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Why GMOs do not serve interest of Nigerian people – Alliance

Michael Simire
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Why GMOs do not serve interest of Nigerian people – Alliance

The GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance in a Memorandum calls on the Nigerian National Assembly, which is investigating the impacts of genetically modified crops in the country, to ban GMOs in Nigeria and to, instead, invest in Agroecology comprising of Organic Agriculture, Regenerative Agriculture, Agroforestry and other practices that are proven to be able to transform the Nigerian food system to sustainability

National Assembly
National Assembly

GMOs do not Improve Productivity

In September 2024 the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) reported that they “did not record any significant increase in their yields compared to the local seed varieties but instead, since the introduction of GM cotton seeds during the 2020/2021 farming season, yield per hectare has remained almost the same”.

They also reported that no other plant has been able to germinate on the farmlands where the GM seeds were planted, even after four years.

Across the country, farmers have complained that with GMOs, productivity reduces in the second planting season, meaning farmers cannot replant these seeds but have to continuously purchase the seeds every new season.

While some GMOs are designed to have increased levels of some nutrients, studies have revealed that other essential nutrients or functions can be reduced in the process. An in-depth scientific comparison of GM crops and their non-GM varieties shows that the assumption of substantial equivalence is false, as unexpected differences has been found. Examples include that GM soy had 12–14% lower amounts of isoflavones than non-GM soy; GM soy had 27% higher levels of a major allergen, trypsin-inhibitor, than the non-GM parent variety.

Burkina Faso, in 2016 phased out GM Cotton because it produced a poor-quality lint which fetched low prices for the farmers and amounted to millions of dollars of losses. The same variety was approved for commercial release in Nigeria, that same year.

In India, poor productivity and other failed promises of GMOs have led to thousands of farmer suicides. The story of the failure of Bt cotton in India is a classic example of this destructive technology being promoted as a solution. In Punjab alone, the area under cotton has declined by 46 per cent in 2024, a testament to the failure of Bt cotton to control pink bollworm and other pests. Chemical use in cotton cultivation has increased while yields have stagnated or fallen, while almost all cotton seeds are being controlled by the multinational corporation Bayer/Monsanto.

No Sufficient, Long-term Risk Assessment Conducted

Till date there is no evidence of long-term risk assessment including clinical trials conducted before release of the GM crops introduced in Nigeria so far.

This is not peculiar to Nigeria but observed in several other African countries. This suggests a strategic effort to silent the negative implications that GMOs present while opening up market and increasing profit for the multinational biotech corporations.

After a nine-year battle with Monsanto, the African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) and indeed the South African people on Thursday, October 22, 2024, won a pivotal decision in South Africa’s Supreme Court where the court agreed with the ACB that South Africa’s Executive Council of the GMO Act had approved Monsanto’s drought-resistant maize without fully assessing its safety for human health and the environment, disregarding evidence from other experts.

This ruling marks South Africa’s first judicial decision on GMOs and highlights a longstanding issue: for 28 years, the Executive Council of the GMO Act has licensed western GMOs without adequate health and environmental impact assessments.

This applies to the Nigerian government where over 25 GM products have been approved for various purposes without adequate long term risk assessment. We cannot claim to be immune to the dangers that GMOs and attendant chemicals such as glyphosate pose to human and environmental health.

Risks to Human Health: Several studies have linked the consumption of GMOs to a myriad of diseases including antibiotics resistance – the commercially approved Bt Cowpea expresses an enzyme which confers resistance to antibiotics – neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII). Multiple animal studies show significant immune dysregulation, including upregulation of cytokines (protein molecules involved in immune responses) associated with asthma, allergy, and inflammation.

Multiple toxins from GMOs have been detected in 93% maternal and 80% fetal blood including non-pregnant women’s blood. These toxins designed to kill crop pests are reaching humans and babies in the womb and could lead to allergies, miscarriage, and cancer.

Threats to Biodiversity and Environmental Sustainability: There is the severe threat of irreversible genetic contamination due to cross-pollination which could also lead to production of uncontrollable plant varieties and mutated plant varieties. Over 80% of GMOs are designed to be herbicide tolerant. These herbicides do not only destroy the target weeds but also non-target organisms that are essential for soil health and overall ecosystem function. These chemicals can also run off to contaminate drinking ground water and surface water including drinking water sources.

