The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has called for the adoption of a circular economy model to effectively manage Nigeria’s solid waste generation, which is projected to be more than 32 million metric tonnes per year.
Participants during the media dialogue hosted by NESREA and the European Union (EU) in Abuja on Thursday, September 26, 2024
This strategy, the agency noted, is important to the country’s long-term development goal because of its unique approach to the use and management of natural resources.
Speaking to participants at a media dialogue organised by NESREA in collaboration with the European Union (EU) in Abuja on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Dr. Innocent Barikor, the agency’s director general, disclosed that the call became necessary because of the model’s significant alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s eight-point agenda, mostly in the areas of economic growth, job creation, food security, and reducing poverty.
According to him, the benefits of the circular economy are already being felt in all sectors where the model has been implemented, assuring Nigerians that the country will soon see substantial reductions in waste management and other forms of pollution across the country.
In light of this, he continued, Nigeria has long embraced this approach, which his organisation is currently putting into enforcement through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative.
“Food and beverages, batteries, electrical/electronics, and used tires are all regulated under the EPR program,” the agency’s boss stated, adding that manufacturers, producers, and importers of these items are all required to join their respective Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO) as part of regulatory compliance.
Despite some of the rewards outlined above about the circular economy theory, the DG believes that it’s still very important to raise awareness to help enhance public understanding of this life-changing framework and its contributions to sustainable development. Thus, the discussion on the issue, which he called stakeholders’ attention to, was intended to bridge that knowledge gap, particularly among media members who act as information carriers.
Godfrey Ogbemudia, the EU’s programme manager for Energy, Circular Economy, and Climate Change, revealed in his remarks at the event that the EU is helping NESREA carry out the programme to assist Nigeria in moving away from its current linear economic pathway, which is negatively degrading the environment.
Ogbemudia, like the NESREA’s chieftain perspective, strongly stressed the vital place of civic education in achieving this lofty goal.
“The EU is partnering with NESREA to create awareness on the circular economy because we take it very seriously,” he stated.
When discussing the role of the media in the “Circular Economic Value Chain,” EU facilitator, Mrs. Agharese Onaghise, agreed that the media is a force for change because of its power to influence public opinion through a systematic method of disseminating information.
Consequently, she exhorted the professionals to use their positions to promote the sustainable development agenda by empowering people, educating them, and fostering a culture of ecological stewardship.
The Nepali government decided to provide 200,000 Nepali rupees ($1,497) in compensation to each of the bereaved families, as the death toll from monsoon rain-induced floods and landslides hit 205.
Landslide in Nepal
A three-day national mourning starting from Tuesday, October 1, 2024, was also announced following a cabinet meeting.
“The national flag would be lowered to half-mast during the mourning period,” said Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, who is also the government spokesperson.
He said that families who have members missing for more than 10 days in the disasters spelt by incessant rainfalls on Friday and Saturday shall receive the same amount of compensation.
The Nepal cabinet decided to allocate one billion rupees ($7.48 million) to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, Gurung said.
By Monday evening, 24 people remained missing and 130 others were injured, Nepal Police said in a statement, adding “the rescue efforts are ongoing.”
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, pledged to continue its efforts toward sustainable water management to support the nation’s overall development.
NIHSA’s Director General, Mr Umar Mohammed
NIHSA’s Director General, Mr Umar Mohammed, said this in a statement to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day in Abuja.
He reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s water systems and strengthening resilience against climate change, floods, and droughts.
Mohammed noted the importance of water management in fostering national growth, health, and environmental sustainability.
He noted that NIHSA has been actively involved in monitoring the country’s water resources and providing essential data to mitigate the impacts of flooding and other hydrological challenges.
He announced the agency’s plan to implement new measures to address climate-related issues, such as increasing rainfall patterns and extreme weather conditions.
“Our proactive measures will include enhanced monitoring systems, improved drainage infrastructure, and community awareness programmes to better prepare Nigerians for these extreme weather events,” he said.
Mohammed also emphasised the goal of reducing the impact of flooding on vulnerable communities and building greater resilience.
He called for collaboration among government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders to promote water security and environmental sustainability.
Mohammed urged Nigerians to value and protect the country’s natural resources as part of a collective effort to create a more prosperous and resilient nation.
“Together, we can build a stronger future by working hand in hand to secure our natural resources,” he added.
FAO Energy Specialist, Dr Yakaka Maina, says fuel-efficient stoves and charcoal briquettes can reduce fuel consumption by 50 per cent.
The FAO training session
These techniques promote energy savings and environmental sustainability.
Maina disclosed this during an interview at the FAO’s training session for 70 women leaders on fuel-saving techniques and nutrition on Monday, September 30, 2024, in Yola, Adamawa State.
The training, funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, targeted Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states to enhance food security and nutrition in the North-East.
Maina highlighted that the training equipped participants with fuel-saving techniques, including using less fuel, maximising heat transfer, and minimising energy loss during cooking.
