanding, urging participants to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.

Abubakar Malam, Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, responded on behalf of all 12 River Basin Managing Directors and management teams.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for their appointments as key actors in the nation’s food security and rural development efforts.

Malam also praised Utsev for his leadership and acknowledged the support of the ministry’s permanent secretary and directors.

He reaffirmed the river basins’ commitment to promoting food security, rural development, and economic empowerment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the agencies’ collective role in grassroots transformation through agriculture, infrastructure, and poverty reduction will strengthen the sector.

Malam assured stakeholders that the river basins would work collaboratively to fulfil their mandates and justify the confidence placed in them. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

UNDP trains teachers, pupils on green energy technologies
Environment

UNDP trains teachers, pupils on green energy technologies

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By Abigael Joshua

United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility, Small Grant Programme (UNDP GEF SGP) says it has trained no fewer than 200 teachers and 1000 pupils across Nigeria on green energy technologies.

Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, Coordinator, UNDP GEF SGP, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja on Wednesday.

Olubamise explained that teachers and pupils were trained on green energy technologies and applications, using the Green Energy STEM Portal.

She explained that the Green Energy STEM Portal was an artificial intelligence-based learning management tool for training STEM educators and pupils.

She said that this was with the collaboration of the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council and tested by more than 40 teachers in the state.

“Couple of projects supported by the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme have adopted some digital tools for project implementation to enhance climate and environmental education; and built the capacity of students to address climate change in schools.

“Projects have adopted the use of Canva for creating infographics, social media posts, and presentations on environmental related climate topics for ease of understanding by the students and teachers,” Olubamise said.

According to her students and teachers use videos/YouTube videos during trainings and eco club meetings on how to install simple solar system and others on simple waste recycling techniques.

“They have also used WhatsApp platform to form a group of all the eco club mentors (Matrons/Patrons) where they share climate and environmental information.”

She added that the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme was always very mindful of the youth, women and the physically challenged, when reviewing proposals for possible funding support.

“Thus, any project that specifically targets any or a combination of this group of people will always get more attention and be considered for possible support.

“The programme usually request to know the population (disaggregated) of beneficiaries to be sure the marginalised and vulnerable are not overlooked in project design, support and implementation.

Olubamise said that several projects have thus made efforts to translate into different languages to ensure better understanding and inclusion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Nigeria’s energy transition should lead Africa’s climate future  – APRI boss
Environment

Nigeria’s energy transition should lead Africa’s climate future  – APRI boss

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By Angela Atabo

Dr Olumide Abimbola, Founder, Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), on Monday said Nigeria should lead the charge for Africa’s climate future through an equitable, homegrown and economically sound energy transition.

Abimbola stated this ahead of a workshop organised by APR in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat scheduled for Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which is co-hosted by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, will draw stakeholders from across the Global South for peer learning.

“This convening is not just about knowledge-sharing, it is about defining Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s climate future and ensuring that our energy transition is equitable, homegrown, and economically sound.

“At the heart of the event is a shared goal to explore how Nigeria can design its own Country Platform for Climate Action (CPCA).

“The CPCA is a coordinated national framework to drive low-emission growth, mobilise climate finance, and ensure a just, inclusive energy transition,” he said.

Abimbola said the insights from the two-day workshop would contribute directly to Nigeria’s forthcoming National Development Plan 2026-2030 and help to mainstream climate priorities across key sectors, including power, transportation, agriculture, industry, and finance.

He said that in the lead-up to the event, APRI had already released a background paper offering practical pathways for Nigeria’s transition.

According to him, the document presents lessons from global case studies, outlining bold, locally relevant strategies for implementing a coordinated, fundable, and inclusive climate framework across policy, infrastructure, and industry.

“The workshop will draw lessons from countries like South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal, which are already implementing Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs),” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Climate Change: NLC seeks inclusion of critical voices in policy formulation
Environment

Climate Change: NLC seeks inclusion of critical voices in policy formulation

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By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to include critical voices in national climate change policy formulations.

Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, NLC, made the call at the opening session of the Post COP 29 Review meeting held on Friday in Abuja.

