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Nigeria’s humanitarian response plan aims to help 3.6m people – OCHA

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UN aid teams have launched a humanitarian appeal in Nigeria, which again focuses on the northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe – the Bay states -where conflict, climate shocks and economic instability continue to blight communities’ wellbeing.

Governor Babagana Zulum
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State

OCHA, the UN aid coordination office, in a statement, stated that the target in 2025 would be to reach 3.6 million people in the northeast with health services, food, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Nutrition for children is also part of the $910 million appeal, along with support for protection, education and other basic services.

To absorb declining global funding, OCHA insisted that the Nigeria plan aims to make scarce resources go further, by supporting those delivering assistance locally more directly – and by shifting to cash and voucher assistance where possible.

According to the statement, a key part of the aid appeal includes prevention work to lessen the impact of floods and disease outbreaks.

In a related development, the UN has suspended all official movements by its teams into and out of Houthi-held areas of Yemen, after more UN staffers were detained on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

The de facto rulers of much of the country, including the capital Sana’a, released the crew of a merchant ship who had been held for more than a year, earlier this week.

The move raised hopes that more than 60 staff from the UN, international organisations and diplomatic missions already being held by the Houthis over the past year, might be released.

Friday’s safety measure announced by Julien Harneis, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, comes as the organization faces mounting security challenges in its operations in the region.

The Houthis and the internationally-recognised Government have been fighting for control of the country in what has become a wider regional proxy war, for

“Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sana’a detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control,” Harneis said.

“To ensure the security and safety of all its staff, the United Nations has suspended all official movements into and within areas under the de facto authorities’ control…this measure will remain in place until further notice.”

Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq elaborated on the response later on Friday, highlighting the UN’s ongoing efforts: “Our officials in Yemen are actively engaging with senior representatives of the de facto authorities, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners.”

The detentions mark a troubling escalation for humanitarian operations in Yemen, where access and security remain critical concerns.

The UN continues to emphasise the importance of upholding the safety and neutrality of its personnel to ensure lifesaving aid reaches those in need.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Africa targets electricity access for 300m people by 2030

How plausible is the target by African heads of states to grant access to electricity to 300 million people by 2030?

Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is hosting the Africa Energy Summit

That is the task before the over 1,000 participants expected at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, which kicks off in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

“It’s a tight journey because 2030 is only five years away and we have to deliver, not expected connections, but actual connections to 300 million by 2030,” says Mr. Daniel Schroth, African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

Schroth emphasised the urgency of implementation of Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit at a media briefing in Dar es Salaam.

Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank Director of Infrastructure for West Africa, said Mission 300 represented not just an ambitious target but a movement.

“We are creating a lasting impact that will power Africa’s growth and enable millions of people to access the essential services electricity provides,” said Drees-Gross.

The World Bank Group and the AfDB launched the initiative in April 2024 to bridge the energy access gap in Africa.

Mr. Wale Shonibare, ADB’s Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation, said the summit would unveil new initiatives aimed at boosting domestic resource mobilisation.

Shonibare said it would also encourage cross-border trade to spread risk and increase financing for energy access.

Already, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and The Rockefeller Foundation have committed $10 million to create a technical assistance facility supporting electricity projects across 11 African nations.

“What makes this initiative different from what institutions have done in the past is the ‘all hands-on deck approach’ with a lot of institutions working hand-in-hand to deliver the ambitious agenda,” explained Sarvesh Suri, IFC’s Director for Infrastructure in Africa.

About 12 countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire, will pledge reforms in five key areas: low-cost power generation, regional energy integration, increased energy access, enabling private investment and utility strengthening.

The two-day summit is being hosted by the government of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group.

On the first day, at the ministerial level, participating countries, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, termed compacts, detailing their approaches to achieving universal energy access within five years.

On the second day, Heads of State will endorse the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining a unified roadmap for Africa’s progress towards the Mission 300 objectives.

President Tinubu will deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to energy and its leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.

He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and its strategy to drive integrated energy delivery on the continent.

Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Power, Mr. Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.

By Salif Atojoko

Lagos seals buildings without planning permit

The Lagos State Government on Friday, January 24, 2025, reaffirmed its stance against illegal building constructions as it sealed multiple buildings being constructed without planning permit on the Lagos Island.

Lagos
A sealed building under construction

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who led the exercise to caution contravening buildings, said that it had become imperative for government to compel the right and positive attitude from the people towards physical planning laws, after months of gracious amnesty to buildings without planning permit.

“The amnesty programme provided an opportunity for property owners to regularise their building permits without facing immediate penalties. Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative while it lasted and now proceeded with illegal constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards. Our goal is to encourage compliance, ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and orderly city for all residents,” he said.

According to him “the exercise, which will be extended to other parts of the state, underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing physical planning laws across the state. No doubt, unregulated developments pose significant risks to the built environment, including structural collapse, environmental degradation, and disruption to planned city layouts”.

The affected properties that were sealed for lacking the requisite permits for building construction include Number 7 Okesuna Street, 42/64 Okepopo Street, 11/15 Sunmonu Street, 22 Olushi Street, 8 Isalegangan Street. Others are on Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun streets.

