News Agency of Nigeria
Protect rivers, not pollute them- FG to Nigerians
Environment

Protect rivers, not pollute them- FG to Nigerians

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to see themselves as guardians of rivers, saying protecting the nation’s waterways is safeguarding public health, food security and the economy.

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, made the call on Monday in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2025 World Rivers Day with the theme: “Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities.”

Utsev was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah.

“I call on all stakeholders, including government, civil society, private sector, media, and indeed every Nigerian, to see ourselves as guardians of our rivers.

“Our rivers are not refuse dumps. Our rivers must not be polluted with sewage, effluents or open defecation.

“Protecting our rivers is safeguarding ourselves, our health and our economy”.

He said clean and healthy rivers were vital to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in food security, job creation and socio-economic wellbeing.

Utsev said the Federal Government had advanced key interventions to protect rivers and improve sanitation.

These include the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, and the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

“So far, 21 states and 151 Local Government Areas have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), with Jigawa State sustaining its record as the first ODF state in Nigeria,” he added.

He said the River Basin Development Authorities had intensified community-inclusive initiatives such as tree planting, catchment protection and small-scale irrigation schemes to safeguard riverbanks and boost food production.

The minister also stressed the need for collaboration with states, local councils, civil society and the private sector to promote eco-friendly practices such as river clean-ups, pollution control and climate-smart sanitation.

In his welcome remarks, Pheelangwah, represented by the Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, said rivers must be treated with respect and managed with care.

“Rivers nurture ecosystems, sustain livelihoods and hold cultural values. Safeguarding them means securing human dignity, social wellbeing and ecological balance,” Pheelangwah said.

He added that activities such as road showed, tree planting and riverbank clean-ups were being carried out nationwide to promote community ownership and collective responsibility.

He commended the minister for his commitment to repositioning the water and sanitation sector, while appreciating the RBDAs, civil society, development partners and the media for their continued support.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured symbolic tree planting and river cleaning at Wupa river along Airport Road, Abuja. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, WJC Sign MoU on Wildlife Protection
Environment

Nigeria, WJC Sign MoU on Wildlife Protection

MoU
By Doris Esa, Edited by Sadiya Hamza

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), an international non-governmental organisation based in The Hague, Netherlands, to strengthen wildlife protection in the country.

The MoU provides a framework for cooperation to combat transnational organised criminal networks involved in trafficking wildlife, fish, and timber.

The agreement was signed by Prof. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and Stephen Carmody, Chief of Investigations at the WJC, represented by Abim Isafiade, Regional Manager for West and Central Africa.

Barikor said the MoU would boost intelligence-sharing, enhance forensic and legal collaboration, and support future work of the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.

“This MoU aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and demonstrates our government’s determination to conserve biodiversity and protect threatened species. Together with WJC, we will make Nigeria a hostile environment for wildlife traffickers,” he said.

Executive Director of WJC, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, noted that the partnership would inject new momentum into Nigeria’s enforcement efforts.

“By working with NESREA and the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, we can sustain and deepen reforms, ensuring Nigeria continues to lead in intelligence-led enforcement,” she said.

The MoU reflects the shared commitment of NESREA and WJC to fight wildlife crime, dismantle criminal networks, and safeguard species from extinction.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Naval chief tasks personnel on professionalism, protection of democracy
Defence/Security

Naval chief tasks personnel on professionalism, protection of democracy

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged personnel of the Nigerian Navy to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and remain committed to protecting the nation’s democracy.

Ogalla, represented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Admiralty Integrated Farms Limited, Rear Adm. Julius Nwagu, gave the charge at the 2025 Second Quarter Route March, on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the route march was organised as a show of force to prepare personnel to be mentally and physically fit.

According to him, it is aimed at developing personnel physical and mental alertness to meet the dynamics of contemporary security operations as well as fostering esprit de corps and providing an avenue for relaxation.

“I enjoin you to be more professional in the conduct of your duties and day activities.

“Furthermore, I encourage you not to engage in any act of misdemeanor or take laws into your hands that could bring the service into disrepute in the course of your duty.

“Furthermore, I charge you all to show dedication to duty and unflinching support to our democracy and constituted authority,” he said.

Ogalla pledged his commitment to continue to support the personnel by providing all the required needs to function optimally in the area of their responsibilities.

