The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), a non-profit organisation, informally interacted with a gathering of civil society players and media practitioners on Monday, September 2, 2024, as it opened its offices in Ikeja, Lagos.
Chima Williams, Executive Director of EDEN, and Philip Jakpor, Board member of EDEN, welcomed guests and shared information concerning the new organisation’s focus and strategies.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive action plan to address disaster risks in Nigeria.
She said this during the Expert Workshop on Early Warning For All, National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategic and Action Plan 2023-2030 in Abuja, on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The workshop, according to her, coincided with the ongoing flood season in Nigeria and would provide an opportunity to review the level of preparedness, response, mitigation and long-term recovery strategies.
She added that the initiative stemmed from an assessment by the Overseas Development Institute for the UNDP, which highlighted the necessity of improving DRR strategies in light of escalating disasters such as conflicts and floods.
Umar noted that the Sahel region, where Nigeria is located, faced severe vulnerabilities due to poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change.
“The workshop aims to align Nigeria’s plans with the Sendai Framework and the African Programme of Action to enhance disaster resilience.
“A review of NEMA’s existing plans has indicated an urgent need for a more comprehensive action plan for disaster risk management in Nigeria, considering new and emerging hazards.
“This is to align with the Sendai Framework and African Programme of Action (PoA) to increase disaster resilience and drive sustainable development.
“The current escalations of conflicts, banditry, annual floods, and extreme weather events have triggered the desire to develop this DRR Strategy and Action Plan for Nigeria,” she said.
She further explained that the workshop was part of the Sahel Resilience Project titled “Strengthening Capacities for Disaster Risk Reduction and Adaptation for Resilience in the Sahel Region”.
The project, according to her, aimed to foster risk-informed solutions for sustainable development in the Sahel countries, led by UNDP, African Union Commission, ECOWAS, UN Women, Lake Chad Basin Commission, AGHRYMET, and other regional actors.
She expressed gratitude to international partners, particularly Sweden, for their support in this crucial project.
Umar urged participants to focus on practical disaster prevention strategies and to collaborate effectively over the three-day workshop to develop a robust action plan that extended beyond 2030, ensuring sustainable disaster risk management in Nigeria.
“I have no doubt that the objectives of the workshop will be fully achieved with your valuable professional inputs,” she said.
Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, acting Director, FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), identified stakeholders’ failure to use available data as a major problem confronting early warning on disaster in Nigeria.
Mohammed stressed the need to enforce the use of data made available by NEMA and agencies.
“We need to enforce making sure that we use data, because if we use data, the problem of disaster risk is almost solved,” he said.
By Philomina Attah and Emmanuel Oloniruha
The Tenth Special Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) is holding from September 1 to 6, 2024 in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, with a focus on land degradation, desertification, and drought, under the theme, “Raising Ambition for Accelerating Action on Drought Resilience, and Combating land degradation and desertification.”
Anthony Akpan, President, Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) accredited NGO, is participating and made a presentation on “Plastic Pollution” in the Regional Consultative Meeting of the UNEP Major Groups and Stakeholders, Africa, ahead of the Tenth Special Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN).
To establish common ground, generate support within the continent and to elevate the momentum around the most pressing, prevailing issues, the outcomes of the Session will also be presented at various global fora including the upcoming Sixteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from December 2 to13, 2024; the Summit for the Future to be held in New York from September 22 to 23, 2024; the Sixteenth Session of the COP of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD COP16) in Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024 in Cali, Colombia; the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5) from November 25 to December 1. 2024. in Busan, Republic of Korea; and at the Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP29) to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, 2024.
In keeping with established tradition and to institute adequate, organised space for African nonstate actors on the environment to present and represent the voices of their communities while contributing to the African environmental agenda, the Major Groups and Stakeholders of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Africa (UNEP MGS, Africa), held their Regional Consultative Meeting (RCM) from September 1 to 2, 2024 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and engage meaningfully to contribute actively to the 10th Special Session of AMCEN.
The 2024 RCM, Africa was held in a hybrid format with some participants attending in person and others attending virtually. The RCM will prepare inputs to be delivered to the African ministers of the environment at the Tenth Special Session. The RCM input will also be published on the UNEP website.
Stakeholders have called for a unified action to secure scaled-up climate finance for Africa.
The stakeholders spoke at the 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XII) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The conference served as a crucial platform for African leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the urgent climate challenges ahead of the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The theme of the conference is, “Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Africa”.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Environment, Jacques Konan, said that the theme resonates deeply as Africa continues to grapple with the disproportionate impact of climate change.
Konan said that this was despite it contributing less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Combating climate change is the greatest challenge humanity has faced in the last century.
“There is need for adequate financing to support Africa’s adaptation efforts, which is critical to mitigating the continent’s vulnerability to climate-related impacts,” Konan said.
Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlighted the ongoing shortfall in global climate finance.
“Despite the 2009 pledge of 100 billion dollars annually, only a fraction of the estimated 1.3 trillion dollars needed to support global climate resilience has been mobilised,” she said.
Morsy called for innovative financing mechanisms to avoid exacerbating Africa’s debt burden, suggesting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be leveraged to channel investments into the efforts.
Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, emphasised the immense financial requirements for Africa’s climate commitments.
According to Sacko, African countries will need approximately $3 trillion to fully implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.
She urged the continent to unite and speak with one voice at COP29, stressing the importance of securing grants over loans or debt, to finance impactful climate projects.
The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, Anthony Nyong, stressed the need for recognition and compensation for Africa’s contributions to global mitigation efforts.
“Our priority must be fostering climate-resilient development while balancing adaptation with climate-informed investments.
“Achieving this goal hinges on securing adequate financing, technology transfer, and capacity building,” Nyong said.
The CCDA-XII aims to catalyse bold actions and commitments that will address Africa’s immediate climate challenges.
It is also meant to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.
The conference, convened by a coalition of partnerships known as ClimDev-Africa, including the African Union Commission, the ECA, and the AfDB, is being hosted by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has called on the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on flood-ravaged states to reduce its impact.
Alh. Abubakar Yelwa, Managing Director of HYPPADEC, made the call during a press conference on Monday, September 2, 2024, in Minna, Niger State.
He said that 80 per cent of the states worst hits by flood were members of the commission.
The managing director explained that declaration of state of emergency would reposition relevant agencies to be on alert for prompt response.
He maintained that the declaration of emergency had become imperative in view of the effects of flooding already witnessed on critical infrastructure and people’s means of livelihoods in 2024, and the prediction of more flooding to come.
“It is necessary for a declaration of state of emergency on worst hit states, this will reposition relevant stakeholders to remain alert for prompt response,” he said.
Yelwa disclosed that, so far, 634 communities had been affected with more than 30,000 farmlands washed away by flood in Benue, while 6,959 households with 10,000 farmlands were affected with one life lost in Kebbi.
He said that six lives were lost to flooding in Magama and Mashegu Local Government Areas of Niger State.
He also said that the Dadin-Kowa Dam in Gombe was at the verge of collapse thereby posing a serious threat to lives and property.
“There are also similar flood threats in states such as Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi and Kaduna,” he said.
He said that the situation posed a very serious threat to the ongoing efforts of President Bola Tinubu and states government efforts to ensuring food security and wealth creation in the country.
The managing director also said that three major bridges were washed away on Mayo-Kam Federal highway and Jalingo-Wukari Road in Taraba, as well as Manyara-Sabon-Pegi- Kwatachi in New Bussa, Niger State.
Yelwa added that other critical infrastructures such as culverts and flood drains, schools and health centres have equally been affected across the commission’s areas of operation.
He said the commission had executed flood erosion control projects in its member states such as Kogi, Benue, Kebbi, Kwara and Niger to reduce impact of flooding.
He further disclosed that about 500 flood victim’s resettlement housing schemes were under construction in Niger, Kogi, Kwara and Kebbi states.
Yelwa, however, urged people living along the floodplains to be more vigilant and abide by instructions from relevant authorities to avoid further complications.
By Rita Iliya
The Chinese government announced on Monday, September 2, 2024. that it has signed 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on South-South cooperation on climate change with 17 African countries.
This was disclosed by government officials during a joint news conference for the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6, 2024, in Beijing, China.
The officials include Ms Xu Jianping, Director-General, Department of Regional Opening-up of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Mr Wang Heming, Director-General, Bureau of Sub-Saharan African Affairs of International Department, Central Committee of CPC (IDCPC).
They stated that climate change was a common challenge facing mankind, requiring joint efforts from all countries.
The officials highlighted China’s active response to climate change and its constructive promotion of the multilateral process.
“The declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Climate Change defines the establishment of a strategic cooperative partnership on climate change and launches a special action plan.
“China has signed MoUs with 17 African countries in the construction of low-carbon demonstration zones and has provided various forms of assistance, including satellite systems, solar photovoltaic power stations, and energy-saving lamps, to support climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.
“In terms of capacity building, over 400 officials, experts, and technicians from African countries have participated in capacity-building workshops on South-South cooperation on climate change.
“China has also proposed the African Light Belt project to develop and implement cooperation in clean energy development.”
The officials reiterated China’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with African countries in tackling climate change, enhance their capacity to address climate change, and contribute to building a win-win global climate governance system.
By Fortune Abang
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms from Wednesday, October 2, to Saturday, October 5, 2024, across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday, October 1, in Abuja envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna states during Wednesday’s morning hours.
According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, Borno and Kebbi states later in the day.
“In the North central region, thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Benue states during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states.
“In the southern region there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Ebonyi, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states during the morning hours,” it said.
According to it, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River later in the day.
The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Kebbi states in the Thursday morning hours.
It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba, Sokoto and Zamfara states later in the day.