“It also includes using lids to reduce heat loss and cooking time, steaming vegetables instead of boiling to conserve nutrients, and pre-soaking foods like beans and legumes to save time and fuel.
“Additionally adapting charcoal briquettes, which are clean-burning, cost-effective, and reduce harmful emissions.”
Maina emphasised that fuel-saving techniques and nutrition education were crucial in addressing food security, health, and environmental sustainability challenges.
She noted that traditional cooking methods using firewood lead to nutrient loss, reduced nutritional value, and harmful indoor pollution contributing to respiratory illnesses.
She said that by adopting these techniques, communities could enjoy a better environment, improved nutrition, and a higher quality of life.
This initiative, she said, was part of the “Emergency Agriculture-Based Livelihoods Sustenance for Improved Food Security and Nutrition” programme in Nigeria’s North-East geopolitical zone.
The recent confirmation of two new Mpox cases in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area by Cross River Epidemiologist, Mrs Inyang Ekpenyong, has brought the total number of reported cases in Nigeria to 1,136 since 2017.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
This development has raised concerns about the spread of the disease, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a rare and infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
It is primarily spread through close contact with infected animals or people and can also be transmitted through contaminated surfaces and materials.
Experts say the disease has been reported in 19 African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo as the epicentre, accounting for over 95 per cent of cases.
Nigeria has experienced recurrent Mpox outbreaks since 2017, with 4,685 suspected cases and 17 deaths reported as of August 25, 2024.
The Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS) has urged the federal and state governments to intensify financial investment and surveillance response to the disease outbreak.
The NIDS in a statement issued in Abuja by Professors Dimie Ogoina and Mukhtar Adeiza its president and secretary said as of Aug. 28 Mpox has killed 630 persons cross 19 African countries.
It said the figure represents a 160 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The society said of concern was the emergence of a new sexually transmissible strain, referred to as clade Ib emerging.
From different parts of the country the disease is spreading. The number of those infected is rising.
Mr Samuel Etuk, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health, says the state, at the time of filing this report, had recorded five cases.
Etuk said in Uyo, the state capital, that the state government had earlier announced four outbreaks.
He said that a total of 30 samples were collected across different local government areas for diagnosis, and that four of them tested positive to Mpox.
“Four cases were confirmed, three of them are male, and one female, they are aged two, four, 12 and 41 years respectively,” he said.
“This confirmation was by the Breakthrough Action Nigeria in collaboration with the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme.
“We have another positive case of Mpox, this latest case brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to five,” he said.
Etuk said that contact tracing for any transmission was being conducted while the affected persons had been kept in isolation.
The disease surveillance officer said that 10 community-based informants had been engaged to work in catchment areas.
“They will be reporting to the health facility focal person who will communicate with the local government disease surveillance and notification office.
“The full report will later be submitted to the state ministry of health for prompt actions,” he said.
The officer said that Mpox could be prevented by avoiding contacts with infected persons or animals.
The World Health Organisation has declared Mpox a global public health emergency, and an international concern in Africa.
Dr Francis Sanwo, said reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission, surveillance and rapid identification of new cases are critical to addressing the challenges posed by Mpox.
Sanwo is the Managing Director of Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Hospital, Ibadan.
Oluyoro said in Ibadan that there should be standard infection control measures for health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Mpox virus infection.
“If possible, persons previously vaccinated against smallpox should be selected to care for the patient,” he said.
The physician advised that patients with the disease should physically isolate themselves until all of the pox lesions had healed, while caregivers should obtain a smallpox vaccination.
“This because smallpox and Mpox are so closely related, studies have suggested that people vaccinated against smallpox have about an 85 per cent chance of being protected from Mpox.
“Although vaccination against smallpox was protective in the past, today persons younger than 40 to 50 years of age, depending on the country, may be more susceptible to Mpox.
“This is due to cessation of smallpox vaccination campaigns globally after eradication of the disease.
“Patients with depressed immune systems and those who are allergic to latex or smallpox vaccines should not get the smallpox vaccine.
“Anyone else who has been exposed to Mpox in the past 14 days should get the smallpox vaccine, including children under one year of age, pregnant women, and people with skin conditions,” he said.
Sanwo said that clinical care for Mpox should be fully optimised to alleviate symptoms, manage complications and prevent long-term sequelae.
He said patients should be offered fluids and food to maintain adequate nutritional status while secondary bacterial infections should be treated as indicated.
“An antiviral agent known as tecovirimat that was developed for smallpox was licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Mpox in 2022, based on data in animal and human studies.
“But it is not yet widely available,” the medical expert said.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has advocated urgent action to increase access to Mpox vaccines and to prioritise public health over profits to ensure health security.
Dr Echey Ijezie, AHF’s Nigeria’s Country Programme Director was quoted by the media as saying that the recent Mpox outbreak posed a serious health threat in Africa.