Mexico has in 2024, placed an indefinite ban on genetically engineered corn. The courts said from the evidence before it, genetically engineered corn posed “the risk of imminent harm to the environment.” Furthermore, they will “suspend all activities involving the planting of transgenic corn in the country and end the granting of permission for experimental and pilot commercial plantings.” The ruling provided a protection for the 20,000 varieties of corn grown in Mexico and Central America.

Nigerians’ Right to Safe Food

Decisions made by the government should be in the interest of the Nigerian people. Since this year, 2024, there has been increased demands from the Nigerian people in online media and several other fora for a ban on GMOs. Nigerians do not want this technology in our food and the government’s persistent approval of GMOs, means a total disregard for the rights of the people and exposes the vested interest in this technology.

GMOs are not currently being labeled in Nigeria. Although this is important, it is not a realistic practice considering of socio-economic context; with food mostly sold in basins in open markets and in processed forms.

Additionally, Nigerians are consuming imported processed foods bought from supermarkets without any idea that they are made from the genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The manner in which these items are imported into the country calls for serious concern.

Although the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has said illegal importation of GMOs into the country is being checked, these products are abundant in our market shelves (over 50 different brands including cereals, vegetable oils, spices, ice-cream, cake mixes etc) as revealed by a survey which Health of Mother Earth Foundation carried out across 10 Nigerian cities in 2018, 2019 and 2023.

Key Demands of the GMO-Free Nigeria Alliance

  1. A ban on all GMOs for planting for food or feed and processing in Nigeria.
  2. A ban of all imported processed foods containing bioengineered ingredients in our market shelves.
  3. A nullification of permits so far granted without sufficient risk assessment
  4. An investment in Agroecology which assures food security and food sovereignty while strengthening the Nigerian economy.

COP29: Experts share vision for a greener Africa through hydrogen

Michael Simire
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COP29: Experts share vision for a greener Africa through hydrogen

As part of the ongoing UNFCCC Climate Change Conference (COP29) hosted by the government of Azerbaijan in Baku, a multisectoral group of experts have articulated a clear vision for a greener Africa, leveraging hydrogen as an energy alternative.

Side event
A cross section of panelists during the side event. Photo credit: Mayowa Adebote

These insights were shared on Monday, November 18, 2024, during a two-part panel session titled “Catalysing an Evidence-Based Just Transition: Towards Realising Zero Emissions in Africa’s Maritime and Blue Economy Sector.”

The session featured international experts focused on African solutions, including Prof. Bamidele Adebisi from Manchester Metropolitan University, Mr. Maarten Ooms from the Green Climate Fund, Ms. Amna Awan of Centre of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR), Ms. Winfrida Shonde of TEEMO, Tanzania, Ms. Maria Ogbugo, an Associate of Maritime Africa, Mr. Michael Mbaru of the Kenya Maritime Authority, and Dr. Oma Ofodile of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Africa’s maritime sector currently faces several challenges, such as aging vessels, inadequate infrastructure, and limited ownership of shipping fleets – only about 2% of the global shipping fleet is owned by African nations, despite the continent being coastal with hundreds of ports. This issue is linked to Africa’s economic situation, given that over 90% of the continent’s trade relies on international shipping.

Opening the session, Dr. Dolapo Oluteye, principal investigator of the Leading Effective Afrocentric Participation (LEAP) Project and moderator of the session, pointed to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) ambitious goals for decarbonising international shipping.

“IMO’s contribution to the global fight against climate change in support of the United Nations Sustainable Goal 13, has led the organisation to set ambitious targets with milestones for 2030, 2040, and 2050 to reduce GHG emissions,” explained Dr. Oluteye.

Highlighting the gap between Africa’s realities and global green transition policies, Dr. Oluteye expressed that, “in the midst of a plethora of related regulatory pressures, African nations contend with energy poverty, food insecurity, social economic barriers, limited access to advanced technologies, expertise and constraints on financial resources, limiting the ability to engage effectively and efficiently with the energy transition drive to zero emission shipping.”

Professor Bamidele Adebisi, a Director at the African Hydrogen Partnership, discussed the potential of hydrogen to promote sustainability in Africa.

He stated, “Hydrogen comprises about 70% of the universe and can serve as a renewable energy source. It also presents an attractive alternative for maritime transport. Beyond production or generation of electricity, hydrogen is also a product for making ammonia, fertilisers, and other valuable substances.”

Speaking about available financial mechanisms, Mr. Maarten Ooms from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) explains that supporting developing countries to make the paradigm shift towards climate resilience is one of the GCF’s missions.

