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UNGA: UN applauds as world leaders commit to decisive action on antimicrobial resistance

Michael Simire
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UNGA: UN applauds as world leaders commit to decisive action on antimicrobial resistance

Global leaders have approved a political declaration at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), committing to a clear set of targets and actions, including reducing the estimated 4.95 million human deaths associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) annually by 10% by 2030.

UN General Assembly
UN General Assembly

The declaration also calls for sustainable national financing and US$100 million in catalytic funding, to help achieve a target of at least 60% of countries having funded national action plans on AMR by 2030. This goal is to be reached through, for example, diversifying funding sources and securing more contributors to the Antimicrobial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), known as the Quadripartite, welcome the declaration. The Quadripartite applauds countries for recognising the need for global, regional and national efforts to address AMR through a One Health approach, which recognizes that the health of people, animals, plants and the wider environment, including ecosystems, are closely linked and interdependent.

Global champions involved with the meeting include Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, AMR survivors, civil society and stakeholder organisations from around the world.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, leading to infections becoming difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Global multisectoral action needed to reach targets by 2030

On human health, the declaration sets a more ambitious target that at least 70% of antibiotics used for human health globally should belong to the WHO Access group antibiotics with relatively minimal side effects and lower potential to cause AMR.

It also includes targets around infection prevention and control (IPC), such as 100% of countries having basic water, sanitation, hygiene and waste management services in all health care facilities and 90% of countries meeting all WHO’s minimum requirements for IPC programmes by 2030. There are also commitments on investments to facilitate equitable access to and appropriate use of antimicrobials, as well as on reporting surveillance data on antimicrobial use and AMR across sectors.

On agriculture and animal health, the declaration has commitments to, by 2030, meaningfully reduce the quantity of antimicrobials used globally in the agri-food systems by prioritizing and funding the implementation of measures to prevent and control infections and ensuring prudent, responsible and evidence-based use of antimicrobials in animal health. This is to be achieved in the context of the WOAH list of priority diseases and FAO’s RENOFARM initiative, as well as preventive strategies, including animal vaccination strategies, good husbandry practices, biosecurity, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

On the environment, the declaration underscores the need to prevent and address the discharge of antimicrobials into the environment. It also calls for increased research and knowledge on the environmental dimensions of AMR and for catalysing actions to address key sources of antimicrobial pollution.

Acknowledging that AMR is a complex problem, the declaration recognizes the need for a multisectoral response combining human, agricultural, animal, and environmental sector-specific interventions.

“The intersectoral challenge of AMR demands a One Health systems approach that unites human, animal, plant, and environmental health, backed by robust and accountable global AMR governance. Sustainable, diversified financing is essential to support the setting of clear priorities and measurable targets that drive decisive action while recognizing national and regional contexts.

“We must ensure universal access to medicines, treatments, and diagnostics, especially in developing countries and in all sectors, while promoting preventive measures and investing in research, innovation, capacity building, and bold awareness initiatives. Our health depends on safe, nutritious food, and food security hinges on healthy, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems.

“For nearly 79 years, FAO has been steadfast in its mission to secure safe, nutritious food for all. We fully support this declaration and remain committed to a multisectoral, multi-stakeholder approach to eliminate AMR risks in agrifood systems,” said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu.

“Evidence is mounting that the environment plays a significant role in the development, spread and transmission of AMR, including transmission between humans, and animals to humans. And why if we’re to reduce the burden of AMR and its risks, the environment must be part of the solution. Today’s declaration recognises this need, and UNEP will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to reduce the burden of AMR on societies and tackle the triple planetary crisis,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

“In the century since Alexander Fleming stumbled across penicillin in a laboratory in London, antibiotics have become a mainstay of medicine, transforming once-deadly infections into treatable and curable conditions,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Antimicrobial resistance threatens to unwind that progress, making it without question one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Today’s declaration includes vital commitments that, if translated into action, will help to track AMR, slow it down, expand access to antimicrobial medicines like antibiotics and spur the development of new ones.”

“Antimicrobials help animals and humans live longer and healthier lives, but many of these life-saving drugs are dangerously losing their efficacy, which has devastating impacts not only on human health, but also on livestock and the economy at large,” said WOAH Director General, Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran. “Urgent action is needed, and we welcome the numerous commitments made by countries through this political declaration. The prioritisation of preventative measures against infectious diseases in animals is of paramount importance. That is why WOAH will continue to assist countries by developing standards and guidelines, assessing policy frameworks for antimicrobial prescription and supporting the implementation of biosecurity and vaccination programmes on priority diseases that can help reduce the need for antimicrobials, among other measures.”

