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NAEC rallies oil, gas, power ministers for 2024 conference

Michael Simire
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NAEC rallies oil, gas, power ministers for 2024 conference

All is now set for the 2024 edition of the annual conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) known as the “NAEC Annual Strategic International Conference”.

Ministers
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri (left) with Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe Ekpo

The NAEC Conference is a flagship event of the association that brings together stakeholders in the Nigerian energy sector including operators, policymakers, local and international investors, service providers and analysts to discuss critical developments in the oil and gas, power, and renewable energy sectors, with a view to identifying and celebrating key successes, highlighting the challenges and proffering viable solutions for future growth.

This year’s edition of the conference is slated to hold on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting by 9am.

The theme of the 2024 NAEC Conference is “Gas as Energy Transition Fuel: Navigating Nigeria’s Trilemma of Finance, Energy Security, and International Politics.”

The choice of the theme of this year’s NAEC Annual Strategic International Conference was underpinned by the growing need to secure a sustainable, cleaner and affordable energy for Nigeria’s current and future generation by leveraging the country’s abundant natural gas resources yet to be unlocked and harnessed.

Just like the previous editions, this year’s conference will feature keynote addresses by top government officials, special industry presentations and goodwill messages from chief executives of oil majors, independent producers, downstream operators and power industry players, amongst others.

Having succeeded in securing confirmation of their attendance and participation, NAEC disclosed that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, will deliver ministerial addresses at the conference.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, will deliver the industry keynote address at the conference.

Also, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Ogbe; Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed; and the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, will present regulators’ addresses at the conference.

Chairman of this year’s NAEC Conference is the Group Managing Director of Rainoil Limited, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, whose company has become a dominant player in the Nigerian oil & gas downstream space.

Some of the special presentations at the conference will be delivered by the Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, Mr Ed Ubong; Vice President, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Limited, Dr Philip Mshelbila; and Chief Executive Officer, Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited, Mr. Robert Dickerman, amongst others.

Furthermore, there will be three panel sessions at the conference, with the first panel focusing on the theme of the conference, while the second and third panels will centre around the downstream oil & gas subsector and the power sector, respectively.

Commenting on the conference, the National Chairman of NAEC, Mr. Ugo Amadi, stated that the captivating lineup of activities for the association’s 2024 conference, promises to tackle Nigeria’s most pressing energy challenges head-on.

Amadi said the conference’s main theme, “Gas as Energy Transition Fuel: Navigating Nigeria’s Trilemma of Finance, Energy Security, and International Politics,” was carefully curated to address the critical national discourse and provide strategic solutions to guarantee Nigeria’s energy security and sustainable future.

He said, “The conference will feature a dedicated session on ‘Actualising the Decade of Gas: Powering Nigeria’s Energy Sufficiency, Industrialization, and Economic Prosperity’, and other sessions that will talk about the pivotal role of natural gas in driving Nigeria’s energy sufficiency, industrialisation, and overall economic prosperity.”

The NAEC Chairman further emphasised that the third session of the conference will address the topic: “Power Sector: Unlocking Investments for Sustainable Growth.”

Amadi stated that the 2024 Conference being held under his new leadership at NAEC would serve as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and knowledge concerning the opportunities and challenges confronting investments in Nigeria’s energy sector.

In his remarks, Chairman of the NAEC 2024 Conference Committee, Mr. Adeola Yusuf, revealed that the upcoming conference promises to be a game-changer for the Nigerian energy industry.

According to Yusuf, the conference would bring together a diverse array of players, including ministers, CEOs, industry captains, regulators, lawmakers, and other key stakeholders, adding that with the participation of industry leaders and experts, the event promises to deliver actionable insights and innovative strategies to propel the sector forward.

He further added the conference would be a catalyst for unlocking investments, enhancing energy security, and driving sustainable development in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Okereke urges leaders to make COP29 decisive moment for global climate action

Michael Simire
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Okereke urges leaders to make COP29 decisive moment for global climate action

The Director, Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI), Ebonyi State, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, has called on global leaders to make the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holding in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, a decisive moment for global climate action for improved climate finance. He emphasised that the world is not on track to meet the critical 1.5 degrees target set by the Paris Agreement.

Professor Chukwumerije Okereke
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke

Prof. Okereke made the submission in a keynote address on behalf of Allied for Climate Transformation by 2025 (ACT2025) at the China Media Salon themed: “Looking Ahead to COP29: How to Accelerate Action Amid Intensifying Climate Impacts,” The China Media Salon was organised by Tipping Point Monthly E-magazine and hosted by The Paper on September 19, 2024, as a hybrid event.

