The Lagos State Government has advocated early warning system as a necessary environmental protection strategy against climate change effects.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
Dr Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), made this known in a statement made available on agency’s X handle on Thursday.
It was also stated on the X handle that he made the call at the close of the International Climate Change Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan popularly called COP 29.
Ajayi, who delivered a compelling presentation at the International Climate Change Conference, emphasised the critical role of integrating green skills and proactive measures for a sustainable future.
He spoke on the topic: “Climate Mobility Discourse: Early Warning Systems as a Worthy Investment in Environmental Protection against Climate Displacement.”
Ajayi highlighted the importance of early warning systems in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Ajayi noted that climate change triggers a range of environmental and public health challenges.
“This includes coastal erosion, flooding, cyclical disease patterns, and vector migration,” he said.
He noted that early warning systems through data gathering would help to protect lives and property from adverse climate change and other environmental disasters.
He cited LASEPA’s weekly air quality monitoring initiatives as a prime example of using data to predict, detect and prevent environmental hazards through urgent action plans.
He said the state government, through LASEPA and other relevant agencies, was committed to deploying more early warning systems to prepare for and respond swiftly to climate change-related disasters for human safety.
“If we anticipate floods or droughts, the early warning systems would help people to migrate early, thereby, reducing the risk of lives and minimising the impact of such disasters,” he stated.
Ajayi further explained that the understanding cyclical vector migration patterns through the use of data could help the government to strengthen health systems and implement structures to mitigate risks, such as flooding.
He stated that LASEPA’s focus on climate mobility, ensuring that communities are relocated with dignity and provided with sustainable options for a better living.
He reiterated the need for strategic planning, public awareness, and robust policy frameworks to address the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Ajayi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing resilience through proactive measures, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with local and international stakeholders.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated commitment to promote hydrogen as a clean energy source, with vast potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and boost economic growth.
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo
Amb. Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, stated this in a statement on Thursday, November 21, 2024, to highlight the importance President Bola Tinubu’s administration placed on the development of clean energy in the country.
Ella said that the country would host the inaugural international hydrogen conference at the State House Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja, to expand investment opportunities on hydrogen.
“The conference will unlock the potential of hydrogen to power and build a resilient energy future for Nigeria,” Ella said.
The permanent secretary said that the conference, with the theme “Building a Hydrogen Economy for Nigeria”, would hold from Nov. 26 to Nov. 28, 2024.
“The conference is being organised in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA).
“It is aimed at promoting hydrogen as a clean energy source, reducing emissions, creating jobs and above all boosting economic growth.
“The conference will convene over 1,000 attendees, including public and private sector investors from Africa, Europe, Asia and the U.S.A. It will foster partnerships towards shaping and securing Nigeria’s energy future.
“Highlights of the Conference will include – Cutting-edge research and innovative technologies, expert insights on investment opportunities, exhibitions of latest trends and innovations and networking sessions with decision-makers, industry leaders and policymakers.
“Discussions will focus on blue and green hydrogen production, investment opportunities, supply chain development, policy frameworks, technology transfer, infrastructure development and unlocking Nigeria’s hydrogen potential.
“The conference promises to be a remarkable turning point in Nigeria ‘s energy landscape and every stakeholder is therefore warmly invited to participate effectively in the conference,” he said.
According to Ella, the conference will have the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, as the chief host, while the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Industry, Trade and Investment are expected to be in attendance.
“Top policy makers, Directors in the Ministry, as well as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Directors from the Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are expected to attend.”
Despite acknowledging the widening financial gaps and barriers faced by developing nations, the NCQG text, says the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) in a reaction to the document, points out that it lacks meaningful commitments from developed countries
Dr Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)
In less than 48 hours, COP29 climate negotiations will come to a close. In the wee hours of the night, a new text on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) was released and it is profoundly disappointing.
We are outraged by this latest iteration, which utterly fails to meet the expectations of many. Despite acknowledging the widening financial gaps and barriers faced by developing nations, the text lacks meaningful commitments from developed countries.
It is the AGN which christened COP29 as the “COP of climate finance”. There was a reason for this – it raised the expectations of the vulnerable communities particularly from Africa, and it was seen as beacon of hope especially on the ever-elusive climate finance agenda.