Clear way forward

The declaration formalises the standing Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR as the central coordinating mechanism to support the global response to AMR. It also requests the Quadripartite organisations, together with countries, to update the Global Action Plan (GAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance by 2026 to ensure a robust and inclusive multisectoral response, through a One Health approach. The declaration also gives the Quadripartite the mandate to follow up and report back on implementation of the GAP and political declaration outcomes.

It also acknowledges the critical contributions of global AMR governance mechanisms, including the Global Leaders Group and the AMR Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Platform, committing to strengthening the latter, among others, to facilitate the multisectoral exchange of experiences, best practices, and the assessment of Member States’ progress in implementing multisectoral national action plans on AMR.

The Quadripartite says it is pleased to take on the declaration’s request for it to establish an independent panel for evidence for action against AMR in 2025, after a global consultation with countries. The panel will support countries in efforts to tackle AMR.

The declaration emphasises key aspects, including the importance of access to medicines, treatments and diagnostics, while calling for incentives and financing mechanisms to drive multisectoral health research, innovation and development in addressing AMR. A stronger, transparent partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as academia is critical.

The declaration also encourages countries to report quality surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use by 2030, utilising existing global systems such as the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS), the Global Database for Antimicrobial Use in Animals (ANIMUSE) of WOAH, and the International FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring (InFARM) .

It further calls for 95% of countries to annually report on the implementation of their AMR national action plans through the Tracking AMR Country Self-assessment Survey (TrACSS).

ICPC, EIA forge partnerships to tackle environmental crime in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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ICPC, EIA forge partnerships to tackle environmental crime in Nigeria

The London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has signed what looks like an historic agreement with Nigeria’s leading agency responsible for tackling corruption in the public sector, recognising the need for increased transparency and accountability to address environmental crime.

Musa Aliyu
Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC)

On Friday, September 20, 2024, Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC), and Justin Gosling, EIA’s Securing Criminal Justice Programme Lead, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) opening the door for increased cooperation and information sharing between the respective organisations.

Dr Aliyu recognised the importance of addressing corruption within the field of environmental crime, stating: “Environmental crimes such as wildlife trafficking, pollution and those contributing to climate change pose a major threat to Nigerians.

“The role of public sector corruption is unacceptable and the ICPC looks forward to cooperating with the EIA to improve our response to this important area of criminal activity.”

The EIA has been working for almost five years in Nigeria and in West and Central Africa, developing the capacity of investigators, raising awareness and understanding among prosecutors and the judiciary, forging relationships with the public and private financial sectors and assessing and developing new endangered species legislation, in addition to supporting civil society organisations in the region.

Gosling said the new partnership was critical to evolving the response to environmental crime in the region.

“Environmental criminal networks are driven by profit and financial gain and the role of corruption in public sectors cannot be underestimated,” he said. “We welcome this groundbreaking agreement with the ICPC and look forward to developing strategies together to address wildlife trafficking and other forms of environmental crime.”

EIA’s projects in West and Central Africa are supported by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Defra Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the Pangolin Crisis Fund and the Full Circle Foundation.

According to EIA, the group investigates and campaigns against environmental crime and abuse. Its undercover investigations expose transnational wildlife crime, with a focus on elephants, pangolins and tigers and forest crimes such as illegal logging and deforestation for cash crops such as palm oil.

It also works to safeguard global marine ecosystems by addressing the threats posed by plastic pollution, bycatch and commercial exploitation of whales, dolphins and porpoises.

NGOs take climate change sensitisation to grassroots

Michael Simire
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NGOs take climate change sensitisation to grassroots

Save the Child Initiative (STCI) and Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) have commenced climate change awareness campaign at the grassroots to mitigate the effects of desertification.

NGOs
Participants at a sensitisation session

The NGOs also enlightened the rural dwellers on community dialogue towards promoting peaceful coexistence among divers groups.

The activity was supported by the International Alert in commemoration of 2024 International Day of Peace.

Speaking at the event held at Asara community of Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the STCI Programme Officer, Mr Abdulhamid Buhari, stressed the need for people, especially at the grassroots to understand the effects of climate change to their environment.

He also encouraged them to promote the culture of peace in the society where children would also learn to live in peace with one another.

Bubari observed that peace was not just the absence of conflict but also creating an environment “where everyone feels valued, respected, and be heard.”

He revealed that STCI and JDF through funding from International Alert have been working on peace building initiatives and conflict resolution with a focus on impacts of climate change.

He said the theme of the programme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”, was coined to bring together leaders, youth and several community members to deliberate on ways to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.