Highlighting that there is an acute lack of resources to face the scale of impact brought on by climate change disasters, Professor Okereke called on developed countries to take the lead and help put the world back on track by mobilising and providing climate finance that is enough for solving climate change challenges beyond the usual rhetoric and failed promises.

Prof. Okereke, who is also President, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), further emphasised that in addition to the fact that vulnerable countries are being hit first and worst from the impacts of the global climate crisis as seen through devastating floods in Bangladesh, Kenya and Nigeria in recent months; inequality, conflict and development challenges always heightens these vulnerabilities.

Citing current data, Professor Okereke projected that developing countries need an estimated $5.8-5.9 trillion to implement their national climate plans, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) up to 2030, and adaptation finance could reach $1.7 trillion annually by 2050.

While presenting the ACT2025’s call-to-action, an agreed set of expectations by the consortium ahead of COP29, bothering on the priority needs of climate vulnerable countries, Okereke reiterated that the four main priority expectations: 1) Ambitious Climate Finance is Non-Negotiable; 2) Scaling Up Adaptation Efforts; 3) Responding to loss and Damage with sufficient action and support; and 4) Accelerating Mitigation Ambition and Implementation.

Okereke later expanded on the four priorities established by the ACT2025 Call-to-action as which can be downloaded at https://www.wri.org/initiatives/allied-climate-transformation-act2025/resources/cop29-call-action-climate-vulnerable-countries for further details.

On ambitious Climate Finance, ACT2025 demanded that COP29 must deliver an ambitious 1.5°C-aligned New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that reflects the real financial needs of climate-vulnerable nations and must be accessible, concessional and transparent.

On scaling up adaptation efforts, ACT2025 made bold that COP29 must unpack the gaps and challenges in adaptation planning and implementation if it must make sense.

On responding to Loss and Damage with sufficient action and support, ACT2025 demanded that new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage must be adequately funded and fully operational by COP29. ACT2025 believed that the new Fund is meaningless if it does not result in accessible finance at scale to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable developing countries in responding to losses and damages, without imposing further burdens such as debt.

On accelerating mitigation Ambition and implementation, ACT2025 demanded that countries must implement equitable and rapid transitions away from fossil fuels with clear pathways to net-zero GHG emissions, while ensuring that their phaseouts are conducted through people-centered, just transitions. Okereke reiterated that ACT2025 is desirous to see ambitious NDCs reflected in the upcoming updated NDCs 3.0 with G7 and G20 countries leading by example.

Okereke, a Senior Adviser on Climate Change and Sustainable Development to the Enugu State Government, acknowledged China’s unique and important role in global climate action and justice through greening of its overseas investments. Okereke noted that COP29 and the next round of NDCs present critical opportunities for China to continue to showcase critical global leadership such as aligning its actions with the demands of vulnerable countries through solidarity and increased ambition that is 1.5-aligned in their new 2035 NDC.

Okereke expressed confidence that China holds a pivotal role in driving these results, positioning itself as a leader of the Global South and a key player in global climate governance. He equally emphasised that China has a unique role to play in fostering unity and driving global progress toward a sustainable and equitable future through its support for climate-vulnerable nations leveraging on the role it played with the G77 in calling for and establishing a loss and damage fund at COP27.

He further highlighted importance of China and the Global South, including China-Africa cooperation in shaping a sustainable and equitable climate future while alluding to the recent outcomes from the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

In closing, Okereke called on the international community to rally and push for the finance, ambition, and climate resilient development pathways needed to prepare for the impacts of climate change and secure a just and equitable transition to a sustainable future.

“The outcomes of COP29 and the decisions we make as a global community this decade will massively impact the trajectory of our civilization and collective future,” he said.

ACT2025 is a consortium of thought leaders with core partners from: Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (Belize), Centre for Climate Change and Development at AEFUNAI (Nigeria), International Centre for Climate Change and Development (Bangladesh), Manila Observatory (Philippines), Power Shift Africa (Kenya), Transforma (Colombia), and World Resources Institute (Global).