He said that there was the need for urgent global action to address vaccine inequity which had hampered the continent’s ability to respond effectively.
“The Africa Health Founder (Nigeria) is calling on governments, international organisations, and pharmaceutical companies to prioritise public health over profits.
“This is not just about Mpox or Africa; it is about global health security. Inequity anywhere is a threat to health everywhere,” he said.
IJezie raised concerns over the current response to the Mpox outbreak, which he said mirrored the inequalities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He, therefore, urged Western countries and Japan to expedite the donation of Mpox vaccines to Africa.
He also called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to fast-track the approval of other viable vaccine options.
“We started our push for equity during the COVID-19 pandemic, where we saw the devastating impact of vaccine hoarding on African nations.
“Now, we are seeing similar challenges play out with Mpox.
The WHO declared Mpox a global health emergency on 14th August 2024, which spread primarily through skin-to-skin contact, and symptoms included rashes and lesions on the skin.
Experts say Africa’s severe Mpox outbreak, driven primarily by the new clade Ib variant, is particularly deadly for children.
Africa wide, it has impacted at least 13 countries, with more than 22,800 confirmed cases and more than 620 deaths reported this year.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, health authorities recommended enhanced surveillance, intensify contact tracing, listing, and monitoring, educating the public on the risks and modes of transmission.
They also recommended administering Mpox vaccine doses to high-risk populations and implementing hand hygiene and infection control measures in healthcare settings.
Algeria and Niger discussed key steps to advance the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project during a visit by Niger’s Petroleum Minister Sahabi Oumarou to Algiers on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP)
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the project and Niger called for a high-level meeting of ministers from Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria to discuss the next steps.
The TSGP is a 4,000-km pipeline linking Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger.
It will connect to Algeria’s existing pipeline networks, enabling the export of natural gas to Europe.
The project is intended to enhance energy security, boost regional economic development, and strengthen energy cooperation between the three countries.
Beyond the pipeline, the discussions also explored ways to enhance energy cooperation between Algeria and Niger, including the progress of Sonatrach’s oil exploration efforts in the Kafra field, located in northern Niger.
The World Bank has pledged to support the Federal Government in turning Nigerian forests to economic hubs.
L-R: Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria; Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment; and Chakib Jenane, Regional Director for West and Central Africa on ACReSAL Project
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, disclosed this on Monday, September 30, 2024, in Abuja when he hosted a World Bank team.
The team was led by Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, and Chakib Jenane, Regional Director for West and Central Africa on ACReSAL Project.
“The issue of insecurity around the forests can be curbed by making the forests economic hubs where activities and infrastructures would take place to forestall the activities of bandits.’’
The minister said that the support from the World Bank would enable the Federal Government to sustain and expand the forests.
According to him, all hands are on deck to address the issues of forest.
“The World Bank is going to support us create communities around the coastal areas through our framework.
“The coastlines are Lagos to Calabar where we would collaborate with these states governors,’’ the minister said.
Lawal assured that the issues of logging among others would be tackled as there must be a balance between cultivation and forest.
The minister commended the present administration for the creation of blue economy saying it was the first of its kind in the history of the country.
The ACReSAL Project tackles land degradation and climate change in 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The collaboration between the Nigerian Government and the World Bank underscores the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The 79th United Nations General Assembly concluded on Saturday, September 28, 2024, with a growing global consensus on the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels.
Fossil fuel divestment campaign
More than 40 countries echoed the new Pact for the Future, calling for a transition away from oil, gas, and coal production as the new baseline to protect humanity from the worsening climate crisis, air pollution, and conflict.
While the increasing acknowledgment of the need to transition from fossil fuels at the heart of international diplomacy represents progress, there remains no action plan for how the world can enact a global, fair and equitable transition. Observers believe that this strengthens the case for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – the bold, international plan required to rapidly and equitably transition from the devastation wrought by fossil fuels.
President of Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Wesley Simina, underscored this critical demand in his UNGA address, officially endorsing the Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative. By doing so, FSM became the 14th nation to join the growing bloc of climate pioneer countries.
In their statements, President David Ranibok Adeang of the Republic of Nauru and Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu, which had already joined the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty, underlined their country’s commitment by urging all countries to support this initiative for a sustainable and equitable future.
FSM’s endorsement, coupled with support from former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s and the increasing number of leaders referring to the importance of phasing out fossil fuels in their UNGA addresses, confirm that the Fossil Fuel Treaty is the missing legal framework we need to turn words into genuine action.
UNGA speeches calling for a Fossil Fuel Treaty
President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia: “As we take action on non-CO2 pollutants, we also need all countries to come together and agree on a global plan to transition away from fossil fuels in a fair, just and equitable manner. In this connection, I am announcing that Micronesia endorses the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. We must accelerate all of our efforts to tackle the climate crisis.