Africa and its allies within the G77 and China negotiating block are clear on their demand for $1.3 trillion quantum of climate finance that is new, additional, predictable, grant-based, and non-debtinducing to address the existential threats of climate change. This quantum is informed by needs of vulnerable communities in developing countries.
It is disheartening that just a few hours before the curtains fall on COP29, Parties have not agreed on the most-awaited quantum as essential element for NCQG. Paragraph 6 of the text estimates the costed needs in Nationally Determined Contributions of developing countries at $5.036 – 6.876 trillion up until 2030.
We are greatly concerned that paragraph 39 of the draft text allegedly driven by developed countries proposes at least $220 billion for LDCs and at least $39 billion for SIDS. In addition to this being ridiculously low and undoubtful on the format with which the figures were reached, we find this throwing of figures as veiled attempt to use money to fragment poor countries based on their vulnerabilities.
The text also cynically prioritises concessional loans and mixed sources (public private and innovative sources), shifting the burden onto the very countries least responsible for the climate crisis and most impacted by its devastating effects.
Based on the foregoing, we thus demand the following:
1) The Parties to immediately revise the released text to address all the issues presented by the AGN, which they seem to blatantly ignore.
2) We reiterate that the goal must reflect the proposal by the AGN on provision of least $1.3 trillion from 2025-2035 to address adaptation, mitigation and loss and damage needs.
3) The quantum must be mobilised by developed countries and from public sources. We vehemently oppose inclusion of funds mobilised as loans, “Innovative and alternative sources” or private sector investments in reporting on delivery of the quantum.
Adaptation experts from Africa and the Global South have contested the text on Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and the draft text of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), describing them as insufficient and underwhelming for lacking clear targets on adaptation and loss and damage and for including ‘‘extreme proposals’’ that go against the Paris Agreement.
COP29, Baku, Azerbaijan
The experts have also faulted the text for failing to link the GGA and the NCQG to climate finance. Overall, the text falls short of expectations on many fronts for a ‘‘finance COP’’, they say.
Millions of communities in the Global South have borne the harshest effects of climate change, including ferocious floods, dreadful droughts and cataclysmic cyclones.
Many had hoped that this COP29 would yield the much-needed finance to enable populations in vulnerable countries to adapt to and build resilience against climate shocks.
Contention with the GGA text and draft on the NCQG
Specifically, they have raised the following issues with the text saying it:
● Lacks a specific figure on the climate finance goal
● Lacks the quantum of the provision and mobilisation goal
● Lacks clear targets for adaptation and loss and damage
● Includes proposals that violate the principles of the Paris Agreement
● Fails to mention women as a vulnerable segment of society on social inclusion
● Contains weak statements like grant financing being used for adaptation and loss and damage ‘‘to the largest extent possible’’
● Lack of linkage between the GGA text and the draft on the NCQG
● Fails to connect resources to solutions like the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience.
In a reaction to the new text on the NCQG on climate finance, Mohamed Adow, executive director of Power Shift Africa, called it a blank cheque and asked developed countries to put actual figures on the table.
According to him, it is only by putting specific numbers to the goal that negotiations at COP29 will move forward smoothly.
He said: “The new text rightly diagnoses the climate problem, including the required finance for adaptation and energy transition, but glaringly omits what the rich countries will actually provide to developing countries. The elephant in the room is the lack of specific numbers in the text. This is the ‘finance COP’. We came here to talk about money. You measure money with numbers. We need a cheque but all we have right now is a blank piece of paper.
“The text includes some important signals on grant-based financing, and the need to avoid debt inducing instruments. Developed countries now urgently need to fill in the blanks and put their finance card on the table to move the negotiations forward.”
Amy Giliam Thorp, Senior Adaptation and Resilience Policy Advisor, Power Shift Africa, said: ‘‘The latest NCQG text falls far short of expectations for a ‘finance COP’, particularly on adaptation and loss and damage. Without clear, quantified goals with no sub-goals for adaptation, mitigation or Loss & Damage, developed countries have glaringly failed in their leadership role at this COP. While the text mentions grant-based finance and non-debt instruments, the language lacks the strength needed to drive real adaptation action.