Download the call to action:        https://www.wri.org/initiatives/allied-climate-transformation-act2025/resources/cop29-call-action-climate-vulnerable-countries

By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu (Media and Communication Specialist, CCCD-AEFUNAI) and Gboyega Olorunfemi (Senior Research Associate, CCCD-AEFUNAI)

Climate finance by multilateral development banks hits record $125bn in 2023

Michael Simire
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Climate finance by multilateral development banks hits record $125bn in 2023

Multilateral development banks (MDBs), including the African Development Bank (AfDB), say their collective financing for climate action hit a record high of $125 billion in 2023.

Prof. Anthony Nyong
Prof. Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the AfDB

The AfDB, in a statement, said this was part of the findings from the Joint MDBs report in 2023.

The announcement of the findings of the Joint Report on MDBs heralds the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC).

The conference, scheduled for November 2024 at Baku, Azerbaijan, aims to increase global climate financing and agree on a new collective target.

“Of the $125 billion, MDBs allocated $74.7 billion to low- and middle-income economies.

“Sixty-seven per cent of this ($50 billion) went to finance climate mitigation, which refers to actions that reduce, avoid, limit or sequester greenhouse gas emissions.

“While 33 per cent ($24.7 billion) was directed to climate adaptation.

“Adaptation finance involves activities and measures that reduce the risks or vulnerabilities posed by climate change, and at increasing climate resilience,” it said.

The statement said of the $74.7 billion that went to low- and middle-income countries, $28.5 billion, or roughly 38 per cent, was mobilised from the private sector.

It said given the need and urgency of climate adaptation finance, particularly in climate vulnerable low-income countries, these numbers demonstrated positive steps but remained well below what was required.

The statement quoted Anthony Nyong, AfDB’s Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, as saying that the bank increased its climate finance from nine per cent in 2016 to 55 per cent in 2023.

Nyong said the bank mobilised a total of $5.8 billion in 2023, the highest in its history. And had continued to address the pressing adaptation finance needs of regional member countries.

He said AfDB allocated about 53 per cent of its climate financing in 2023 to adaptation, thus, setting a positive example.

“This focus on adaptation, a top priority in the AfDB’s climate action agenda, reiterates the Bank’s commitment to addressing the adaptation finance gap.

“This substantial increase, primarily sourced from the Bank’s internal statutory funds, demonstrates the Bank’s steadfast commitment to delivering growth.

“It also shows AfDB’ s commitment to climate change outcomes in synergy, thereby fostering resilience and sustainable development across Africa,” Nyong said.

The Joint Report on MDBs’ Climate Finance is an annual publication incorporating MDBs’ climate financing figures, along with a clear explanation of the methodologies for tracking this financing.

The report said the Banks’ publication of climate finance statistics, aim to monitor progress towards their joint climate finance targets set following COP21, and the ambitious pledges for the period beyond 2020.

The 2023 report, coordinated by the European Investment Bank (EIB), consolidates data from nine other major MDBs.

They include: AfDB, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Council of Europe Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Inter-American Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank, and the World Bank Group.

By Lucy Ogalue

Nigerian professor ranks among world’s top scientists in prestigious list

Michael Simire
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Nigerian professor ranks among world’s top scientists in prestigious list

A renowned Nigerian scientist, Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji, has been named among the world’s top 2% of scientists in a prestigious global ranking for 2024.

Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji
Professor Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji

The recognition comes from two distinguished lists: the Career-long List of the World’s Top 2% Scientists and the single-year Most Impactful List of Distinguished Professors globally.

Adetunji, known for his work in genome editing, attributes his success to the support of colleagues and institutions in his field.

“This achievement reflects the unwavering support and dedication of many individuals and institutions, most especially from the genome editing family,” Adetunji said in a statement.

The rankings, published by Elsevier, a global leader in scientific publishing, evaluates scientists based on their career-long impact and their influence in a single year.

Adetunji holds several prestigious titles, including Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (UK) and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Microbiology.

The accomplishment, it was gathered, highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in the global scientific community, particularly in the field of genetic research.

Adetunji encouraged his peers to continue striving for excellence, saying, “Together, let us continue to make a significant impact in our fields.”

By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief

Reactions as UN adopts Pact for the Future to address global challenges

Michael Simire
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Reactions as UN adopts Pact for the Future to address global challenges

The UN General Assembly on Sunday, September 22, 2024, unanimously adopted the Pact for the Future, along with its annexes, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.

UN General Assembly
UN General Assembly

The representatives from across the world committed to the Pact at the UN Summit of the Future, the landmark outcome of COP28, namely the tripling of renewable energy capacity and transition away from fossil fuels.