In his remarks, the District Head of Asara, Alhaji Musa Sarkin Gobir-Adiya, highlighted the significance of peace in building stronger and more resilient society.

Sarkin Gobir-Adiya urged citizens to respect individual and collective values, understand, appreciate and respect differences of one another for sustainable peace.

The activity featured discussions and a 3-kilometre road walk to sensitise people to importance of harmonious relationship, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and effects on climate change.

By Habibu Harisu

Stakeholders advocate reduction of marine plastic pollution before 2050

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders advocate reduction of marine plastic pollution before 2050

According to them, such reduction will avert dangers of plastics on aquatic lives.

Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator, GEF, said that by 2050, there might be more plastics in the ocean than fishes if marine plastic pollution was not reduced.

“Everyone knows that plastic pollution has become a menace not only on the terrestrial but also on the marine environment as well,’’ she said.

She said that plastics were easily retrieved from the terrestrial but not easy to retrieve from the marine because of its peculiarity.

The coordinator expressed worry over  aquatic lives in the oceans because they fed on the plastics thinking they were food.

She said that such plastics were dangerous to aquatic lives and humans who also consumed the fishes.

GEF is a UN Development Programme (UNDP) programme implemented in Nigeria to address environmental challenges.

On her part, Ms Juliet Odhikori,  Programmes Director, Waste Africa, an NGO, regretted that the oceans might contain more plastics that fishes by 2050.

“Nigeria is one of the largest contributors to marine plastic pollution globally with over 80 per cent mismanaged plastic waste.’’

Odhikori said that marine pollution caused harms to both land and sea creatures.

She said the recycling project would establish 10 recycling clusters and two recycling hubs and empower no fewer than 500 women recyclers in 10 communities.

The programmes director listed the communities as Chika, Aleyita, Pyakasa, Piwoyi, Karonmajigi in Lugbe, Dagiri, Gwako, new Kutunku, Tunga-maje and Giri in Gwagwalada.

She said that the project would also provide sustained income to no fewer than 200 community members and empower 100 local waste pickers and five waste aggregators.

“We will recover and recycle 468 tonnes of waste by the end of the project and 80 per cent reduction in the volume of recyclable wastes littering drainage systems in the communities,” She said.

The District Head of Pyakasa in Lugbe Abuja, Gaza Stephen, commended the gesture and urged all the community dwellers to imbibe neatness in their domains.

Biliqis Ahmed, one of the beneficiaries of the Waste Africa training from Chika community, commended GEF for its support on marine plastic pollution reduction training.

According to her, the training has made her a better person in her community.

Earth exceeds safe limits: First Planetary Health Check issues red alert 

Michael Simire
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Earth exceeds safe limits: First Planetary Health Check issues red alert 

The Planetary Boundaries Science (PBScience), a new initiative led by PIK director Johan Rockström and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), supported by the Planetary Guardians and other partners, has announced the launch of the Planetary Health Check (PHC), a first-of-its-kind scientific report and tool for the health of the Earth’s vital organs that serve as humanity’s life support system.

Johan Rockstrom
Johan Rockstrom

The PHC combines pioneering Earth science, Earth observation data and multi-disciplinary thinking to quantify the planet’s health and inform solutions to reverse the impact of human activity on the planet.

The launch of the Planetary Health Check is based on the publication of the inaugural Planetary Health Check Report, which represents a crucial step in collective efforts to understand and protect the stability and resilience of Earth. The report will be published annually in recognition of the importance of regular updates on Earth’s health, representing a significant advancement in providing consistent insights for stakeholders globally.

Typically, environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution have been addressed separately, but these issues are interconnected and collectively impact our planet’s health, as well as human health. The Planetary Health Check report documents the latest scientific information on the diverse Planetary Boundary processes, identifies the underlying causes and the interconnectedness of various processes and connects Planetary Boundary processes to different tipping points, emphasising the need for a whole Earth approach to ensure humanity’s future.

Planetary Boundaries such as climate change, change in biosphere integrity and ocean acidification are defined for the nine critical Earth system processes that regulate life support systems on Earth. They outline a safe operating space within which humanity can thrive while keeping the planet stable and resilient. Once a boundary is breached, the risk of permanently damaging Earth’s life support functions increases as does the probability of crossing tipping points that cause irreversible changes. If multiple boundaries are breached, risks sharply increase.

The Planetary Health Check shows, that these critical Earth’s systems functions are at risk, with six of nine Planetary Boundaries breached and the imminent breach of a seventh, and a clear trend towards further transgression. While a boundary transgression is not equivalent to drastic changes happening overnight, they mark entering territory of rising risk.