According to him, it is worthy of mention that the Nigeria Navy is primarily responsible for the protection of the nation’s maritime domain.

He said the Nigerian Navy was also a major contributor to the Gulf of Guinea maritime security arrangement, as well as a major participant in internal security duties all over the country.

This, he said, made it imperative for them to be mentally and physically fit at all times.

“Thus, the exercise and physical training remains the bedrock of naval personnel’s daily mental and physical readiness for sea show and ashore duties.

“It is pertinent to state that the commitment of the Nigeria Navy towards enhancing mental and physical fitness has yielded dividends.

“This has been witnessed with the sterling contributions of the Nigerian Navy schedule to national security, peace and prosperity.

“It is in recognition of this fact and desire of the service to keep the personnel physically fit that the route march amongst other physical fitness exercises are sustained in the navy schedule of events.

“As you are aware, the Nigerian navy has just concluded Operation Obangame Express.

“The exercise was aimed at partnering with regional and global maritime stakeholders on the security of maritime domain awareness of littoral states within the Africa continent,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi

DHQ prioritises civilian protection during operations
Defence/Security

DHQ prioritises civilian protection during operations

By Sumaila Ogbaje 

In a significant step towards minimising harm to non-combatants, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising civilian protection during military operations.

This was demonstrated with the hosting of the Civilian Harm Mitigation Seminar organised by the DHQ in conjunction with the US Institute for Security Governance, in Abuja.

In his remarks at the closing of the seminar on Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole, said the protection of civilians during operations was paramount to the military.

Bankole said that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had placed a high premium on safeguarding civilians, emphasising that the protection of innocent lives was a top priority in all military operations.

“Civilian mitigation is critical to our operations right now.

“As you are aware, unfortunately, Nigeria has been fighting an insurgency for the last 15 years and has been fought in mostly populated civilian areas.

“Some of the civilians are used as collateral damages or are being forced.

“That is why the CDS in his wisdom, as part of his command philosophy, noted that he will be human-centric or people-centric in his philosophy.

“So there is a need for us to care for civilians and that is why the Institute of Security Governance from the USA now decided to team up with the Defence Headquarters Department of Civil Military Relations to sensitise and educate our men on civilian arm mitigation,” he said.

Bankole said the two-day intensive training was designed towards sharing lessons learned for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to learn from.

According to him, this is close to the heart of the CDS who wants to protect the civilians and make sure that nobody is discriminated against.

He said the course had participants from all the theatres of operations and all the services to sensitise them on the need to protect civilians, infrastructure, as well as protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

Bankole said the DHQ had enhanced its non-kinetic efforts, recognising the importance of collaboration with local communities to be able to win the war against terrorism and other forms of security threats.

He thanked the team of experts from the US for the impactful training, urging the participants to adequately apply the knowledge gained in achieving the operational aims of the military in their various places of operation.

The Country Lead, US Institute for Security Government (ISG), retired Maj.-Gen. Miguel Castellanos, said that civilian harm mitigation was a joint effort of all actors, especially the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Castellanos urged them to enhance cooperation to coordinate and understand each other’s strengths to be able to succeed.

He reiterated the commitment of the organisation to continue to partner the Nigerian military to further strengthen its capacity in other areas. (NAN) 

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Wike urges residents to take ownership, protect public infrastructure
Metro

Wike urges residents to take ownership, protect public infrastructure

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of the territory to take ownership of public infrastructure built in their communities.

Wike, who made the call after he inspected some ongoing projects in satellite towns, also urged the residents to protect the public infrastructure against vandals.

Some of the projects included the completed Market and Palace Road in Gwagwalada, completed 15-kilometre A2 to Pai and the ongoing 15.4-km Pai to Gumani in Kwali Area Council.

The minister also inspected the ongoing dualisation of Ushafa to Military Checkpoint and War College Roads in Bwari Area Council.

The minister said that the President Bola Tinubu-ped government has provided the infrastructure needed by the FCT residents, stressing the need for the residents to own it for sustainability.

He advised the residents against vandalism, stressing that the government had spent huge resources to provide facilities with a view to make life comfortable to residents.

“Take for example we have provided streetlights; the citizens can own them by securing the streetlights.

“Government cannot do everything. While we have security agencies, we can also be of help to the security agencies by providing useful information.

“It will be disturbing that I will come back here tomorrow, and you hear that one of the poles has been vandalised and the wires have been taken away.

