September 13, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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Breaking News

1 Chinese ambassador pledges to actualise outcomes of Tinubu’s China visit

2 UNICEF seeks support to eradicate NTDs in Nigeria

3 FCTA provides free medical services to 3,370 residents

4 AREAi empowers 400 girls with digital skills

5 Weights and Measures: FG commits to curbing shortchanging customers

Agriculture

FG, stakeholders synergise to boost poultry production

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government and stakeholders have agreed to collaborate in boosting the productivity of the Nigeria’s poultry sector.

Winnie Lai-Solarin, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), said this at a meeting with members of the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Poultry Value Chain.

Lai-Solarin said there was the need for all relevant stakeholders to join the platform to foster collaborative partnerships that would activate innovative developments to the growth of the poultry industry.

Organised by the AFOS Foundation, an NGO, the meeting specifically aimed at fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving to drive growth and development of the sector.

Lai-Solarin, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting productivity across the nation’s agricultural value chain.

“The poultry sector will be among the most prioritised.

“We are committed to working together to overcome the challenges facing our industry.

“This meeting marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and cooperation.”

Prof. Udo Herbert, the Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), called for concerted efforts to boost the sector.

Herbert underscored the importance of addressing identified gaps and challenges in the poultry value chain by bringing all stakeholders together under a platform to optimise productivity.

He expressed the readiness of the institute to play a major role on the multi-stakeholders’ platform to mitigate challenges faced by actors in the value chain.

The stakeholders deliberated on key issues such as value chain development, policy advocacy, inclusive finance, capacity building and public private partnerships. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

General News

Stakeholders call for collaboration to tackle poverty, gender equity

By Lucy Ogalue

Some stakeholders have reiterated an urgent need for collaborative action to address poverty and promote gender equity in the country.

The stakeholders spoke at the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2024 (GS-24), convened by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit aims to highlight possible ways Nigeria can address growing poverty in the country.

The summit scheduled for Sept. 4 to Sept. 5, has as its theme: “Reimagining gender inclusive pathways and partnerships for poverty reduction.”

The Chairman of the NESG, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, expressed the commitment of the NESG to transforming Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape through impactful reforms and inclusive development.

Yusuf said that the PIC,  since its inauguration, had remained a pioneering force for behavioural insights and gender-transformative approach in Africa.

According to him, the summit, institutionalised annually since 2022, serves as a crucial platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration.

He said this year’s theme brought to view the pressing issue of multidimensional poverty, which disproportionately affected women and had continued to impede the nation’s progress.

He said that the aim was to create solutions that can directly lead to the reduction of inequality and deprivations that have stifled progress for far too long.

“Together, I believe we aspire to forge a path towards a more just, equitable and a prosperous society where every individual can thrive and can contribute to our shared prosperity.

“We need to design and implement solutions that will allow our women and every citizen to take their rightful place in our society so that our dear nation can finally realise its potential.

“Therefore, I welcome you all at this summit and enjoin you to make the most of the opportunity.

“We will work together and collaborate to reimagine gender inclusive pathways and partnerships for poverty reduction,” he said.

Earlier, the PIC Chairman, Mr Udeme Ufot , restated the importance of ensuring solutions to the disparities and inclusivity in Nigeria.

“By uniting the collective power of government, development partners, civil societies, academia, the private sector, and citizens, we aim to inspire collective commitment and focus action towards the agenda of an inclusive society.

“The 2nd edition focuses on the theme, building bridges, advancing gender and inclusion through the intersection of trade and health.

“This year, we are placing significant emphasis on the issues surrounding multidimensional poverty as Africa is home to a significant proportion of the world’s poorest and marginalised population,” he said.

According to Ufot, poverty remains widespread, with a large segment of the population living below the 2.15 dollars per day.

“Therefore, addressing these challenges and rectifying a variety of approaches to combat poverty and inequality is crucial.

“Ending poverty and reducing inequality are critical to the attainment of the sustainable development goals,” he said.

He restated the commitment of the PIC to ensuring that every idea and recommendation from the summit was documented in a purple book to facilitate sustained advocacy for the summit.

Meanwhile , the Director of Women’s Economic Empowerment at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mrs Greta Bull, emphasised the need to improve women’s ability to generate and manage their own income.

