NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience
Environment

Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience

538 total views today

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

Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions
Environment

Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions

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By Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s sanitation sector have called for a shift towards Market-Based Sanitation (MBS) as a more effective means of improving access to safe and dignified toilets across the country.

With Nigeria struggling to meet its Open Defecation-Free (ODF) targets, experts say MBS could be instrumental in accelerating progress towards healthier and cleaner environments for millions of citizens.

At a high-level seminar held in Abuja on Wednesday, officials from tiers of government, development partners and civil society organisations gathered to assess the country’s sanitation efforts and explore private sector-led solutions.

Mr Shadrach Guusu, Head of Programmes at Self Help Africa, described the seminar as a timely and strategic engagement for the sector.

“This seminar provides a valuable platform to reflect on current MBS efforts, evaluate existing approaches, and introduce new insights from global experts such as PSI.

“It also enables us to strengthen collaboration and capacity development among government bodies, civil society, private actors, and development partners laying a stronger foundation for scaling MBS in Nigeria”.

Guusu underscored the need to confront tough questions: “How far have we come with market-based sanitation, and what must we do differently to achieve the 2030 target?”

He noted that MBS aims to provide households and communities, especially those underserved with access to improved toilet facilities through affordable and sustainable private sector-driven models.

He added that in spite ongoing initiatives, inadequate sanitation remains widespread in homes, markets, schools, and public spaces across the country.

According to him, the seminar formed part of the WASH Systems for Health Project, currently being implemented in Cross River and Kano states in partnership with other stakeholders.

Mr Chukwuma Nnanna, Team Lead at Toilet Pride Initiative, explained that their work focuses on addressing the root causes of poor sanitation and the lack of accessible and affordable toilet options.

“Open defecation is not always due to poverty, many families simply don’t know where to get a toilet or that low-cost options exist.

“Toilet Pride is helping bridge that gap by connecting households to suitable products and reliable installers”:

He added that MBS represents a shift from traditional approaches, which often encouraged toilet construction without addressing availability, affordability, or consumer support.

“Now, we offer families a range of products such as those from manufacturers like Lixil, and guide them from product awareness to installation.

”This model, we believe, will help move millions of Nigerians up the sanitation ladder”.

The seminar also featured global experts from Population Services International (PSI), who shared lessons from more than a decade of experience in strengthening sanitation markets.

Mr John Sauer, Deputy Director of PSI’s WASH Programmes and Lead Facilitator at the event, noted the importance of knowledge exchange and market development.

“PSI is pleased to share over 12 years of experience in market-based sanitation with Nigeria’s WASH sector.

“We believe that by applying systems thinking and market-driven approaches, Nigeria is well-positioned to fast-track universal access to safe, sustainable sanitation,” Sauer said

Earlier, Mrs Iquo Bassey, a representative from the Cross River Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, noted that while six local government areas have been declared ODF, sustaining these gains has been challenging.

She described the meeting as timely, expressing hope that it would help address poor sanitation outcomes and promote long-term sustainability through shared learning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that albeit the federal government’s Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, launched in 2019, the country remains off track to meet its 2025 goal of eliminating open defecation.

With over 48 million Nigerians practising open defecation, experts warn the country may miss its 2030 SDG 6 deadline without a major strategy shift. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Stakeholders urge joint investment in Nigeria’s energy transition
Environment

Stakeholders urge joint investment in Nigeria’s energy transition

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By Akpan Glory

Stakeholders in the environmental sector have called on governments at all levels, civil society groups, and individuals to collaborate and invest in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition process.

Speaking at a conference held in Abuja on Tuesday to commemorate the 2025 World Earth Day, they emphasised the need for substantial financial and technical investments from government and the public.

The event was themed “Our Power, Our Planet: From Policy to Action” and was organised by Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD) in partnership with Climate Justice, Creative Culture and Communities for Peace (CCC for Peace).

It was also in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, TrashMongers, Ecocykle, Basic Rights Watch, the Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness, the Coalition for Socioecological Transformation (CoSET), and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Mohammed Abdullahi, former Minister of Environment stated that many Nigerians are more concerned with daily survival than with reducing their carbon footprint.

He asserted that to achieve Nigeria’s ambitious climate goals, the government must prioritise breaking the cycle of poverty through targeted programmes.

This, he said would empower citizens to afford climate-friendly solutions such as fuel-efficient cookstoves, LPG and biogas systems, solar home installations, and electric or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

“The government should place greater emphasis on innovation in energy infrastructure, optimal utilisation of domestic financing, and harmonisation of existing energy policy frameworks.

“In industrialised countries, energy systems have powered decades of development but also caused environmental damage, warming oceans, melting glaciers, and extreme climate events that disproportionately affect poorer nations.

“To truly transition, we must move from a mindset of short-term consumption to long-term restoration. The shift to renewable and sustainable energy is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

“And within that necessity lies an extraordinary opportunity to lead the way toward a better future”.

Abdullahi stressed that a just energy transition must ensure inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable communities, indigenous populations, and marginalised groups.

“This includes creating new opportunities for workers displaced by the fossil fuel phase-out and ensuring their access to retraining and dignified work within the emerging green economy.

“The world today faces an existential crisis driven by unsustainable energy practices, climate change, and environmental degradation. Yet, this is also a moment of unprecedented opportunity,” he added.

Peniel Ibe, Coordinator of CCC for Peace, explained that the initiative seeks to empower Nigerian youth to participate meaningfully in both local and global climate discourse and advocacy.

She noted that the initiative aimed to introduce young people to justice-centred climate solutions and to demonstrate how such solutions could be applied within their local contexts.

“YouPaD serves as a platform for youth engagement in policy, climate change, security, governance, and development”.

Ibe expressed appreciation to the participants, noting that their presence demonstrated a collective commitment to securing not only the future of the planet and Nigeria, but also a future grounded in justice, inclusion, and action.

“As we mark World Earth Day, we are reminded of both the planet’s fragility and the power of our collective resolve as Nigerians.

“The climate crisis challenges us to rethink our approach. We cannot afford to serve both the fossil fuel industry and the renewable energy cause.

“We cannot promote justice and injustice simultaneously, as the consequences, especially for Nigeria would be dire”.

She observed that although momentum is growing across Nigeria and Africa for renewable energy adoption, the transition risks replicating existing inequalities in the fossil fuel extractive industry, if not deliberately planned and inclusive.

She explained that the conference was part of an ongoing initiative by CCC for Peace and YouPaD to bridge the gap between policy dialogue and the lived experiences of communities most affected by climate change, with a focus on youth engagement.

“Policies are often crafted without input from the very communities they affect most. We felt the need to create a space for diverse voices to reflect and respond to a critical question: how do we move beyond policy to meaningful, inclusive action rooted in community realities?

“The fight for a liveable planet, one in which Nigerians are safe, is not only scientific and technical, it is also profoundly social, political, and moral,” she added.

Ibe expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference would translate into tangible actions within tools, strategic frameworks, and collaborative networks.

Other speakers, including David Arinze (Off-Grid Energy), Tengi Ikoli (Natural Resources Governance), and Salaudeen Hashim, of the CLEEN Foundation shared the views of both Abdullahi and Ibe.

They highlighted the importance of policy in promoting renewable energy use in Nigeria.

The conference also featured a panel discussion and fireside chat focused on how young professionals can contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.

Additional sessions explored strategies for ensuring the transition is rooted in environmental justice.

The event concluded with a screening of Drifting Away, a documentary series by Simpa Sampson, followed by an open discussion session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, as a fossil fuel-dependent nation, Nigeria is undertaking a transition aimed at diversifying its energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.

This aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2060, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS).

The Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) is a locally developed, data-driven, multi-faceted strategy designed to guide the nation towards net-zero emissions through reforms in energy consumption.

It outlines a roadmap for reducing emissions across five key sectors: Power, Cooking, Oil and Gas, Transport, and Industry sectors responsible for approximately 65 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Key targets under the ETP include achieving an installed electricity generation capacity of 250GW by 2050, with 90 per cent of this derived from renewable sources.

By the same year, 80 per cent of vehicles are expected to run on electricity, and clean cooking technologies should be adopted by 80 per cent of the population. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Namadi restates commitment to sustain Jigawa’s ODF status
Environment

Namadi restates commitment to sustain Jigawa’s ODF status

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By Aisha Ahmed
Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa has restated commitment to sustain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in the state.
Namadi stated this during a courtesy visit by the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) Monitoring Team, in Dutse.
He said that his administration would invest more resources and innovations to sustain the feat achieved.
“The Open Defecation Free (ODF) status we have attained, was not an effortless feat yet sustaining it is even more challenging.
“I want to assure you that the Jigawa State Government has put in place comprehensive strategies backed by strong commitment and resources, to ensure the sustainability of our ODF status,” he said.

He said the state government had set up a Steering and Technical Committee, comprising key permanent secretaries and professionals, to enhance monitoring of sanitation services in the state.

Namadi said the government also introduced a hygiene programme which underlined its commitment and dedication, to ensure cleanliness and public health standards.

The governor announced plans to construct toilets in public schools and markets across the state under a public private partnership arrangement to effectively manage the facilities.

This, he said, would ensure accountability and preserve the investment in sanitation infrastructure.

“When it is managed by the private sector, they see it as a means of livelihood. They will maintain it better than the government,” he said.

According to Namadi, the state will be a beacon of progress in sanitation, health and environmental resilience, for other states to draw lessons from it.

Earlier, the NTGS Team Lead, Mr Benson Attah, commended the state for attaining the ODF status, describing it as a “landmark achievement and a model for other states.”

Attah urged the state to maintain this status through consistent policies, community involvement and infrastructural investments.

He also lauded the political commitment displayed by the Namadi administration, adding that it has created an enabling environment for impactful WASH initiative.

“I would like to commend Your Excellency for your commitment and the political will you have shown towards the improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the state.

“Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been any need to dispatch members of the National Task Group on Sanitation to monitor and assess the sustainability of the ODF status in your state,” he said.
He assured support of development partners to help the state in sustaining its progress. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
NGO demands urgent action on drug cultivation, use
Environment

NGO demands urgent action on drug cultivation, use

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By Akpan Glory

The Ashnik Alternative Development Initiative (AADI), a non-governmental organisation, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the cultivation and use of illicit drugs in Nigeria.

Prof. Bala Shehu, Director of AADI, made this call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He raised concerns over the increasing cultivation of Cannabis sativa (commonly known as Indian hemp), especially in Southern Nigeria.

He labelled the trend an ‘environmental crime’, noting that cannabis farming is causing deforestation, altering rainfall patterns, raising temperatures, and depleting soil fertility.

This, he said, further exacerbates the country’s food insecurity.

“Data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) underscore the scale of the problem.

“In 2013, the agency destroyed 847 hectares of cannabis plantations. By 2014, that figure had risen to over 4,500 hectares, a staggering increase of more than 400 per cent in just one year.

“Likewise, a 2019 survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) documented 8,900 hectares of cannabis cultivation across six states in Southern Nigeria.

“Despite intensified enforcement efforts under the leadership of Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), which have resulted in the seizure of over 9.9 million kilogrammes of assorted drugs and the destruction of numerous cannabis farms since 2021, illicit cultivation continues to flourish”.

Shehu noted that the problem is severe in the South-Western states of Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun, as well as Delta and Edo in the South-South.

According to him, more young people in these areas are abandoning legitimate agriculture for the more profitable, yet illegal, cultivation of cannabis.

This shift, he said, is driven largely by international drug trafficking networks which promise high returns, but expose young people to the risks of arrest, violence, and exploitation.

“Significant quantities of cannabis grown in these regions are trafficked to black markets in Europe, Asia, and North America, while local consumption is also on the rise.

“While the South struggles with illicit cultivation, Northern Nigeria is battling a parallel crisis: a surge in drug addiction, particularly among young people.

“States such as Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Gombe, Adamawa, and Borno are witnessing increasing abuse of cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and other synthetic drugs, many of which originate from the South or are smuggled into the country”.

The professor pointed to an undeniable link between cannabis farms in the South and addiction in the North, warning that traffickers are profiting from both ends of the trade.

He emphasised that families are being torn apart by the social and economic consequences of drug abuse, productive agricultural labour is being lost, and insecurity is on the rise.

He noted that in response to these challenges, the NDLEA created the Alternative Development Unit (ADU) in September 2023 to address the root causes of drug cultivation, such as poverty, hunger, and unemployment.

The unit aims to shift illicit cannabis farmers to food and animal production through the Crop Substitution Programme (CSP), enhancing food security in affected regions.

Shehu said the initiative has earned international recognition, including endorsement from the United Nations, which acknowledged it as the first of its kind in Africa.

“The NDLEA is currently building strategic partnerships to scale the programme.

“One such collaboration is with the Niger State Government, which is incorporating alternative development into its agricultural transformation agenda to provide viable livelihoods for drug users and other vulnerable groups”.

Shehu underscored the need for support from policymakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector.

He also called for increased technical and financial backing from international partners.

He stressed that land used for illicit farming must be reclaimed and repurposed for legitimate agriculture, backed by policies that incentivise private investment in affected communities.

He further called for enhanced law enforcement and surveillance capabilities, including the use of satellite technology and drones to monitor illicit farms.

