By Olaitan Idris

An environmental expert, Prof. Babajide Alo, says Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from the economic and environmental opportunities offered by the newly adopted international ocean treaty.

Alo disclosed this in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

He said the treaty would promote sustainable use of ocean resources, create jobs, and open Nigeria to global benefit-sharing mechanisms.

NAN reports that the recently signed ocean treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty or Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering over 64 per cent of the world’s oceans.

It aims to safeguard biodiversity in the two-thirds of the ocean that lies outside of national jurisdictions.

This landmark agreement is expected to usher in a new era of ocean governance and offer opportunities for sustainable use of marine resources.

This historic agreement was adopted by the United Nations in June 2023, after nearly two decades of negotiations.

Alo, Nigeria’s lead negotiator for the BBNJ Treaty, described the treaty as a landmark agreement with the potential to revolutionise the way we manage and conserve the world’s oceans.

“The BBNJ Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty, aims to regulate areas beyond national jurisdiction, which covers approximately 75 per cent of the world’s oceans.

“These areas, often referred to as the ‘high seas,’ are crucial for sustaining human life, and their conservation is essential for the health of our planet.

“Nigeria actively participated in the negotiations, recognising the potential benefits of the treaty, including access to new areas for oil and gas exploration, as well as diverse biological resources,” he said.

The expert said with the treaty in place, Nigeria and other countries would have the opportunity to access and benefit from the vast resources of the high seas.

“These will include marine genetic resources, which have the potential to lead to breakthroughs in medicine and other fields.

“There is no doubt that Nigeria can benefit immensely from the vast resources and opportunities provided by the ocean.

“With this new treaty now in place, particularly through the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), we have an opportunity for both economic growth and sustainable development.

Alo noted that the EIAs were critical tools that guide responsible exploitation of marine resources, helping to protect biodiversity while enabling economic activity.

“If all marine-related activities are carried out with the EIAs in place, Nigeria can achieve long-term sustainability in ocean use,” he said.

He added that the treaty would bring social and economic benefits, particularly in job creation and foreign revenue.

“As we implement the elements of the treaty, there will be demand for people who will go out and cultivate marine genetic resources.

“The capturing and study of new marine species, for example, will feed into research and industry. From medicine to cosmetics, ultimately benefiting the economy,” he said.

Alo expressed optimism that Nigerian leaders would recognise the potential and act swiftly.

“We are praying and hoping that our leaders will quickly see the value in this initiative.

“The benefits will not only create jobs but also bring new revenue streams through a global fund attached to the treaty.

According to him, once Nigeria becomes a party to the treaty, it will be eligible to access this fund, which is designated for countries contributing to the implementation of its objectives.

“Benefit sharing is a key element in the treaty. I cannot put exact figures now, but it could run into millions of dollars,” he said.

Alo also called for urgent policy reforms to tackle marine pollution and illegal fishing.

“We need to strengthen pollution control measures so that our oceans are less polluted.

“Also, illegal fishing in our coastal waters must be addressed through enforceable policies. Reducing these activities will boost our marine economy and preserve our resources.

“The new treaty, adopted under the United Nations framework, is aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Chimezie Anaso

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has conducted a flood disaster response simulation exercise for the Southeast ahead of anticipated 2025 flooding in the zone.

The exercise, codenamed “Ide Mmiri Odachi”  was held at Naval Outpost in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the exercise marked the end of a 4-day capacity training organised for stakeholders to arm them with emergency response skills.

Mrs Zubaida Umar, the Director General of NEMA said the training for stakeholders was to define their roles and responsibilities in mitigating risks and effective response during emergencies at the grassroots level.

Umar who described the simulation exercise as successful said it was a demonstration of the proactiveness of the agency to raise public awareness about the predicted floods.

She said Abia, Anambra and Imo have been identified as high-risk flood-prone states in the Southeast region in the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by NIMET and the Annual Flood Outlook.

She said the three states were already facing flood threat, adding that the simulation tested the agency’s plans and protocols, exposed gaps and strengthened their multi-agency collaboration as well as enabled them to identify areas for improvement

“As we all know, flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters in Nigeria with far-reaching impacts on lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and communities.

“The recent flood disaster witnessed at Mokwa in Niger State attests to this fact.

“Today, we are simulating a crisis, so that we are better prepared to save lives when it becomes a reality. Let me reiterate that preparedness saves lives.