“Alarmingly, it remains silent on financing the Global Goal on Adaptation and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience. The NCQG must include a quantified adaptation sub-goal and a strong reference to the finance needed to achieve GGA targets lest adaptation finance is deprioritised again.’’
Juma Ignatius, Senior Adaptation Policy Advisor, Africa Group of Negotiators, said: ‘‘Even as we come to the homestretch of COP29, we must not forget that the Global Goal on Adaptation remains a key priority. The means of implementation (MoI) is crucial for the full implementation of the GGA targets in line with the commitments of the climate dialogue. Developed countries have an obligation to provide the means to implement climate action by providing finance that is adequate, predictable and based on grants.
“All financing for adaptation must also be compatible with and responsive to the evolving needs of developing countries. This COP was supposed to bring parity between adaptation and mitigation. We did not get that.’’
Cristina Rumbaitis, Senior Adaptation and Resilience Advisor, UN Foundation, said: ‘‘The text is very poor and disappointing, especially on adaptation. First, the floor for adaptation is out. Secondly, there is no reference to the Global Goal on Adaptation or the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience. Thirdly, there is only language around balancing between mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. This could further reduce funding for adaptation.
“There is some good language on qualitative elements and calls for a floor for adaptation for LDCs and SIDs from all relevant actors and financial mechanisms. There are also very weak statements like “grant financing should be used for adaptation and loss and damage to the largest extent possible”. We had hoped for more.”
Bertha Argueta, Senior Advisor, Climate Finance and Development, Germanwatch, said: ‘‘The text presented is still far from the outcome we had hoped for from this COP. It lacks the key elements of the quantum of the provision and mobilisation goal. Without this key piece of the puzzle, very little progress can be made elsewhere. Developing countries have put their proposal on the table, but developed countries are still holding back, making a compromise difficult to reach.
“Clear targets for adaptation and loss and damage are also missing. However, there is still time to work on a goal that respects the Paris Agreement; a goal that is responsive to the needs and priorities of developing countries, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage.’’
Lina Yassin, Adaptation Negotiator, IED, said: ‘‘It is deeply concerning to see the NCQG missing from the GGA text. This COP process has turned its back on the very communities these climate negotiations are meant to protect and provide for. How can we not connect resources to real solutions like the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience at a ‘finance COP’? Without this link, we risk walking away from COP29 with empty promises while vulnerable communities in Africa and elsewhere in the Global South continue to suffer the harshest consequences of the climate crisis.”
Ndivile Mokoena, Project Coordinator, Gender CC, said: “From the text, it looks like developing countries might have to spend their resources to finance climate adaptation. The language on gender and support for vulnerable members of society is also very weak. Women take care of their families, communities and environment. Shockingly, however, women are not mentioned in the paragraph on social inclusion. The context-specific nature of adaptation action and national circumstances have not been recognised either. The goal and vision of this text are not clear, and neither is the timeframe.’’
Fredrick Otieno, Programmes Associate, Power Shift Africa, said: ‘‘Adaptation has been relegated to the backburner in the climate discourse and in financing. As a result, whatever quantum Parties will agree on may not resolve the endemic underfinancing of adaptation. The current GGA text lacks a clear linkage with the draft on the NCQG. It appears that negotiators from Global North consigned all finance items, including the means of implementation (MoI), to the NCQG.
“It is equally disturbing that the current text lacks a specific figure on the climate finance goal. This puts ambitious climate action in jeopardy. Only indicators for tracking finance flows towards the GGA targets would catalyse more ambitious adaptation investments.’’
Greenpeace Africa has expressed disappointment with the outcomes of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance unveiled at COP29, citing insufficient ambition to address the continent’s pressing climate needs.
COP29 entrance
While the text acknowledges the scale of required funding – estimated at $5-6.8 trillion until 2030 – it lacks concrete mechanisms and desired political commitment to deliver this financing.
Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist at Greenpeace Africa, stated: “The latest NCQG document is a missed opportunity to decisively make polluters pay for the destruction they have caused and falls short of expectations from developed countries. While the principle of ‘polluter pays’ is mentioned, there are no enforceable mechanisms to ensure that fossil fuel corporations contribute to climate action. The voices of 10,000 Africans who signed our petition demand real action, not just acknowledgements, bracketed texts and unagreed options without actual figures.”