The Commissioner decried the spate of illegal building construction on Lagos Island, especially buildings on narrow strips of land that leaves no room for adequate setbacks and air spaces, as he ordered the stoppage of the ongoing construction on 8, Isalegangan Street for its narrowness.

He reminded residents, property owners and property developers of their civic duty to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on building construction while urging owners of adjoining small parcels of land to seriously consider the land-pooling option to aid livable, organised and sustainable built environment.

Olumide highlighted the importance of reporting illegal constructions, saying that residents were encouraged to provide information that would assist the government discover physical planning contraventions at their infancy and act promptly in the interest of all to sustain the state’s development agenda as it relates to the physical planning sector.

With the Commissioner on the exercise was the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olumide Sotire, Directors in the ministry and functionaries of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).

AfDB to address hazardous chemicals in Africa’s least developed countries

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved an initiative aimed at tackling the challenge of hazardous chemicals in 11 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa.

Gareth Phillips
Gareth Phillips, African Development Bank’s Climate and Environment Finance Manager

In a statement issued on Saturday, January 25, 2025, the AfDB highlighted that the initiative would address chemicals such as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and mercury.

The project, titled “Scaling-up Investment and Technology Transfer to Facilitate Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance for the Implementation of Stockholm and Minamata Conventions in African LDCs – Phase 2” (AFLDC-2), focuses on improving chemicals and waste management across 11 African Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

These countries include Angola, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.

This initiative, the first of its kind by the AfDB, is a significant milestone in sustainable chemicals management.

It leverages a $21.3 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) alongside co-financing from AfDB-supported projects in urban, agricultural, and agro-industrial sectors in the participating countries.

The AfDB explained that the project would adopt a multistakeholder approach to address challenges such as the lack of regulatory frameworks, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and insufficient enforcement capacities in these nations.

“The chemicals involved, such as pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury from products like batteries and dental fillings, pose serious health and environmental risks.

“Governments worldwide have increasingly recognised these dangers, leading to stronger regulations through international agreements like the Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata, and Basel Conventions.

“The AFLDC-2 project aligns with these frameworks, aiming to strengthen national capacities, promote environmentally sound practices, and implement circular economy approaches to reduce toxic emissions and control waste pollution at the source.”

Gareth Phillips, AfDB Manager for Climate and Environment Finance, called the project transformative, stating, “The AFLDC-2 project marks a pivotal milestone in Africa’s efforts to tackle the challenges of hazardous chemicals and waste.

“We are proud to set this precedent, and we are optimistic it will pave the way for many more similar initiatives.”

The project is expected to deliver significant public health and environmental benefits, helping participating countries fulfill their obligations under the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions.

By Lucy Ogalue

The promise and challenges of green hydrogen in North Africa

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North Africa already has the requisite abundant natural resources and developing infrastructure to support a massive expansion in green hydrogen production, writes NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber

Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen

While much of our attention at the African Energy Chamber (AEC) concentrates on efforts to industrialise the sub-Saharan regions, as covered in our recently released 2025 Outlook Report, The State of African Energy, the more developed North African nations have seen recent progress in the renewables field, in green hydrogen specifically, that deserves our recognition.

Many are likely unfamiliar with the technology behind the production of this fuel source, and the subject requires at least a brief explanation.

Hydrogen has many uses across varied industries, from petroleum refining and food processing to fertiliser and steel production. While the aerospace industry has used hydrogen as a rocket fuel since the dawn of the space age, there is plenty of room for the growth of hydrogen-powered cars, or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), in the automotive world. Though its implementation in electricity generation is minimal at present, hydrogen may see more widespread use as a supplementary or alternative fuel source in the future at standalone facilities and power plants currently running on natural gas.

Hydrogen production primarily uses electrolysis, a process in which an electric current passes through water to separate hydrogen from oxygen. Currently, about 95% of the electricity for global hydrogen production comes from natural gas and coal-fired power plants. By contrast, green hydrogen production utilizes electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind instead. If the majority of hydrogen production facilities switched to renewable energy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates this could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 830 million tonnes annually.

As the world struggles with the urgent need to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources, green hydrogen offers an avenue where production can continue with the same capacity but without harmful by-products, particularly in regions rich in renewable energy potential like North Africa. This region, characterised by vast, consistently sun-drenched deserts and strong winds, could potentially lead the way in developing a global green hydrogen economy. However, this transition is not without its complexities and challenges.

The Promise

As covered in our recently published 2025 Outlook Report, The State of African Energy, North Africa offers several compelling advantages, marking it as a prospective green hydrogen mega-producer.

North Africa already has the requisite abundant natural resources and developing infrastructure to support a massive expansion in green hydrogen production. The region boasts some of the highest solar irradiation levels globally, making it an ideal location for solar-powered hydrogen production. Countries like Morocco and Egypt have already initiated projects like the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Thermal Complex and the Benban Solar Complex, respectively, which could serve as the backbone for the industry. Additionally, the wind potential along the coasts of Algeria and Mauritania provides another renewable energy source for industrial-scale electrolysis.