“Till date, we have invested $16 billion, across 133 countries and over 286 projects. In the context of transport, over the last 10 years, we have invested $1.2 billion over 27 projects. Our strategy is underpinned by three pillars: one is to make transport climate resilient, the second is creating social economic benefits, and the third, is decarbonising the sector.”

Additionally, Professor Adebisi urged Africa to seize the moment and accelerate its readiness to explore greener energy sources. “This is the moment for Africa. While we may not be where we want to be in terms of energy access, that doesn’t mean we must rely solely on fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. We have the potential to leapfrog and industrialise through greener alternatives.”

The experts collectively emphasised that with appropriate policies and infrastructure, Africa has the potential to harness its renewable energy resources, particularly hydrogen, to enhance its maritime capabilities and establish itself as a leader in the global transition to green energy.

By ‘Seyifunmi Adebote, seyi@climatetalkpodcast.com (Environmental Communicator and Host, Climate Talk Podcast)

COP29: Alliance of Champions calls on govts, financial institutions to prioritise climate finance for food systems 

Michael Simire
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COP29: Alliance of Champions calls on govts, financial institutions to prioritise climate finance for food systems 

The Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation (ACF) reconvened on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, one year after its launch at COP28, to highlight progress since Dubai and to unite in urging governments and financial institutions at COP29 to prioritise climate finance for food systems. 

COP29
COP29 entrance

Speaking on Food, Agriculture and Water Day, co-chairs Brazil, Norway and Sierra Leone, alongside founding members Cambodia and Rwanda, released an ACF Ministerial Statement, as well as a series of “Progress Snapshots”, highlighting key successes in each country and setting out priorities for further work. 

The ACF governments stated in a joint call to action at COP29: “We need to see a rapid and sustained increase in both the overall quantum of climate finance and the proportion going towards transforming food systems, which are estimated to require $500 billion per year over the next decade. Despite being responsible for a third of greenhouse gas emissions, 90% of deforestation and 60% of biodiversity loss, Food systems received just 3.4% of the total $115.9 billion climate finance mobilised by developed countries in 2022. 

“At Baku this year the focus – rightly – is on the need to urgently mobilise substantial additional finance, both public and private, to achieve climate goals. Within this, as a coalition of ambitious developed and developing nations, the ACF is calling for governments and financial institutions to prioritise climate finance for food systems transformation, via both concessional and innovative funding mechanisms.”

The snapshots, which showcase progress from across the ACF member countries since launch, include:

In Brazil, a National Programme for Productive Forests (Programa Nacional de Florestas Produtivas) to promote sustainable agroforestry practices, enhance food production, generate employment, and restore degraded areas. The programme’s initial phase targets the state of Pará and supports Brazil’s wider commitments to restore 12 million hectares by 2030 and create up to 2.5 million jobs.

In Cambodia, the deployment of 1,600 agriculture officers in agricultural communes across the country, developing modern agricultural cooperatives to improve access to markets, capital and water, whilst also increasing the economic efficiency and sustainability of smallholders;

In Norway, an annual policy dialogue with farming unions to negotiate policy measures that are tailored to farmers’ needs, delivering a “bottom up” participatory approach that is designed to deliver against the country’s national and international commitments;

In Rwanda, a commitment by 2030 to halve per capita food waste at the retail and consumer levels and to reduce food losses in farm production and along supply chains, including post-harvest losses.

In Sierra Leone, the implementation of the national flagship “Feed Salone” strategy is sustainably driving local food production by making agriculture more competitive for investment, decreasing food imports and supporting smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

Alliance members are calling on other governments to join them and unite in the urgent task of food system transformation. Within the ministerial statement, they declared: “Today, we are also calling for governments who share our ambition to create a fairer, healthier and more prosperous future to join us. The actions that each of us take within our borders can enhance our peoples’ food and nutritional security, boost equity and livelihoods, increase climate resilience, protect and restore nature, and help mitigate climate breakdown.”

In response to this ask, Tanzania has officially announced today its intention to join the ACF and is set to become the newest member of this pioneering coalition committed to transforming global food systems. 

Paulo Teixeira, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming, Brazil, and co-chair of ACF, said: “As Brazil looks towards COP30 next year, I am proud to be part of this important Alliance which continues to make the case for fairer, more sustainable food systems. Whether it is tackling hunger, supporting family farmers to produce nutritious food sustainably, driving the agro-ecological transition or protecting the rainforest, we can only improve outcomes in the long run if we look at the system holistically. To do that, we must address the climate finance gap for food systems at COP29.”

Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development, Norway, and co-chair of ACF, commented: “It is imperative that we, the international community, do not take our eyes off food systems, which are so fundamental to combatting the climate crisis, but also the nature crisis and the hunger crisis. As co-chairs of the Alliance of Champions, we will ensure this critical issue continues to rise up the agenda, shining a light on what is possible when countries commit to working together. We need to unlock the necessary finance to transform our food systems onto a more sustainable, equitable and resilient path.”

Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Sierra Leone, and co-chair of ACF, stated: “Over the past year, Sierra Leone has forged ahead with the transformation of our food system, securing over $1 billon investment to sustainably enhance food sovereignty, boost farmer livelihoods and reduce post-harvest losses. But this is just the beginning. We now need other countries to join us in making their food systems fairer, more productive, and an engine for growth and development. We also need to significantly increase climate finance and make a major shift in directing more of it toward transforming food systems.”

Dr Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment for Cambodia, said: “In Cambodia, we have long understood the importance of cross-government working if the issues of nutritional security, climate change and biodiversity are to be tackled successfully. Through the Alliance of Champions, we will continue to enjoy close collaboration with Brazil, Norway, Sierra Leone and Rwanda on the difficult but essential task of transforming our food systems to deliver better outcomes for people, nature and the planet.” 

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda, added: “To transform food systems is to take action on climate, nature depletion, hunger, livelihoods and resilience, all at the same time. Through the Alliance of Champions, we will continue to emphasise the importance – and the potential – of this crucial issue.”

COP29: Stiell urges parties to step forward faster and closer to common ground

Michael Simire
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COP29: Stiell urges parties to step forward faster and closer to common ground

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, speaks during the opening plenary session (week 2) of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday, November 18, 2024

Simon Stiell
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell. Photo credit: UN Climate Change | Kiara Worth

Dear colleagues, I urge you, wrap up less contentious issues as early as possible this week, so there is enough time for the major political decisions.

We’ve worked closely with the Presidency, who have just laid out a clear approach to get us to the finish line.

We can’t lose sight of the forest because we’re tussling over individual trees.

Nor can we afford an outbreak of “you-first-ism”. Where groups of parties dig in and refuse to move on one issue, until others move elsewhere.

This is a recipe for going literally nowhere. And could set global climate efforts back at a time when we simply must be moving forward.

We will only get the job done if Parties are prepared to step forward in parallel, bringing us closer to common ground.

Bluffing, brinksmanship, and pre-mediated playbooks burn up precious time and run down the goodwill needed for an ambitious package.

So let’s cut the theatrics and get down to real business.

Yes, there are headwinds, everyone knows that, but lamenting them won’t make them go away.  Now is the time to focus on solutions.

I know we can get this done. The Presidency is working round the clock, with diligence, determination and even-handedness.

The secretariat will continue to be the steady guide by their side, while also supporting Parties, with a focus on inclusivity.

So, I urge everyone – now’s the time to get to work.

Oyo, firm urged to halt destruction of Ogunpa Forest Reserve

Michael Simire
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Oyo, firm urged to halt destruction of Ogunpa Forest Reserve

As world leaders gather for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nigeria’s environmental challenges demand immediate attention. The devastating impact of climate change on Ogunpa River, a vital lifeline in Ibadan, Oyo State, underscores the need for collective action.

Seyi Makinde
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

Climate change poses significant threats to Nigeria’s ecosystem, economy, and human well-being. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events exacerbate flooding, drought, and food insecurity. Ogunpa River, once a thriving watercourse, now faces waste crises, deforestation, and destructive infrastructure projects.

The Oyo State Government and Baywood Infrastructure’s destruction of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve for a private estate prioritises private interests over public needs, disregarding environmental concerns and the Minister of Environment’s advice. This project threatens the livelihoods of over 100,000 people living along the Ogunpa Channel.

Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its pledge to limit emissions by 25% unassisted and 47% if assisted necessitates bold action. However, the country’s progress is hindered by inadequate climate governance, insufficient funding, and lack of public awareness.