“Increased funding and staffing for the NDLEA, he said, would improve its capacity to dismantle entrenched drug trafficking networks.

“In addition, sustainable livelihood programmes must be introduced to train former cannabis farmers in legal agricultural practices and provide them with access to farming tools and credit through cooperative schemes.

“Grassroots campaigns are also needed to raise public awareness about the dangers of illicit cultivation, and robust regulations must be put in place to prohibit drug-related deforestation”.

Shehu also highlighted the importance of psychological support and reorientation programmes to help individuals transition from illicit to legitimate livelihoods.

Founded in 2021, the Ashnik Alternative Development Initiative (AADI) promotes humanitarian and correctional justice approaches to tackling drug-related issues.

The organisation works to build peaceful, sustainable communities and improve the prospects of young Nigerians through alternative livelihoods and development-focused interventions.  (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NEWMAP-EIB commends Ekiti’s N1.1bn fund pledge
Environment

NEWMAP-EIB commends Ekiti’s N1.1bn fund pledge

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By Akpan Glory

The Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project, supported by the European Investment Bank (NEWMAP-EIB), has commended the Ekiti State Government for pledging N1.1 billion as its counterpart funding for the project’s implementation.

The National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba, made the commendation in a statement on Friday following the team’s visit to the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, represented Gov. Biodun Oyebanji during the engagement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team was in the state to assess Ekiti’s readiness for project implementation and fund disbursement.

These are key requirements set by the European Investment Bank.

He expressed appreciation for the state’s financial commitment, but appealed for the full release of the pledged N1.1 billion to enable immediate commencement of project activities.

“All proposed sites in the state have met the selection criteria,” he confirmed.

Ayuba, however, raised concerns over the worsening condition of erosion-prone areas, particularly in Efon Alaaye Local Government Area and the Olorunda community.

Describing the situation as life-threatening, he recommended the urgent application of the Gully Rapid Action and Slope Stabilisation (GRASS) approach to prevent further degradation, pending the implementation of long-term solutions.

In his response, Adebayo thanked the NEWMAP-EIB team for their visit and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to environmental protection.

He confirmed that the N1.1 billion allocation had been approved and would be released at the appropriate time.

He also praised him for his proactive leadership and dedication to ensuring effective implementation of the project across participating states.

Adebayo noted that the NEWMAP-EIB project aligns with two pillars of Governor Oyebanji’s “Shared Prosperity” agenda of Infrastructure, Industrialisation and Good Governance.

He added that the governor remains committed to delivering democratic dividends and fostering sustainable development for the people of Ekiti state.

Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Tunde Balogun, commended Gov. Oyebanji for demonstrating strong political will by allocating over a billion naira to the project.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator for NEWMAP-EIB, Dr Akinyugha Akinyemi, gave an overview of the initiative.

He noted that Ekiti had already benefited greatly from the first phase of NEWMAP, which covered nine local government areas, impacted 2,000 rural residents, and achieved 100 per cent completion of civil works.

Key sites included health centres, the Ogbomu culvert, and the Ajalogun Bridge in Ikere-Ekiti, a major route connecting Ekiti to Kogi State.

According to Akinyemi, the current phase of the NEWMAP-EIB project will focus on areas including Efon and Efon Alaaye local government aea, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

33 states at high risk of flooding- NIHSA warns
Environment

33 states at high risk of flooding- NIHSA warns

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By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has warned that 1,249 communities across 176 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 33 states and the FCT fall within the high flood-risk areas in 2025.

The warning was issued during the official presentation of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, in Abuja.

According to the forecast, an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs across 31 states and the FCT are expected to experience moderate flood risk this year.

States identified in the high-risk category include: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the FCT, Gombe and Imo.

Others are; Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Utsev noted that floods are among the most devastating natural disasters affecting lives, property, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He said the 2025 forecast is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging preparedness among citizens, particularly in vulnerable communities.

He said this year’s theme on community preparedness and adaptation is timely, given the recurring floods and their impact on livelihoods and infrastructure.

The minister explained that the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook has been segmented into three parts to enhance flood preparedness.

These include a general flood forecast, a communication strategy for effective warning dissemination, and a mitigation plan to reduce exposure and vulnerability.

“According to the forecast, 657 communities in 52 LGAs are expected to experience high flood risk between April and June.

“544 communities in 142 LGAs between July and September; and 484 communities in 56 LGAs from October to November.