“Our updated diagnosis shows that vital organs of the Earth system are weakening, leading to a loss of resilience and rising risks of crossing tipping points. Six of the nine planetary boundaries are transgressed, put into context in the report by high-resolution spatial maps of local and regional trends for all nine boundaries. The message is clear, local actions impact the planet, and a planet under pressure can impact everyone, everywhere. Securing human wellbeing, economic development, and stable societies requires a holistic approach where the protection of the planet takes center stage,” said Levke Caesar, PIK Scientist, Co-Lead of PBScience, and one of the lead authors of the Planetary Health Check.

The Planetary Health Check as a new tool to translate science into action and guide global development.

“The Planetary Health Check is a major leap forward in our collective mission to understand and protect our planet. We have known for some time that we are weakening the planet’s resilience. This scientific update shows that, irrespective of what scale we operate on, all actions need to consider impacts at the planetary scale. Stewardship of the planet is necessary in all sectors of the economy and in societies, for security, prosperity and equity. By quantifying the boundaries for a healthy planet, we provide policy, economics and business with the tools needed to steer away from unmanageable risks,” explains Johan Rockström, PIK Director, Pioneer of the Planetary Boundaries Framework and Co-Founder of the Planetary Guardians.

“The overall diagnostic is that the patient, Planet Earth, is in critical condition. Six of nine Planetary Boundaries are transgressed. Seven PB processes show a trend of increasing pressure so that we will soon see the majority of the Planetary Health Check parameters in the high-risk zone,” adds Rockström.

“When we look at the trends of Earth’s health indicators, we see that soon the majority of them will be in the high-risk zone. We need to reverse this trend. We know that all Planetary Boundary processes act together and each one needs protection to protect the whole system,” said Boris Sakschewski, Co-lead of PBScience and lead author of the report.

“It is this interplay which will be the focus of PBScience. By gaining a deeper understanding of the system, we will identify those actions that most effectively reduce or counteract humanity’s impacts as we urgently need to return to the safe operating space.”

Another important future objective of PBScience is to incorporate indigenous knowledge into the Planetary Health Check. Indigenous Peoples from around the world have had a kinship with the planet for millennia. Their stewardship of the Earth’s resources, and knowledge of how to live in harmony with the planet, is imperative for the creation of holistic solutions to humanity’s impact on planetary health.

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair of the Planetary Guardians and an expert in the adaptation of Indigenous Peoples to and mitigation of climate change, added: “For centuries, Indigenous Peoples have lived in harmony with the land, learning how to use the environment to support themselves and to replenish what is taken for the overall health of Earth. We are killing ourselves with overdoses of chemicals, destruction of nature, skyrocketing temperatures, and increasing pollution.

“As industry has accelerated, Indigenous Peoples have seen their homes degraded and destroyed. It is imperative that this decline is reversed. With the Planetary Health Check, we can begin to illuminate this path while also sharing the deep knowledge of Indigenous Peoples when it comes to identifying solutions. We can live a legacy of an even better world for future generations to thrive in partnership with Earth.”

The Planetary Health Check is said to give a unique, holistic view of the Planet’s health serving as a compass for decision making for nations, companies, multilaterals, and all citizens. It will evolve with the support of a range of partners into a “mission-control centre” for Earth using the latest satellite data, AI, Indigenous Peoples wisdom, and the latest modern science.

Ultimately, the Planetary Health Check will enable everyone to urgently act and to build their five-year plans to help humanity change course to get back to a safe operating space.

Global Goals: Finance commitments under Energy Compacts reach $1.4tr

Michael Simire
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Global Goals: Finance commitments under Energy Compacts reach $1.4tr

New commitments to boost renewable energy and increase access to electricity and clean cooking technologies by 2030 have brought the finance and investment pledged through the United Nations for the energy transition to $1.4 trillion, according to a report released on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Achim Steiner
UNDP Administrator and Co-chair of UN-Energy, Mr. Achim Steiner

The third edition of the Energy Compacts Annual Progress Report was launched on Wednesday at the opening of the EnergyNow SDG7 Action Forum, an event convening energy leaders and experts on the margins of the UN General Assembly. The report shows continued growth in Energy Compact voluntary commitments, to be deployed by 2030, aimed at reducing the ranks of 685 million people living without electricity and over 2 billion still cooking with polluting fuels, while setting the world on a climate action trajectory towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

“The initiatives and partnerships highlighted here demonstrate our ability to create impactful change when we unite behind a common goal,” noted the leadership of UN-Energy — Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP and Co-Chair of UN-Energy; Damilola Ogunbiyi, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy; and Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which serves as the Secretariat for UN-Energy.