The Way Forward

To address these challenges, Nigeria must adopt a participatory governance approach, involving local communities in decision-making processes. Indigenous knowledge and traditional environmental practices should be recognised and valued. Environmental justice must be prioritised, addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

Call to Action

We urge the Oyo State Government, Baywood Infrastructure, and relevant authorities to:

1. Immediately halt the destruction of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve.

2. Conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

3. Engage in participatory governance with local communities.

4. Prioritise environmental justice and sustainability over private interests.

Conclusion

The fate of Ogunpa River and Nigeria’s climate resilience hangs in the balance. COP29 presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitment to climate action. We must balance economic growth, population explosion, and environmental protection. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) should be empowered to halt poor and environmentally unfriendly projects.

By Nature and Future Eco-Green Initiative, info@ecogreen.org.ng

INC-5: Why world needs an ambitious Global Plastic Pollution Treaty – WWF

Michael Simire
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INC-5: Why world needs an ambitious Global Plastic Pollution Treaty – WWF

Coming on the heels of lackluster performances at two major global environmental summits on nature and climate, INC-5 – the fifth and final round of negotiations for a treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution – is seen as a critical opportunity for governments to inspire hope for the future and turn around this year’s so far bleak mandate on the state of our environment by establishing a strong and effective global plastic pollution treaty.

Kirsten Schuijt
Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International

WWF warns that unless governments get serious in streamlining processes and agreeing on making specific core measures globally mandatory, world leaders will not be able to deliver on their promise two years ago to create a binding instrument that can end plastic pollution.

“At its core, plastic pollution is a non-partisan issue – evident by the vast majority of countries who have called for decisive measures to tackle the primary drivers of this crisis,” said Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business, WWF-US. “In the final round of treaty negotiations, countries must come to the table ready to deliver the most ambitious treaty possible, prioritising binding commitments that will move us toward a just transition and a brighter future. The world is watching, now is the moment for our leaders to put differences aside and let nature win.”

In particular, WWF urges governments to include in the treaty explicit text to ban and phase out the most harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern; mandatory product design requirements to ensure remaining products are safe and easy to reuse and recycle; identify the level of funding that governments need to commit and how such resources will be disbursed; and mechanisms for strengthening the treaty over time.

If such measures are not mandated globally, projected increases in plastic production by 2050 could account for 21-30% of the world’s carbon emission budget required to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This adds pressure on an already tenuous undertaking to stop the planet’s temperature from breaching a threshold beyond which many species may perish.

Regulating and reducing plastic production and consumption through binding global bans and design requirements that ensure the circularity of high-risk products can therefore yield enormous benefits that would reduce the demand of virgin plastic production and could give the planet a fighting chance at keeping global warming below the crucial 1.5°C threshold.

By WWF’s count, a majority of governments have already called for, or support such measures. It’s a question of whether they will keep their promises.

Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International, said: “To protect current and future generations from a world overwhelmed by plastic pollution and the unequal burden it places on the most vulnerable communities, we need binding global rules. Negotiators have the backing of not only scientific evidence, but also a majority of governments, citizens and businesses that a global treaty with legally binding obligations, and not voluntary guidelines, is the only way to end the global plastic pollution crisis. This is absolutely possible. Negotiators must prioritise the most urgent and essential measures so we can get to the heart of the issue – what a strong treaty should include – faster and more impactfully.”

WWF urges governments to reject any attempts at watering down or excluding core measures that must be included in the treaty. Should disputes arise or if a treaty borne out of consensus yields weak measures, governments must be willing to vote to get the treaty that we need.

Ahead of the negotiations next week (November 25 to December1, 2024), the INC-5 Chair has published a streamlined “non-paper” text. This text creates a basis for negotiations that allows governments to focus discussions and prioritises the measures that must be included in the treaty within INC-5’s short time frame of a week.

Eirik Lindebjerg, Global Plastics Policy Lead and Head of Delegation for WWF at INC-5, said: “The majority of governments have been calling for the right measures, and at INC-5, they need to turn these words into action by cementing such measures in the treaty text unambiguously. There can be no room for alternative interpretations, borne out of certain governments’ economic self-interests, to take precedence over the health and safety of the world.

“Those that want a strong treaty must therefore push ahead with one, even if this means not all governments will ratify it or be ready to take the decision to another forum. A treaty with binding measures supported by the majority of governments will be far more effective than a voluntary-based treaty supported by all governments.” 

The WWF aded: “For the eventual treaty to be fit for purpose, governments must include several core measures, currently only included as placeholders in the ‘non-paper’. In addition, governments must use stronger language to denote when clear-cut actions such as global and legally binding bans must be mandatory.