Bull said  that across the world, poverty still wore a woman’s face.

“This is especially true in Nigeria where, according to the World Bank, 70 per cent of the population living below the poverty line are women.

”There are more than twice as many Nigerian women living in poverty than men, and still, women have lesser access to the skills, tools and resources that would help close this gap.

“The reality is that Nigeria can not reach its true potential when women and girls lack economic opportunity.

“Unfortunately, programmes and policies that support women’s economic opportunity are often deprioritised, particularly when hard tradeoffs have to be made,” she said.

Bull said that women empowerment was crucial for economic growth.

She said that  women should be seen as economic actors rather than charity cases.

She said that  women should be  provided with  access to affordable credit, markets, labour enhancing assets and digital tools among others to address this challenge.

“Nigeria will only build sustainable economic opportunities for women by building a platform for them to stand on.

“By uprooting gender blind systems and replanting them with ones that truly prioritise and support women to thrive through Nigeria’s experience and the experience of peer countries, ” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

Army chief seeks wide-ranging collaboration to protect nation’s territory

Territory

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called for broad-spectrum collaborative effort in addressing the contentious issues of how armies can better protect the nation’s territory.

Lagbaja said this while presenting a paper at the symposium on “Peace, Security and the Commitment of the Youth”, organised by the French Army, at the Golf de Cicé-Blossac in Rennes, France.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, said the event was hosted by the French Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Schill Pierre.

Lagbaja spoke on the topic, “Armies and the Protection of their National Territory: Legal Framework, Issues and Challenges,” at the event attended by 12 other chiefs of national armies across Africa.

He raised concerns on the applicability of local and international laws and conventions in the face of the harrowing struggle against non-state actors and states.

According to him, the actors chose to either ignore or treat the laws with levity.

Speaking the French army chief, Gen. Schill, said the symposium was aimed at enabling the French army exchange its mode of engagement with foreign partners, particularly in Africa.

Schill said the symposium was designed with a view to transiting from solely military to an all encompassing, mutually beneficial approach to relationship cum engagement.

According to Nwachukwu, Lagbaja and his Ivorian counterpart are the only foreign delegates granted the honour of presenting papers at the symposium.

He said the COAS was accompanied by the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John Ochai and other members of his delegation.

“They later attended the commissioning ceremony of cadets into the French Army at the Saint-Cyr Military Academy, Coetquida.

“The NDA Commandant also initiated bilateral engagements on cadets training on the side-line of the symposium,’’ Nwachukwu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Sadiya Hamza

Economy/Business

RMAFC seeks closer ties with EFCC to recover lost revenue

By Vivian Emoni

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has advocated stronger collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure recovery of unremitted revenues to the appropriate government coffers.

The Chairman of the commission, Mr Muhammad Shehu, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Shehu said such collaboration would help to discover the areas of revenue leakages and ensure effective recovery.

“We are calling on EFCC for more collaboration, not only in the area of enforcement but also intelligence gathering and data sharing with respect to government revenue from any source.

“The collaboration with your organisation in the area of enforcement served as an impetus to the success recorded in our recovery exercise.

“It is therefore important to bring to the fore that the collaboration between RMAFC and EFCC is crucial in addressing the challenges of unremitted revenue to the federation account,’’ he said.

Shehu also sought the assistance of the EFCC in respect of capacity building for the staff of RMAFC, especially in the area of forensic investigation.

He said that his organisation had observed that many Revenue Generating Agencies, described as Government Owned Enterprises (GOE) by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation are allowed to generate revenue.

He added that, “such agencies also spend from it and remit the balance as operating surplus to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

“This is not known to the constitution as all agencies are constitutionally mandated to remit the revenues generated in gross to the federation account as prescribed in section 162 (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended.

“The constitution states that the federation shall maintain a special account to be called, The Federation Account into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation.

“Except the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry or Department of Government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.’’

The chairman said that the collaboration between RMAFC and EFCC in 2013, helped the commission to recovered unremitted and under-remitted revenues.

He said that the revenues were collected and deducted from the third party by the banks to the federation account covering a period from 2008 to 2015, where N74 billion was recovered.