The NCQG highlights the need for grant-based climate finance and acknowledges systemic barriers to access, including debt burdens and high capital costs. However, the scale of commitments remains unclear, leaving vulnerable communities at risk.
Dr. Lamfu Yengong, Forest Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, emphasised: “African communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, yet the ambition on climate finance commitments is inadequate. Without clear targets and mechanisms to mobilise trillions annually in non-debt-inducing finance, the adaptation finance gap will continue to grow. This is unacceptable, given the dire climate impacts already faced across the continent.”
Greenpeace Africa welcomed some positive aspects of the NCQG, such as:
• Provisions for grant-based financing for adaptation and loss and damage, especially for least-developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
• Recognition of the need to address systemic inequities in accessing climate finance.
• Promoting renewable energy as a cornerstone of the global energy transition.
• Reducing investment flows towards fossil fuel infrastructure, inefficient fossil fuel subsidies which do not address energy poverty and just transitions repurposed in line with the 1.5°C pathway.
Greenpeace Africa calls for immediate revision of the NCQG text to include stronger commitments on fossil fuel phase-out, concrete polluter-pay mechanisms, and guaranteed climate finance that reaches vulnerable communities.
The International Climate Change Development Initiatives (ICCDI) Africa recently achieved what looks like a significant milestone by being accredited as an observer to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Olumide Idowu, Founder/Executive Director, ICCDI Africa, with Olabisi Kumuyi, Volunteer Team Member, at the Green Climate Fund Pavilion at COP29
According to ICCDI Africa, the accreditation marks a pivotal moment for the organisation, as it enhances its ability to engage with climate finance mechanisms and contribute to global efforts in addressing climate change.
The GCF, established to assist developing countries in responding to climate change, plays a crucial role in mobilising financial resources for climate-related projects and programmes.
With this observer status, ICCDI Africa says it is positioned to participate more actively in GCF meetings and discussions, allowing it to advocate for the interests and needs of African nations.
“This engagement will enable ICCDI Africa to gain insights into the GCF’s operations and decision-making processes, fostering a deeper understanding of how to effectively access and utilise climate finance. Moreover, being an observer will facilitate collaboration with other stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and private sector entities, to enhance the implementation of climate initiatives across the continent,” declared the group.
The accreditation is particularly important for ICCDI Africa’s mission, as it aligns with the organisation’s goal of promoting sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate change.
By being part of the GCF framework, ICCDI Africa can influence the allocation of funds towards projects that prioritise adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable communities. This will not only support local initiatives but also contribute to the broader goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In conclusion, ICCDI Africa’s accreditation as an observer to the Green Climate Fund represents a significant step forward in the fight against climate change in Africa. It underscores the increasing recognition of the importance of local organisations in the global climate finance landscape.
Through this engagement, ICCDI Africa is poised to play a crucial role in shaping effective climate policies and ensuring that the unique challenges faced by African nations are adequately addressed in international climate discussions.
By Olumide Idowu, Founder/Executive Director ICCDI Africa
Finally, the long saga on the non-issuance of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses, in Ghana, comes to an end on June 30, 2025. Technically therefore, at the end of the sixth month of next year, the country would see the export of her first batch of FLEGT licensed timber products to the European market.
Ghana’s Abu Jinapor and EU’s Irchad Razaaly displaying the signed agreement
This follows a historic deal clinched in Accra at the 12th Ghana-European Union (EU) Joint Monitoring Review Mechanism (JMRM) of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) signed between the two in November 2009.
The two-day JMRM, held from Tuesday, November 5 to Wednesday, November 6, 2024, culminated in the signing of the Aide Memoir by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, and the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly. The signing of the agreement was evidence of both parties’ affirmation that all milestones had been met by Ghana and therefore FLEGT licensing could proceed.
A shared vision of legal timber trade
Minister Jinapor hailed the development as a transformative step for Ghana’s forestry sector and governance: “We have set June 30, 2025, as the date to deliver our first consignment of FLEGT-licensed timber to the EU. Ghana will become the first African country to achieve this milestone, joining Indonesia in the EU market for legal timber.”