“This is to ensure the treaty does not revert to business-as-usual practices of only implementing voluntary national initiatives, which have dominated our collective response over the last three decades yet yielded little success.”

Water, electricity unions collaborate to tackle privatisation

Michael Simire
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Water, electricity unions collaborate to tackle privatisation

The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have picked holes in the electricity sector privatisation, vowing to stop similar moves in the water sector.

Privatisation
Members of the unions at the workshop

The two unions stated this at a workshop in Abuja on “Promoting Transparency and Decent Work in Supply Chains in Electricity, Water and Waste Services in Sub-Saharan Africa” supported by DGB Bildungs Week and Public Services International (PSI).  

The unions also lamented the collapse of the electricity sector in the hands of a private individual.

In his intervention on “Promoting Transparency and Decent Work in Supply Chains in Electricity, Water and Waste Services in Sub–Sahara Africa-Phase II”, NUEE acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, said members of the union are worried due to epileptic power supply, hence the call for reversal of privatisation in the electricity sector.

He lamented poor policies and mismanagement of the sector which he said continuously affects Nigerians and called for an end to casualisation of workers.

According to him, “all workers must be treated as workers. We must ensure that we team up to stand against unfortunate policies.”

Similarly, the National President of AUPCTRE, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, urged members to unite, insisting that unity is necessary to enable the union to achieve success.

“We need to continuously work together to ensure success. We know that a lot of policies are affecting smooth operation in the sector but we must work together and stand strong.”

He lamented over the consistent collapse of the national grid, saying that those in power might be playing politics to garner resources for elections.

“But we have to play our roles effectively and protect the sector. We must also team up against certain policies that do not augur well for the Nigerian workers.

“We also need to set an example for our junior ones in the service and encourage the leaders.

Taking a cue, Comrade Abiodun Bakare, PSI-DGB National Coordinator, said several engagements with rank-and-file recently in several states across the country revealed a lot of challenges faced by members.

He said the engagement was meant to gauge the pulse of members on the privatisation plans of the government, noting that the challenges in the sector needed a collective approach by members to address them.

“We need to voice out our feelings on various issues and challenges so that we will unite as a team and face them”.

In her presentation, Comrade Abiodun Badru hailed the leadership of the two unions for their vision and leadership, extolling their selflessness in the discharge of their duties to members.

She said that the PSI-DGB is encouraging unions to build solidarity from Global North to the Global South, and mobilising to defend the rights of workers and the people they provide services to.

“We are also building the gap for unions to have the capacity to engage and demand for workers’ rights”.

In his presentation on Campaign Planning & Strategy, the Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Jakpor, encouraged the union members to build their campaigns on certain questions which include: What is the situation we want to change? Who is affected by the situation we are advocating for? What can we do to improve the situation? What resources are needed? And what tactics are available to implement the campaign? How do we measure success?

Jakpor also emphasised the importance of communication plans in a campaign, pointing out that it ensures that the target audience of a campaign gets the message.

He listed the benefits of effective communication to include giving a sense of direction, helps map the audience, helps to identify gaps in policy and advocacy, helps to identify message pillars and helps in evaluation, among others.

Reps committee seeks tax break, vocational grants to empower youths in renewable energy

Michael Simire
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Reps committee seeks tax break, vocational grants to empower youths in renewable energy

The House Committee on Renewable Energy has advocated for accessible and equitable policies, including tax breaks and vocational grants, to empower youths in renewable energy in African countries, especially in Nigeria.

Rep. Victor Ogene
House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Victor Ogene (middle), with delegates at COP29

The chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Victor Ogene, stated this in a statement on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Abuja.

Ogene called for deliberate inclusion of youths and legislators in conferences and workshops where issues involving policies on developments in climate change and energy transitions would be discussed.

This, he said, would foster a better understanding that would engender right policy formulation and intentional youth involvement.

He stressed the need to focus on actionable strategies to foster a fair and inclusive renewable energy transition in Africa.

Ogene, alongside other stakeholders, discussed these on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The event was co-hosted by the Committee on Renewable Energy and INCLUDE, a Netherlands-based knowledge platform.

The discussions, he said, were centered around labour-based incentives, youth-centered policies and the intersection of equity, sustainability and job creation.

Ogene said that the conversations outlined a comprehensive approach to designing labour incentives that not only support job creation but also address the specific needs of young people.

This, according to him, includes accessible financial incentives, such as grants for youth-led startups and subsidies for skill acquisition in renewable energy industries, and policies.