He also disclosed that in 2021, the RMAFC engaged another set of consultants in synergy with EFCC and expanded the scope of recovery to include the public sector as well as oil and gas sector for a period covering 2016 to 2019.

“The exercise has so far recovered over N216 billion to the appropriate government coffers and it is still going on”.

He said the RMAFC was established to ensure effective and efficient management of the nation’s revenue.

Responding, Olukoyede stressed the need for effective collaboration between the two organisations to ensure proper management of government revenue.

“Nigeria can only move forward, when there is transparency and accountability in the conduct of government business.

“Nigeria will be better if the right steps are taken.  There are things we have been able to do together within the scopes of our mandate and your mandate as well.

“Transparency and accountability should be embedded in our public life as a nation. That’s the only way we can move forward.”

According  to him, “one of the things the two agencies are supposed to focus on more now besides recoveries is our systems.

“There is nothing fundamentally wrong with us as Nigerians but with the system that we run here, if you bring in the people that make things work in their own countries to our system here, they will be corrupt.

“There is an entrenched system here that encourages people to steal and it will appear as if nothing will happen. Let’s look at our system of revenue generation, the system that allows leakages in mobilisation and appropriation of funds.

“If we don’t look at the system, we will continue to chase shadows. Let’s get our priorities right. I see no reason why a ministry that has no business with project execution will be awarding contracts.

“We should look at these areas and scale up our surveillance. In all of these let’s support the President in all his efforts to reposition this country.

“The president relies on you and me and all the people he has put in a position of trust and responsibility,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

 

 

Education

Archives: Don advocates collaborations for best practices

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

A professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics, Elvis Otobo, says collaboration with international bodies is key for best practices in the implementation of successful archival systems in Nigeria.

Otobo, media aide to the Founder/Visitor, Caleb University and Proprietor Caleb Group of Schools, Dr Oladega Adebogun, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, in order to achieve the much needed national transformation and accelerated economic growth, effective records and archives management is critical.

Otobo, also Africa’s pioneer Archival Science and Diplomatics Professor, said that archival science and diplomatics played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and administrative history of not just Nigeria, but Africa at large.

He added that it was also not just an academic achievement, but also a pivotal step toward enhancing the country’s records and archives ecosystem.

According to him, it promises a future where the country’s historical narrative is preserved with integrity and shared with the world.

“Diplomatics is the study of ancient documents, which assists in verifying the authenticity of historical records; thus, safeguarding the accuracy and legitimacy of African history, reflecting on its past and informing its present as well as shaping a more informed future.

“Across Africa, archival science ensures that valuable records are properly organised, stored and made accessible for research, which is vital for understanding the continent’s post-colonial history and development,” he said.

Otobo added that well-kept records were also essential for transparent governance, legal certainty and attracting investment.

He said that Nigeria had yet to achieve much in the archival science and diplomatics space.

“Nigeria’s performance in records management has been a mixed bag.

“Studies have shown that there are challenges in the practice of records management in the country’s public and private sectors.

“Inadequate facilities and lack of coherent policy are prevalent.

“However, there are also positive developments, such as the implementation of eNictronic records management, which has had a positive impact on national development in areas like security control, collaboration and efficiency,” he said.

The professor told NAN that about 98 per cent of  organisations in Nigeria lacked a strong record management policy, which could lead to inefficiency, corruption and poor job performance.

Otobo said that there was still room for improvement in the broader records management landscape in Nigeria.

He said that a multi-faceted approach was essential to enhance the country’s records and archival systems.

According to him, strengthening the legal framework to ensure protection and management of records and investing in modern technology for digitisation and electronic records management are important.

Otobo stressed the importance of improving professional trainings for archivists and records managers.

He said that conducting regular records surveys and acquiring new materials for preservation were also critical steps needed for the revitalisation of the sector.

“The various laws guiding the management of records and archives must equally be respected and strictly implemented,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ijeoma Popoola

Defence/Security

Insecurity: Defence Chief advocates closer collaboration between military, NIA

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for stronger collaboration between the military and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) towards addressing the prevailing security challenges confronting the nation.

Musa made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Director General of NIA, Amb. Ahmed Rufai at the NIA Headquarters in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Thursday in Abuja.

