Nigeria has been granted the hosting right for the African Energy Bank (AEB) after beating Ghana, Benin Republic, Algeria, South Africa and Cote D’Ivoire in a keenly contested bidding.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Amb. Nicholas Ella; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri; and Nigeria’s Consultant on African Energy Bank, Mr Sulaiman Yahaya, at the APPO Extraordinary Meeting of Ministers to decide the location of the Bank
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, July 4, 2024, that the award of hosting right for the bank highlighted Nigeria’s robust energy sector.
He said: “The award of the hosting right also highlights the country ‘s strategic vision for Africa’s energy future.”
Lokpobiri expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support extended during the course of the bidding.
He also thanked the Council of Ministers of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) for the confidence in Nigeria’s capability.
The minister highlighted the collaborative spirit of the APPO members and their shared vision for a united, energy-secured Africa.
He emphasised that “this decision reflects our collective ambition to create African solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.
“The African Energy Bank will be instrumental to providing the necessary financial backbone for energy projects that will drive growth and development across the continent.
“The decision is a significant step for the continent’s energy sector and underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s energy landscape.”
The minister assured Nigerians and Africans at large that the establishment of the African Energy Bank would mark a transformative era in meeting energy needs.
He said that the initiative aligned with the broader objectives of African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming for a prosperous and self-sustaining Africa.
“We are committed to ensuring that the bank did not only move Nigeria forward but becomes a beacon of progress for the entire continent.
“Our goal is to foster sustainable energy solutions that are both innovative and inclusive.”
The bank is expected to facilitate access to funding for energy projects, thereby catalysing economic growth and enhancing energy security.
The Federal Government has urged relevant stakeholders to embrace carbon tax to help tackle climate change in the country.
The WHO says that, in one year, 46,750 persons died as a result of outdoor pollution in Nigeria
Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), said this on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at a stakeholders’ workshop on “Understanding the Incentives and Obstacles to Effective Carbon Tax Regimes in West African Countries.”
Ezeokonkwo described carbon taxation as a cost charged on the amount of carbon emissions into the space.
He said that the Federal Government through the development which was introduced by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) was developing a framework to determine the amount to be charged based on the quantum of emissions.
He said that the Federal Government, through the NCCC, was devising strategies to implement a robust carbon finance (carbon market framework and carbon tax regime) for the country in line with the Climate Change Act.
This, he said, followed the ongoing global dialogue on climate change mitigation, which emphasises the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through practical policy measures such as carbon taxation.
The Vice Chancellor called on the stakeholders to ensure that they sensitised the public to buy into the government plan.
“The theme of today’s workshop is timely as the Federal Government, through the NCCC, is devising strategies to implement a robust carbon finance, carbon market framework and carbon tax regime for the country in line with the Climate Change Act.
“The timing of this workshop is crucial given the ongoing global dialogue on climate change mitigation, which emphasises the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through practical policy measures such as carbon taxation.
“Your role as stakeholders is crucial. While effective carbon pricing is acknowledged as a powerful tool in the global battle against climate change, getting public support for environmental policies remains a significant challenge in Africa.
“This workshop, therefore, seeks your valuable input from pertinent stakeholders in the realms of carbon pricing and fuel subsidy reforms in Nigeria and Ghana,” he said.
In his remarks, Head, Economic Regulation, National Petroleum Authority of Ghana, Abass Tasunti, stated that Ghana was also on the verge of ensuring that fossil fuel emission was drastically reduced.
Tasunti said that the country’s target was mainly the industries that emit a large-scale carbon.
He, however, said that so far, the country had not arrived at a fixed rate for it.
“The whole essence of carbon taxation, in my view, is to introduce taxes that move people away from the consumption of fossil fuel.
“Policymakers are looking for a way to impose taxes on petroleum products and use them to provide the other alternative fuels.
“If they are done, it will give consumers options because you will agree with me that fossil fuel will not go off immediately.