“If we own these facilities in our community, it will not happen,” he said.

Wike stressed that the residents must protect public properties for them to enjoy it and for the government to do more for their communities.

He pointed out that it was the people that have been crying to the government to reconstruct the Ushafa and war college roads.

“Now that the government has done its own part to make their life meaningful, they should also help the government by making sure they protect what has been provided,” the minister said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Centre seeks protection for child domestic workers  
General News , Health

Centre seeks protection for child domestic workers  

 

 

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Centre for Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) has called for the protection of child domestic workers,  from widespread maltreatment and exploitation across Nigeria.

The advocacy centre spearheading the “Protect Child Domestic Workers (PCDW) from Maltreatment” programme, noted that thousands of children, some as young as 10 years, were enduring hazardous conditions.

These conditions according to the centre, ranges from abuse to  the denial of fundamental rights, despite existing legal safeguards.

The Grant/Programme Manager of CAPRIGHTS-VP, Ngozi Arinze, made the call during a school sensitisation outreach at the Muslim Junior College, Egbe, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach has the theme: “Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment”.

 

Centre for Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) school sensitisation outreach on protection of CDWs,  at the Muslim Junior College, Egbe, Lagos State, on Wednesday

 

Arinze, also a lawyer, educated the students on their five basic rights as children, listing  them as the right to education, health, safety, family life and recreation/play.

She said that while some child domestic workers enjoyed good treatments from their guardians/employers, some were deprived of these rights .

“The deprived ones often endure harsh living and working conditions, with limited access to education and healthcare,” she said.

Arinze reminded the students that the ‘Child Rights Law’ stated that at all times, the best interest of the child should be the primary consideration.

She called for collective efforts to protect children serving as house helps, commonly referred to as “Omo-Odo”.

The Project Coordinator of CAPRIGHTS-VP, Mercy Joshua, anchored the interactive session, where she addressed the students and teachers in Yoruba.

The session was in line with the school’s observance of Yoruba-Speaking Day every Wednesday, as practised in the state’s  public schools.

Joshua said, “Every child has the right to education, just like each of you here today.

“No child should be deprived of this right, as education is the foundation of a brighter future.

“Education helps shape children into responsible adults and plays a major role in reducing the number of dysfunctional families in our society,”.

During the interactive session, some students, however, stated  that some CDWs were indeed present in their school.

They committed to reporting any observed cases of abuse, whether among fellow students, within the community, or at home, moving forward.

Joshua  encouraged both students and teachers to report cases of child abuse or maltreatment, particularly those involving CDWs, to CAPRIGHTS-VP.

She assured them that all reported cases would be handled confidentially and appropriately referred through CAPRIGHTS-VP’s partnerships with government ministries, health institutions and other NGOs.

Also, the organisation’s Communications Officer, Ugwueze Chinecherem, demonstrated how to call the toll-free helplines (0800 800 8001 or 0800 004 4444) emphasising that the call was free.

She stressed that the  provision was made to eliminate any excuses and ensured that every child could report abuse or rights violations, without financial barriers.

An official of the school who pleaded anonymity,  expressed deep appreciation to CAPRIGHTS-VP for their consistent commitment and sacrifices in championing the rights of vulnerable children.

She encouraged both teachers and students to make use of the toll-free lines to report any case of abuse or rights violations.

No fewer than 800 students and 20 teachers were in attendance at the school assembly for the outreach. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu

Nigeria joins global cross-border privacy forum
Science & Tech

Nigeria joins global cross-border privacy forum

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Nigeria has joined the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum as an associate member to explore better ways of cross-border data transfers and data protection.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission(NDPC) made the announcement on Wednesday at a media briefing organised ahead of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) conference and annual general meeting in Abuja.

The conference is expected to hold on May 6 to May 8 and will be focusing on “Balancing Innovation in Africa, Data Privacy and Protection in Emerging Technologies.”

Olatunji said that the move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and demonstrating its commitment to data protection and privacy standards.

The Global CBPR Forum, established in 2022, aims to facilitate the free flow of data and promote cooperation on data protection and privacy globally.

He recalled the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in June 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, which had mandated NDPC to decide for the adequacy of data protection, taking into account enforcement of data subjects rights in other countries.