“Our ability to anticipate, respond and recover quickly from disasters depends largely on how well we train and work together before disaster strikes,” she said.

In his speech, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra appreciated the NEMA boss for the agency’s commitment to disaster mitigation in Anambra and the choice of Ogbaru as location for the simulation exercise for the region.

Soludo, represented by Chief Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, said the threats posed by flooding in the state was real and escalating due to climate change, poor urban planning, and other environmental factors.

He commended the Nigerian Navy for making available its outpost as a source of support and reassurance for the people in Ogbaru during disasters.

According to the governor, disaster response, especially in hard-to-reach riverine areas, demands robust logistical and technical capacity.

“We recognise the critical role of our armed forces in this regard.

“The entire communities in Anambra, particularly in the riverine belts, are displaced every year, livelihoods destroyed, infrastructure eroded, and lives tragically lost,” he said.

On his part, Navy Capt. MD Jarma, Commanding Officer Naval Outpost Onitsha, said the Navy is better equipped for disaster response.

He said the simulation was both successful and an eye opener adding that lessons had been learnt and the challenges identified would be worked on.

NAN reports that the exercise was held in collaboration with the State and Local Government Emergency Management Agencies, the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Red Cross, Navy, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Talatu Maiwada

The Federal Government, in collaboration with UN agencies, has unveiled a pilot Anticipatory Action Simulation Exercise in flood-prone communities of Adamawa, aimed at reducing the impact of flooding in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the four-day exercise commenced on Monday in Kwanta Community, Numan Local Government Area.

An anticipatory flood exercise is a simulation designed to test and improve a community’s preparedness and response to potential flood events.

It involves practicing evacuation procedures, utilising early warning systems, and coordinating with emergency services and humanitarian actors to minimise the impact of flooding.

The initiative is jointly organised by the Office of the Vice President, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Mr Akeem Ajibola, Programme Policy Officer at WFP, noted the importance of early preparedness to minimise the impact of anticipated floods.

“This pilot initiative, coordinated by the Anticipatory Action Taskforce in collaboration with departmental partners, is the first of its kind.

“It is designed to test early warning systems and safeguard lives and livelihoods in flood-prone communities across the country.

“WFP, FAO and other UN agencies are working closely with the Nigerian government to activate early warning systems and ensure timely action to prevent avoidable losses,” he said.

Ajibola disclosed that an anticipatory action framework had been developed in partnership with the Nigerian government and would be deployed ahead of the 2025 flood season.

Also speaking, Mrs Inna Audu, Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, described the initiative as a shift in the Federal Government’s approach to disaster risk management.

“The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is prioritising disaster preparedness.

“This pilot simulation marks the beginning of a national effort to equip communities with the appropriate protocols for rescue operations and safety,” she said.

Audu further revealed that the Federal Government had approved N80 billion for the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to address structural challenges affecting dams across the country.

She noted that support would also be extended to vulnerable populations through a conditional cash transfer scheme to aid relocation and mitigate the impact of flooding.

On her part, Mrs Ciline Laori, Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), outlined the simulation as a milestone in the state’s disaster response efforts.

“This is a practical step towards saving lives. We are working with federal agencies and development partners to implement the protocols effectively.

“People must understand the risks and respond to early warnings. It is a matter of life and death,” she said.

Chairman of Lamurde Local Government Area, Mr Bulus Daniel, commended the Federal Government and its partners for initiating the exercise.

He said the training and knowledge gained would greatly reduce the effects of flooding in the affected communities.

Daniel also appealed to the Federal Government to complement the simulation with long-term structural measures, including the desilting of the River Benue and the construction of buffer dams to address recurrent flooding.

NAN reports that the exercise is being implemented in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and ADSEMA. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, says Nigeria can generate up to 10 million dollars in revenue annually through indigenous electronic navigation charts for West Africa’s territorial waters.

Olugbode, the Chief Executive Officer, National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), said this while speaking with newsmen on the 2025 World Hydrography Day, scheduled for June 19 to June 21 in Abuja.

He said that the global Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) market was valued at around 90 million dollars annually, adding that Nigeria’s share could be up to 10 million dollars.

“There is a revenue stream, the current electronic chart revenue market globally is over 90 million dollars.

“By the time we are fully mapped, in terms of our national waterway, we will be looking at doing close to about nine, may be 10 million dollars,” he said.

The NHA boss said that the agency had been able to scale up production of its indigenous chart from manual and paper to electronic.

According to him, the agency is targeting production of electronic charts for the West African sub-region once Nigeria completes its seabed mapping and modern chart production.