Ogene said that this would integrate transparency and inclusivity to ensure equitable access.

By Femi Ogunshola

Association reassures Nigerians on safety of GMOs

Michael Simire
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0
Association reassures Nigerians on safety of GMOs

The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) has endorsed all commercially released Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and foods in Nigeria as natural and safe for humans, livestock and the environment.

GMOs
GMOs

The association disclosed this at the National Symposium on Biotechnology organised in honour of Prof. Vincent Tenebe, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the BSN on Monday, November 18, 2024, in Abuja.

Tenebe noted that the controversy surrounding the safety of GMOs was a false narrative, propagated by anti-GMOs who don’t wish Nigeria or Africa to be food sufficient.

He said the issue was not about safety but business and that those against the technology were bent on keeping Africa perpetually reliant on food importation.

“God gave man the ability to change and modify to our own advantage and that is what we are doing with GMOs as biological scientists.

“Don’t be deceived by what anti-GMOs are telling you, GMO is natural, they are trying to bring confusing ideas whenever they see that Africa is about to have a breakthrough,’’ he said.

Tenebe, who is also the erstwhile Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), maintained that Africa remains the greatest centre of biodiversity, and its resources was in high demand.

He said that contrary to opinions of ant-GMOs, there was nothing wrong with GMO, hence Nigerians should not allow themselves to be used to cause confusion.

“As scientists, we are just trying to express what we have discovered from science and nobody can change it, and we must respect plants because through plants we have wisdom,’’ Tenebe added.

Dr Sylvester Oikeh, TELA Maize Project Manager, Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), who was the keynote speaker, made a presentation on “The safety history of TELLA Maize’’.

Oikeh concluded that genetically engineered crops such as TELA maize are safe because of rigorous biosafety regulatory approval process involved.

According to him, strategic combination of conventional breeding and transgenic technology has resulted in 53 TELA registered, climate-smart hybrids, with four released in Nigeria.

He noted that this had the potential to transform maize production amid climate change.

He stressed that there was urgent need to address negative impacts of NGOs opposing GMOs in Africa, especially in Nigeria because their actions are a huge threat to national food and nutrition security.

Earlier, Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of the BSN, remarked that, presently, one of the burning issues of biotechnology was GMOs, specifically genetically modified foods, vaccines, especially molecular vaccines that saved the world from COVID-19.

“To address burning food security concerns in the country, Nigerian scientists have worked for more than 20 years to deploy the science of genetic engineering in the solution of Nigeria’s pressing food problems.

“The result was the insect resistant beans launched in 2021, the insect and drought resistant maize launched this year, as well as insect resistant cotton commercialized in 2018.”

“The new genetically modified (GM) insect resistant beans will, all things being equal, rid the beans fields of maruka insect devastation and bring beans within reach of the common man again,’’ Uzochukwu said.

The BSN president stated that TELA maize has been developed to tackle new pests such as the fall army worms which have been laying waste to corn fields.

She expressed optimism that the GM maize would bring down, not just the cost of maize or corn and its products, but also the cost of meat as livestock feed was highly dependent on corn.

According to her, these products will also protect consumers from cancer which arises when insects damage grains and moulds grow on them and produce mycotoxins which cause cancer.

Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), said the theme of the conference, “GMOs and Vaccines; Myths, Advances and Prospects,’’ was timely.

She said the theme addressed some of the most critical issues facing science, healthcare and agriculture in Nigeria and across the globe.

Asagbra, who was represented by Hauwa Ahmed, Acting Director, Biosafety Enforcement and Operations, said the role of biotechnology has become more significant as Nigeria continue to navigate a rapidly evolving world.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards of selfless service and excellence to deserving scientists.

BSN is a professional and scientific association that promotes biotechnological activities to positively impact nations’ aspirations for food security, improved healthcare delivery, a clean environment and sustainable economic growth.

By Sylvester Thompson

What does the G20 Summit mean for Africa’s future?

Michael Simire
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What does the G20 Summit mean for Africa’s future?

This week marks a historic milestone for Africa as the continent takes its place at the G20 Summit as a permanent member for the first time. Following the African Union’s inclusion in September 2023, the continent is poised to influence global priorities, including debt distress, climate finance, inequality, and international taxation.

G20 Summit
President Luiz Lula da Silva of Brazil (left) with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa at the G20 Summit in Brazil

As world leaders gather in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 18-19, 2024, Africa is expected to advocate for increased investments in its energy sector – pivotal for advancing global energy transitions. Representing 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, the G20 holds unmatched sway in shaping global policy.