The comprehensive pact aims to strengthen global governance and tackle key challenges facing humanity, including sustainable development, international peace, and technological innovation, youth and future generations and transforming global governance. The pact also proposes detailed action plans to address these challenges.

General Assembly President, Philemon Yang, hailed the adoption as a “pledge to address immediate crises” and “lay the foundations for a sustainable, just, and peaceful global order.”

The Global Digital Compact outlines principles for an open and human-centred digital future, while the Declaration on Future Generations calls for recognising the rights of future generations in decision-making processes.

Yang emphasised the need for solidarity and multilateral cooperation in implementing the pact’s commitments. He described the upcoming Summit of the Future as a “call to action” to shape a future that protects both humanity and the planet.

In his address, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said he called for the Summit of Future “because 21st-century challenges require 21st-century solutions” and “we need tough decisions to get back on track.”

Stating that the world is going through a time of turbulence and transition, Guterres said: “We cannot wait for perfect conditions.”

“We must take the first decisive steps towards updating and reforming international cooperation to make it more networked, fair and inclusive now, and today, thanks to your efforts, we have,” said Guterres.

Environment watchdog, 350.org, welcomes the reaffirmation of commitments made in Dubai but stresses that the real test will be the delivery of these in the coming days.

According to the group, leaders and ministers must commit to translating the COP28 outcome and PACT of the Future into concrete national targets and policies at the first-ever Global Renewables Summit, the UN General Assembly High Level Segment, and the COP Troika High Level event.

Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, states: “Petrostates tried to derail the Pact for the Future but the outcome of COP28, transitioning away from fossil fuel and tripling renewables still stands and is the new norm we so desperately need. As countries prepare to unveil their emissions targets, world leaders have one job to do: deliver 1.5-aligned climate goals – no compromises.

“This means a bold break from fossil fuel dependency and rich countries must support those already suffering the harshest impacts of climate change. Azerbaijan and Brazil, as future UN climate summit hosts, must show us their ambition and leadership. The world is ready to see the bold blueprint that the Pact for the Future intends to deliver. We are watching, and we expect bold commitments, and even bolder action.”

350.org is calling on world leaders to implement the UAE consensus – transitioning away from fossil fuels in line with 1.5, meaning an average 6% decline in fossil fuels this decade, and a tripling of renewables.

Benin destroys seized products in bold stand against wildlife crime

Michael Simire
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Benin destroys seized products in bold stand against wildlife crime

Benin has publicly destroyed a substantial quantity of seized wildlife products for the first time in its history, marking a significant step towards combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting the nation’s biodiversity.

Wildlife
Siezed wildlife products in Cotonou, Benin being incinerated

The incineration event took place in Cotonou, the largest city in Benin, with representatives from various government agencies, Nature Tropicale Organisation, and wildlife conservation experts in attendance. Ministry for the Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation, are methodically reducing seized wildlife products weighing about 155.9 KG, to ashes today.

“The illegal wildlife trade poses a grave danger to our country’s biodiversity and natural legacy. Benin stands firm in its commitment to combating this crisis. By incinerating these wildlife products, we are making it clear that wildlife trafficking will not be allowed to persist here. We are determined to take all necessary actions to safeguard our unique ecosystems and protect endangered species from extinction,” said Rémi Hefoume, Director General of Water, Forests and Hunting at the Ministry for the Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development.

As part the EPI’s objective to keep ivory out of economic use, and with support of the U.S Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the EPI said that it has been working with the Government of Benin and Nature Tropicale, the local NGO partner, to improve the management of wildlife products seized or recovered to ensure they are effectively managed and do no reenter into the illegal wildlife trade.

“Standard operations procedures have been developed and implemented through training and mentoring, storerooms strengthened and equipped. This disposal comes after a nationwide inventory of items in storage undertaken and items centralised, sending a clear message of no tolerance of the illegal wildlife trade,” added the group.

“Benin’s choice to destroy confiscated wildlife products sets a powerful precedent for nations taking decisive steps to safeguard their natural heritage and join the global effort against wildlife crime,” said Ruth Musgrave, Director of Programmes at the EPI Foundation.