“The international community is set to adopt a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, in Busan, Republic of Korea, later this year. This treaty must address plastic pollution at its source – plastic production, particularly primary plastic polymers derived from fossil fuels. Micronesia’s Bridge to Busan Declaration, launched earlier this year, calls for international support to regulate plastics production in the treaty.”
President David Ranibok Adeang of the Republic of Nauru: “We are pleased to endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we urge countries to back this initiative for a sustainable and equitable future. And we also eagerly await the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on climate change and will closely follow and support the implementation of the court’s guidance in the pursuit of climate justice.”.
Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu: “The science is very clear – atmospheric temperatures continue to rise due to the increasing emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Therefore, phasing out fossil fuels is crucial to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and curb global warming. Towards that objective, Tuvalu and several other like-minded nations are leading the promotion for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. The initiative is to garner international support on a binding treaty arrangement that regulates and limits the use of fossil fuel with the ultimate objective of total phase out.”
UNGA speeches mentioning the need for a fossil fuel phase out and/or international cooperation for a just transition
Prime Minister Gaston Alphonso Browne of Antigua y Barbuda: “Fossil fuel companies have become the architects of our demise while generating ostentatious profits for the owners. We must fight to end this madness, and I emphasise that we must fight to end this madness in protection of our planet and interests of humanity. We need a fossil fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to halt the reckless destruction of our environment, to end fossil fuel subsidies, and to chart a course toward a sustainable future with a negotiated and graduated transition.
“Let COP29 be the moment we draw a line in the sand. Let it be known that we can no longer afford the luxury of delay, while we recognise that fossil fuels still play a vital role in the energy security of many countries, and we do not expect the production to seize overnight. We should not support companies extracting oil and gas to continue generating extravagant profits at the expense of our planet.”
Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis of Bahamas: “We must prioritise energy solutions around sources of renewable energy, redirecting the vast subsidies given to the fossil fuel industry towards renewable energy and climate adaptation and mitigation would be a powerful start.”
Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia & Herzegovina: “Regarding climate change, Bosnia and Herzegovina is fully aware of the global situation and is determined to contribute to global efforts. We are committed to the transition to renewable energy sources and reduction of harmful gas emissions.”
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil: “Brazil stands out as a source of opportunities in this world revolutionised by energy transition today, we are one of the countries with the cleanest energy mix. 90% of our electricity comes from renewable sources such as biomass, hydroelectric power, solar power and wind power. We made the choice for biofuels 50 years ago, long before the discussion about alternative energies gained traction. We are at the forefront of other important niches, such as green hydrogen production. It is time to face the debate about the slow pace of the planet’s decarbonisation and work for an economy less reliant on fossil fuels.”
Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister for External Affairs of Cameroon: “This appeal and this movement focus, in particular on the better representation of developing countries in these institutions, as well as more equitable taxation, appropriate monetary policy, more sustainable debt, a better adapted energy transition, healthy agriculture, controlled industrialisation and decent work.”
Faustin Archange Touadera, President of Central Republic of Africa: “This 79th session is taking place at a very turbulent time, a time marked by mounting geopolitical crises, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the war between Israel and Hamas, the war in Sudan and in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, terrorism, deteriorating economic conditions which are strangling growth in Africa, as well as rising fuel prices, we stand convinced that only dialog can help us to put an end to conflict in a lasting way.”
Gabriel Boric Font, President of Chile: “In Chile, we are playing our part. We are changing our energy matrix. We are leaving aside fossil fuels, moving towards carbon neutrality, protecting our seas and our woodland.”
Gustavo Petro Urrego, President of Colombia: “The richest 1% of humankind is responsible for climate change, which is gaining ground and is getting ready to destroy the world with oil and carbon, because that is how the world grows rich. (…) The time has come for people to act. Local action needs to be taken globally. We need to come together. Fossil fuel capital cannot continue. People must stop the rising tide of capital. The poison thrown into the atmosphere is lethal, and the chimneys that belch it out must be plugged. Every corner of the world can be a battle against those chimneys.”
Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice-President of Côte d’Ivoire: “To that end, Cote d’Ivoire reiterates its call to developed countries to honour their pledges in climate finance and in supporting the energy transition. The loss and damage fund should be rapidly filled up and used to relieve the suffering of populations in climate distress.”
Taye Atske-Selassie Amde, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia: “This stands as a substantial goal, contribution to the absorption of greenhouse gas and a tangible measure against the adverse impact of climate change, based on its long-term low emission development strategy, it also appears on the path to sustainable energy transformation by developing and transitioning to non-fossil fuel energy sources.
Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of Fiji: “The phase-out of unabated coal power, transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems will contribute to the achievement of net zero targets by 2050.”
Emmanuel Macron, President of France: “Therefore we build an agenda that allows, at the same time, progress to be made in the fight against inequality and for social development, for education, for climate and biodiversity and global health, then solutions need to be made, and these solutions need to be based on the proposals of the states themselves. And this is what we’ve, for example, started to do with partnerships for a just energy transition, not having a one size fits all solution for all from capitals, where we go to inspect countries and ask them to all follow exactly the same recipe.”
Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana: “Madam President, even with our newfound natural resource oil and gas, it will require less than 20% of sequestered carbon to offset our emissions at maximum output. We have preserved our biodiversity and know its value. We believe it is only fair and just that this global asset be monetised in a fair carbon market.”
Péter Szijjártó, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary: “If you look at the share of Russian gas in the LNG ports in western part of Europe, you might be surprised. Or if you have a look at the oil arriving to the western countries in Europe where it originally came from, you might be surprised as well. And if you look at who is the number one uranium supplier of this very country, the United States, you would be surprised as well. In order to avoid your homework to look for it, this is the Russian Federation, dear colleagues.”
Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of Iraq: “This transformation is a complicated matter for Iraq due to the economic structural challenge represented by relying on the public sector to take in the workforce and to use oil revenues to pay the salaries of millions of employees. This dual challenge facing Iraq is the excessive dependence on oil revenues and limiting its ability to diversify economically.”
William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya: “Strengthening these foundations requires reforming the international financial architecture. Facilitating debt relief, concessional financing, grants, and de-risking lending instruments is essential to increasing investment to develop vital infrastructure and expand critical sectors. Consider Africa’s immense untapped potential in clean energy resources. Harnessing this potential is crucial not only for the continent’s economic growth and social resilience, but also for global priorities like accelerating the energy transition, combating climate change, and diversifying supply chains.”
Hilda Heine President of the Marshall Islands: “We need governments to show both ambition and cooperation, as we all agreed last year, to triple renewable energy deployment, double energy efficiency, and most importantly, to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and end the subsidies that support them. Despite this, we have seen some of the planet’s wealthiest countries break their pledges, as they double down on fossil fuels.
“This failure of leadership must stop. No new coal mines, no new gas fields, no new oil wells. The financial needs for this energy transition, for adapting to climate impacts, and for repairing the rising loss and damage are in the trillions of dollars. In Baku later this year we will decide whether that money is made available to developing countries. We must see vastly increased contributions.”
Nangolo Mbumba, President of Namibia: “Namibia is working to develop a sustainable energy mix to support its ambitious industrialisation agenda and to contribute to the world’s efforts to combat climate change. We are establishing green industrialisation ecosystems, for decarbonising industries that find it difficult to lower their greenhouse emissions. Investment in these key sectors is critical and Namibia is urging developed nations to scale up support for developing countries to facilitate gradual energy transitions.”
Kashim Shettima, Vice-President of Nigeria: “Mister President, Nigeria remains unwavering in his commitment to SDG 13 climate action, including the net zero ambition and transition from fossil fuel energy to clean energy. As a demonstration of this commitment, the government established the Presidential Committee on climate action and green economy solutions and appointed a special presidential envoy on climate action. We will redouble our efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change, including the urgent need to transition from fossil fuel energy.”
Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of North Macedonia: “At national level, with the support of the United Nations and its agencies, we are incorporating the 2030 Agenda into our long-term development strategies, policies and laws. High on our agenda are climate action and green and just transition, gender equality and fighting against discrimination against women and girls, as well as inclusion of young people in decision-making processes.”
Espen Barth Eide, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway: “In Dubai, we agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner. In Montreal, we agreed to reset our partnership with nature. In Nairobi, we launched a negotiation process towards the treaty to end plastic pollution. And here in New York, we agreed to take better care of our common oceans. What is true for all these agreements and the pact for the future alike, however, is that the real verdict lies in our ability to implement them. We must act.”
Uduch Sengebau Senior, Vice-President of Palau: “Mitigation is equally important. Palau is committed to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. Solar, wind, and ocean energy provide opportunities to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and secure a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect this commitment, and we remain mindful of the environmental impacts of renewable energy waste, such as solar panels and batteries, which require responsible management.”
James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea: “The acceleration of climate change, for instance, is a direct result of mankind’s insatiable appetite for resources. In an attitude of ‘survival of the fittest’, nations and corporations jostle and stampede over each other to harvest resources, causing environmental degradation, deforestation, burning of fossil fuel, and pollution, spiralling our planet into climate catastrophes that will further engender poverty.”
Luís Montenegro, Prime Minister of Portugal: “Portugal remains committed to investing in renewable energies and phasing out fossil fuels. We want to incorporate 47 percent renewables into final energy consumption by 2030. We have also favoured the introduction of innovative financial mechanisms, including SIDS. An example of this is the agreements signed by Portugal with Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe to transform debt into climate investment, thus supporting the energy transition.”