Jinapor emphasised that this achievement positions Ghana as the only African country on track to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation, further strengthening its credibility in the global timber market. Minister Jinapor commended the EU for its unwavering support: “Your expertise and resources have been invaluable in helping us navigate the complexities of this process.”
The Minister also acknowledged the United Kingdom’s contribution to building Ghana’s technical systems, training forest auditors, and facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms essential for FLEGT licensing.
EU Ambassador Razaaly commended Ghana’s readiness, describing it as a major milestone reflecting strong international cooperation: “This achievement underscores Ghana as a credible supplier of regulated timber in global markets. The FLEGT license represents trust, a solid partnership, and a commitment to sustainable forest management.”
He emphasised that while this milestone is significant, the journey continues: “This is not the end of the VPA road. We look forward to deepening trade in legal timber products while tackling deforestation and biodiversity loss.”
Present at the signing ceremony were members from the Ghana Government Delegation led by the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, John Allotey. Others were the Technical Team comprising representatives of the private sector, civil society and officials of the Forestry Commission and the sector Ministry.
Razaaly led the EU Delegation. Other members of the delegation were EU member states Ambassadors to Ghana or their representatives namely – Malta, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Switzerland and some EU development partner organisations.
Also present were some media representatives.
The pre-FLEGT license preparatory activities
The signing ceremony climaxes 15 years of intensive and elaborate preparations including high-profile multistakeholder dialogues, the establishment of the Ghana Timber Legality Assurance System (GhLAS) comprising the country’s definition of legal timber, chain of custody to track the movement of legal timber backed by the establishment of the Ghana Wood Tracking System, appointment of an Independent Monitor, and formation of the Timber Validation Department (TVD) and Timber Verification Committee (TVC) to verify the legal origins of timber products for export to the EU. The Timber Industry Development Board (TIDD) is the FLEGT Licence issuing authority.
Some highlights of the Aide Memoire
Per the Aide Memoire, Ghana has now dealt with the key outstanding matter that had become a blockade to the issuance of the FLEGT License – an issue discussed and noted at the 11th session of the JMRM held in September 2023. The issue had to do with the Parliamentary ratification of extant leases and permits as the final step to convert them to Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs), which would indicate Ghana’s “system readiness for FLEGT licensing.”
The agreement said, in July 2024, Ghana confirmed that Parliament had ratified a total of 67 TUCs as at that time, thereby paving the way for the country to make progress in issuing FLEGT licenses. Furthermore, the country remains committed to complete the ratification process with the remaining 129 applications before Parliament.
It also stated that “once the licensing system is operational, all non-compliant material including unratified TUCs would be prevented from entering the GHLAS and prevented from obtaining an export permit and/or FLEGT License if red flagged once in the system.” The GhLAS is fully digitalised and designed to ensure maximum efficiency of the timber supply chain.
Efficiency in the timber supply system means that: a consignment should be sourced from a proper TUC or with the proper legal permits. While the timber in the consignment should also be legally harvested, in accordance with Legal Standards including respect of environmental rules or regulations regarding harvesting. So, every aspect of the process is verifiable.
Therefore, from allocation, harvesting, transportation and milling including payment of the associated taxes for the different processes such as stumpage and land rent as well as honouring SRA obligations, everything is put together to see that, that consignment is clean or legal.
The Aide Memoire reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the December 31, 2024, deadline for TUC applications, stating: “No further applications for the conversion of existing leases and permits to TUCs will be accepted by the Forestry Commission beyond December 31, 2024.”
Private sector and civil society hail FLEGT license issuance announcement
The President of the Ghana Timber Association (GTA) and Vice President of Forest Industries Association of Ghana (FIAG), Alexander Kingford Dadzie, says “the event a remembrance for industry, signaling added value to the legality, sustainability and governance of our products.”
In an interview right after the signing ceremony, he commended the move as a good step, which industry is proud of “because it has taken us many years to go through this and now, we’ve gotten here. We are proud that on the 30th of June 2025 we are going to the European market with FLEGT licensed products.”
On how ready industry is for the FLEGT process, Dadzie emphasised that industry has always been ready and explained that “when the VPA came into being in 2009, as industry people we had six months to kick start the process of ratification.” Therefore, a lot of companies initiated the process and some already have their concessions ratified. He was hopeful that the remaining 129 that are still before Parliament would also be ratified.