He emphasised the need to continue to bolster collaboration within the country’s security apparatus in addressing the national security challenges.

The CDS commended the NIA boss for his exemplary leadership and commitment to national service.

He said the agency had continued to provide invaluable support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and called for the adoption of cutting-edge technology to effectively combat insecurity.

Musa reiterated the readiness of the armed forces to collaborate closely for the greater good of the nation.

He stressed the imperative of addressing security challenges with determination, emphasising the role of fairness, good governance, and related factors in safeguarding national security.

In his response, the Director-General of NIA, Amb. Rufai, underscored the importance of teamwork and cooperation in advancing the nation’s interests.

He reiterated the agency’s mandate to safeguard the country’s interests and emphasized the necessity of collaboration among security agencies.

He also acknowledged the challenges facing security agencies but urged them not to waver in their commitment to their duties.

Rufai lauded the defence chief for his dedication to duty and highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between NIA and AFN, particularly in staff training initiatives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Registrar-General, CAC, Mr Hussaini Magaji
Economy/Business

CAC, stakeholders collaborate for effective service delivery

By Lucy Ogalue

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), says collaboration is critical to enhance efficient service delivery that satisfies the yearnings and aspirations of all stakeholders.

The Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, said this at a One Day interactive session with customers and stakeholders in Abuja.

According to Magaji, there is a big gap between the registration process and compliance with post-registration expectations of entities.

“I want to appreciate your several interventions at various stages on this journey.

“To have in place a reliable legal framework which we collectively gave ourselves to regulate the activities of registered entities.

“You will agree with me that without regulation, the purpose of having the framework is defeated.

“We still have to work together to ensure that issues related to regulation of these entities are seamlessly implemented,” he said.

Magaji said that he was working with management of the commission to set strategic objectives that would usher in a new symbiotic relationship beneficial to all members.

“The commission under my leadership is continuously engaging with our software vendors to improve on areas that require urgent attention to make the Companies Registration Portal (CRP) perform optimally.

“This will resolve problems associated with delay in service delivery.

“The commission has also initiated the process of reviewing our operational checklist to bring it up to speed with international best practices.

“This will go a long way in simplifying our processes and also reduce the time cycle for our services and product delivery.”

Magaji said CAC was upgrading its call centre to a response centre that would attend to customer complaints and enquiries within 24 hours.

He said this would also address the anxiety of getting issues resolved not only on time, but also addressing the overall expectations of customers and stakeholders.

“I will be engaging and collaborating with all of you on a continuous basis to get inputs and suggestions from you.

“This will ensure a good experience in service delivery as we move forward on this journey,” he added.

While commending efforts of the stakeholders, Magaji reiterated the commitment of the commission to ensure it attained a status as the best Companies Registries globally. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Joseph Edeh

Dr Anthony Ojoukwu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
General News

Commonwealth Day: NHRC, others harp on mutual support, collaboration for sustainable future

By Edith Nwapi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other stakeholders have expressed their belief that mutual support and collaboration would help to foster sustainable future among Commonwealth member states.

The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN, said this at the 2024 Commonwealth Day commemoration in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the 2nd Monday of March every year.

It is observed in 56 member states and by people all over the Commonwealth in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.

NAN reports further that the theme of this year’s event is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.

According to Ojukwu, the theme highlights how the 56 member countries must harness their strengths by building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth advantage’ and fostering a connected digital Commonwealth.

“This year’s commemoration creates a moment for reflection by members and citizens of the Commonwealth on the core values of peace, democracy and human rights, which are the foundation upon which this very unique institution is built.

“The commemoration also provides an opportunity to recommit ourselves to achieving these ideals and to advance cooperation towards achieving the goal of the Commonwealth – unity, peace, progress and prosperity of nations.

“The National Human Rights Commission identifies today with the ideals and purpose of the Commonwealth and joins all member states to celebrate the Commonwealth on this special occasion,” he said.

Ojukwu said that the Commonwealth had become a historic platform that promotes democracy, peace and human rights, as well as core values that deliver sustainable development and prosperity to all.

“The National Human Rights Commission shares in these values and believes that its mission to promote, protect and enforce human rights fits squarely into these principles.