Klaus Werner Iohannis, President of Romania: “The impact of climate change is a growing threat to our security and its consequences are already obvious. As these negative events increase, they impact democracy, economies, energy, connectivity and geopolitics, it is vital to further enhance international cooperation and ensure the much-needed civil protection mechanisms. Romania actively participates at international level in the exercises, projects and actions to provide emergency response, especially to limit the impact of wildfires. The UN system is essential to mainstream our efforts and to create synergies, we need to accelerate our work to keep the 1.5 degrees target alive, and since climate change is a threat multiplier, Romania supports an integrated approach to the climate and security Nexus within the United Nations system. Green transition also includes energy transition while ensuring energy security as an important development marker.”
Luca Beccari, Minister for Foreign Affairs of San Marino: “We support the commitment taken at COP28 last December, which included the imperative of transitioning away from fossil fuel in the energy system in a just, orderly and equitable manner, tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 in line with 1.5 degree pathways.”
Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia: “President, on the energy front, we are working to achieve energy security and to guarantee access to energy at reasonable prices and to mitigate the effects of climate change, we seek to ensure stability in international markets, the international oil markets, and to guarantee access to this energy and guarantee security in the supply chains. In order to ensure a prosperous international economy. We are also fighting against climate change, in particular by adopting a holistic approach to the energy transition. In that regard, we seek to respect the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement making the most of all the techniques we have available to us in order to limit our greenhouse gas emissions”.
Bassírou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of Senegal: “We must do that by respecting the principle rather of common but differentiated responsibility. The industrialised country, historically responsible for mass greenhouse gas emissions, must step up their efforts to finance a just and equitable energy transition which does not penalise developing nations.”
Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles: “The obligations outlined in the Paris Agreement are the lifelines that give us a chance if all States did their utmost to adhere to them. Our reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and detrimental. We must accelerate energy transition towards renewables and mobilise investment in the technology and infrastructure to give us any prospect of real energy security.”
Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa: “As signatory to the Paris agreement, we are contributing our fair share towards the global effort and have a Just Energy Transition Plan to guide our carbon journey and climate resilient development.”
Ramadhan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan: “Mister President, distinguished delegates, it’s worth mentioning that the conflict in the Republic of Sudan has also directly impacted the economic situation in Republic of South Sudan, with oil production significantly reduced since April this year, given the fact that our economy is entirely relying on revenues that we collect from the sale of oil that pass through Port Sudan.”
Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President of the Government of Spain: “Science that puts a human being at the heart of our concerns, and its concerns and its science that today reminds us that there’s only one alternative we need to eliminate, eliminate fossil fuels. There needs to be more renewable energies and more energy efficiency. (…) At the same time, energy produced by fossil fuels is drastically reducing.”
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname: “Carbon negative, and carbon-neutral countries, must be supported, for maintaining that status. We are in favour of a just transition, to a carbon-less economy, over the coming decades,but we also expect, to be allowed, to develop our natural resources, in an environmentally friendly and balanced manner, in compliance with international standards, and practices.”
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo: “This is in particular true for our efforts when it comes to climate adaptation and resilience, Africa is a region that is one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, even though Africa, as a continent, contributes the least to greenhouse gas emissions, the harmful impact of climate Change seen in Africa in terms of food security and the migration challenges that this causes cannot be underestimated.”
Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda: “Uganda calls on developed countries to provide the necessary financial, technical as well as capacity building to support developing countries to effectively address climate change. We demand for climate justice, recognizing that richer countries, having historically profited from high emission activities for the development of their economies, bear a great obligation to lead in mitigating these impacts.
“Therefore, high income countries should reduce their emissions and equally support developing countries in their graduate transition to low emission development pathways without using the environment as a political and economic tool to break or slow down their development. We emphasise that climate finance should be additional to official development assistance.”
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK: “We have lifted the de facto ban on onshore wind in England, ended new oil and gas licences and created Great British Energy as we become the first major economy to transition to clean power by 2030.”
Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, Prime Minister of United Republic of Tanzania: “It is worth remembering that globally, an estimated 2.4. billion people are still using polluting fuel for cooking. This contributes to health problems, food insecurity, gender inequality and environmental damage, including millions of premature deaths, limited access to education, employment for women and children, and increased household gas emission and deforestation.”
Joseph R. Biden, President of the USA: “Now, we call on our partners to match our pledge and make this a billion dollar commitment to the people of Africa beyond the core necessities of food and health. The United States, the G7 and our partners have embarked on an ambitious initiative to mobilise and deliver significant finance in the developing world. We’re working to help countries build out their infrastructure to clean energy transition, to the digital transformation, to lay new economic foundations for a prosperous future. It’s called the Partnership for global infrastructure and investment.”
The people of the coastal communities of Odimodi, Beneboye and Isiayeigbene in Iduwini Clan of Burutu Local Government area of Delta State have called on Brittania-U to take responsibility for the crude oil spill which occurred on the coastline line on July 18, 2024, caused by a fire incident that gutted one of the company’s vessels ferrying crude oil products.