The meeting was organised by the NLC Climate Change, Green Jobs and Just Transition Programme with the support of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Ugboaja, represented by Mr Ismali Bello, Assistant General Secretary, NLC said such critical voices include the trade unions, women, youths, employees of labour and persons with disabilities, among others.

He said that such inclusion would help address the problem of climate injustice happening in the country.

“The truth is that we cannot be complaining of climate injustice at the global arena and be perpetuating the same at the national level through the shutting out of critical voices in the development of national climate change policies for our country.

“I must remind us that as trade unions, we feel a sense of loss at the denial of the key demands made by the working class and even some slips in major wins secured at previous COPs and COP 29.

“This includes the situation of workers and their communities as the epicentre of the Just Transition Work Programme (JTWP).

“In the processes leading up to COP 29 especially the subsidiary bodies meetings, the emphasis on workers and their communities was subsumed under the general blanket of a people centred Just Transition.

“Well, the point is not lost. Even under the canopy of a people-centred Just Transition, we maintain that workers, their families and communities are the major people under consideration,” he said.

He, however, said that climate change was a workplace phenomenon as most of the emissions happen in and around its corridors, adding that workers were also at the frontline of climate change impact and ruin.

He added that this meant that workers, through their trade unions, must be around the driving seat of climate change policy formulations and actions at all levels as its action and associated response measures toll heavily on workers.

“Anything contrary would be an adventure in ghost chasing and grand greenwashing.

“It is on this note that we call for the review of the process for the development of the Just Transition Guidelines for Nigeria,” he said.

Ms Inviolata Chinyagarara, ILO Senior Specialist Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), in her remarks said that the workshop aimed at enhancing trade union advocacy for and contributing to a just transition and green jobs at local, national and international levels.

She said ACTRAV had been clear on the following key messages which were also a call to action for trade unions; for trade unions to play an effective part in the Just Transition.

According to her, building trade unions’ capacity to navigate uncertainty and change, adapting to changing dynamics in the labour markets and changing needs of workers, and positioning themselves strategically for the future is crucial.

“The voice of workers and their trade unions need to be at the centre of Just Transition and green jobs policy dialogue.

“It is, therefore, crucial for trade unions to build requisite capacities to influence policy makers to develop and consider integrated policy systems.

“This is to ensure policy coherence on how climate and employment goals must go hand in hand. Indeed, this workshop is timely, and it is aimed at scaling up ongoing trade union interventions,” she said.

Similarly, Girzo Adamu, Director, Special Duties and Projects, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the Federal Government was committed to the achievement of the Just Transition Guidelines.

“I want to assure you that the Just Transition Guidelines is about to be 80 per cent delivered.

“I want to encourage you all not to give up on the demands of labour in the inclusion of Just Transition Guidelines.

“Because we were so touched that labour issues were left behind in Just Transition Guidelines and even the consultant accepted the mistake,” he said.

Dr Peter Tarfa, Consultant on Climate Change, urged the NLC to participate in the development of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, for climate action plans due for 2025.

He said the NDC is the roadmap that every country uses for its climate actions.

On the upcoming Climate Change Conference (COP) in Brazil, Tarfa advised labour to put in place work plans before attending the conference.

He also said that proper research should be done for the agenda setting and negotiations pushed forward, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Ecological footprints: UNIDO tasks manufacturers on sustainability practices
Environment

Ecological footprints: UNIDO tasks manufacturers on sustainability practices

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The National Programme Officer, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr Reuben Bamidele, has charged manufacturers to embrace sustainable practices to minimise ecological footprints and environmental impact.

Bamidele made the call at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja Branch 2025, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)/Managing Directors Forum on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed: “Sustainability of the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward”.

He observed that sustainability had become a key focus for businesses across various industries, and the manufacturing sector was no exception.

Bamidele noted that manufacturing activities consumed vast amounts of energy and water, generated substantial waste, and contributed to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

He said by embracing sustainable practices, manufacturers could minimise ecological footprint and reduce the impact the sector has on the environment.

He noted that governments and regulatory bodies were attempting to speed up this process by imposing stricter environmental regulations and standards.

According to him, non-compliance can result in hefty fines, legal repercussions, and damage to a company’s reputation.

“While sustainable manufacturing holds tremendous promise, it is not without challenges such as high initial costs, change management, supply chain complexities, regulatory compliance and data.