“These charts form part of the Electronic Navigational Chart Information System (ENCIS), which enables safer marine navigation.

“We are looking at this market from a regional point of view. We are not looking at just Nigeria because we know that this is a continuum,” he said.

According to Olugbode, the agency has already begun generating revenue to the Federation Account through subscriptions from vessels accessing Nigeria’s digital navigation charts.

“It is very gratifying to note that we have now started to receive revenue to the country. So, for now, we have just started. It is still trickling in.

“When you subscribe to an app, you start getting small because of patronage. The more we continue our subscription service, the more we are getting.

“The more we start getting our surveys and identifying our charts, then we start getting more revenue. Right now, we have started receiving revenues from ships making port calls in Nigerian waters.

“It functions like a digital subscription model, and the more charts we complete, the more value we can derive,” he said.

He said that beyond revenue generation, the hydrographic products also supported fisheries, aquaculture and leisure navigation.

According to him, the agency has partnered with fishing clubs, boat owners, and aquaculture enterprises to provide customised charts that guide safe operations at sea.

“It is also offering hydrographic data to coastal states for infrastructure planning and environmental protection.

“It might interest you to know that we have also started giving data to the aqua tourism industry in Nigeria.

“We have close relationships with the Yacht Club in Lagos, with the Boat Club in Apapa, for fishing, and also the Yacht Club in Ikoyi,” he said.

Olugbode said that the agency’s goal was not just limited to Nigeria but extends to enabling hydrographic development across West Africa.

“Hydrography is a shared responsibility. We are not just mapping Nigeria’s waters; we are helping neighbouring countries benefit from our expertise and tools to improve safety and stimulate blue economy development.

In addition to domestic efforts, Nigeria has committed to supporting other West African nations with survey assets, personnel training, and access to bathymetric data, in alignment with the United Nations’ Seabed 2030 initiative.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana  Zulum of Borno and the Shehu of Borno, Alh. Abubakar El-Kanemi, have appealed to the Federal Government to fast-track the rehabilitation and expansion of the Alau Dam.

The duo made the appeal when the Shehu paid the traditional Sallah homage to the governor at Government House, Maiduguri, saying such was necessary to avert another Borno flooding disaster.

Zulum, who expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the project, warned that at the dawn of this year’s rainy season, urgent action was needed.

According to the governor, fast-tracking the project would prevent a repeat of the 2024 flood disaster which devastated Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.

“After the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam, which we all attended, the truth is that the work is not progressing as expected.

“The last time I visited the President, I informed him about the true state of the project. I assure you I will not relent. I will continue to follow up, and I have also notified the Vice President.

“In the meantime, the Secretary to the State Government has constituted a committee to provide immediate intervention at the dam,” Zulum said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had earlier this year approved N80 billion for the reconstruction and expansion of the dam.

The intervention was aimed at mitigating a repeat of the dam’s collapse incident, which culminated in the severe flooding and damages that ensued.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in March to mark the official commencement of the project.

Zulum also pledged to connect all local government headquarters in the state to the national electricity grid before the end of his administration.

He further assured the Shehu that once the Pulka Quarry plant was completed, massive road rehabilitation work would commence across the state.

“These are two critical issues dear to me. I assure Your Royal Highness that all local government headquarters will be connected to electricity before my tenure expires, Insha Allah.

“Regarding road infrastructure, insecurity has been a major challenge, but we remain committed.

“We have procured 40 brand-new Howo tipper trucks, and once the Pulka Quarry plant is completed, we will embark on extensive road rehabilitation across the state,” he said.

Zulum thanked the Shehu and the people of Borno for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.

In his remarks, the Shehu said the Sallah homage had been a long-standing tradition and commended the governor for the unprecedented development strides recorded across the state.

He also stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to expedite action on the Alau Dam project, noting that the first phase should have been completed by now.

“We witnessed the catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri on 10th September 2024, and we do not want a repeat. The Federal Government must act immediately,” he said.

He said the recent flooding in Mokwa was a warning about the looming threat that the people faced if swift action was not taken to complete the Alau Dam project.

The traditional ruler also urged the governor to follow up the issues of oil exploration in Tuba, road rehabilitation, and electricity connectivity for local government areas with the Federal Government.

NAN reports that Zulum also received Sallah homage from various delegations, including the University of Maiduguri;  Kashim Ibrahim University; and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Others are Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, and the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen