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Govt moves to restore 1m hectares of degraded land in the North

Michael Simire
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Govt moves to restore 1m hectares of degraded land in the North

The Federal Government, through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, says it will restore about one million hectares of degraded land in Northern Nigeria.

AbdulHamid Umar
AbdulHamid Umar, National Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL)

Its National Project Coordinator, Mr Abdulhamid Umar, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement on the “Development of Strategic Catchment Management Plans in Wetland Zones of Northern Nigeria” on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Kano.

He said that the workshop was organised to derive a shared vision of the strategic stakeholders for an ideal riparian catchment.

This, Umar said, was to build and forestall peace in the wetlands, adding, ”and take into consideration, the opportunities that would form part of the catchment management plan.

”This is the first time the Nigerian government is developing a catchment management plan of this magnitude.

”This assistance is being received with the guidance of the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA).”

The ACReSAL boss further said that the engagement would focus on interacting with the strategic stakeholders.

They came from Ngada West Chad, Yedseram-East Chad, Hadejia, and Katagun K-Gana catchments, covering Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi and Kano States.

Umar highlighted that the strategic plan would facilitate ACRESAL to meet her “Project Development Objective (PDO)”.

”This will help in sustainably restoring one million hectares of degraded land, making them cultivatable, habitable, and usable for any other purpose be it commercial, domestic or otherwise.

”ACRESAL seeks to impact 3.4 million direct beneficiaries out of which 1.68 million (49.41 per cent) would be women,” Umar said.

The ACReSAL boss said that catchment management plans would enable the integration of social and economic needs with the natural ecosystems and the long-term use of natural resources.

According to him, it will elaborately and comprehensively bring out the structures and mechanisms for environmental cooperation and coordination as well as the development of social commitment and cohesion.

“Catchment management plans not only provide answers to what, when, and where of catchment management, they also provide scientifically guided decisions.

”This is regarding early strategies for preparing and averting potential environmental challenges (early warning).

“The development of 20 strategic catchment management plans is the bedrock of the implementation of the ACRESAL project and would have come long before this time of pProject implementation.

“The strategic catchment management plans would create the platform and structure into which the micro catchment management plans will dovetail,” Umar said.

He added that the project development Plan was to increase the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watersheds in Northern Nigeria.

It is also to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term enabling environment for integrated climate-resilient landscape management.

According to him, the 20 strategic catchments are delineated from Nigeria’s Hydrological Areas (HAs), numbered HA 1 to HA8.

“ACRESAL states cover majorly 5 of the 8 hydrological Areas (HA 1-4, and 8).

”However, the remaining 3 Hydrological areas, (HA 5,6 and 7) still have slight touches on ACRESAL states.

“The ultimate goal of ACRESAL’s Strategic Catchment Plan is to strengthen the entire country’s long-term enabling environment for integrated climate-resilient landscape management,” he explained.

On his part, the Managing Director of Mecon Geology and Engineering Services Ltd, Mr Chuka Offodile, assured that his company would deliver quality data.

Such data, he said, would guide the government or private entities that may be desirous of any form of investment within the developed strategic catchment management plan.

He said the development of the plan would help in addressing the issue of food production and food security, which he said, remained a priority of the Federal Government.

Offodile added that the plan was the result of collaborative efforts and stakeholders’ engagements, expressing gratitude for the support and inputs from all parties involved.

Some of the stakeholders who spoke at the event lauded the Federal Government for its efforts to make lands in the front-line states cultivable, habitable and usable.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

NNPC deploys trucks to Dangote Refinery as Lagos ensures effective traffic management

Michael Simire
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NNPC deploys trucks to Dangote Refinery as Lagos ensures effective traffic management

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, deployed more than 100 trucks to Dangote Refinery for petrol lifting.

Dangote Refinery
Trucks being deployed at Dangote Refinery by NNPC ahead of lifting of petrol on Sunday

The NNPC Ltd. in a post on its X handle on Saturday said that the mobilising of trucks to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry was in preparation for the scheduled petrol loading on Sunday.

“In preparation for the Dangote Refinery’s scheduled petrol loading on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, NNPC Ltd. has been mobilising trucks to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki.

“As of Saturday afternoon, NNPC Ltd. had deployed more than 100 trucks, with hundreds more en route,” the NNPC Ltd. said.