“Moderate flood risk is projected for 445 communities in 116 LGAs from April to June, 1,458 communities in 271 LGAs from July to September, and 1,473 communities in 171 LGAs between October and November,” he added.

He said flash and urban flooding are expected in major cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and Makurdi, largely due to poor drainage and weak infrastructure.

According to him, coastal states such as Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo may also experience flooding caused by rising sea levels and tidal surges, posing a threat to livelihoods and river-based activities.

Utsev announced initiatives such as a National Flood Insurance Programme, to be piloted in Kogi and Jigawa states, and the Niger Flood Project to boost river navigation, flood control, and climate resilience.

He highlighted plans to launch an Integrated Climate Resilience Project and the forthcoming Annual Drought Outlook.

Utsev urged stakeholders to support government efforts in building flood-resilient communities and affirming the Federal Government’s commitment to proactive flood management.

Earlier, the NIHSA Director General Umar Mohammed emphasised the agency’s commitment to using advanced technologies and fostering inter-agency collaboration to deliver accurate and timely flood forecasts.

Mohammed explained that this year’s forecast adopts a more community-focused approach, extending beyond local government areas to identify specific at-risk communities.

“Our aim is to equip decision-makers with actionable information to protect lives, livelihoods, and property,” he stated.

He added that the outlook identifies flood-prone states, local government areas, and communities, while also assessing impacts on sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, transport, and water quality.

According to Mohammed, the goal is to strengthen community resilience and support proactive flood management strategies across the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that key highlights of the event included the formal presentation of the NIHSA Flood and Drought Dashboard and the unveiling of the National Flood Insurance Programme.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the World Meteorological Agency, the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna, and others. (NAN)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG, UNESCO rally support for advanced groundwater management
Environment

FG, UNESCO rally support for advanced groundwater management

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government, UNESCO and other partners have committed towards supporting groundwater management for water security.

The commitment came at a two-day validation and capacity building workshop organised by UNESCO.

Groundwater is water that is found beneath the surface of the earth in conditions of 100 per cent saturation.

Groundwater can be found in aquifers. An aquifer is a body of water-saturated sediment or rock in which water can move readily.

The event, which held in Abuja, was in collaboration with the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) and Kaduna and the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management (RC-IRBM).

The workshop focused on the sub-project “Improving Groundwater Governance towards Achieving Sustainable Water Security for Human Settlements in Nigeria.”

The sub-project is being implemented within the framework of the UNESCO Korean Fund-in-Trust (K-FIT) funded project titled “Water Security for Human Settlements in Developing Countries under Climate Change.”

It aims at improving knowledge-based management and governance of groundwater resources to support Nigeria in achieving sustainable water security for human settlements and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, said that sustainable water solutions at the local, regional and global levels required creativity, new scientific knowledge, discoveries and innovation.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Richard Pheelangwah, Utsev said the workshop would strengthen the capacity of groundwater experts on the tools developed by UNESCO.

“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will support any effort aimed at delivering insight into modern approaches for sustainably managing our vast groundwater resources, for increased water access and coverage,” he said.

He urged that recommendations from the workshop should align with national priorities in terms of sustainable water security, adaptable to climate change for human settlement in Nigeria and groundwater quality.

Mr Albert Mendy, Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, re-echoed the crucial role groundwater played as a natural resource in supporting ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods and the wellbeing of human communities.

Represented by Dr Enang Moma, Head of Science Sector, Mendy recalled that UN World Water Development report for 2022 revealed that groundwater made up 99 per cent of the world’s liquid freshwater.

“Most rural and urban human settlements in Africa and indeed in Nigeria are dependent on groundwater because it is locally available, drought resilient and has quality requiring minimal treatment.

“It is, therefore, crucial to prioritise the effective management of this valuable water resource through enhanced groundwater governance,” he said.

He said the event was setting Nigeria on the path of achieving sustainable water security and the Sustainable Development Goal number six which focused on ensuring the availability, sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The official said that the implementation of the project started in the last quarter of 2023.

Dr Idowu Lateef, Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NatCom-UNESCO), said effective water governance recognised the value of aquifer systems aimed at achieving the sustainable provision of fresh water.

Represented by Ms Frances Ezejiofor, an official of the organisation, he said the impact was obvious with about 40 per cent of water for irrigated agriculture with one-third of the water required for industry coming from groundwater resources.

“Despite this impressive path, groundwater remains invisible and less permanent with the worsening parts of climate change.