He acknowledged that industry is aware of the December 31, 2024, deadline given by the Forestry Commission for all who have not started the process to commence and complete it by the given date. “If you don’t do that, then it means you lose your concession if it is a lease,” the GTA President warned.
Civil society representatives on the VPA Multistakeholder Implementation Committee (MSIC) described the day’s announcement as great for Ghana and particularly for civil society.
Director for Rights and Advocacy Initiative Network (RAIN), Doreen Asumang Yeboah, declared in interview: “We have seen the manifestation of the good forest governance that we’ve always been talking about. And with the announcement of FLEGT going live in June 2025, we believe all that FLEGT encompasses is going to be revealed.”
The Coordinator of Forest Watch Ghana, Albert Katako, says “Ghana’s readiness to issue FLEGT licenses is a testament to the country’s dedication to responsible forestry practices.”
Others are optimistic that the issuance of FLEGT licenses by the end of June 2025, will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s forestry sector – one defined by sustainable management, robust governance, and international credibility.
Beyond that, it would establish that good governance is essential not only for environmental protection, but also for the well-being of the people and the resilience of Ghana’s economy.
The Federal Government is taking steps to stop indiscriminate disposal of battery waste, spurring the enforcement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation, to forestall environment degradation.
Used lead-acid batteries
The National Environmental Standards Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA), during its Regulatory Dialogue on the National Environmental (Battery Control) 2024, held on Wednesday, November 20, in Lagos, said that it was set to administer the control.
The dialogue, aimed at equipping regulatory officials on the regulatory frameworks and sanctions, was attended by the states officials of the agency.
It was also to keep them abreast of regulatory stance to aid scientific battery waste disposal, which is essential to foster a lead-free environment to sustain life and protect the ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, said that the session was to address critical aspects of the National Environmental Battery Control Act.
The minister, represented by the Federal Controller, Environment, Zonal Director South-West, Mrs Olabimpe Oladini-Adenike, said that it would focus on compliance, monitoring and enforcement.
According to him, the session is essential for strengthening the management of used batteries within the framework of the extended producer responsibility programme.
“The development of regulatory framework such as this underscores the ministry of environment’s commitments to safeguard public health and promote ecological balance.
“The proper management of used batteries is essential to prevent environmental contamination and mitigate the harmful effects of associated harmful effects.
“The session will not only emphasise the importance of aligning national policies with global best practices, but also seek to foster collaboration among all stakeholders, the NGOs, the organised private sector, and the regulatory agencies,” he said.
Addressing participants at the event, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said that the programme was organised by NESREA in collaboration with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ- Nigeria).
According to the DG, it is a crucial step toward ensuring the effective implementation of the regulations to address the environmental and health challenges posed by the improper management of used batteries in Nigeria.
“The development of the regulation commenced in 2020 due to the public outcry on the crude handling of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULABs) in the country.
“The activities of the sector has drawn the attention of government to address the concerns by developing the Legal Framework that will regulate improper handling of the ULABs.
“The agency, in August, partnered with the Federal Ministry of Environment, other key stakeholders and with support from GIZ Nigeria, inaugurated the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations, 2024.
“The regulations provide a comprehensive legal framework for the environmentally sound management of all types of batteries across their life cycle,” he said.
The NESREA boss decried the imminent danger that unregulated battery waste disposal posed to the ecosystem, saying that the proactive enforcement of the actionable framework would prevent and minimise pollution and waste arising from used batteries.
According to him, the real impact of any regulatory framework lies in its effective implementation and enforcement.
He urged officials to treat it with the urgency it deserved to protect human existence.
EPR is a concept that confers the responsibility of proper battery waste disposal throughout its life circle on the producer, importer and user; it is a chain of mutual responsibility.
The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, has warned that rapid and unplanned urban development pose threats to biodiversity, the environment, and food security.
Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach
Rossbach gave the warning while addressing a ministerial meeting at COP29 on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Baku, the Azerbaijan capital.
This also leads to social fragmentation and financial deterioration. While the construction sector accounts for 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, the UN-Habitat chief said 96 homes need to be built every day to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
As such adequate funding and cooperation at all levels are necessary to address these twin challenges.