The company said that by the end of Saturday, no fewer than 300 trucks would be stationed at the refinery’s fuel loading gantry.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has promised a comprehensive traffic management strategy to guarantee uninterrupted traffic flow along Lekki-Ajah corridor.

The measure is in view of Dangote Refinery’s commencement of fuel distribution to outlets on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA).

It quoted Giwa as saying that LASTMA had been fortified with state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel which would be strategically deployed to oversee and regulate traffic flow within the affected areas.

He reassured residents and commuters in the Lekki-Ajah vicinity that thorough preparations had been made, urging them to remain calm and confident in the state government’s capabilities.

“In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, LASTMA has mobilised advanced tow trucks and emergency response equipment to promptly address anticipated potential traffic disruptions.

“Medical ambulance services are also on high alert to ensure rapid response in emergency situations,” the special adviser said.

He said that it was imperative for tanker operators to strictly adhere to traffic regulations, particularly during loading and navigation, within the Lekki-Ajah axis.

Giwa said that the state government would rigorously enforce the regulations to avert traffic disruptions and ensure seamless vehicular movement.

“The Lagos State Government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ welfare and maintaining orderly traffic during this pivotal period of industrial activity.

“All motoring public, particularly commercial bus operators, including mini-bus drivers, are hereby cautioned to comply with traffic laws refraining them from picking up, or dropping, passengers at undesignated bus stops.

“They are urged to avoid driving against traffic. They are also advised to observe all road signs, including traffic signals, among other regulations.

“Adherence to these regulations will ensure a harmonious and efficient transportation system,” he said.

By Emmanuella Anokam and Chiazo Ogbolu

 

Maiduguri flood: UN team arrives Borno on assessment visit

Michael Simire
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Maiduguri flood: UN team arrives Borno on assessment visit

A team comprising various organisations under the United Nations arrived in Maiduguri on an assessment visit over the Alau Dam flood disaster.

Maiduguri
The UN team visit to Maiduguri on Saturday

The team, which also comprised International and National NGOs led by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Fall, arrived in Maiduguri on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

The team which, visited camps to interact with victims, also paid solidarity visits to Gov. Babagana Zulum and later interacted with the press.

Speaking, Fall assured the government and people of Borno of UN support in addressing the challenges.

“We are all with you in sympathy and solidarity and we will translate it into action.

“I want to tell you that we will not spare any of our resources in this response.

“We will refocus resources designed for some other interventions to see how we can bring them towards scaling up this response,” Fall said.

He said that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) would do a comprehensive post disaster assessment looking at setting up a recovery plan.

Responding, Gov. Zulum thanked the UN delegation for its series of interventions in the state, while assuring the government commitment to collaborate with them.

Zulum, who spoke on the magnitude of destruction caused by the flood, urged the UN agencies to first focus on the immediate needs of the victims such as food, health, shelter, water sanitation and hygiene.

“We need to immediately start fumigation of areas identified as safe to guard against outbreaks and to make them ready for people to go back to their homes.”

He said that some people using schools as camps need to be supported to go back to their homes within the shortest possible time to enable children to go back to school.

“Our children have suffered from lack of education for a long time due to insurgency and we cannot afford to miss this session completely.”

The governor said that, with support from reliable partners, his administration would not allow the flood incident to deter it from pursuing its development plan.

More than 414,000 people were displaced by the Tuesday’s devastating flood in Maiduguri.

The Head of Public Information, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Abuja, Ann Weru, stated this in a Media Advisory.

Weru said that the data was collected by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as at Sept. 11.

“NEMA’s records also show that 37 people died, and about 58 people sustained injuries,” she said.

Access to hospitals, schools and markets, she added, had been hampered.

“Damages to infrastructure, including bridges, were recorded.

“Evacuation of people in high-risk areas to safer ground is ongoing, amid concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks,” she said.

By Yakubu Uba

NEMA warns of imminent flood in Rivers

Michael Simire
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NEMA warns of imminent flood in Rivers

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned residents of Rivers of an impending flood within the next four weeks.

Anambra State flood
A flooded Umueze Anam, Anambra West LGA of Anambra State

The South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Adebiyi Razak, who issued the warning in an interview in Port Harcourt on Sunday, September 15, 2024, stated that NEMA had already begun preparing residents to mitigate the impact of the flood as the intensity of rainfall increases in the South-South, particularly in Rivers.

“In the next four weeks, the intensity of the rain will be high in Rivers, and we have already sensitised people in areas prone to flash floods.

“We have visited Ahoada West, Ahoada East, Andoni, Ndoni, Obio/Akpor, Oyigbo, and Tai Local Government Areas, as well as coastal areas that are likely to be impacted.

“Tai has experienced flash floods, and two Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have been identified in the area,” he said.

Razak said a significant water rise in the region was imminent, particularly as heavy rains in the North were draining into the South-South.

“We have advised the Local Government Councils to prepare schools and other facilities where IDPs can be accommodated and to stockpile essential items for use during the floods.

“Residents should also begin preparing to move to higher ground or seek refuge in upper, safer areas such as schools, churches, and mosques within their communities.

“They should also consider evacuating entirely to areas that won’t be affected by the floods,” he advised.

Razak further said NEMA had already started stockpiling essential items to support local authorities if the need arises.

The state coordinator said the agency was working closely with the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency and LG councils to mitigate the impact of the impending floods.

HEDA sensitises farmers on flood preparedness in Bauchi, Benue communities

Michael Simire
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HEDA sensitises farmers on flood preparedness in Bauchi, Benue communities

As flooding continues to threaten communities across Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre, a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), has intensified its efforts to mitigate the impact on farming communities, particularly in Bauchi and Benue states.

HEDA
HEDA Community Outreach in Benue State

In collaboration with local partners and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands under the African Activists for Climate Justice Project, HEDA launched a flood sensitisation and awareness campaign across the country to educate and empower small-holder farmers on climate change impacts and flood preparedness.

In Bauchi State, communities such as Walia, Melandige, and Sakuwa in Itas Gadau LGA were visited.

During a sensitisation session, Hajia Aminat Bala Jubril, Director, Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), and a partner with HEDA, addressed farmers on strategies to mitigate flood risks. She highlighted the importance of investing in flood-resistant rice seeds and advised farmers to incorporate these improved seeds into their future budgets to protect their crops.

Hajia Aminat also urged farmers to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet, which has predicted potential flooding in the area between April and October 2024.

Hajia Fatima, a community leader and farmer, spoke on behalf of the local farmers sharing their experiences with flood, and called on governments and corporate organisations to come to their aid by building long-term infrastructure that can withstand the flood, as well as dredging of the river, which had previously reduced the impact flood risks in the region.

Similarly, in Benue State, HEDA engaged with the communities of Agasha, Adaka, Ajaha and Abatse of the Guma and Makurdi local government areas. The campaign focused on early warning systems and flood-resistant farming techniques.

Farmers like Racheal Uzor shared their struggles with flooding, explaining how they had to navigate farming in flood-prone areas, often losing their crops despite flood warnings. She also appealed to the government for clean water access through boreholes, as their water sources have been severely affected by flooding.

Victor Osimo, another farmer in Benue, highlighted the poor drainage systems and the impact of floods on their farmlands. He called for government intervention to address issues like agro-chemical contamination and poor infrastructure, which exacerbate their vulnerability to flood impact.

HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, emphasised the importance of adopting modern, climate-resilient farming techniques to mitigate agricultural losses.

He encouraged farmers to remain vigilant and use climate data to inform their planting decisions. He further explained that the objective behind this campaign is to equip climate frontline communities, especially farmers with the right information and knowledge that will empower them to help themselves and reduce their climate related risks.

Meanwhile, HEDA has visited five other states (Adamawa, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa) in the ongoing campaigns and in both states aim to equip communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce the impacts of climate-related disasters.

As the October-November flood period approaches, interventions, such as HEDA’s, are crucial for improving the resilience of vulnerable communities across the country, in order to ensure that lives, livelihoods, and food security are better protected.

Climate lawsuits filed against Big Oil tripled since 2015 – Report

Michael Simire
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Climate lawsuits filed against Big Oil tripled since 2015 – Report

Eighty-six climate lawsuits have been filed against the world’s largest oil, gas, and coal producing corporations – including BP, Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell, and TotalEnergies – with two in five cases involving claims for compensation for climate change damages linked to fossil fuels.

TotalEnergies
Eighty-six lawsuits have been filed against the world’s largest oil, gas, and coal producing corporations like TotalEnergies, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell

The number of cases filed against fossil fuel companies each year has nearly tripled since the Paris Agreement was reached in 2015, according to a new report, titled “Big Oil in Court – The latest trends in climate litigation against fossil fuel companies” by Oil Change International and Zero Carbon Analytics.