“These carbon taxation initiatives and cleaner fuel initiatives are supposed to complement the use of fossil fuels,” he said.
Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Rev. Nnimmo Bassey, has urged journalists to hold politicians accountable for the protection of the environment.
Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey
Bassey stated this on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Benin, during a two-day programme organised by the International Press Centre, entitled: “Media Dialogue and Stakeholders Interface on Credible Edo Governorship Election”.
Presenting a lecture titled: “The People in Edo Governorship Election: What Issues and What Agenda for the Media”, Bassey reiterated that the media should play a crucial role in shaping public discourse during elections.
“As the Edo governorship election approaches, the media must work to ensure that environmental protection becomes a central issue.
“There are issues of gas flaring in areas like Gelegele in Edo, the provision of safe drinking water, illegal mining and protection of the forests.
“The media should ask the governorship candidates how they intend to tackle these challenges if elected governor.
“These are tangible problems that affect the health and livelihoods of the people in Edo and beyond,” he said.
He said that by focusing on environmental issues, journalists could help shift the narrative towards sustainability and long-term well-being.
“The benefits of prioritising environmental protection in political agendas are manifold. A healthy environment leads to healthier communities,” he said.
The programme was supported by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGNII).
A state-of-the-art ICT centre was on Thursday, July 4, 2024, inaugurated at the Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau in Bauchi State in the latest support for education in Nigeria by The Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC) and its joint venture partners – Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), TotalEnergies and Nigeria Agip Oil Company.
The Inaugurated ICT Centre, at the Sa’adu Zungur University (formerly Bauchi State University), Gadau in Bauchi State. The Centre, opened on Thursday July 4, 2024, was built and equipped by NNPC-SPDC JV
The centre, wholly funded by the SPDC-operated joint venture, boasts a visually stimulating collaborative workspace where students can engage in group work and brainstorming sessions.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who was represented by the Director of ICT in the state, Hayatuddeen Babamaji, said: “The landmark project would complement the efforts of the government to improve education and boost digital transformation in Bauchi State.”
SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, who was represented by Director SPDC and Country Head Corporate Relations, Igo Weli, said: “The journey to establish this facility was driven by a vision to enhance critical educational infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills and inspire growth of the IT ecosystem in Bauchi State and Northeast Nigeria.”
Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO) of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services described the project as “a glimpse of the positive impact of the oil and gas industry on the fortunes of our nation,” and requested “sustained collaboration as we strive to do more.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Professor Fatima Tahir, had said the centre would serve as a hub for innovation by improving teaching and learning in the institution. The Emir of Bauchi and Chancellor of the university, Dr. Rilwanu Adamu, sent in a goodwill message thanking the SPDC-operated JV for initiating the project.
The ICT centre has its own power and water supply, offering a chance for uninterrupted learning for students and lecturers and link up with the rest of the world real-time. To foster sustainable development, the construction strategy included upskilling of indigenous contractors with some of them playing key roles ranging from critical supplies and craftsmanship to medical services and scaffolding.
In addition, 75 staff and students were trained in data science, embedded systems, robotics, and hardware engineering to grow in-house capacity. Sa’adu Zungur University marked the sustainability content of the project with the set-up of a tree planting club which has already planted about 1,000 fruit-bearing trees.
The establishment of the ICT centre is just one aspect of several interventions of the joint venture in Northeast Nigeria. Early this year, the joint venture inaugurated a primary health care centre and completed two livelihood-strengthening programmes to support displaced families in Yobe and Borno states. The JV has also supported a broad range of initiatives in the region including education, health, shelter and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects.
The support for education by the joint venture has seen the award of hundreds of secondary school and university scholarships, donation of physical infrastructure to schools and the provision of industry experience for students and lecturers from Nigerian universities through sabbatical and internship opportunities.
UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has called for a strong financial outcome from COP29, the global climate conference to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, highlighting the critical role of finance in support of climate action.
UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres
He made the announcement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) plus meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The secretary general stressed the need to increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks and attract more private capital for climate initiatives.
Developed countries should also double their financing for climate adaptation and fulfil their commitments, including substantial contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund, the UN chief said.
To support these efforts, the Secretary-General advocated for innovative financial mechanisms, including carbon pricing and taxes on the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies. He called for early adopters to implement solidarity levies on sectors such as shipping, aviation and fossil fuel extraction by COP29.
Meanwhile, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has invited the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries to the COP29 to be held in Baku in November.
“We will continue our work with the SCO on the preparation for the COP29 – the world’s largest international conference. I have already sent official invitations to the leaders of the SCO member states and hope to see my colleagues this November in Baku,” Aliyev said as he addressed the SCO Plus meeting held in Astana.
In a related development, COP29 President-designate, Mukhtar Babayev, has met with representatives of the African Union, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Special Climate Envoy for Kenya, Ali Mohamed, who made the disclosure on X social media, stated: “Joined the African Union, UNECA, and AfDB Group in meetings with the incoming COP29 President and his team. We discussed key priorities for Africa ahead of COP29 in Baku which include enhancing adaptation finance, financial reforms amidst the debt stress situation for most nations, and addressing the continent’s special circumstances.”
He added: “With the COPs of the three Rio Conventions taking place this year, 2024 presents a unique opportunity to structure and accelerate systemic engagement, advancing Africa’s unique needs and priorities in a harmonized manner to drive joint and transformative action.”
Babayev also met with Forest Economy Minister of the Republic of Congo, Rosalie Matondo.
“COP29 Presidency held a valuable bilaterial discussion with Dr. Rosalie Matondo, the Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Forest Economy. We are working together to deliver Climate Finance reform at COP29 that will enable action on Afforestation and Reforestation projects,” reads a post on COP29’s X page.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, has declared that the drive to bring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) closer to Nigerians has since commenced and is irreversible.
GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mallam Mele Kyari, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, share a laugh as a plaque is unveiled shortly after the commissioning of an NNPC Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Station in Abuja, as part of the 12 CNG Stations commissioned in Lagos and Abuja, on Thursday
Kyari, who disclosed this on Thursday, July 4, 2024, during the simultaneous commissioning of 12 CNG stations in Abuja and Lagos, said that, in addition to the massive deployment of CNG stations nationwide, the NNPC Ltd and its partners would also build three Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations in Ajaokuta.
“There is simply no way to turn back on delivering CNG for all Nigerians. It is the right thing to do. Is it late? Yes, but we will make progress, we will cover the gap in order to ensure that the volatility we see with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) does not apply to gas,” Kyari stated.
The GCEO commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the needed support to drive domestic gas utilisation aimed at delivering cleaner and cheaper source of energy to Nigerians.
While assuring that the NNPC Ltd would continue to deliver more strategic gas projects for the benefit of Nigerians in line with the Presidential CNG Initiative of bringing prosperity to all Nigerians, Kyari reaffirmed the determination of the NNPC to guarantee the nation’s energy security.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director, NNPC Retail Limited, Mr. Huub Stokman, revealed that in the next one year, NNPC Retail would have launched over 100 CNG sites, including 16 NNPC Gas Marketing and NIPCO Gas JV sites.
“CNG provides Nigeria with affordable alternatives to existing available fuel products. It will be about 40% cheaper than petrol in Nigeria and with continued investments, it will become a significant part of our energy mix,” Stokman added.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the commissioning of the stations would not only provide economic benefits by creating jobs and stimulating local economies, it will also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s national goals of reducing emissions and combating climate change.
On his part, the Chairman of the NNPC Board of Directors, Chief Pius Akinyelure, said increased CNG adoption would foster economic benefits by reducing fuel costs for consumers and businesses alike.