“We need to recognise that groundwater will be a catalyst for economic and social development in Nigeria,” Lateef said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara
Environment

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

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By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him,  the ministry will soon release a comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

142 LGAs certified open defecation free – Official
Environment

142 LGAs certified open defecation free – Official

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By Joy Mbachi

Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign Conference, says only 142 Local Government Areas out of the 744 Local Government Areas, (LGAs) in Nigeria have been certified open defecation free by the Federal Government.

Mrs Chizoma Opara, the National Coordinator of the conference, disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the conference in Awka.

The campaign was organised by the National Water Resources Building Network, South-East Centre in collaboration with Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet and Environment Development.

Opara regretted that Nigeria, in the 21st Century, still talked about open defecation and described the act as “high lack of commitment” by the stakeholders who should know better and drive the advocacy down to the grassroots for greater success impact.

“We need to encourage better sanitation in the country as poor water supply and hygiene as well as environmental degradation is a big challenge in Nigeria.

“Three LGAs in Anambra state comprising Anambra East, Aguata and Nnewi North have also been certified open defecation free by the Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) and urged more efforts to cover all the states in the South East.

“Genuine commitment by key stakeholders, religious bodies, traditional rulers, women, youth groups and private individuals in combating the menace of open defecation in Nigeria is apt,” she said.

She called on Nigerians to develop the spirit of patriotism in the comprehensive war against open defecation in every part of the country with a view to reducing it to barest minimum.

Opara said that the programme was hinged on advocacy on behavioural change, imbibing a whole lot of culture and capacity building among Nigerians for holistic change.

She said that the organisation would soon come up with a new strategy anchored on five pillars to include funding, creating of an enabling environment, environmental awareness campaign, advocacy and communication among others.

She called on those in the private sector and philanthropists in the state to key in to change the narratives of open defecation in Nigeria as government could not do it alone.

Earlier, Mr Ike-Obi Ejiofor, the Chairman of the occasion and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anambra State Water Resources Management Agency, said that the essence of the event was to interact and to drive the five states in the South-East to clean and hygienic environment.

He described the attendance of the event by the five Commissioners of Power and Water Resources in the South-East as a clear testament that the coordinator of the programme had a very strong strategy.

Ejiofor said that in 2019 and 2020, Anambra was declared open defecation free with particular reference to Anambra East, Aguata and Nnewi North respectively by the Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH).

Also, the Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ike Chebelu, represented by Prof. Ada Omeyi, said that the theme of the event was in line with the university’s administration.

He described open defecation as unhealthy anywhere in the world, adding that his office was doing everything possible to keep the institution clean and to ensure availability of water in all corners of the university.

The Director-General, National Water Resources Institute, Kaduna, represented by Mr Mike Nwode, stated that the sensitisation campaign was apt and timely considering the efforts the Federal Government made to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDP).

He said that the goal was to target universal access to safe and affordable water and access to sanitation and hygiene and to end open defecation by 2030 in the country.

According to him, Nigeria is losing about N450 billion to poor sanitation annually.

The Director, National Water Resources Capacity Building Network (NWRCBNet) South-East, Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, challenged Nigerian youths to come together and form WASH associations at the community level to solve holistically the challenges of the programme in the country.

In another lecture on “The Role of Young People in Clean Nigeria Campaign”, the Coordinator, Youth Wash Initiative Africa, Mr Uchenna Obiakor, urged Nigerian youths and other stakeholders in the sector to see the issues of water, environmental and physical hygiene as a collective responsibility.

Obiakor encouraged the youths to drive meaningful and impactful development programmes in the country especially in the area of service to humanity.

Mr Francis Ekwempu of the Environment Development Initiative for Africa, (EDAI), stated that any money committed in the Clean Nigeria Campaign was not in vain but a commitment to improve healthy living in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Umuawuku Community, Awka South LGA, Dr Joel Egwuonwu, appealed to governments at all levels and wealthy Nigerians to assist in funding Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign to save Nigerians, from contracting dreaded diseases associated with poor sanitation and poor hygienic environment.

In his contribution, Mr Golden Iloh, the Member, representing Ihiala Two Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Power and Water Resources, described the event as worth emulating and implementing.

Iloh said that Anambra State was a model where the leadership of the state wanted to build a liveable and sustainable mega city, promising that he would initiate a move to make a law on the open defecation in the state within three months.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Mr Julius Chukwuemeka, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Victor Ezekwo, described the Soludo administration in the state as environment friendly.

Chukwuemeka said that the present government was working in all sectors of the state economy simultaneously, referencing the current water supply in Nnewi, Awka and Onitsha as a clear example. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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