Community people protest over the oil spill and their neglect
The communities had reported a massive oil pollution ravaging the Forcados area, which affected the Odimodi, Beneboye, Isiayeigbene and Okuntu community coastline in July. According to separate reports from the communities, the crude oil spill was caused by a fire incident which happened on a Floating Production Storage and Offloading Facility owned by Brittina-U Nigeria Limited, at Ajakpa Field, OML 90.
This was made known by the communities during a People’s Assembly Action organised by Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) in the respective affected communities, as part of the lineup of activities towards the African People’s Counter COP (APCC) which is supported by the Africa Climate Justice Collective (ACJC) aimed at exposing the oil spill crisis caused by Brittania-U in the affected communities.
While speaking to the respective communities, Executive Director of CODAF, Richard Benin, stated that the domestic and international oil exploration companies in the Niger Delta region have continued to pollute the environment because they are aware of the inability of the communities to speak together in one voice, to demand accountability from the companies and the government who are key beneficiaries of oil extraction, while the common folks are left to bear the brunt of degraded environments.
According to him, CODAF and other affiliate organisations in Nigeria, Africa and the world can only act on these reports if the communities can be united to speak about their challenges and tell the world about their stories of hunger, poverty, health challenges and neglect, despite their status as an oil rich region.
The people of the communities lamented that despite the grave health damages, environmental and air pollution caused by the spill, neither the company, NOSDRA or any other agency has visited the communities to ascertain the level of damages caused by the spill and how the fishing and farming folks have survived in the face of their degraded environment and the destruction of livelihood.
Testimonies from Beneboye Community
A community representative said: “We woke up in the night and saw fire in the sea. The company vessel was burning. We called our landlords in Odimodi to report the issue. At about 12 midnight, the smell of crude was everywhere. It affected everybody in the community. We could not breathe. Our children were coughing. When we woke up in the morning, the crude from the burning vessel had washed on our land.
“There was nowhere to walk. Everywhere had been polluted with crude oil. All the people who went fishing the next day came back empty handed. They could not pull out their nets because it was soaked with crude. The crude spread from the sea into the creeks and destroyed our land. Even the palm fruits we used to cook before, we can’t use them anymore because they are contaminated.
“When we eat it now, it gives s cough. We have suffered different kinds of sickness since then. We have been through a lot since that spill happened in July. That is how we have been suffering since then. We have evidence of some of the crude we collected from the spill.”
Beauty Omasaye said: “When we heard you people were coming, we were happy. We thought the company has finally heard our cry. Since that Brittania-U spill happened, all my husband’s nets were destroyed by the spill. I borrowed money to help my husband buy a net, yet no fish in the sea to catch. I am in debt now; my children are hungry. All my farms have been destroyed. Schools have resumed for the past three weeks but we don’t have money to send them back to school. Brittania-U should have mercy on us. We are suffering.”
Esther Abogun said: “We have really suffered in this community. Since the Brittania-U vessel got burnt, three of my grandchildren are suffering from serious cough. When the vessel was burning, it was like a war here. All our eyes were filled with smoke. We lost all our fishing materials. We have been crying since. Even our only source of drinking water has been destroyed. We want the company to come and replace our fishing materials, to pay us for damages and clean up our land.”
Testimonies from Isiayegbene Community
Jacob Obolo said: “That pipeline you see there comes directly from the Shell Forcados terminal. The waste liquid made up of oil and water is being disposed into the sea from this pipe. When the water and chemical get into the sea, it kills our fishes. When we buy over N30,000 worth of fuel to fill or tanks and go fishing, what we come back with is very small. We have had several oil spills from Shell facility, but they will blame it on sabotage without doing anything to clean up. We have been suffering from Shell spills before the one of Brittania-U in July. On July 18, we were watching as the Brittania-U vessel was burning. Before we knew it, all the crude oil in the vessel started flowing towards the shore. We have some of the crude we collected to keep as evidence.
“This creek that passes from the sea to or water side, the crude oil spread from here to other communities in Odimodi. We are the ones producing the oil they use to develop other places, but we are the ones suffering the most. Where the boat was burning was so far away so we could not reach it, but we saw the oil on our land. Since the spill, nobody from the company or the government has come to see us. We are pleading with the company to come and clean up our land. They should also provide food and relief materials to help the people to fight hunger until we get back on our feet. They should also compensate s for the damages.”
Helen Peremene said: “Since after the spill from Brittania-U happened, no one has come to help us. The hunger and suffering have become too much for us. The women here can tell you how much we have suffered. Our children are hungry and cannot go to school because we don’t have any means of making money. Our only source of drinking water has been polluted. Everything we use to survive here has been destroyed. Our fishing materials, farmlands, plantain plantations…everything has been destroyed by the oil spill. We have cried but nobody came to our aid.”