“But as we celebrate these milestones, we are reminded that our work is far from over,” the three UN-Energy leaders concluded. “Let this report serve as both an inspiration and a challenge to accelerate our efforts, push beyond our limits, and make the vision of sustainable energy a reality for all.”

The report was prepared by UN-Energy, the coordination mechanism which includes nearly 30 UN and international organizations that work on energy issues, with data compiled and analysed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll).

Scaling up ambition and commitment

The Energy Compacts have been designated a “high impact initiative” supporting the UN Secretary-General’s call to action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, which has shown progress in some areas but at an insufficient pace and scale needed to meet the 2030 deadline. Annual figures released in 2024 showed that the number of people living without electricity increased for the first time in decades, reflecting the need for greater action.

Achieving SDG 7 is also essential for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and limiting warming to 1.5 degrees C above average pre-industrial temperatures, a target considered critical for averting ever-worsening climate disasters. It would require sharply scaling up ambition towards a clean energy transition, including additional investments of $23-48 trillion between 2021 and 2030.

The Energy Compacts progress report outlines commitments from governments and the private sector, which include planned spending by countries for both domestic and international action to increase energy access, efficiency and renewables, as well as private sector investment slated in these areas. Since the Energy Compacts were launched in 2021– in connection with the UN High-level Dialogue on Energy — 209 commitments have been registered, including 160 formal submissions and 49 expressions of interest.

Expanding results on energy transition and access

Substantial results have been generated by the Energy Compacts since they began in 2021, according to the report. By providing new and improved electricity connections, Energy Compact proponents have enhanced electricity access for 177 million people, an increase of 48 million people in the past year, but still under the 66 million people who must gain electricity access each year to achieve the goal of 100 per cent access by 2030.  Progress on enhancing clean cooking access remains slower, currently at 23 million people, underscoring the need for intensified efforts in this area.

During 2021-2024, $201 billion in finance was mobilised or deployed for Energy Compact actions, nearly a three-fold increase from 2023, with a majority of funds used for installing new renewable power generation, showing a need to scale more finance towards energy access.

The report includes a call to action urging national governments, regions and cities, private companies, financial institutions, UN agencies and civil society organisations to submit their own Energy Compact commitments, through an online process. Plans are underway to use the Energy Compact Action Network as a vehicle to facilitate partnerships and support.

The report also points to the potential linkages between the Energy Compacts and the process by which national governments are preparing to submit stronger climate commitments and plans, in the form of enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, in the leadup to COP30 in 2025.

CAPPA urges govt caution over Coca-Cola’s $1bn ‘audio’ investment

Michael Simire
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CAPPA urges govt caution over Coca-Cola’s $1bn ‘audio’ investment

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rethink his Presidency’s fraternity with corporations who break the nation’s laws and harm public health.

Coca cola
The Nigerian Bottling Company Plc is the sole franchise bottler of The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria

The non-governmental organisation’s statement is coming on the heels of Coca-Cola’s recent visit to the president where the corporation re-announced a $1 billion investment pledge to Nigeria over a period of five years.

According to CAPPA, Coca-Cola’s latest investment promise was nothing more than a recycled, unfulfilled commitment first made three years ago to the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

CAPPA accused the bottling company of attempting to exploit the rhetoric of investment to whitewash its image marked by multiple controversial trade practices, as has been repeatedly exposed, including most recently, by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

“It is a matter of grave concern that the news is once again awash with Coca-Cola’s promise of a $1 billion investment in Nigeria. This is the second time in three years that the company has made this hollow pledge to different ruling governments, and yet it failed to deliver the first time around.

“Despite the company’s failure to honour its previous commitment, the government of the day has not only embraced the company’s latest pledge with undue fanfare but also quickly risen to defend its dubious track record of dangling promises that never materialise with evidence.

“While the government may claim that Coca-Cola couldn’t fulfil its earlier commitment due to a ‘challenging business environment,’ the disturbing truth remains that, beyond its record of unmet financial pledges, Coca-Cola’s presence in Nigeria has more than any other thing been defined by its persistent onslaught against public health and regulatory infractions than anything else.

“In 2017, a Lagos High Court issued a damning judgement against the company, revealing that its products were unfit for consumption as they contain high levels of sunset yellow and benzoic acid which, according to European and American food and drug agencies, can form the carcinogen benzene when combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

“On this ground, the court mandated the company to place warning labels on its beverages, advising consumers against combining their intake with Vitamin C. But to this day, the corporation has refused to comply with this directive.

“This contempt and disregard for public health and judicial authority should ordinarily disqualify the company from receiving any form of state endorsement, let alone at the highest level of government.