“There is only one road to pursue, one track, one we walk collectively where social, urban, and climate needs are addressed harmoniously over solid economic ground,” Rossbach said in a statement.
“Yes, we do need more finance flowing to cities. We need to plan and prioritise. Land is scarce and needs to fulfill its social and ecological functions. Social and housing needs are vast.
“We take care of people; people take care of the planet. And we should leave no one behind.’’
In a separate session, speakers noted an ongoing issue that could seriously hamper many efforts to address climate-driven impacts in cities, and elsewhere.
According to the latest report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), global emissions increased by 1.3 per cent in 2023 – when they should have decreased.
“To limit warming to 1.5°C, updated National Contributions – climate commitments that each country makes – should enable a 42 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 57 per cent by 2035,” said UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen.
She highlighted that 52 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions come from just 25 megacities, including, among others, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Moscow, and New York City.
“This means the actions you take in setting standards for energy efficiency, determining energy sources, managing waste and methane emissions, improving public transport, encouraging electric mobility, and promoting pedestrian-friendly cities can make a massive impact,” she told mayors from around the world gathered at the event.
For the first time ever the issue of tourism is being discussed at a COP, formally the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in the context of its impact on climate.
In 2023, the tourism sector recovered from the doldrums of the COVID-19 pandemic, as international arrivals rebounded to almost 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
That year, the sector contributed three per cent to the global gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to $3.3 trillion, and employed one in every 10 people worldwide.
In an interview with UNifeed, Andersen reiterated her call on stakeholders at COP29 to make sure tourism industry lessens its carbon footprint.
“We need to understand that the tourism sector is impacted by climate change. And so, it is both a victim of and a contributor to climate change. That is why having this first tourism focus at a COP is very important.”
Meanwhile, Selwyn Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action, reminded attendees at COP29 that humanity already has the knowledge and tools needed to effectively combat climate change.
“A revolution in the transition to renewable energy is already underway. It cannot be stopped,” he said.
“However, the question remains whether the speed of this transition will prevent its worst consequences. And secondly, whether it will be fair enough to reduce inequality within and between countries.”
“In multilateralism, the results are sometimes different from what any one country imagines. This underscores the importance of flexibility, cooperation, and the willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and international relations.”
A team of Nigerian food systems stakeholders comprising scientists, farmers and civil society operatives has taken up a campaign to influence the authorities to ban genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country.
Campaigners at the press briefing on “Investigative Research and Public Hearing on GMOs” organised by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Abuja
At a press briefing on “Investigative Research and Public Hearing on GMOs” organised by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Abuja, they highlighted the environmental and health risks associated with GMO use as well as the somewhat defective process of GMOs approvals in the country, and suggested ways to ensure food sovereignty.
Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes at HOMEF, submitted that GMOs are not natural, but are deliberately designed to serve specific purposes often with the transfer of genetic material in-between totally unrelated species.
“HOMEF’s campaign against GMOs is particularly against genetic modification of food crops and animals and any other genetic modification that will alter ecosystem balance, affect the rights of farmers to seeds, wield control of our seeds/food to corporate interests and negatively impact our agriculture system and local economy,” she said, adding that that there is no evidence of independent, long term risk assessment including feeding trials conducted by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) before the approval of varieties such as cowpea, maize and cotton.
According to her, the approvals did not take into account the objections to some of the applications sent in by experts/researchers.
She expressed concern over the fact that GMOs do not necessarily improve food productivity, GMOs are not the solution to Nigeria’s food insecurity problems, that Nigerians cannot exercise their right to food with GMOs, GMOs are not currently being labeled in Nigeria, and that there is poor regulation of GMOs in Nigeria.
Brown urged the Nigerian government to adopt agroecology, an approach she described as both sustainable and rooted in local realities.
“Agroecology, which emphasises the integration of ecological principles into agricultural practices, offers a pathway to not only ensuring food security but also, more fundamentally, assuring food sovereignty,” she declared.
Mariann Bassey-Orovwuje, Deputy Executive Director of ERA/FoEN and Food Sovereignty Coordinator of Friends of the Earth Africa, frowned at the NBMA, saying that the agency has acted more like a promoter of GMOs than as a regulator, “approving virtually every application brought to it without consideration of science-based objections sent by groups of concerned Nigerians”.
