Nigeria begins stakeholders’ engagements on climate action

By Ismail Abdulaziz
The Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC), Chief Ajuri Ngelale, has began stakeholders’ engagement on plans by Nigeria to maximise the potential in the Climate ecosystem.

President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a committee to oversee the Green Economic Initiative, known as the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.

Tinubu also approved the appointment of Ngelale as Special Envoy on Climate Action while retaining his role as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.

The envoy met with the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, in New York on first leg of the engagements on Wednesday.

Ngelale said that the meeting with Mohammed was aimed at deepening collaboration with critical stakeholders on the existential matter on the Nigeria’s new climate policies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Green Economy committee is part of a strategic move of the President to ensure the advancement of his administration’s climate and green economic initiatives.

The committee will coordinate and oversee all the policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.

It will coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes and provide an efficient governance architecture.

Also, the committee will ensure that all the relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action.

Ngelale had a meeting with a sector-wide technical working group of the U.S. State Department at U.S. State Department Headquarters in Washington D.C.

“We delved into important areas of mutual concern ahead of the United Nations Climate Conference holding in Bonn, Germany, next week.

“I presented Nigeria’s green industrial plans and discussed our participation in the Energy Transition Accelerator, Methane reduction programme, as well as our Carbon Market and Management Initiatives, and updates on our NDCs, amongst other important matters,” he said.

Ngelale similarly met with Mr Landon Derentz of the Global Energy Centre of the Washington-based Atlantic Council on Wednesday in Washington D.C.

He said that the meeting centred on a productive and incisive discussion with Nigeria’s new reforms and programmes tabled.

“As a key stakeholder in the global climate action and finance ecosystem, we shared views about green industry and carbon capture technology manufacturing and implementation in Nigeria moving forward. Exciting times ahead for Africa’s most populous nation.”

Tinubu had charged the committee to coordinate all the activities of relevant federal institutions towards the attainment of all agreed climate action and green economic objectives and non-oil/non-gas ambitions of the federal government.

He also urged it to collaborate with all the relevant government, sub-national governments, non-government, and civil society entities towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and ambitions of the federal government.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Oluwafunke Ishola

A multinational home and appliances company, LG Electronics, has pledged its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility as it promotes solutions to drive Nigeria’s cleaning industry.

The General Manager, Home Appliances, LG Electronics, Mr Brian Kang, said this at a two-day Clean Africa Show Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference had the theme: “Positioning Africa’s Fabricare and Hygiene Industry for Excellence: Adopting World Class Practices”.

Kang noted that the cleaning industry played a critical role in maintaining public health, productivity and overall well-being.

“We recognise the importance of this sector and are dedicated to supporting its growth and development.

“Through our sponsorship of Clean Show Africa, we aim to showcase our cutting-edge cleaning solutions designed to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and promote eco-friendliness.

“Our products and technologies are tailored to meet the unique needs of African markets, supporting the region’s economic growth and development,” he said.

He called for collaboration to shape the future of cleaning technologies and create a more sustainable future for all.

Similarly, Mr Enibukun Adebayo, Chairman, Fabric Professionals and Dry Cleaners Association of Nigeria (FPDA), noted that the event was a testament to the association’s collective commitment to progress and excellence.

According to Adebayo, the programme celebrates the growth and achievements of FPDA over the past one year and also the unity and collaboration of industry professionals to the common goal of elevating the standards and practices of the industry.

He encouraged participants to leverage the opportunity to learn from each other, to build lasting connections and to embrace the future with optimism and determination.

“Together, we can transform the fabric care and drycleaning industry in Africa as we set new standards of excellence and sustainability,” he said.

Also, Mr Emeka Obegolu, President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), lauded the theme of the event, noting that the quest for excellence was unending.

Obegolu who spoke on the topic “The Imperative of Constructive Feedback and Effective Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in the Dry Cleaning Industry” challenged the exhibitors to keep reinventing to become better.

According to him, players must embrace constructive feedback and dispute resolution mechanisms that meet the unique needs of industry to improve on their customer service and address shortcomings.

He also emphasised the need for obtaining insurance cover over claims and damages of customer’s products.