The analysis reveals the intensifying legal pressure on fossil fuel corporations responsible for 69% of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions, the main driver of the climate crisis. The report is the first in-depth analysis of the escalating wave of climate litigation aimed at fossil fuel giants.

Three categories of lawsuits have grown significantly in recent years, and they are listed to include:

  • Compensation for climate damages that hold companies accountable for the environmental and community damages they have caused (38% of cases);
  • Challenges to misleading advertising claims by companies about the climate and environment (16%); and,
  • Requirements for companies to reduce their emissions (12%).

David Tong, Industry Campaign Manager at Oil Change International, said: “The growing number of lawsuits against fossil fuel corporations underlines how their historic and continued role in driving and profiting from climate change is catching up to them. No major oil and gas company is pledging to do the bare minimum to prevent climate chaos, so communities are taking them to court.

“The wave of lawsuits against Big Oil could lead to serious impacts on their bottom line, a disincentive for investment in fossil fuel infrastructure, a reduction in corporate value, and a challenge to their social licence to continue harming communities around the world.”

Climate Damages Cases
The report shows that compensation claims for climate damages make up the largest share of climate lawsuits against fossil fuel companies, accounting for 38% of cases. These cases heighten the financial and liability risks these corporations and their investors face, as scientists are increasingly able to connect specific extreme weather events with the fossil fuel emissions that drove them.

ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP are estimated to be responsible for climate-related costs of at least $1 trillion each, a similar value to their profits over the last three decades.

One example is a case filed against RWE, a German electricity producer, by a Peruvian farmer, Saúl Luciano Lliuya. Lliuya claims that the company’s greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the melting of a glacier near his home, which threatens 50,000 residents with flooding. He argues that RWE should partially reimburse him and the local authorities for the costs of flood defenses. The case, which was filed in 2015, is ongoing.

Lliuya said: “Taking on carbon majors in court can be daunting. But the fear of losing your home and everything you’ve worked for due to the reckless actions of fossil fuel companies is even greater. For those of us directly impacted by the climate crisis, the courts offer a glimmer of hope. People like me are in court because our livelihoods are at serious risk, and we are asking judges to hold the fossil fuel companies responsible.”

Misleading Advertising Cases

Oil and gas companies are also under growing pressure for making false claims about climate and the environment. Cases challenging companies’ misleading advertising make up 16% of lawsuits and are a winning legal tactic, with nearly all concluded complaints resulting in decisions against corporations or adverts being withdrawn.

Recently, ClientEarth successfully challenged BP’s ads in the UK for exaggerating its investments in renewable energy, leading BP to withdraw the ads.

Emission Reduction Cases
Emissions reductions cases make up 12% of climate lawsuits. These cases are brought against fossil fuel companies over their failure to set and implement Paris-aligned emissions reductions.

In 2021, a landmark ruling by a Dutch Court ordered Shell to cut its emissions by 45% by 2030, setting a precedent as the first legal mandate for a major fossil fuel company to reduce emissions. Shell has appealed, with a decision expected in autumn 2024.

Cote d’Ivoire to mobilise $22bn to fight climate change

Michael Simire
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Cote d’Ivoire to mobilise $22bn to fight climate change
About 13 trillion CFA francs ($22 billion) are needed for combating climate change and mitigating its effects in Cote d’Ivoire, a senior official said.

Alassane Ouattara
President of the Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara
Jacques Konan, Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, said this during a workshop.
“The action plan developed by Cote d’Ivoire to address climate change is estimated at 13 trillion CFA francs,” said
The minister said that he has been tasked with mobilising partners to assist the country in securing funding to meet its commitments.
A portfolio of projects has been developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to enhance the resilience of affected populations.
According to the World Bank, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, flooding, and coastal erosion pose significant challenges for Cote d’Ivoire and threaten its economic growth.

Flood wreaks havoc in Ebonyi community, destroys houses, farmlands

Michael Simire
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Flood wreaks havoc in Ebonyi community, destroys houses, farmlands

Heavy flooding has wreaked havoc in Azuoto, Okpuitumo Community in Abakaliki Local Governmemt Area of Ebonyi State, destroying many farmlands and people’s property, worth millions of naira.

Anambra flood
A flooded school compound at Ebenebe, Anam in Anambra State

A victim, Mrs Chinyere Nworie, said in Abakiliki on Friday, September 13, 2024, that her rice, yam and cassava farms were submerged by flood.