“Moreover, barely two months ago, in July 2024, the FCCPC found Coca-Cola guilty of deceptive trade practices as usual. The Commission’s investigation which began in 2019, revealed that the company had on multiple occasions and counts engaged in false and harmful marketing practices that could mislead customers.

“For instance, the company had not only on many occasions provided false information to the FCCPC in violation of the Commission’s rules, but had also deceived consumers by dishonestly selling its ‘Less Sugar’ variant as identical to the original Coca-Cola product.​

“Yet, despite being found guilty of violating multiple consumer protection laws and advised to apply remedies and clear product labelling, Coca-Cola has failed to take meaningful steps to correct its actions, further demonstrating its penchant for undermining regulatory interventions.

“To be clear, this promise-fail-promise tactic of Coca-Cola, including its operational character of disregard for national regulations is not accidental. It is straight out of the big food industry playbook to interfere, undermine, and dilute pro-public health and consumer protection policies.

“Sadly, by endorsing Coca-Cola’s shady investment only months after the FCCPC indicted it, the Nigerian government is not only setting itself up as an image launderer for a dirty corporation but also unbelievably, undermining and embarrassing its own regulatory authority,’’ the CAPPA statement said.

According to CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, “the question the Nigerian government must ask itself in light of all this is what truly it stands to gain by endorsing a multinational corporation with a dark history of non-compliance, and whose products are even actively contributing to a public health crisis in the country?

“Sugar-sweetened beverages, like many of Coca-Cola’s products under such category, are well known and documented contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease and other associated health conditions that are already straining Nigeria’s healthcare system and economy.

“As such, while the company’s promises of an economic investment may sound appealing, the potential gains pale in comparison to the long-term public health costs and injury that the consumption of its products inflicts on the Nigerian population as with elsewhere across the world’’ Akinbode added.

The CAPPA statement also warned that the government’s cosy relationship with the beverage corporation could jeopardise the smooth implementation and enforcement of Nigeria’s active Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) tax.

The SSB tax was signed into law as part of Nigeria’s Finance Act in 2021, effectively imposing an excise duty of N10 per litre on all non-alcoholic and sweetened beverages in the country in order to lessen their demand and consumption and tackle the rising spate of NCDs in the country and their heavy burden on individuals and the economy.

In recent times, public health advocates have asked the Nigerian government to review the tax rate upwards to cater for inflationary pressures and in line with global best practices, to cause a minimum of 20 per cent increase in retail prices of SSBs, so as to discourage consumption.

“The SSB tax is a vital public health policy that must not be undermined by the sneaky tactics of Coca-Cola to infiltrate public health discussions and weaken enforcement of pro-public health laws through its calculated friendships with state authorities.

“The Nigerian state must reconsider its fawning over Coca-Cola, as its snug relationship with the corporation while simultaneously enforcing a pro-public health tax, sends mixed signals.

“This kind of messaging is not only dangerous but also threatens the effectiveness of the SSB tax, which is crucial for saving lives.

“Even more so, the government’s fraternisation with the company despite its disrespect for national rules of engagement only serves to embolden the company’s exploitative practices in Nigeria without fear of accountability.

“President Tinubu’s administration has an obligation to protect Nigerians, not act as a cheerleader for companies with a proven history of unethical behaviour.

“We, therefore, call on the Nigerian government to prioritise the interests of Nigerians by shunning questionable associations with corporate lawbreakers and adversaries of public health. We urge the state to defend public health without scruples and consider genuine ethical investments that rank the well-being of Nigerians over empty promises and profit-driven deception.”

Why Global South deserves ambitious, equitable New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance

Michael Simire
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Why Global South deserves ambitious, equitable New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance

Ahead of the informal Ministerial Dialogue on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) taking place in New York on Friday, September 27, 2024, climate activists are urging world leaders to adopt a bold, ambitious, and equitable climate finance goal.

Mohamed Adow
Director of Power Shift Africa, Mohamed Adow

This new goal, they argue, must address the urgent needs of developing countries and uphold the principles of climate justice, focusing on delivering the resources necessary to help these nations mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, as well as address loss and damage (L&D).

Mohamed Adow, Executive Director of Powershift Africa, said: “Climate finance is the key that can unlock a safe and prosperous planet for everyone. It can help the victims of climate breakdown adapt to the inevitable change and fund the needed transition to clean energy of the future.

“But this finance cannot be in the form of loans from rich polluting nations in the Global North which just pile more debt onto the Global South. That would be like giving a drowning man a life jacket stuffed with coins – it’s going to make them sink even faster.”

Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of CAN International, said: “The NCQG is not just a goal; it’s a moral imperative. The world is facing a climate crisis, and developing countries are bearing the brunt of the impacts. It’s time for developed countries to face their responsibilities and deliver on their promises and obligations to provide the necessary climate finance. We all know the resources exist, but the political will still remain shamefully absent.

“It’s time to make polluters and the wealthy pay for the harm they have caused. In these last precious weeks before COP29, we need to see developed nations let go of their colonial past and stop dragging their feet in crucial negotiations. The NCQG is our chance to create a just and equitable future for all.”

In response to COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev’s guiding questions for the dialogue, CAN International provided the following key recommendations:

Vision and Scope of the NCQG

CAN envisions the NCQG as a transformative tool for delivering substantial climate finance from developed countries to developing countries. Given the failure to meet the existing $100 billion goal, the new framework must prioritise clear guidelines on burden sharing, additionality of climate finance, and grant equivalence to ensure effective delivery. The NCQG must define what counts (and what does not count) as climate finance, establishing transparency and accountability. Also, it is important that the new goal does not repeat the same mistakes, such as delivering climate finance mostly in the form of (non-concessional) loans and favoring mitigation at the expense of adaptation.

Ambition and Quantum of Climate Finance

The new goal must prioritise public finance, measured in grant-equivalent terms, as the most important component. Amid a global debt crisis, transparent, grant-based financing is essential to restore trust and reduce the overreliance on loans. CAN calls for a minimum public finance provision target of $1 trillion per year from developed to developing countries, covering mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage as part of a fair down payment on their growing climate debt.

The NCQG should also include thematic subgoals to address mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage, ensuring that all aspects of climate action are adequately financed. Loss and damage, in particular, should be central to the new climate finance regime, acknowledging the immediate needs of developing countries facing the harshest climate impacts.

Operationalising Contributions and Priorities

The NCQG must incorporate the polluter pays principle and tax justice, ensuring that those most responsible for climate change — including wealthy individuals, high-emission industries such as fossil fuels, and the military — bear the financial costs. CAN proposes that developed countries lead by implementing progressive taxes, such as wealth taxes and levies on polluters, while redirecting public subsidies away from harmful activities.

Developed nations, in line with their obligations under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, must commit to providing financial support to developing countries. While developed countries carry the primary legal obligation, others with the capacity should make voluntary contributions. Post-COP29 processes will further refine expectations for contributions based on the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

The NCQG is regarded as a crucial mechanism for delivering on the promises of the Paris Agreement and ensuring a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon future.

CAN International calls on all parties to engage constructively in the Ministerial Dialogue and commit to ambitious, meaningful action on climate finance.

BATN Foundation calls for innovation collaboration, sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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BATN Foundation calls for innovation collaboration, sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria

Participants of the just concluded Business of Agriculture Masterclass 2024 have been urged to continue leveraging the insights gained during the session to build a thriving agricultural business that supports not only economic growth but also food security and environmental sustainability.

ActionAid Agriculture
Agriculture

Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of the BATN Foundation, made this submission during the three-day programme that brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and agripreneurs to address the pressing challenges and transformative opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Odusanya expressed the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

According to him, “For the past 20 years, BATN Foundation has worked to support smallholder farmers through innovative agricultural initiatives, contributing not only to poverty reduction but also to the achievement of multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 1,2,6,8,10 & 13”.

The BATN Foundation General Manager also encouraged participants to take full advantage of the masterclass to gain actionable insights that can transform agriculture into a thriving business.

The virtually event, themed “Cultivating a Rich Future through Agriculture”, was organised by Cluster 5 of the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) in collaboration with the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) Foundation.

In his remarks, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said: “This event is both timely and relevant, because it aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure food security, economic growth, and sustainable development in Nigeria.”

The Minister commended the collaborative efforts of the private sector and international organisations for their unwavering dedication to advancing agriculture, emphasising that the future of the sector depends on transitioning from traditional farming practices to innovative approaches.

Co-chair of UN PSAG Cluster 5, Dr. Mories Atoki, who highlighted the importance of innovation in her remarks, said: “Innovation is the seed from which transformative changes occur. By fostering a data-driven approach, we can optimise agricultural value chains and develop scalable farming practices that benefit our communities.”

She, however, called for new investment models that attract global interest and manage risks effectively.

The Business of Agriculture Masterclass 2024 held between September 17 to 19, 2024 sought to equip both aspiring and established agricultural entrepreneurs with knowledge and strategies to turn agriculture into a profitable, sustainable business.