Environmental organisations and wildlife advocates have praised Benin’s actions, hailing them as a positive step toward curbing the illegal wildlife trade. They have called for continued cooperation between government agencies, civil society, and international partners to strengthen enforcement efforts and raise awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Floods: SERAP urges Tinubu to probe how Borno spent billions in ecological funds

Michael Simire
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Floods: SERAP urges Tinubu to probe how Borno spent billions in ecological funds

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly investigate the spending of the billions of naira of Ecological Fund collected by Borno State since 2001, including the N816 million collected by the state between January 2024 and June 2024.”

Governor Babagana Zulum
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State

SERAP said, “Suspected perpetrators of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of ecological funds should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered.”

SERAP also urged him to “direct Mr Fagbemi and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to urgently identify and ensure access to justice and effective remedies to affected victims in Borno state.”

SERAP urged him to “direct Mr George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to work with appropriate anticorruption agencies to track and monitor the spending of Ecological Fund by the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 36 state governors, the 774 local government areas, as well as all emergency management agencies across the country funded through the Ecological Fund.”

In the letter dated September 21, 2024, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Your government has a legal obligation to address the prevalence of flooding across the country and its effect on people, and to ensure that the money meant to stop the floods is not lost to corruption.”

SERAP said, “There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice for the victims of Borno’s flood victims, and accountability for the spending of the monthly ecological funds collected by the state through the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).”

The letter reads in part: “Although ecological funds are shared across the three tiers of government, and emergency management agencies, the funds are managed and supervised by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The devastation in Borno highlights your government’s obligation to promote and ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of ecological funds by all tiers of government and emergency management agencies.

“SERAP notes that Borno state receives millions of naira monthly through the Federal Allocation Committee as shares from the Ecological Fund.

“Other states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja also monthly receive funds from the Ecological Fund. According to reports, trillions of naira have over the years been budgeted through the Ecological Fund to tackle floods and other ecological problems.

“SERAP is concerned that the ecological funds collected by Borno state over the years may have been diverted, mismanaged or unaccounted.

“SERAP is also concerned about reports that the funds released to the states for ecological projects are characterised by mismanagement, diversion of funds, substandard and abandoned projects fully paid for.

“Ecological funds have also been allegedly spent for other purposes such as election campaigns and political patronage.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Your government has legal obligations to ensure protection of the rights of flood victims in Borno and elsewhere in the country, including the obligation to ensure they receive adequate food, shelter, safe drinking water, access to sanitation and other basic aid.

“Your government must use all means available to it to prevent and address the threats to human rights that result from climate change and to provide access to remedies when these rights are violated.

“According to reports, the recent floods in Borno started when a dam (the Alau Dam in Maiduguri) burst its walls following heavy rainfall. More than 30 people have reportedly been killed by the floods.

“About one million people have been affected, most of whom are housed in camps without food and clean water. The According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 229 people have been killed by floods in Nigeria since the start of the year. The worst flooding in recent times killed 600 people in 2022.

“According to a four-year audit of the Ecological Fund Office carried out by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, the total amount allocated and received by the fund from December 2011 to November 2016 was N277 billion.

“The operations of the Fund from 2012 to 2016 reportedly showed that some of the disbursements were not utilised for the purpose for which it was established. During these periods, N74,170,932,645.20 was released to State Governments to solve ecological problems in their states.

“SERAP notes that the Ecological Fund was established in 1981 to respond to and address serious ecological problems such as soil erosion, flooding, drought, desertification, oil spillage, general environmental pollution, and related issues, as well as prevent suffering and possible death from these natural disasters.

“As the floods in Borno State have shown, the lack of transparency and accountability in the management of ecological funds by states and the resulting human costs directly threaten fundamental human rights – rights to life, to food, to a place to live and work – rights that your government has an obligation to protect.

“Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and the human rights and anticorruption treaties to which the country is a state party impose obligations on your government to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption in the spending of Ecological Fund, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of flooding.

“Corruption and mismanagement of the fund have caused negative human health impacts and rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.

“The failure of successive governments and high-ranking government officials to prevent corruption in the spending of Ecological Fund has hugely contributed to the inability of authorities at all levels to address ecological challenges, and the impact of flooding across the country.

“We note that while a governor may enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution, he does not enjoy immunity from investigation. Any criminal allegation against a sitting governor can and should be investigated pending the time the governor leaves office and loses immunity.

“The findings of such an investigation can also be the basis for initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor.”

AFSAA commits $100m in funding proposals to food security in Africa

Michael Simire
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0
AFSAA commits $100m in funding proposals to food security in Africa

The Alliance for Food Security Action in Africa (AFSAA) has announced a commitment to a $100 million in funding proposals dedicated to addressing food security challenges in Africa.