“Seasoned experts have been lined up to lead discussions in areas concerning the African digital economy, AI in African privacy paradox, regulatory approaches to data privacy in Africa, especially in the area of emerging technologies which have different approaches.

“We also have topics on data protection in the area of fintech, balancing innovation with privacy, the single digital market in the spirit of Africa free trade zone, among others.

“These issues are all important in the Fourth Industrial Revolution where data constantly flows across borders for various reasons including health, education, tourism, e-commerce and more.

“In this regard, Nigeria is exploring various cross-border data frameworks as provided under the NDPA for the purpose of safeguarding data subjects rights and protecting Nigeria’s data sovereignty.

“To this end, we are pleased to announce our intention to join the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR)Forum as an associate member,” Olatunji said.

He stated that other mechanisms for exploring cross-border data transfers included the existence of national legislation on data protection, establishment of an independent data protection authority to serve as regulator when it comes to data processing in various countries.

“We also approve binding corporate rules, conducts, standards of operation and certification mechanisms for cross-border data transfer.

“Nigeria will have the opportunity to observe the procedure of ensuring accountability within organisations during cross-border data transfers and ensure that indigenous cross-border data organisations are able to leverage accountability procedures.

“This framework will ensure that organisations will have more options in cross-border transfer of personal data and relevant safeguards for data protection under the NDPA are painstakingly implemented,” he said.

He said that the government was in the process of setting up a strategic task team of stakeholders  for the purpose of cross pollination of ideas in the area of cross-border data transfer, while considering the beneficial use of data for sustainable development in Nigeria.

Olatunji said that the NADPA event would attract over 1000 delegates from 30 African countries, technocrats from Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America.

He said the conference would feature constructive interactions, live sessions, breakout sessions, among other events and also showcase exhibitions, visitation of tourist sites in the FCT, thereby promoting the richness in Nigeria’s cultural heritage and people.

“The opportunity to host NADPA is one of the opportunities we are taking to foster trust and confidence in our digital economy.

“This commission is fully convinced that through this trust, Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs will have more opportunities to create jobs and generate wealth as projected under the eight Presidential priority areas.”

Mrs Christine Harbaugh, U. S. Embassy’s Acting-Deputy Chief of Missions, said Nigeria’s membership as an associate member of CBPR showed the country’s commitment and leadership in the global digital economy and clear message on being open for digital business.

Harbaugh recognised Nigeria’s growth in digital growth and  transformation, with startups, companies driving innovation in different sectors.

“By beginning the process of aligning with the CBPR Forum, Nigeria is further solidifying its position as a global hub for digital business and innovation.

“This move tells U.S. and global tech companies and investors that the Nigerian market presents tangible global opportunities.

“In today’s interconnected world, the safety and sanctity of cross-border data flows are paramount and as data becomes the lifeblood of the digital era, it is essential that we establish robust frameworks to protect it.

“By joining the CBPR Forum, Nigeria is taking a proactive step to ensure that data transferred across borders is handled with high standards of privacy and security,” she said.

According to her, this move will not only protect U.S. and Nigerian citizens’ personal data but also build trust with international partners.

She said that the global CBPR forum created spaces for those handling personal data to come together around common data protection, privacy interests and build trust in cross-border flows of data.

“The CBPR Forum promotes interoperability and helps to bridge different regulatory approaches to data protection and privacy.

“By joining the Global Forum, Nigeria becomes part of a committed international community working to reduce data protection risks and ensure strong safeguards travel with the data no matter where it is transferred.

“This commitment to data protection will enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable partner in the global digital economy,”Harbaugh said.

She stated that approximately 60 per cent of Nigerian startups were incorporated in the United States and facilitating cross-border data flows would increase the ability of such companies to service U.S. and Nigerian clients and further fuel the growing digital trade.

“We are excited about the opportunities this will bring and look forward to working closely with our Nigerian partners to build a secure and prosperous digital future,” she said.

NADPA is a body that was established for the African data governance ecosystem to deepen the advancement of data subjects rights, foster responsible data flows within and across jurisdictions, among other functions (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NGO empowers community members to tackle child abuse in Lagos
Gender , General News

NGO empowers community members to tackle child abuse in Lagos

 

 

 

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Devatop Centre for Africa Development, a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), says it has empowered 131 community members, to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable children in Lagos State.