“In the North central region, there are prospect of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and Nasarawa states during the morning hours.
“While in the afternoon into evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Benue and Nasarawa states.
“In the southern region, thunderstorms are expected over part of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours,” it said.
It envisaged thunderstorms over the entire region later in the day.
According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states in the Friday morning hours.
It forecast patches of clouds with intervals of sunshine over the northern region later in the day.
“In the North central region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.
“In the southern region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Rivers during the morning hours,” it said.
According to it, high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.
“Residents are advised to avoid flood-prone areas as strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution.
“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecast from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.
By Gabriel Agbeja
A recent study published in the BMJ, a leading health journal, lauds the proactive measures taken by the governments of Kenya and Ethiopia to sustain childhood immunisation coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite substantial disruptions to healthcare services.
Conducted by researchers at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) led by Chifuniro Somanje Mankhwala, the study underscores the critical role of community-based healthcare, mobile vaccination units, and collaborative mass vaccination campaigns in bolstering immunisation programmes against pandemic-induced challenges, including supply chain disruptions and healthcare access issues.
Immunisation remains a cornerstone of public health, offering a cost-effective means to reduce child morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases like measles, rubella, polio, pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines full vaccination for children as the administration of the BCG vaccine against tuberculosis, three doses of the DPT-HepB-Hib (pentavalent) vaccine, and vaccines against polio (OPV3) and measles.
Titled “Assessing the Resilience of Child Immunisation Programmes Using Geospatial Modelling and Interrupted Time Series Analysis in Ethiopia and Kenya Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tracking Coverage and Identifying Key Challenges,” the study reveals that while national-level immunisation disruptions in both countries were short-term and statistically insignificant, significant coverage changes were observed at subnational levels.
For instance, Kenya saw notable changes in several counties, while Ethiopia experienced significant alterations in its southeastern regions.
The study’s findings are particularly pertinent in light of the emerging global threat posed by Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), which further underscores the importance of resilient immunisation programmes.
The lessons learned from Kenya and Ethiopia’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic can provide valuable insights for other nations grappling with the dual challenges of ongoing pandemic recovery and emerging health threats like Mpox.
Mpox, which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern, shares similarities with smallpox and requires a robust public health response to prevent its spread, especially among vulnerable populations.
Already the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda in Eastern Africa and Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa have each confirmed mpox cases and the WHO is considering a global action close to what obtained in COVID-19.
A critical meeting held in South Africa by the WHO Africa region last week discussed urgent measures to address the rising number of mpox cases. It also proposed a review of the regional risk assessment given the acute situation. WHO has engaged in technical coordination meetings with the Ethiopia-based Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to develop a joint mpox taskforce.
The preservation of routine immunisation services, even in the face of new global health threats, is essential to protect children from preventable diseases and to maintain progress toward global health goals.
Lead researcher Chifuniro, Somanje Mankhwala, emphasised the importance of identifying and prioritising cold spots – areas with low vaccination coverage – for targeted interventions. This approach is vital for improving coverage rates and reducing under-5 child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, aligning with WHO recommendations.
Moreover, national governments and development partners must ensure the continued allocation of resources to immunisation programmes, resisting the diversion of funds even in the face of climate-related or emerging health crises.
The study draws on routine data from the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) of Kenya and Ethiopia, analysing the coverage of five mandatory vaccines for children. The use of District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), a global open-source platform, enabled the researchers to compute proportion estimates across various year-location combinations, providing a clear picture of temporal trends and changes in immunisation coverage.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement issued on Sunday, September 1, 2024, disclosed: “This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the Company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.”
He pointed out that, “in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC Ltd remains dedicated to its role as the supplier of last resort, ensuring national energy security”.
He added: “We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.”
Managing Director of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, says climate change is responsible for incessant collapse of bridges in the region.
Alkali stated this on Friday, August 30, 2024, while on the assessment of the collapse bridge at Namnai, along Jalingo-Wukari Road in the Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The bridge which connects Taraba north to the south collapsed following a heavy downpour recently, which caused a flash flood in some parts of the state.
During the inspection, Alkali noted that the North East region was the most affected by climate change and its components, which has put significant pressure on both the government and inhabitants of the region.
He, however, assured the people that the commission would not be deterred and would work with the respective state governments to find lasting solutions to the ugly incidents across the region.
“Flood washing away bridges was not the case in the region 10 to 20 years back, but today climate change is a reality,” Alkali said.
The team also visited various ongoing projects, including mass housing in the Taraba State College of Education at Zing and Staff quarters at the General Hospital, Zing.
Others are the Institute for Entrepreneurship in the Taraba State University Jalingo (TSU), solar borehole in the same TSU and the NEDC’s office complex in Jalingo.
Alkali, who said he was satisfied with the quality of the ongoing works, urged contractors to redouble their efforts to ensure early completion of the projects.
By Martins Abochol