AFSAA
Delegates at the AFSAA food security investment summit at UNGA79 in New York

The announcement was made at a food security investment summit, a side event at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, focused on urgent strategies to combat food insecurity across the African continent. The summit brought together leaders from various sectors, including state players, global development partners, and civil society organisations, to discuss collective and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing food security and resilience in Africa.

Speaking at the high-profile event, the Chairman of AFSAA, Dr. Paul Abolo, announced a commitment to a $100 million in funding proposals dedicated to addressing food security challenges in Africa, strategically aligned with the upcoming COP29 climate conference. The proposals aim at mobilising resources that will support sustainable agricultural practices, improve food preservation and distribution systems, as well as enhance local capacities in Africa.

Dr. Paul Abolo added that AFSAA’s commitment comes at a perilous time when millions of people across Africa face acute food shortages due to conflicts, economic instability, and climate-related disasters. The AFSAA Chairman said that the vow follows the increased global funding pledges and promises to address global food security challenges such as the World Bank’s $45 billion global financing for operational engagement to increase food and nutrition security (FNS) which includes $13.20 billion for West and Central Africa.

In his presentation, AFSAA’s Director for Strategic Finance, Paul Stevers, stated: “By facilitating investments and funding in innovative agricultural technologies and practices, AFSAA seeks to empower farmers and local businesses while ensuring that food is accessible and affordable across the African continent.”

The side event featured keynote speeches and goodwill messages from top-notch global financiers and investors as well as development specialists who emphasised the importance of collaboration between developed and developing nations among themselves.

Concept notes for augmented agricultural production and improved food security measures were presented to emerging and established agro-allied professionals and participants underscored how the need to achieve sustainable development goals related to zero hunger requires collective and collaborative action.

All the participants present also demonstrated how shared responsibility among governments, NGOs, private sector, stakeholders, and local communities. AFSAA as a global body, reiterated its commitment to addressing food insecurity in Africa through first-rate and first- class strategies for innovation and investments.

Advancing sustainable agriculture: Stakeholders unite for organic, agroecological farming

Michael Simire
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Advancing sustainable agriculture: Stakeholders unite for organic, agroecological farming

On September 19, 2024, a significant gathering took place at the Bolton White Hotel in Abuja, where key stakeholders convened for the National Stakeholders Workshop on Organic Agriculture and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria.

Agroecology
Participants at the National Stakeholders Workshop on Organic Agriculture and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria, held in Abuja

This event was organised by the Heinrich Böll Foundation in collaboration with the Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria (AAPN), ActionAid Nigeria, and the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN). It aimed to build upon the momentum generated by an earlier workshop held in June, addressing critical issues facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector while promoting sustainable practices that enhance food security and environmental health.

The workshop highlighted the pressing challenges within Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, which contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP and employs a substantial portion of the population. Despite its importance, the sector grapples with various issues, including a heavy reliance on conventional farming methods that have led to soil degradation and reduced biodiversity.

The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has raised concerns about public health risks, threats to sovereignty, food control and environmental impacts, while the widespread use of synthetic pesticides threatens both human health and local ecosystems. Furthermore, Nigeria’s agricultural products often face rejection in international markets due to non-compliance with safety standards, underscoring the urgent need for improved agricultural practices that align with global safety regulations.

Climate vulnerability looms large over Nigeria’s agriculture, as the sector heavily depends on rain-fed systems, making it susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change such as droughts and flooding. With less than 1% of cultivated land under irrigation, farmers are increasingly at risk of losing their livelihoods to erratic weather patterns. Insecurity has further compounded these challenges, disrupting farming activities and forcing many farmers to abandon their lands. Additionally, post-harvest losses remain alarmingly high – estimated at around 50% for fruits and vegetables – due to inadequate storage and processing facilities.

The workshop underscored the importance of organic agriculture and agroecology as pivotal solutions for achieving food security in Nigeria and environmental restoration. The National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) for 2022-2027 emphasises organic agriculture’s role in enhancing food security through resilient local food production systems. These practices not only support biodiversity conservation but also promote better health outcomes by providing chemical-free food options. The NATIP advocates for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) that include organic farming techniques aimed at increasing productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Mr. Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu from Heinrich Böll Foundation while sharing the above reality, addressed the economic challenges faced by farmers, emphasising that high food inflation and reliance on imported inputs hinder progress in organic farming and agroecology. He advocated for government intervention through financial support mechanisms such as low-interest loans and grants specifically tailored for farmers willing to transition to more sustainable nature-based farm methods. His remarks highlighted a consensus among participants regarding the necessity of supportive policies that facilitate access to resources for smallholder farmers.