“In many parts of the world today, we are faced with numerous social, political, economic and conflict related challenges which impacts on the attainment of the values which we celebrate today.

“From climate change, insecurity, undemocratic interferences to hunger, inequalities, conflicts of diverse classifications, among many others with attendant consequences on the enjoyment of human rights.”

He said in the midst of this gloomy picture, lies a bright hope that coming together as nations and peoples we can chart a course that can bring us to dialogue on ways we can improve upon our society .

Ojukwu, therefore, called for the creations of an environment that would advance the course and the wellbeing of humanity.

This, he said lies at the background of the unique opportunity presented by the event.

In his goodwill message, Commonwealth Chair-in-Office and President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, said the theme was particularly relevant as member states navigate a world brimming with both challenges and opportunities.

Kagame, who was represented by Mr Vianney Rubagumya, 2nd Counsellor, Rwanda High Commission in Nigeria, said that the
upcoming CHOGM in Samoa, in October, was expected to solidify the strength of commonwealth.

“With 56 member states, a collective force of over 2.5 billion people, and a combined economic power exceeding $13 trillion, we are a significant force to reckon with in the world.

“The commonwealth has long championed democracy, sustainable development, peace and human rights. These very principles guided Rwanda when we assumed the chair-in-office role in 2022, a time marked by the lingering effects of the global pandemic.

“Let’s leverage the “commonwealth Advantage ” our shared values, history and language,” he said.

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig – Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, represented by Mr Maxwell Isa, said youths are the catalysts for positive change and sustainable progress.

He said the Commonwealth Day provided the opportunity for fostering stronger economic, social and cultural co-operation among member nations.

According to Ahmed, it also advances the cherished principles of democracy and human rights that form the bedrock of our collective values.

“This year’s theme invites us to explore the immense opportunities available to us as we strive to harness our collective strengths and resources, fostering unity and prosperity for all.

“It beckons us to harness the immense potential of the diverse Commonwealth family, uniting our strengths and resources to promote unity and prosperity for all, while upholding the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual within our nations.

“As you are aware, the NYSC is an organisation dedicated to nurturing and empowering the youths. We are aware of the pivotal role that the younger generation play in shaping the future of our nation,” he said.

He therefore, pleaded with stakeholders to prioritise the empowerment and inclusion of youths in their collective endeavours.

The event saw the NYSC cultural troupe and Junior secondary school, Area 11, entertaining the guest with cultural dance.

There was also a poetry rendition by the students of Capital Science Academy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Environment

Climate change: Minister urges swift action on water sector

By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for immediate and collaborative efforts to address the escalating challenges of climate change in the country.

Utsev made this call at the opening of the two-day National Workshop on State Action Plan on Climate Change on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said there was an urgent need for collective action as no nation was exempted from the effects of climate change which surpassed borders, ideologies, and political realms.

The minister said the fast encroachment of climate change was affecting every facet of life, from food sources to infrastructure, livelihoods, health, and the future.

According to him, water, as one of the most vulnerable sectors, faces the brunt of climate change.

Utsev, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, listed various manifestations, including rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and the depletion of natural resources, especially water and ecosystems.

“The signs of climate change are becoming more distinct, and the time for climate action is now.”

He referenced Nigeria’s experiences, such as the floods of 2012 and 2022, as undeniable proof that climate change was a tangible reality.

The minister attributed climate change primarily to greenhouse gases and synthetic chemicals and called for swift, decisive, and collaborative efforts.

He said engaging stakeholders at all levels, including governance, development partners, and the private sector, was crucial to developing holistic solutions that leave no one behind.

Utsev said that the impact of climate change on the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, affected not only human life but also economic growth, food, and energy production.

He urged participants to approach the workshop with optimism and a sense of purpose.

“Together, we can rise to the challenge of climate change and recreate a world that is healthy, equitable, and more resilient for economic prosperity,’’ he said.

He expressed optimism that the workshop’s outcome would drive positive change in the collective aspiration to make the planet more conducive and resilient.

Dr Mukaila Babarinde, the Director of Hydrogeology and Climate Change at the ministry, highlighted the significance and timeliness of the workshop.

According to him, the workshop aims to advocate for and align Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action with SDG 6 on Water and Sanitation.