Speaking at a conference on Thursday in Lagos, Mr Joseph Osuigwe, the Executive Director, Devatop Centre for Africa Development, said that the empowered community members included child domestic workers and their guardians.

Osuigwe said that the conference was organised to discuss key milestones and an assessment of the impact report of their pilot project meant to protect Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) from maltreatment.

He said that the pilot project was embarked upon with the support of the Freedom Fund and the U.S. Department of State.

“During the project, Devatop Centre trained 45 community champions to sensitise over 350 individuals on child rights and protection.

“The project distributed 3,000 awareness materials and broadcast four multilingual audio-visuals, reaching over 50,000 people.

“Furthermore, 68 CDWs and 63 guardians were trained on child rights, safeguarding, and protection.

“Seven CDWs were enrolled in school, while five began vocational training,” he said .

He said that the initiative, which ran from October 2023 to December 2024, made a transformative impact in addressing the exploitation and abuse of CDWs in Ijegun-Egba and Iyana-Sashi communities in Lagos State.

“With the completion of this pilot project, Devatop Centre is now poised to scale up its efforts to protect child domestic workers across Lagos State,” Osuigwe said.

He explained that the project was designed to address the root causes of child domestic violence, including cultural norms, economic hardship, and religious beliefs.

“Through the establishment of two CDWs’ Rights Forums, Devatop Centre provided a platform for community members to come together and discuss issues affecting child domestic workers.

“The forums empowered participants with knowledge and skills to identify and report cases of abuse, and to provide support to vulnerable children.

“We are proud to have empowered community members to take action in protecting the rights of child domestic workers.

“By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all children,” Osuigwe said.

The executive director said some of the project’s achievements also included policy advocacy, community empowerment, awareness campaigns, and support for CDWs.

Osuigwe disclosed that the community-led approach had helped to raise awareness and promote behavioural change, ultimately reducing the risk of exploitation and abuse.

He noted that the project also reviewed 30 legal frameworks and identified seven critical gaps.

According to him, two policy dialogues with 30 stakeholders resulted in 24 actionable plans, five of which have been implemented to address policy gaps.

Osuigwe said Devatop Centre’s innovative TALKAM Human Rights App had also played a critical role in supporting their efforts.

“The app, which was recently recognised by the United Nations Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC), provides a secure and confidential platform for individuals to report cases of abuse and exploitation.

Osuigwe commended the stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government, for their support and partnership in the project.

He urged stakeholders for continuous support, adding that it was a collective responsibility to protect the rights of vulnerable children.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highpoints of the conference was the launch of a child rights game app, to tackle Child Domestic Worker’s violence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Why I sponsored data protection act amendment—Nwoko
General News

Why I sponsored data protection act amendment—Nwoko

By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), says his bill on amendment to Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 will ensure compliance with global best practices and provide economic and security benefits to the nation.

 

Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, said the bill has passed through the first reading.

 

Nwoko is the Senate Committee Chairman on Reparations and Repatriations.

 

He said the amendment also aimed to enhance the swift resolution of complaints, and foster stakeholder confidence.

 

Nwoko said the bill would mandate social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating within Nigeria to establish and maintain physical offices within the country.

 

It is entitled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, LFN, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters”.

 

“I proposed in the bill that Section 5 of the 2023 Act be altered by the addition of a new article P.

 

“It shall read that the commission shall mandate all data controllers, data processors, or operators of social media platforms to establish and maintain a physical office situated within the territorial boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

“Failure to comply with this requirement for a continuous period of 30 days shall render the entity liable to a prohibition from conducting operations within the jurisdiction of Nigeria,’’ he told NAN.

 

He further proposed that Section 65 of the Principal Act be altered by the addition of new terms and their interpretations.

 

“They shall read that Data Controllers means entities that determine the purposes and means of processing personal data and bear legal responsibility for compliance with data protection laws,” he said.

 

Nwoko said Data Processors in the context of the bill meant entities that process personal data on behalf of a data controller based on specific instructions and without autonomy over the purposes or means of processing.

 

“Operators of Social Media Platforms means legal persons or entities responsible for owning, managing, or controlling digital platforms that facilitate user interaction, content sharing, or communication.

 

Nwoko said Physical Offices as referred to in the bill means a fixed and operational business location within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

He said they should be staffed and authorised to engage with regulators, stakeholders, and the public for the purpose of fulfilling legal and operational obligations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

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