Throughout the day, participants engaged actively, sharing insights and experiences that enriched discussions. Prof. Olugbenga O. AdeOluwa from the University of Ibadan presented compelling data on the current state of organic agriculture in Nigeria. He pointed out that despite its potential benefits, there is still a low level of adoption due to a lack of awareness among farmers about organic practices. His call for increased education and training resonated with many attendees who recognised that knowledge is crucial for transforming agricultural practices across the country.

Dr. Koffi Emmanuel Gle from ECOWAS echoed these sentiments, stressing that sustainable agriculture must be prioritised not only in Nigeria but across West Africa. He emphasised that agroecological practices are essential for supporting smallholder farmers who are often most affected by climate change impacts and economic instability. His commitment to promoting these practices through regional initiatives was met with enthusiasm from attendees who recognised the interconnectedness of agricultural challenges across borders.

The workshop also featured contributions from representatives of various farmer cooperatives and civil society groups who shared their success stories in adopting organic farming techniques. They spoke about how transitioning to agroecological practices not only improved their yields but also enhanced their market access as consumers increasingly demand organic products. Their testimonies served as powerful examples of how grassroots movements can drive change within local communities.

As discussions unfolded throughout the day, it became clear that organic agriculture and agroecology present significant opportunities for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. These practices not only promote sustainable food production but also offer economic benefits by enabling farmers to access premium markets both locally and internationally. Moreover, they contribute to environmental preservation by reducing carbon footprints and enhancing ecosystem services.

A significant outcome of the workshop was the validation of Standards for Organic and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria. Participants engaged in thorough discussions that led to clear implementation strategies designed to support these standards across various agricultural practices throughout the country. This validation marks a critical step forward in establishing a framework that not only guides farmers but also aligns with global organic certification requirements.

In conclusion, the National Stakeholders Workshop served as a crucial platform for advancing organic agriculture and agroecology in Nigeria. The outcomes from this event are expected to shape future agricultural policies that align with sustainable development goals while mitigating the threats posed by conventional farming practices.

To realise these aspirations fully, it is imperative that all stakeholders commit to collaborative efforts aimed at implementing effective strategies that will ensure a resilient agricultural system capable of meeting the needs of Nigeria’s growing population while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.

Zero waste: Stakeholders tasked on sustainable plastic waste management in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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Zero waste: Stakeholders tasked on sustainable plastic waste management in Nigeria

Green consumerism and behavioural change on the part of Nigerians are some of measures that need to be adopted in achieving secularity and, until we entrench these into our waste management systems, we are just scratching the surface.

Zero Waste
Participants at the SRADev Nigeria organised Zero Waste workshop in Lagos

Dr. Leslie Adogame, the Executive Director of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria), made this submission at a two-day workshop that held from September 19 to 20, 2024, in Lagos. It was themed: “Advancing Capacity and Strengthening National Advocacy Towards Implementing a Zero Waste Initiative in Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria”.

Dr. Adogame said: “Presently in Nigeria, we consume like there is no tomorrow and we produce recklessly but if we can factor the basic element of waste reduction from source by producing and consuming only what you know you can manage, we are on the right path of achieving zero waste.

“We need to start producing only things we know we can recycle because we don’t have the capacity to invest in sanitary landfill.

“The economy is going down and investing in waste management such as the sanitary landfill is very huge, so invest more in behavioural change that will produce few wastes going to the dump site.”

The Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria went further: “You don’t need rocket science to manage waste. Go to the developed countries right from the doors you have bins where your food waste goes, your recyclable goes into a particular bin, then somebody comes to take it, and that recyclable they aggregated, and somebody else needs that waste, and they are just easily recycled around, and you don’t have waste all over.

“If you can conscientise and imbibe this will be on a path of sustainable waste management, and that is what we are trying to sell to the government, not to begin to look for businesses, MoU that will install an Incinerator that will not work beyond one or two years.

“And yet, billions of dollars would have been wasted on those things don’t work. Even developed countries where they have those facilities, it is a deception for you to say you want to do incineration in Nigeria in the year 2024. Just go simple: zero waste. Organic waste volume in Lagos is huge. Almost 60% of waste in Lagos is huge, and a lot of people can be employable through organic waste conversion.”