“However, to improve sustainability outcomes, manufacturers can improve product design based on sustainability goals, go green across all operations, and upskill people for green transition,” he said.

The Director-General, MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that for Nigeria to deliver on inclusive growth, manufacturing performance must improve.

He stressed the need for continuous engagement with government and all stakeholders to expose the real situation of the country’s real sector.

Ajayi-Kadir also urged government to prioritise the manufacturing sector.

He saluted the resilience of all manufacturing CEOs for staying the course and projected that they would reap the benefits of renewed economic development in Nigeria.

“MAN is poised to support government policies that would promote manufacturing and we would continue to leverage our access to government to ensure they pay attention to the sector to support its growth,” he said.

The General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management, Mr Adefemi Afolabi,  said sewage, which was not really paid attention to, made up a large percentage of waste.

Afolabi urged manufacturers on the importance of abiding to the state’s laws on sewage and other waste products for environmental safety and sustainability.

“We are concerned about waste generated by industries and would continue to engage MAN on sustainable measures on waste disposal and waste management.

“As issues of sanitation have a direct nexus to public health, we would work with the association to create models to monitor and manage waste disposal,” he said.

The Chairman, MAN Ikeja Branch, Mr Robert Ugbaja, noted that the event’s theme spoke directly to the realities industrialists faced in an increasingly dynamic global and local environment.

Ugbaja stressed that sustainability was no longer a buzzword, but an urgent call for manufacturers to embrace.

He expressed manufacturers readiness to embrace insights on global standards, practical interventions, and proper positioning within the sustainable manufacturing framework.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Tinubu urges world leaders to address global climate crisis
Environment

Tinubu urges world leaders to address global climate crisis

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has urged world leaders to demonstrate unity, courage, and sustained commitment in addressing the worsening global climate crisis.

Speaking on Wednesday during a high-level virtual dialogue on climate and the just transition, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to forging a paradigm shift in which climate action and economic growth advanced together, not in opposition.

“The global climate emergency demands our collective, courageous, and sustained leadership.

“For Nigeria, the urgency of this moment is clear: we view climate action not as a cost to development, but as a strategic imperative,” the President said.

The meeting, co-hosted by Mr António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, and Luiz Inacia Lula da Silva, Brazilian President, aimed to accelerate global climate ambition ahead of COP30, which Brazil will host.

Leaders from 17 countries, including China, the European Union, climate-vulnerable states, and key regional blocs such as the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States, participated in the meeting.

Addressing the session from Abuja, President Tinubu outlined Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) as a bold, pragmatic roadmap for reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.

The ETP targets five core sectors – power, cooking, transportation, oil and gas, and industry – and identifies a financing need of over $410 billion by 2060 to achieve these goals.

“We are, therefore, in the process of aligning our regulatory environment, fiscal incentives, and institutional frameworks to ensure that energy access, decarbonisation, and economic competitiveness proceed in lockstep. We are also taking leadership on energy access,” he said.

Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s role as an anchor country in the Mission 300 initiative, implemented in partnership with the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

The initiative aims to deliver electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

He recalled his participation in the Dar es Salaam Declaration earlier this year and Nigeria’s presentation of its National Energy Compact, which outlined reform commitments, investment opportunities, and measurable targets to expand clean energy access and clean cooking solutions.

“This compact is among the first of its kind in Africa and lays out our policy reform commitments and specific investment opportunities in the energy sector. It sets quantifiable targets to grow electricity access and increase clean cooking penetration.

“We are working to build capacity and ensure that we meet these targets, reflecting not just our ambition but also our commitment to deliver on that ambition measurably,” he said.

As part of the broader energy reforms architecture, Tinubu announced the finalisation of the Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Policy in March 2025.

He said the policy would unlock up to $2.5 billion by 2030 in high-integrity carbon credits and related investments.

He said Nigeria was actively updating its Nationally Determined Contributions in line with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, with plans to present a comprehensive revision by September 2025.

“Our climate strategy is not limited to planning and regulation – it is also rooted in market reform.

“We are working to position Nigeria as a premier destination for climate-smart investment through the development of a Global Climate Change Investment Fund.