Following the removal of fuel subsidy and the declaration of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiatives, NNPC Limited has taken the lead in the deployment of Auto-CNG Stations across Nigeria.
Already, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, in partnership with NIPCO Gas Limited, has developed an Auto-CNG rollout plan for construction of 35 CNG stations across the various geographical zones of Nigeria.
The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos has called on Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to deploy the state resources to address flooding in the state.
A flooded part of Lagos
Publicity Secretary of the party, Mrs Olubunmi Odesanya, made call in a statement in Lagos on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The call followed the floods that hit most parts of the state on Wednesday, July 3, after a heavy downpour.
Odesanya said the state government had not done enough to address flooding, urging Sanwo-Olu to do more to tackle the perennial environmental problem.
“The heavy downpour of Wednesday in Lagos has finally exposed the derelict condition of the state and its neglect by the government.
“From Yaba, to Oshodi, Oshodi to Ketu, all of Ikorodu Road, Iyana Oworo, Iyana Iba, Ibeju- Lekki, Gbagada, Lekki and, in fact, all the 20 Local Governments in the state, everywhere was flooded.
“Many Lagos residents could not leave their homes due to the floods.
“Combining extreme poverty to high flooding is double tragedy. We strongly believe the state revenues are enough to tackle this menace,” the LP spokesperson said.
According to her, the government should, as a matter of urgency, come up with permanent solution to the problem.
Odesanya recalled that several properties were demolished in some areas by the state government on the excuse that the properties were built on drainage channels, causing flooding.
She noted that the government had said after the demolitions that the state would no longer witness any flooding, going forward.
Odesanya said that Wednesday’s floods meant nothing much had been done to address the problem.
Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, while giving an update about the floods, apologised to residents and commuters and residents.
Wahab, who noted that the floods were not due to the government’s lack of planning, said: “It was nature taking its full course.”
Several cars and houses were submerged with many commuters and workers stranded in many parts of the state because of the floods.
Also, there was gridlock on major roads, affecting economic activities in the state for several hours.
In a related development, some local government area chairmen in Lagos State have warned owners of shops and buildings not to obstruct the drains and canals in their areas with indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
The rainfall that lasted for many hours on Wednesday resulted in heavy flooding in residential areas in Lagos Island, Mainland, Oshodi, Ikeja and other locations.
The residents attributed the flooding to blockage of waterways due to indiscriminate dumping of waste and building on the drains.
Mr Abdul-Hamed Salawu, the Executive Chairman, Somolu Local Government, said on Thursday that the council would take serious action against residents flouting the directives.
“We have emphasised more on the importance of maintaining clear drainage systems to prevent flooding in Somolu.
“We urge the community to be more conscious of their environment during downpour, particularly on proper refuse disposal and avoiding the blockage of the drains.
“We call for calm and express our sympathy to the affected residents,” Salawu said.
The chairman reassured residents that his administration “is actively liaising with the Lagos State Government to develop effective and long-lasting solutions to the flooding problem.
“We are working closely with the government to find the best ways to prevent future occurrences of such devastating floods.”
Salawu said that proactive measures would be put in place to curb the flooding and called for community cooperation.
“We are aiming to foster a united effort in enhancing the resilience and safety of Somolu’s residents against future flooding threats and health crises,” the chairman said.
Mr Kehinde Oloyede, the Executive Chairman, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, also said that government would not spare anyone caught disposing refuse in the drains.
Oloyede said that proper sensitisations had gone to market traders as well as residents to desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately during downpour.
Oloyede appealed to market leaders in the local government to embark on advocacy to stop their members from habits that would clog the drains and gutters.
The chairman warned that severe punishments awaited any market man or woman caught in such act across the council area.
He also enjoined house owners to warn their tenants against dropping their dirt in the canals.
The chairman noted that the government would continue to prioritise the wellbeing of the people and would do everything legally possible to protect their welfare.
“It’s so unfortunate that some parts of our local government experienced flooding owing to the rainfall, this is really disturbing to us as government.