This year’s summit also paves the way for the 2025 G20 meeting in South Africa – the first-ever hosted on African soil. Under the theme “Fostering Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development”, South Africa’s presidency will prioritise addressing the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want”. This is a pivotal moment for Africa to solidify its role as a key player in driving global economic and sustainable development reforms.

“Africa’s priorities in the global financial system are clear: increasing concessional finance, solving the debt crisis, making risk and valuation assessments fairer, curbing illicit financial flows, and developing an international tax framework that ensures African countries get their fair share of global taxes. With these reforms in place, African countries’ transformation can be fully unleashed,” says Mavis Gyamfi- Owusu, President and CEO, Africa Centre for Economic Transformation. 

Debt sustainability in developing economies, particularly across Africa, remains a priority. Leaders are expected to discuss comprehensive reforms to global lending practices.

“The handover of the G20 presidency from Brazil to South Africa marks the end of an era. South Africa’s presidency of the G20 will be the last under a developing country. The G20 coming to Africa is especially important because this time, in addition to South Africa, we have the African Union Commission taking part as a full member.

“The incoming South African presidency offers the opportunity to emphasize the debt crisis in Africa and push for a more comprehensive reform package. The African Union Commission needs to enhance progressive discussions on global financial architecture reform in different fora, focusing on making Africa a rule maker, not a rule-taker,” Jason Braganza, Executive Director of the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), said.

Dr. Magalie Masamba Senior Fellow, African Debt Justice Network (AfSDJN) and is an Advocate of the High Court of Zanzibar, submited: “African countries are navigating a complex intersection of development demands and the escalating impacts of climate change. Our nations require substantial financing to build resilient infrastructure, adapt to shifting climate conditions, and invest in sustainable growth. Yet, for many African countries, high debt burdens limit these options, leaving few viable paths forward without risking further economic strain.

“We need a global commitment to mobilise resources that do not add to existing debt burdens, enabling African countries to pursue economic progress and climate resilience without sacrificing economic stability. This requires a tailored approach to financing – one that prioritises grants, concessional financing, and possibly debt relief over traditional loans. This is not only essential for our region but is critical for sustainable global growth.”

As a new G20 member, the African Union is expected to seek support for its UN-backed resolution on international tax cooperation. This initiative aims to foster fairness and inclusivity in global tax systems.

Africa’s vulnerability to climate change will be prominently featured, with calls for equitable energy transitions and affordable climate finance.

“With South Africa following up on Brazil and putting inequality at the centre of its G20 presidency, South Africa and Africa have an opportunity to shape the agenda at this first-ever G20 meeting on African soil.

“Debt is a key issue for the continent, and South Africa will be expected to open up dialogue around the G20 Common Framework. Similarly, the G20 should reflect on how to cushion debt risk for the future and discuss options to reduce the cost of capital for the climate transition as a way to ensure an equal transition for all,” noted Faten Aggad, Executive Director of the African Future Policies Hub.

African leaders aim to oppose carbon tax regimes threatening their export competitiveness while advocating for trade policies prioritising development.

“Africa needs a unified voice. We must coordinate our demands on the G20. Our priorities should be reforming the global sovereign lending market to avoid exorbitant interest rates and securing substantial climate finance for adaptation. We must also actively oppose carbon tax regimes that could harm our exports,” said Ken Opalo, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University,

As South Africa prepares to assume the G20 presidency in 2025, this year’s summit will set the tone for a historic moment. South Africa’s leadership will underscore African priorities, including debt relief, global financial reform, and climate justice.

“The African Union’s full membership strengthens Africa’s ability to advocate for meaningful reforms and global equity. This is a critical moment for the continent to position itself as a leader in global decision-making,” added Jason Braganza.

The 2024 G20 Summit is poised to address urgent global challenges while paving the way for Africa’s leadership in shaping future global policies. As the African Union takes its place at the table, the continent’s voice will be central to discussions that impact the world’s economic and environmental landscape.

“I look forward to seeing the African Union reinforce these priorities at this week’s G20 meeting, and I strongly encourage other G20 members to work with them to create a truly global financial system that works for us all. Indonesia, India and Brazil laid a strong foundation during their G20 Presidencies; it is now up to South Africa to take up this mantle and move us forward, together,” stressed Owusu-Gyamfi.

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