In his submission, Weyinmi Okotie, Clean Energy Campaigner, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), admitted that achieving zero plastic waste management is going to be lot of work and a lot is expected from all stakeholders in the industry.

Okotie said: “Plastic waste management is a systematic problem, so we have to look at it together from the holistic point of view, we can achieve zero plastic waste.

“In achieving zero plastic waste, first of all we need to understand the level we are right now, I know we have some data, but first of all, getting to all the data and then realising the scale of what we need to do.

“Lagos State Government should also shelve the idea of building a waste-to-energy incinerator because the moment you have such an incinerator, there will be no need for people to reduce waste, these are some of the factors that can militate against achieving zero plastic waste in Nigeria,” Okotie submitted.

In his remarks, Olugbenga Adebola, National President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN), who is assertive about achieving zero plastic waste, opined that

with a whole lot of commitment on the part of way the people, the government, and every practitioner, the government indeed needs to take the lead.

Adebola recalled: “Over 20 years ago, as far back as 2002 me and some other few Nigerians, Lagosians in particular, were sent to Cairo, Egypt to go and understudy the Zero Waste initiative by a foreign organisation. We were sent to America also to understudy them, and we came back to Nigeria with a view to implementing it in Lagos in particular.

“However, we need a lot of political will. The political will is key, and I want to give it to Lagos State. Yes, Lagos State has been in the forefront. Given the political will, other states need to implement the Zero Waste Initiative, or the Zero Waste project would only start from the point of waste generation, where every waste generator must see their waste not as a waste, but as a resource.

“So, it is only when you see your waste as a resource that you now begin to package it in such a way that you do what we call segregation, where you sort your waste into different waste components such as plastic, paper, aluminium and all manners of waste. These are not going to be disposed of, they are expected to be exchanged for a resource. You are expected to get money out of it.

“Right now, I’m happy with where we have taken especially plastic waste to. The plastic right now is a scarce commodity in Nigeria, especially PET bottles. Everybody’s looking for PET bottles because it has attracted a lot of renumeration right now. So, the same thing with paper, the same thing with aluminium, the same thing with scrap metals. So, the only waste that you could say is not being used, is the organic waste.

“Currently, there are projects that are coming up where the organic waste will be converted into organic fertiliser, biogas, and bio ethanol, which they are going to be using to power even some of our trucks and some of our vehicles.

“And of course, the biogas that you are also going to have that we are expected to extract will also serve as a CNG that the federal government is talking about, and that is also, you know, implementing the federal government policy in reducing the reliance of fossil fuel like petrol and diesel and so on and so forth.”

On his part, Mr. Ade Babajide, Director, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, noted that, in achieving the aims of environmental sustainability, regulators, NGOs and other stakeholders need to collaborate more.

He said that the Lagos State Government has been doing a lot in the area of waste management one of which was the recent ban on styrofoam materials.

“The government banned the use of styrofoam across the state simply because it was constituting nuisance to the environment by blocking the drainages and the waterways leading to floodings, so we had no choice than to take that decision.”

Babajide, who represented the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, said: “Even till today and on a daily basis our Enforcement and Monitoring Team do go out to ensure that we rid the state of the menace.

“I can confirm to you that, as we speak, over 85% of styrofoam are gone and we are not relenting in haunting for it to ensure that it does not find its way back to the environment.”

Talking about converting organic waste to manure, Babajide said it that the Federal Ministry of Environment that is saying that synthetic fertiliser is destroying the soul recently approved a billion-dollar factory to be built in Lagos, that could have been encouraged to set up a multi-billion-dollar facility using organic waste to produce organic fertiliser, and the environment would have been better for it.

“I understand the synthetic fertiliser has more yield compared to the organic one, but we need to enlighten and educate our people on the benefit of one over the other. These are the issues we really need to look at and address head-on.”

The seminar organised by SRADev Nigeria under the auspices of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) witnessed participants from Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Association of Wastepickers of Lagos (ASWOL), some selected schools and Oko-Ọba Estate GRA Scheme One, with online participants from Nipe Fagio (Tanzania), Adansonia Green (Senegal) Gayo and Local Government Official (Ghana), and End Plastic Pollution and Project Kollekt (Uganda), among others.

By Ajibola Adedoye

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