“Environmental report indicates that indiscriminate dumping of refuse is responsible for the incident.
“It’s on this note that I want to appeal to our market leaders to embark on campaign against dumping of refuse in our drains.
“Anybody caught will be dealt with in accordance with the law of the land and we shall not spare anyone,” he said.
Also, the Executive Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Mr Olasoju Adebayo, promised to draw relevant authority’s attention for a lasting solution to be sought.
Adebayo advised motorists to avoid flooded areas and other risky routes to ensure safety of life during rainfall.
The council boss charged parents to ensure that their wards remained indoors whenever it rained, given Nimet’s forecast of heavy rains from Wednesday to Friday.
“We advise motorists to consider diverting to safer alternative routes for safety reasons during the rainfall.
“On our part as a responsible government, efforts will be geared towards alleviating the situation of affected areas.
“Motorists are strongly advised to ply Kogberegbe/Lamina Lawal/Aderinto streets, Ogundele Way inwards and outwards Isolo or, better still consider rescheduling their trips for safety purposes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has apologised to residents of the state displaced as a result of the intensive rainfall experienced on Wednesday.
The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this during a syndicated interview programme across different television channels in Lagos on Thursday.
Wahab said that the state government had put in place resilient infrastructure which could withstand the effects of flash flooding.
He also sympathised with a resident of the state who reportedly lost a loved one as well as others who lost properties due to the rainfall.
He explained that Lagos state experienced about 10 hours of nonstop rainfall from the early hours of Wednesday, causing flash floods in places including Egbeda, Iyana Oworo, Trade fair Road, and Iyana Iba, amongst others.
He added that the flash floods receded in about two hours as a result of mitigation put in place.
“I want you to know that what happened yesterday was not as a result of not preparing but because nature only took its course,” Wahab said.
He said the sea level was very high while it rained and the effect was felt around areas such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki – all on the Peninsular Corridor where the storm water is designed to discharge into the lagoon.
Wahab advised residents in the Upland areas like Agege, Alimosho and Ikeja to be calm.
He stressed that the state government had built resilient infrastructure that will discharge storm water into the Creeks and Lagoons within a few hours after the rain subsides.
He added that some axis like Ogombo, Mobil Corridor of Victoria Island that hitherto experienced flash flood did not experience it on Wednesday as a result of improved drainage infrastructure and efforts of the government.
According to him, flash flood happens globally.
“What we can do as a government is to embrace and live with nature.
“Anywhere in the world that experiences long hours of rainfall like we did yesterday is bound to experience flooding otherwise called ponding elsewhere”.
He said the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) created to intervene in clearing black spot was on ground from the early hours of 4 :00 am.
He, however, noted that in spite the efforts of EFAG, the water level was high and it took a while for the storm water to discharge into the lagoon and ocean.
Wahab said the ministry has strengthened its drainage enforcement activities in ensuring due diligence concerning all drainage channels and restoring Right of Ways on all channels.
He added that the ministry would continue its intense work all year round clearing and cleaning major primary and secondary drainage channels.
“I would like to reiterate that Lagos is a coastal state and there will always be flash floods for few hours when it rains.
“We should know that the world has changed, and everyone must ensure various measures to mitigate the adverse effects of global warming and other environmental issues confronting human existence,” Wahab said.
He said that residents also need to be more responsive.
He cited the example of a couple caught by a whistle blower discharging their waste inside the drainage while it rained yesterday at Surulere area.
He said that the house had been sealed and the culprits have been arrested and will be prosecuted according to the law.
He appealed to residents to desist from the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainages, roads and other unauthorised places.
The commissioner urged residents of the state to support government efforts by ensuring the regular clearing of drainages in front of their houses for free flow of water.
He encouraged residents to become whistle blowers for government as the government cannot be everywhere.
“It is high time residents take ownership of all infrastructure and endeavour to give information to the government when the need arises,” Wahab said.