Similarly, Dr Chinyere Almona, Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), noted that the cleaning industry contributes significantly to the economy of Nigeria, and facilitates business across other sectors.

Almona said it was laudable to attract attention to investment opportunities in the industry, while advising players to acquire knowledge and network that would enable them to expand.

She urged the practitioners to join LCCI for their voices to be heard over issues affecting the sector.

Mr Tunde Ayeye, President, Cleaning Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CPAN), advised players to understand, collaborate and create structures that would enable them to benefit from the cleaning industry valued at over $5 billion.

NAN reports that the event was organised by Fabricare Professionals and Drycleaners Association (FPDA) in collaboration with LG Electronics. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Abuja School of Social and political Thought (TASSPT), has called for the adoption of human development approach in determining the new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

The Director of the School, Dr Sam Amadi, gave the advice at a dialogue with the theme ”Determining fair minimum wage for Nigeria workers” organised by the school on Tuesday in Abuja.

Amadi said the school deemed it necessary to add its views on the way forward in arriving at an appropriate minimum wage which had wide social implications on the economic growth, poverty reduction, social and political activities.

He said that minimum wage as provided for in the international labour law and Nigeria constitution allowed workers to earn a living wage that guaranteed their wellbeing and life of dignity.

He said government and labour should not be disagreeing over minimum wage, as if there was no approach to arrive at an appropriate minimum wage.

“The first approach is to ask ourselves, what are those basic foods, goods that a person needs today to escape poverty?

“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in designing their poverty methodology, first look at basket of goods. They ask themselves, what’s a basket of food and services that somebody needs daily?

“So for that basket of goods and services, you now ask, what’s the price, the cost on the average, what somebody would need?

“Let’s assume for a family, the typical standard, a wife, husband, and four children. You calculate it. That gives you the basis. If people have this income, will they be able to survive at the basic level,” he said.

Amadi said what the school was advocating was a human development approach that first ask what people need in Nigeria to escape poverty? We call it the quality of life approach.

“When you have that, it forms the based. Then, in every other year, you use the approach called cost of living adjustment, which we employ in our departments.

“It means that you re-index that benchmark to inflation every year. Someone has done an assessment of that.

”That assessment says, if you use COLA, which is what NBS uses every year to look at poverty, you will discover, a very interesting analysis.

“What you will discover is that 75,000 is the proper price, meaning that without changing the base of the salary, from 2018 to today, adjust for all the inflation that are officially captured, that base will give you today 75,000,” he said.

He also said that in determining the minimum wage, the rate of Naira to the dollar should be considered.

Amadi recalls in 1981 the minimum wage was N1,500 with one dollar exchanging for N0.62 totaling 2,419 dollars per month, while in 1991 it was increased to N3,000 at 5.91dollars in which the value dropped to 302 dollars.

He also explained that when it was increased to N30,000 in 2015 the dollar was exchange for N368 reducing the value of the minimum wage when compared to dollar at 56 dollars.

Amadi said that for the proposed N54,000 by the Federal Government at current exchange rate the dollar value would be about 36 dollars.

“Today, minimum wage that’s been taxed, amounts to 66 dollars. Look at the drop and the one they are proposing now with inflation, will amount to less than 10 dollars,” Amadi said.

He said that in arriving at a new minimum wage, activate Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which said that people have a living wage, a right to live, should also be activated.

He said that the argument should not be about viability of the state to pay, saying its a function of the concept of development that the state has.

Amadi said that contrary to fear that the minimum wage would lead to labour loss, it would actually enhance labour productivity, address poverty as well as lead to sustainable economic growth.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Yahaya Isah

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says arrangement has been concluded by the Federal Government to remodel the National Fire Academy, Sheda, to enhance its operational capabilities.

The minister stated this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at Sheda on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the Service has been a sleeping giant, adding that the time to wake up and act as the first responder to emergencies is now.

Tuni-Ojo said, “this is because as I always say, tomorrow is a day that will never come. For every day, there is always tomorrow.

“Therefore, do not sacrifice what you have to achieve today in the hope of a day that will not come.