She described the NBMA Act – which came into force in 2015 and mandated the setting up of the NBMA to regulate GMOs in Nigeria – as flawed.
“The NBMA Act confers enormous discretionary powers on the agency and gives little room for oversight. The conflict of interest inherent in the NBMA Act equally raises serious red flags about the administration of biosafety in Nigeria. We have the erstwhile National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) sitting on the board of the NBMA. We are worried that an agency saddled with defending Nigeria’s biodiversity is actively promoting these risky technologies,” Bassey submitted.
She added: “We are very happy that at yesterday’s Public Hearing on Investigative Review of Impacts of Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria by the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, chaired by Rt. Hon. Bello A. Ka’oje, Chairman, Joint Committee, unanimously agreed from what they heard loudly Nigerians say through the CSOs who represent them and took the floor to speak. They clearly elucidated the dangers, risks, consequences and impacts of allowing GMOs in our beloved country. The Honourable members agreed with us that there is indeed cause for concern, contrary to the claims of the GMOs bandwagon and the need to act swiftly.
“We hope and pray that our esteemed Honourable members would be resolute and firm and cause the change we need to move far away from these GMOs pollution, propagated by the biotech companies/corporations and their local agents in Nigeria.”
Tatfeng Mirabeau, a Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, disclosed that the excessive use of pesticide and herbicide originating from the introduction of GM seeds has been found to alter the haemostasis creating an oxidative stress leading to cellular damage.
“Some components of these products such as the glyphosate in the ROUNDUP herbicide have been established to be carcinogenic. Furthermore, these products have been associated to infertility,” he added, pointing out that the microbiota of GM cultivated soils loses its integrity as no-target organisms that contribute to soil fortification and aeration are destroyed.
Prof Mirabeau called on the Federal Government to halt further distribution of GM seeds to farmers, suspend any ongoing GM field trial in the country if any, and ban the importation of any GM product into the country.
Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua, Executive Director, Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), warned that the inappropriate adoption of GMOs which are tantamount to gain-of-function research, from externally promoted research that is funded by foreign commercial interests poses a tangible risk to food safety, human health and ecological conservation.
According to him, these realities demand that Nigeria establishes a dynamic regulatory framework that promotes in-country research and innovation while genuinely safeguarding biosafety, “and not the current regime of captured and compromised national regulators turned GMO and hazardous pesticide promoters, merchandising foreign business interests”.
He added: “Research must serve as a vehicle for enlightenment rather than exploitation of Nigeria’s inherent capacity vulnerabilities. By fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and prioritising bioresource utilisation within an ecological conservation framework, we the Nigerian researchers can chart a course toward true genomic and varietal preservation and biosafety that is as progressive as it is protective.
“As stewards of experimental research, we must ensure that our scientific pursuits harmonise with Nigeria’s unique agroecological contexts and the principles of sustainability in bioresource utilisation and ecological conservation.”
Lovelyn Ejim, Executive Director of Women and Youth in Agriculture, posited that, as farmers, their position on GMO is a capital NO.
“Why? Because it degrades the land by killing all the micro-organisms thereby reducing soil nutrients; it empoverish the farmer – due to high cost of purchasing the seeds the farmers’ income is drained; it destroys the ecosystem – due to the accompanying chemicals that is claimed to be the support for the fast growth and bumper harvest some useful insects and other farmer friendly livings are killed; and it gives poor yield – due to high cost of fertiliser and other chemicals needed to boost the seed which most of the rural farmers can’t afford, yield generally becomes poor.”
According to her, GMO is also a tactical method of pushing the rural farmers aside. As most rural farmers are not educated to read the label on the chemicals, they spread it unprotected with knapsack sprayers, and some spread with leavers. This means direct contact with the chemicals can cause unknown diseases and untimely death.
She submitted that climate issues are on the rise. “These chemicals have so much harm than good. They interact with the atmosphere and have lots of negative reactions with the natural environment, changing the climatic structure; drought and flooding is now the order of the day.
“Most importantly this is purely a planned slavery in high order. When your seed is taken away from you and your land is degraded with your economy slim and finally your ecosystem destroyed, you become a slave. We should shun GMOs and embrace biodiversity as this is the only way to make our county food basket of the world again.”