He said that it placed special emphasis on grassroots engagement, youth involvement, and the participation of water sector professionals from various states across Nigeria.

This, he added focused on the Climate Adaptation Country Compact.

“The workshop’s specific objectives include disseminating the concept of climate-resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programming.

“Additionally, it aims to orient states on the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) and provide support for the preparation of action plans to implement climate-resilient WASH programmes,’’ he said.

Babarinde added that the initiative underscored the commitment to addressing climate challenges in the water sector, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for communities across the nation.

Dr Jane Bevan, UNICEF Chief of WASH, issued a stark warning regarding Africa’s vulnerability to climate change, with Nigeria ranking as the second-highest risk globally.

She said there was the need for tangible actions in the WASH sector to counteract the impending threats of extreme weather conditions and diseases like cholera.

Bevan advocated for a united front against the risks; outlining the importance of preparedness plans, emergency response strategies and initiatives to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and diseases linked to rising temperatures.

She underscored the significance of adopting proactive measures, including state-level action plans and a climate rationale, to secure external funding and fortify regions against climate-related challenges. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Environment

FG seeks sub-national collaboration to combat sanitation challenges

By Tosin Kolade

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has called on states and local governments to support the Federal Government in addressing poor sanitation conditions in the country.

Utsev, who spoke at the National Workshop on Safely Managed Sanitation (SMS) on Tuesday in Abuja, highlighted the urgent need to address challenges in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

The minister underscored the crucial role sanitation played in public health, community well-being, and national prosperity.

Citing a 2012 World Bank report, he revealed that poor sanitation cost Nigeria an estimated N455 billion annually; emphasising the economic impact on healthcare, productivity, and education.

Utsev regretted the social costs of open defecation, including loss of dignity and increased vulnerability to violence.

The minister acknowledged the current off-track progress in Nigeria on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 6.2, which aimed to achieve equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

“With only 46 per cent of the population having access to basic sanitation services and 25 per cent practicing open defecation, the country faces the challenge of tripling its investment to achieve the SDG target,’’ he said.

Utsev reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to SDG 6, linking it to national development goals such as food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, and inclusivity.

He said that the sanitation value chain had the potential to reduce healthcare costs, boost productivity, and spur economic growth.

The minister expressed gratitude to partners, including UNICEF, World Bank, WHO, and WaterAid, for their continuous support, anticipating that the workshop’s outcomes would contribute to a future where safely managed sanitation was a reality for all Nigerians.

UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Dr Jane Bevan, highlighted the progress and challenges in Nigeria’s sanitation efforts.

Bevan said that in spite achieving open defecation-free status in 117 local government areas, there remained significant concerns.

She said that improper disposal of waste by pit emptiers in hazardous locations posed a threat to water sources, led to pollution and the spread of infections and impacted Nigeria’s vulnerable children who lacked defence against diseases like cholera.

Bevan said there was need to view sanitation beyond just having toilets, emphasising the importance of considering the entire sanitation value chain, including the safe disposal of waste.

She expressed concern that without addressing the end disposal process, despite having functional toilets, there was a substantial public health risk for Nigeria’s population.

Bevan reflected on her involvement in community-led total sanitation since the early 2000s and commended the progress made but harped on  the continued need for substantial efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Ms Evelyn Mere, expressed worries over the global and national failure to meet open defecation targets.

Mere, represented by Mr Kolawole Banwo, highlighted the country’s ambition to achieve open defecation-free status by 2025 through campaigns promoting toilet construction.

She questioned the fate of captured faecal matter and emphasised that a single 5m³ truck of faecal sludge equals 5000 people practicing open defecation.

Mere warned that without addressing the entire sanitation service chain, open defecation goals would remain elusive, potentially leading to displaced open defecation and escalating public health challenges.

The country director underscored the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to elevate safely managed sanitation as a national aspiration and human right.

Highlighting the importance of a robust policy framework, Mere announced WaterAid’s collaboration with the Federal Government to develop a National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) policy.

The country director said that citizen-led groups and subcommittee members would receive continuous capacity-building sessions to achieve safely managed sanitation.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the gathering, which brought together stakeholders from national and subnational levels, development partners and the private sector, marked a significant step towards achieving universal and sustainable access to sanitation.  (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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