“The time to roll up your sleeves to rewrite our history to put the record straight and give Nigerians a fire and rescue service that we can all be proud of is now.“

He explained that based on these reasons, the Federal Government had made rescue service very important as it was a constitutional responsibility of any government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

“Therefore, the Federal Government is not just putting this project in place just like that but to be able to ensure that there is efficiency in service delivery. So, efficiency and productivity are very key here.

“We will also be working hard to see the repeal and enactment of the fire and rescue service Act because the present law established since 1963 we know is obsolete.

“You see, the scope of fire service all over the world in 2024 is different from what it was in 1963. And we cannot continue to be held down to the epoch of the past,“ the minister added.

Tunji-Ojo reminded them that their responsibilities was not just to combat, prevent and avoid fire outbreak but goes beyond that being the first responder in case of any emergency.

He added that to be able to achieve that, the Federal Government had gone all the way to ensure that the required knowledge was there.

This, he said, not just for the Nigeria market alone, but to be an exporter of rescue knowledge to the rest of Africa.

“You see, President Bola Tinubu is interested in building institutions and the fire serve is not an exception. So, to who much is given much is expected.

“Believe me it is not going to be business as usual. In the Interior Ministry, government business is our business. We handle government business as we handle our own.

“With the aim of handing it over as a legacy to the future generations and that is why the government is putting a lot of resources into this project.

“Our aim is to have at least a fire academy in our six geo-political zones of the country. Everybody cannot come to Abuja to be trained as fire people.

“We want to make this centre as a trainers’ centre as we strive to bring the private sector into the fire industry.

“It is only when we do all these that Nigerians can have the type of fire and rescue assurance that they need,” he said.

Earlier, the Controller-General of Fire Service, Mr AbdulGaniyu Jaji, expressed optimism that by the time the academy becomes really remodeled, no doubt the country would have one of the best fire training centres in the world.

Jaji added that the academy would enable the personnel of the service to be more acquainted with the modern techniques of fire fighting as tainable in other climes.

The C-G said that the academy would become a one-stop shop for life saving as the centre would be fully automated for modern fire fighting.

“This centre when it becomes fully operational, no doubt it will go a long way to enhance the operational capabilities of our fire fighting men and women timely.

“By the time it finally comes on board, the era of late response would have gone because our men and officers would have acquainted themselves with the requisite expertise to respond to any threat timely,” he stressed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated the Southern Parkway project.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, in the statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the project would serve as a critical artery connecting major areas within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu described infrastructure development as an enabler of economic growth and prosperity, stating that his administration would sustain investments in critical sectors for the welfare of citizens.

The president commended Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, for his diligence and courageous efforts, noting the recent infrastructural developments in the city.

“I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within the FCT but symbolizes our collective aspiration for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility, and progress.

“By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but will also enhance mobility for residents and visitors to the FCT.

“The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development as we strive to build a world-class Capital City.

“The needs of our citizens are paramount in our thoughts and actions. By making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed,” the president said.

Explaining the significant features of the project, Wike said that the road consists of 12 lanes in total.

“Your Excellency to bring the level of development of the Southern Parkway on par with the Northern Parkway, this project  was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Limited at the contract sum of N16.2 billion.

‘It was later revised to N35.7 billion due to changes in scope and other economic indices. But this was done before this administration came in.

“The scope of work is made up of two main carriage ways of four lanes each and two service carriage ways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

”It also includes the construction of four interchanges, a total of eight bridges in addition to the position of associated underground engineering facilities.

“I am happy to inform Your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” the minister said.

Wike said the completion of the project would enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, reducing delays and travel time.

According to him, it will also accelerate the development of the Southern Axis of the city, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and other Nigerians.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration and FCT residents appreciate Mr. President’s support and laudable achievements.

“It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolve that this very important road be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu way,” the minister said.

The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmad, explained that the Parkway System forms an integral part of the network of roads in the transportation master plan of the FCT.

“It dissects the two development corridors and is planned to function as a freeway to optimize vehicular movement between the developed sectors and the Central Area.

“Within the Central Area, the Parkway System encloses the cultural axis. In the Northern Development Corridor, it is known as the Northern Parkway (A9).

“It begins at the city centre around the Inner Northern Expressway, near the National Mosque and the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre intersection.