By Adeyemi Adeleye, Kazeem Akande and Fabian Ekeruche
Some Federal Government agencies have allayed fears by Nigerians over the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) crops.
Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Mustapha Abdullahi
The agencies addressed the issue in Abuja on Thursday, July 4, 2024, during a World Joint News Conference, to inform Nigerians about the safety of GMO technology in agriculture.
The conference was in response to social media reports regarding the negative effects of GMOs, which the agencies described as misinformation and unfounded.
The agencies include the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), the National Biotechnology and Development Agency (NBDA), the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), and the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).
Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of ARCN, stated that the vast majority of studies had found no indication that GM foods posed a health threat.
Sharubutu noted that the scientific consensus was that gene-altered crops posed no more risks than those developed through conventional breeding techniques.
“More than 275 independent science organisations worldwide have concluded that food grown from genetically engineered seeds poses no unique health concerns,” he said.
He said that the agency was therefore, focused on ensuring prevention of drought and flood resistance, as well as improving productivity through GMO crops.
Sharubutu reassured Nigerians that GMO crops were not banned, and promised to take their concerns seriously, emphasising that there is no cause for alarm.
Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of NBDA, highlighted that the issue of GMO safety had sparked controversy due to misinformation and misunderstanding.
Mustapha stressed that the aim of NBDA was to alleviate public concerns and dispel misinformation while promoting the advantages of GMO crops.
According to him, GMO crops have the potential to revolutionise food security and environmental safety, ensuring a good supply of food for future generations.
He assured Nigerians that GMOs were not harmful to human and animal environments, but were safe for consumption, thereby improving food security and reducing the use of harmful pest control methods.
Dr Khalid Ishiak, Acting Director General of NASC, affirmed that GMO technology had been certified by Nigerian scientists and the agency.
Ishiak urged Nigerians to believe in their technological advancements, emphasising the importance of self-reliance in food production.
He assured Nigerians that the technology had undergone thorough scrutiny, prioritising safety without compromising.
Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director General of NBMA, debunked the discouraging news reports on social media amidst food insecurity in Nigeria.
Asagbra also assured citizens that the government agencies were committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens.
According to her, NBMA is regulating biotechnology to ensure the safe practice of modern biotechnology, including GMO; and has ensured the safety of agri-biotechnology products, in collaboration with other Federal Government agencies to ensure comprehensive safety measures.
She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Nigerians on the safety of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
“While concerns exist about long-term effects, the current scientific consensus supported by the NBMA is that GMO foods approved for consumption in Nigeria are safe.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and responsible regulation of GMOs in Nigeria, according to Section 43 of the NBMA Act, 2015 as amended; GMOs are organisms living or non-living.
“This is because rigorous risk assessments guide our decisions; before granting approvals for any genetically modified organism (GMO), NBMA conducts rigorous risk assessments.”
Asagbra explained that GMOs were novel genetic material obtained through modern biotechnology which allowed the enhancement of crop traits, improved yields and addresses agricultural challenges.
“The NBMA is Nigeria’s sole authority on biosafety matters; we enforce standards, guidelines and risk assessment procedures for GMOs.
“Our commitment is rooted in the NBMA Act and its regulations.
“These assessments evaluate potential risks to human health, the environment and biodiversity, the process involves scientific experts who analyse data, conduct experiments and assess the safety of the GMO in question.
“NBMA considers factors such as allergenicity, toxicity, and unintended effects resulting from genetic modifications GMOs undergo thorough evaluation before approval.
“We consider their impact on human health, animal welfare and the environment; our goal is to strike a balance between innovation and safety.’’
According to her, public consultations, workshops and information dissemination play a crucial role to enable citizens to have the opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions.
“NBMA relies on scientific consensus to make informed decisions.
“This consensus is based on extensive research, peer-reviewed studies, and expert opinions; independent scientific bodies, both nationally and internationally, contribute to this consensus.’’