Nworie said the incident had become a perennial experience in the area due to the nearness of Azuoto and Ebony River, linking the River Niger.

She further said that no fewer than 96 households in the area were affected by the disaster.

She said, “This flood happened on Saturday, following Friday’s heavy downpour.

“Our farms have been taken over by the rain flood.

“Our community has always suffered flooding every year, especially whenever it rained heavily and water overflows the Ebonyi River bank,” Nworie said.

Also, another resident, Mr Amauche Agbo, described the incident as “unfortunate”.

The victims appealed to government at all levels to come to their aid with relief materials to cushion the effect of the disaster on them.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Uche Oba, said the agency had commenced assessment in the affected communities.

Oba said the incident had been a worrisome phenomenon to the state government.

By Uchenna Ugwu

NESREA wants operators of environmental facilities to address compliance gaps

Michael Simire
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0
NESREA wants operators of environmental facilities to address compliance gaps

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has warned environmental facilities to address compliance gaps in their operations to avoid sanctions.

Innocent Barikor
Dr Innocent Barikor, Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESERA)

Amaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director (Press), NESREA, in a statement on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Abuja, said the Director-General, NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, gave the warning when he received a brief on routine compliance monitoring.

Barikor said the routine monitoring was carried out by the agency across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

He expressed displeasure over the flagrant disregard for laid down environmental laws by facilities.

“We keep noticing a worrisome trend where some facilities discharge effluents without treatment, operate without the necessary environmental documents such as Environmental Impact Statement, Environmental Audit and Environmental Permit.

“This cannot be allowed.

“Facilities where these infractions occurred have been issued notices of compliance concerns to abate the nuisance.

“The agency will not hesitate to sanction any facility polluting the environment.’’

Barikor said that from January to date, 75 non-compliant facilities had been shut down by NESREA.

“The enforcement is a continuous exercise,” he said.

NESREA is the foremost environmental enforcement Agency in the country, charged with the responsibility of enforcing all standards, protocols, treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

In line with its mandate, the agency has developed 36 National Environmental Regulations cutting across different sectors of the economy.

These regulations are the tools deployed by the agency in ensuring that activities by facilities and industries do not, in any way, impact negatively on the environment.

By Doris Esa

Floods: Govt alerts states, says Alau Dam didn’t collapse

Michael Simire
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0
Floods: Govt alerts states, says Alau Dam didn’t collapse

The Federal Government has assured the public that the Alau Dam in Borno State did not collapse during recent flooding, attributing the overflow to climate change and unusually heavy rainfall.

Prof. Joseph Utsev
Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation

Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, extended the government’s condolences to the people of Borno State during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, September 13, 2024, following the devastating floods.

The minister noted that, earlier this year, a flood risk warning identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas.

He said a team of technical experts from the ministry, various agencies, and the Chad Basin Development Authority were currently assessing the damage and working on solutions.

Utsev warned residents about the risks of contaminated water and the potential for waterborne diseases.

He also warned the increasing threat of river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging all regions to stay vigilant and take proactive measures.

He mentioned the President’s approval of N108 billion for flood prevention across the 36 states, based on recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Flood Disaster Prevention.

Utsev urged state governments and stakeholders to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions to reduce future flooding.

The minister pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting affected communities, saying technical teams were assessing dams nationwide and planning upgrades.

“Government officials confirmed that climate change has intensified rainfall, leading to excess water that many dams are struggling to manage.

“When this administration began, we immediately initiated studies and designs for the rehabilitation of existing dams, including Alau.

“The dam didn’t collapse, but it struggled to handle the excess water from nearby tributaries, causing overflow into surrounding areas.”

He added that long-term solutions were underway, with budgetary allocations for 2024 and 2025 specifically targeting dam rehabilitation.

“As temperatures rise, we expect increased rainfall, leading to higher water volumes in our rivers and channels.

“Proactive measures are crucial to preventing future escalations,” Utsev said.

Alhaji Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, urged the media to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive issues.

He stressed that misinformation and disinformation posed a threat to the nation, and urged greater collaboration to enhance the well-being of citizens

Many residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, have been displaced by flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam.

The flood had submerged residential areas, roads, and bridges, making parts of the city inaccessible.

Maiduguri is experiencing its worst flooding in 30 years, with homes underwater, schools closed, and businesses paralysed, as residents evacuate with their belongings.

By Tosin Kolade

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