Testimonies from Odimodi Community
Oweniyi Florence (Head of the Odimodi Community Health Centre) said: When the spill happened, people from Beneboye, Isiayegbene and other communities were rushed to the Odimodi health centre. Some had difficulty in breathing, some had rashes, some were coughing. In our health centre, we do not have enough facilities and medications, so we had to refer them to Warri. The water also flowed to Odimodi and destroyed our land. It is so bad that months after it happened, the company has not done anything. The people in these communities are suffering. They should bring relief materials and compensate the people.”
Kuluma Iyorakpo said: “We are not fine. We want the government to investigate this problem. Oil will flow from the sea into our own river and into our farmland where we are farming and fishing. If we go into the creeks, we don’t kill fishes anymore. We are suffering here, especially the women. The government needs to investigate what these companies are doing to us, so that we can also enjoy what God has given to us.”
Florence Gbadia said: “It is bad how the government has abandoned us. In this place, what we do is fishing and farming, but oil has destroyed all our nets. If you go to our farmlands, oil has taken over all our plantains. Even the coconut we plant, when we harvest, they are yellow like yellow fever. We are dying in this area. They should have pity for us.”
Magdalene Tabisan (Deputy Women Leader) said: “All our lands have been destroyed because of oil spill. If we farm in one farmland this year, we can’t use the land again. If you see the distance women go to farm because all our nearby lands have been destroyed, you will feel sorry for them. Even if some people or organisations come to empower us with fishing nets and plantain seedlings, where will we use the net to fish and how would we plant the plantains, when all the waters and lands are polluted? The women need empowerment or better still, the oil exploration should stop.”
Also speaking on the issue, the secretary of Odimodi, Preye Oweide who received the CODAF delegation, expressed the gratitude of the community for the concern showed toward their community and other neighbouring communities in the face of the oil and gas crisis rocking the area.
While speaking on the oil spill caused by Brittania-U, Preye stated that he received a call on July 18, 2024, from the chairman of Beneboye Community of an explosion in the sea, which led to the fire that gutted the vessel. According to him, the entire shoreline was covered with a high level of crude oil the next morning when he visited the community the next day with other members of the executives.
He added that, despite the series of letters and videos sent to the company and other agencies, neither the company nor the government has responded.
He lamented that the people of the communities who rely on fishing and farming as their means of livelihood have been driven into a deep level of poverty, as the spill has destroyed their nets, chased away the fishes and their farmlands destroyed.
He called on the government and the public to compel Brittania-U to assess the spill, to send relief materials to the affected communities, cleanup the affected areas and pay for the damages incurred.
The people of Beneboye and Isiayegbene also did a seaside action, demanding for environmental and human rights justice for their people.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts towards mitigating the impacts of climate change, environmental pollution and remediation, CODAF inaugurated the “A Million Tree School Club Project” in Odimodi Secondary School, Odimodi.
The inauguration was done to commission a young generation of environmentally conscious youth, educating them on the importance of tree planting, its effect on climate change and the need for environmental restoration, especially among oil producing communities.
In a bid to also ameliorate the socioeconomic hardship of the people and encourage the young environmental campaigners, CODAF gave out free notebooks to students of the primary and secondary schools in the community.
COP29 host Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, spoke on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and outlined a few critical COP29 outcomes.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan
But, while recognising and welcoming the mention of the need for a renewable energy uptake and the delivery of a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) at COP29, climate activists have expressed concern over Azerbaijan’s continued pattern of not mentioning “transitioning away from fossil fuels”.
In addition, Bayramov repeated its pledge to a fund for climate action, a situation the campaigners have tagged “a mere distraction and greenwashing attempt as long as contributing companies continue to expand fossil fuel production.”
Andreas Sieber, 350.org Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns, says: “While Azerbaijan mentioned the need for a fair NCQG agreement at COP29, it is deeply troubling that phasing out fossil fuels was completely absent from the speech. This has become a worrisome pattern. If Azerbaijan is really ‘ready to lead in the climate crisis’, why is it not mentioning how it will stop its main cause: burning oil, gas and coal?
“The world is moving forward on this transition, as made clear by other leaders in New York. As COP29’s presidency, Azerbaijan must live up to this reality by showing the world how it will deliver ambitious targets aligned with 1.5°C and drive global progress. If Azerbaijan doesn’t do more, it will lose once and for all the little credibility it still has left.”
New analysis by Climate Action Tracker find’s Azerbaijan’s climate action “critically insufficient” after it scrapped its 2030 emissions target.
New data shows that the Troika countries (Azerbaijan, the UAE and Brazil) are on track to increase their combined oil and gas production by 33% by 2035 in contradiction with their plans to apply pressure on countries to increase climate ambition.
The activists submitted: “As the COP29 presidency, the Azerbaijani government bears a critical responsibility as custodian to deliver new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aligned with the 1.5°C target and to implement the Global Stocktake’s mandate to phase out fossil fuels.
“It must also actively raise these expectations with other nations. 350.org is deeply concerned by Azerbaijan’s ongoing failure to show leadership, both domestically and on the international diplomatic stage.”