The event also aimed to foster a new era of innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural practices by providing participants with tools to enhance productivity and overcome the sector’s longstanding challenges, such as outdated farming methods, lack of technology, limited investment, and youth disengagement.

The masterclass featured ten expertly curated sessions, ranging from crop production, agri-finance, and agro-processing to animal husbandry, aquaculture, and agricultural technology.

The opening session, titled “Planting the Seeds of Innovation: Opening the Pathway to Agricultural Transformation,” set the stage for a series of discussions focused on adopting innovative solutions and a business mindset to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s agriculture.

Other standout sessions included: The Business of Crop Production which focused on improving crop yields and profitability through modern farming techniques. Agri-Finance highlighted how to access and navigate financing options to support agricultural growth. The Business of Agricultural Technology emphasized the role of digital tools in driving agricultural efficiency and expansion while the Business of Agro-Logistics and Trade discussed the importance of efficient supply chains for market

The Business of Agriculture Masterclass 2024 underscored the critical role that agri-preneurs play in the future of Nigeria’s economy, given that agriculture contributes about 24% to the nation’s GDP and employs nearly 70% of its workforce.

Industry leaders, including Oba Dokun Thompson, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, and Segun Awolowo, National Coordinator of the National Committee AFCTA Nigeria Office, echoed the sentiment that innovation, technology, and private-sector collaboration are essential for driving the agricultural sector forward.

The masterclass concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through sustainable, innovative practices.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Lagos implements strategies, policies to check climate change impact

Michael Simire
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Lagos implements strategies, policies to check climate change impact

The Lagos State Government is implementing or considering strategies and policies that will address the impact of climate change on the transport sector and the entire state.

LAMATA
Participants at the LAMATA event

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, gave the assurance in Lagos on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Osiyemi spoke at the maiden edition of the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) National Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUM Conference24).

The conference had the theme: “Implementing Safe, Inclusive and Climate Resilient Urban Transport in a Digital Age for Sustainable Development”.

According to Osiyemi, climate-resilient urban transportation is essential for sustainable development.

“Some key strategies and policies currently implemented or under consideration in Lagos State include transitioning to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and promoting electric public transport which can significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,” the official said.

He also said that the strategies and policies included introduction of multimodal transport system which encouraged the use of diverse modes of transport such as buses, trains, bicycles.

“This reduces dependence on private vehicles,” the official said.

He added that the state was constructing infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather effects such as floods and heatwave.

“This involves designing roads, bridges and public transport systems that are durable and adaptable.

“Implementing forward-thinking policies that support sustainable transport, such as promoting EV adoption, encouraging private sector investment in public transport, and integrating adequate infrastructure for cycling and walking in road designs, can drive meaningful change,” he said.

Osiyemi added that leveraging new technologies such as smart traffic management systems and emissions-reducing innovations can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of urban transport.

The commissioner said that by integrating these strategies, cities could develop transportation systems that are not only sustainable but also resilient to the effects of climate change.

“This comprehensive approach ensures that urban transport contributes positively to the overarching goal of sustainable development.

“I eagerly anticipate engaging in stimulating discussions focused on localised implementation of strategies,” he said.

Earlier, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said that sustainable transport system was imperative to mitigate environmental degradation, alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the overall quality of urban life.

Akinajo said that the importance of sustainable transport system could not be overstated in the midst of the global climate crises threatening human existence.

She listed the threats to include different transport externalities in form of road crashes, greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion and the negative social, environmental and health impacts that adversely affected the wellbeing of humanity.

The LAMATA boss said that achieving urban transport efficiency would require strategic innovations to address inherent gaps in current practices, adding that deployment of appropriate digital and smart technologies had become imperative.

According to Akinajo, the specific objectives of SUM Conference24 include to create an avenue for spotlighting the critical issues in the transport sector with respect to climate change, inclusivity and technology.

“It includes to provide a quintessential forum for key stakeholders from government, private sector, academía, NGOs, civil society, transport unions and public transport user groups to develop capacity on sustainable urban mobility.

“It also includes examining transportation contribution to environmental degradation, to examine and evaluate the financial complexities in building and maintaining sustainable public transport infrastructure,” she said.

According to her, the conference will provide a platform to showcase the Lagos urban mobility system success story thereby inspiring action by other states.

Akinajo said that the national conference on sustainable urban mobility was supported by the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of the state government.

“The agenda’s overall objective is to provide adequate public infrastructure, improve living standards and public safety, create an enabling long-term physical and regulatory environment for economic growth and increased job opportunities and sustainable development for the rapidly growing population of Lagos,” she said.

By Oluwatope Lawanson and Chiazo Ogbolu

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