“This will serve as a platform to blend public and private capital, de-risk green infrastructure, and finance clean energy solutions at scale,” he said.

The fund will support key national priorities such as green industrial hubs, e-mobility infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy mini-grids for underserved communities.

Tinubu thanked international partners, particularly the United Nations and Sustainable Energy for All, for their advisory and technical support.

“These partnerships are a shining example of the value of multilateral cooperation in climate delivery. We are prepared to collaborate, lead, and deliver – because we understand that the time for climate action is not tomorrow; it is now,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience
Environment

Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience

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By Abigael Joshua

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda on Wednesday pledged to allocate 30 per cent of the state’s annual budget to climate resilience, as part of efforts to establish a Green Investment Fund.

Radda made the pledge at the Katsina State Climate Action and Green Investment Summit in Abuja with the theme, ‘Turning Climate Challenges into Development Opportunities in Katsina State’.

“We will allocate 30 per cent of our annual budget to climate-resilient infrastructure and establish a Green Investment Fund to de-risk projects”.

He added that the state government would also accelerate implementation, with an initial capitalisation of five billion naira and mechanisms to leverage additional private capital.

“Today marks another milestone in the history of the state’s future. I am proud to unveil our blueprint for a sustainable future, which is tagged ‘Katsina State Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA)’.

“KAGGA is a roadmap to harmonise economic progress with ecological preservation. It commits to scaling up drip irrigation, drought-resistant crop varieties, and agroforestry to protect our farmers from climate shocks.

“My administration will enact the Katsina Climate-Related Laws within 12 months to institutionalise accountability and create a stable policy environment for green investments, ” Radda said.

The governor stated that, to combat water scarcity and promote irrigation, the state had constructed 120 solar-powered boreholes across the state, worth N2.4 billion, with an additional 60 currently under construction.

“This means more water for farmers, more food on our tables, and more income for families.

‘We’ve already planted over 100,000 economic trees and are nurturing three million more, spread across schools, institutions, and shelterbelts.

‘We also invested N5.9 billion in rainwater harvesting structures, turning seasonal floods into a year-round blessing for irrigation,” he said.

Radda noted that the state is setting the pace in climate action, not just in Nigeria, but across the global dryland ecosystems.

“We plan to electrify 500 rural communities with solar mini-grids by 2030, bridging the energy access gap that currently affects 60 per cent of our rural population.

‘KAGGA expands our participation in the Great Green Wall Initiative with an ambitious target of 10 million trees planted by 2030. These trees will focus on indigenous species that thrive in our conditions.

“Additionally, we are launching a ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ programme to turn the 500 tons of plastic waste generated daily in our state into eco-friendly products, driven by youth entrepreneurs,’” he explained.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, noted that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat.

“We are witnessing the consequences of climate change today in the form of desert encroachment, extreme heat, flooding, droughts, dwindling agricultural productivity and resultant insecurity in our nation.

‘The Sahel region where Katsina state is located is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

“However, this region is also rich with opportunities that can turn adversity into advantage through strategic climate action and green investments”.

The minister said that the summit signalled Katsina’s readiness not just to adapt to climate change, but to lead with innovation.

“It also presents a unique platform to attract responsible private sector investment that aligns with both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

“Our generation has a singular responsibility which is building a greener, more equitable, and climate-resilient Nigeria.

“This cannot be achieved by the Federal Government alone. We need strong, visionary states like Katsina to rise as champions of climate justice and green growth,’” Lawal noted.

Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, in her keynote address, pledged to support the state in its green economy initiatives.

Mohammed, who was represented by Mohamed Fall, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, said that climate action is a ticket to a cleaner, safer, and better future for all.

“For all of us, not just Katsina state, it is time to shift from climate reliability to climate leadership. From energy scarcity to growing prosperity. A green economy means clean, affordable energy for homes, schools, hospitals, and for all basic services,” she said.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the governor for aligning climate action with gender equality to empower women as key agents of change in the green economy.

Eyong, who was represented by Mr Desmond Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at the agency said that climate mitigation and women’s empowerment are closely linked through initiatives like biogas technology.

“In Katsina state, where over 70 per cent of household energy depends on firewood, this transition can bring significant environmental and health benefits, especially for women and children,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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