She said that NBMA did not stop at approval as it monitored GMOs even after they entered the market.
The NBMA boss said that surveillance systems tracked their impact on health, the environment and biodiversity.
“NBMA aligns its practices with global standards.
“It consults with international bodies, such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to harness the benefits of modern biotechnology,” Asagbra said.
The Federal Government has warned states and local government areas to brace up for increased river flooding as the country enters the peak of the rainy season.
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation
Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, handed down the warning at a news conference on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Abuja.
He said that precautionary measures should be taken to avert possible disasters from such occurrence.
Utsev said states had been alerted following recent reports highlighted in the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook as unveiled by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
He said state governors had been provided with detailed forecasts and preventative measures specific to their regions.
According to him, significant flood risks have been identified in 148 local government areas across 31 states, including Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom and Anambra.
The outlook, divided into three scenarios, indicated heightened flood risks from April to November, with the most severe flooding expected between July and September.
“Over 10 states and the FCT have already experienced varying levels of flooding since April, resulting in casualties and property damage.
“Notable incidents include the flooding in Trademore Estate, FCT, which led to two deaths and significant property loss,” he said.
Utsev noted the need for states and local government areas to intensify flood prevention measures, such as clearing blocked drainage systems, relocating residents from flood-prone areas and constructing flood barriers.
He said river flooding was expected from major rivers like Niger and Benue, urging continuous monitoring and proactive measures.
The minister said that increased rainfall could exacerbate the ongoing cholera outbreak, which had caused 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases.
He said that a presidential committee had been constituted to address cholera and other waterborne diseases linked to flooding.
Utsev said a realigned 2023 flood report had led to the formation of a new committee, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to address broader disaster management issues, including erosion and desertification.
He said that the committee had submitted its report which had been approved by the National Economic Council, with implementation strategies set to commence shortly.
He added that the Clean Nigeria Use the Toilet campaign and the activation of national laboratories were part of comprehensive measures to enhance public health and sanitation.
Mr Clement Nze, Director General of NIHSA, underscored the Federal Government’s advisory role, noting that enforcement and local action fell under states’ jurisdiction.
He said that the Federal Government would continue its efforts to construct buffer dams, alongside the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, to mitigate flood risks.
NIHSA’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook reveals that 148 local government areas (LGAs) across 31 states are at high risk of flooding.
The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi.
Others are Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) will host the 2024 international conference of Clean Emerging Energy Technologies Group (SCEET-G) from July 21 to July 26.
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
Prof. Edmund Okoroigwe, the Leader of Sustainable and the Coordinator of the conference, disclosed this at a news conference on Thursday, July 4, in Nsukka, Enugu State.
He said that the conference, with the theme “Clean Energy Systems for Sustainable Power and Environment,” would be attended by no fewer than 100 physical and virtual participants drawn from different countries of the world.
Okoroigwe said the event would provide collaborative opportunities to network and share knowledge on clean energy technologies development and utilisation.
“The conference will enable participants to advance the frontiers of clean energy technologies development and utilisation.
“Clean energy system is energy that emits zero carbon and without any environmental pollution,’’ he said.
Okoroigwe said that SCEET-G in UNN was collaborating with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to organise the event.
Okoroigwe, who is of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, UNN, and doubles as an Anglican Clergy, named Mr Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, as the chairman of the conference.
He also named Prof. Mohammed Ndaliman, the Managing Director, Science Equipment Development Institute, Minna, Niger State, and Prof. Ahmed Zobaa, Brunel University London, UK, as keynote speakers.
Other speakers are Prof. Roula Inglesl-Lotz, Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, South Africa and Mrs Damilola Aseleye, Vice President, Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, among others.
Okoroigwe commended Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, UNN, for his support to SCEET-G.
He expressed optimism that the outcome of the conference would contribute immensely in solving the clean energy challenges in Nigeria and across the globally.