‘’It traverses Phases 1 to 4 in the north of the city, ending at the Outer Northern Expressway Junction, near the Dei Dei area, for those familiar with Abuja. It covers a total length of 25 kilometres.

“In the Southern Development Corridor, the Parkway System starts from the City Centre at its intersection with the Inner Southern Expressway.

“It passes through Phases 1 to 4 of the south of the city and ends at the Inner Southern Expressway near Kuje, located in Phase 4, spanning a total length of about 27 kilometres,” Ahmad said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

The MoU, signed on Tuesday, is to expand their partnership to strengthen epidemic and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response in Africa.

United by a shared mission, the organisations will collaborate to boost regional vaccine research, development, and sustainable manufacturing leadership and capabilities in Africa.

This will foster a faster and more equitable response to emerging infectious diseases.

Dr Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC’s Director General, said: “The New Public Health Order calls to action to build resilient health systems capable of managing recurrent, high-impact infectious disease and outbreaks; an action-oriented partnership such as this is at the core.

“This collaboration with CEPI in research, clinical trials, and local manufacturing of medical countermeasures will elevate Africa’s readiness against outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.

“This will consolidate the continent’s preparedness far beyond where we were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Speaking, Richard Hatchett, CEPI’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “African leadership and capabilities will be key for ensuring the continent can respond to increasingly frequent infectious disease outbreaks.

“The preparatory work to manage these outbreaks, from greater vaccine manufacturing capacity to clinical trial readiness, must be undertaken now.

“CEPI stands ready to support Africa CDC in the realisation of these goals and to further strengthen Africa’s preparedness and resilience against future outbreaks.”

The partnership is in line with the African Union’s (AU) ambition to produce 60 per cent of the continent’s vaccine needs in Africa by 2040 under the Africa CDC’s Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM).

As such, the expanded partnership will ultimately focus its efforts on enhancing research and development, building a workforce as well as supply chain optimisation to support resilient health systems.

This ambition will increase vaccine sovereignty and reduce external reliance, helping prevent a recurrence of the vaccine inequity seen during the COVID-19 response in Africa.

To boost vaccine accessibility and efficiency and meet this goal, there is also a need to invest in vaccine R&D and manufacturing innovations, amongst others, and build a resilient regional supply chain.

To that end, Africa CDC and CEPI will coordinate to fund innovations accelerating speed, scale, or accessibility for initial implementation with African manufacturers.

This investment will support sustainable manufacturing for routine vaccinations in Africa, and—in the event of an outbreak—these facilities can be mobilized to produce response vaccines promptly.

In alignment with Africa CDC, the partnership also aims to bolster Africa’s research ecosystem and clinical trial infrastructure, including targeted capacity strengthening through CEPI’s Research Preparedness Programme- which, directed by regional experts, aims to build capacity for conducting high-quality Phase 3 efficacy trials.

The organisations will also collaborate to enhance vaccine safety protocols, biosecurity, pathogen surveillance, investment in capacity building, and other areas that help ensure overall African readiness for emergency vaccine responses. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Ladies section of the IBB International Golf and Country Club has sensitised children of the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Abuja, on the need for personal hygiene and dangers of child abuse.

Lady Captain of the Club, Dame Julie Donli who led members of the club to the IDP Camp on Monday to identify with the kids on the Children’s Day celebration, called for more support for them.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the visit was meant to uplift the less privileged children and give them a sense of belonging.

 “Today is a day to celebrate the children, we are here at the IDP camp in Durumi to celebrate our lovely children that are displaced.

“We need to give them a sense of belonging, in spite of the fact that they are in a displaced camp, we are trying to tell them we care about them, we love them.

“They are not different from the regular children and that is why we decided to bring the party to them and also talk to them about hygiene and other issues,’’ she said

Earlier, the Social Secretary of the Club, Omon Isemede said this year’s Children’s Day celebration was taken out of the lush green golf course, to create wider impact.

“We are here today to celebrate with the kids in the IDP camp, we also gave a talk about hygiene and how to take care of themselves, even though they are displaced, little things like this matter,” she said.

NAN reports that the pep talk to the children focused on the need for personal hygiene, dangers of child abuse/molestation and the need to take their education seriously.

High point of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to the kids and donation of N200, 000 to the IDP camp for their upkeep. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)