For national economies critically dependent on oil and gas, green hydrogen offers a path to greater diversification. The transition would not only lessen the negative impacts of oil’s inherent price fluctuations but also foster new industries. Green hydrogen production could lead to development in related sectors such as hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia production for fertilisers, and even green steel (steel produced using hydrogen as a reducing agent eliminating coal and CO2 emissions from the process) creating new jobs and stimulating economic growth.

A ramp-up in green hydrogen production would also have more than just local benefits as the endeavor aligns with global climate goals as well. By focusing on green hydrogen, North African countries could position themselves as leaders in the worldwide decarbonisation effort while opening up new export markets. The export of green hydrogen to Europe, which has set ambitious climate targets, could become a lucrative trade, further enhancing North Africa’s geopolitical stature in the energy sector.

With the right infrastructure in place, like the kind proposed for the SoutH2 corridor linking North Africa, Italy, Austria, and Germany, producers could transport green hydrogen via pipelines or as easily shippable derivatives like ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), which would be particularly appealing to European markets seeking to decarbonise.

The Challenges

Despite the many bright prospects, a realistic assessment of the path to a green hydrogen economy in North Africa reveals it is not without its fair share of challenges.

Hydrogen production through electrolysis requires significant amounts of water, which is already scarce in many parts of North Africa. This fact essentially mandates solutions like seawater desalination or wastewater recycling, both of which add to the energy and financial burdens of any green hydrogen initiative.

The lack of existing infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution is also a major hurdle. North Africa will need new pipelines, storage facilities, and ports capable of handling hydrogen and its derivatives, and the construction associated with these features will require substantial investment. Moreover, while adapting existing gas infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen transportation is a feasible venture, it presents additional technical and safety challenges due to hydrogen’s volatile properties.

Another impediment to green hydrogen’s expansion is its overall economic viability. Currently, green hydrogen production costs remain higher than those of fossil fuels or even those of blue hydrogen (hydrogen produced using natural gas with carbon capture). Achieving economies of scale and technological advancements in electrolysers could reduce costs, but until then, green hydrogen will struggle to compete without subsidies or carbon pricing mechanisms.

Nations engaged in green hydrogen production will also have to create and clearly define their associated policies and regulations. This nascent stage of the technology’s development calls for robust policy frameworks if producers are to attract investment, ensure safety, and integrate hydrogen into their existing energy systems. North African nations need to develop clear strategies, not only for hydrogen production but also for how it fits into their broader energy policies. This includes regulatory support for renewable energy projects, hydrogen certification, and cross-border trade agreements.

The capital-intensive nature of green hydrogen projects means funding is another critical barrier. While there are signs of interest from international investors, the risk perception in some North African markets could deter the necessary influx of capital. It might be necessary to seek international cooperation on innovative financing models such as green bonds which are issued by public or private institutions for the purpose of funding projects intended to mitigate climate change.

Lastly, skill development and technology transfer present other hurdles. Building a green hydrogen industry requires a skilled workforce that counts engineers, technicians, laborers, and policymakers as members. Considering that nations who want to participate in the green hydrogen economy will have to develop local expertise, there is a built-in need for investment in education and training. And while technology transfer from countries leading in hydrogen technology would be beneficial, it comes with its own set of potential limitations regarding intellectual property and capacity expansion.

Moving Forward

Despite these challenges, leveraging North Africa’s green hydrogen potential is a worthy pursuit and will require a multi-faceted approach:

Regional collaboration. Initiatives like the African Green Hydrogen Alliance are steps in the right direction, promoting shared knowledge, infrastructure, and investment.

Technological innovation. Conducting research into more efficient electrolysers, better hydrogen storage solutions, and the use of non-fresh water sources for electrolysis could mitigate some of the current limitations.

International partnerships. The EU’s goal of importing 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, as stipulated by the REPowerEU Plan, presents an immediate market opportunity. Collaborations across Europe for diversified investment, technology sharing, and market access can accelerate development.

Policy leadership. Governments must lead with policies and offerings that not only incentivize green hydrogen but also ensure sustainability. These would include clear and detailed roadmaps to success, unwavering support for initial projects, and incentives like the simplified administrative procedures and tax breaks l the Egyptian government established when it granted 42,000 square kilometers of land to the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) for green hydrogen production.

Environmental considerations. It is crucial to ensure that green hydrogen projects do not lead to unintended environmental degradation, especially concerning water use. Operators must integrate and adhere to environmentally friendly practices from the outset.

The development of green hydrogen in North Africa holds transformative potential, offering a route to clean energy production that could redefine the region’s economic landscape.

However, to realise this potential, North Africa will have to overcome significant hurdles through strategic planning, international cooperation, and a commitment to sustainability. If North Africa navigates these challenges with foresight and innovation, the region could meet its own energy needs via greener alternatives while playing a pivotal role in the global energy transition and setting a precedent for other regions to follow.

Olumide Idowu selected as Technical Member for Niger Delta Mangroves Awareness by National Council on Climate Change

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In a significant development for environmental advocacy in Nigeria, Olumide Idowu has been selected as a technical member for the Niger Delta Mangroves Awareness initiative by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). The appointment underscores the commitment of the NCCC to enhancing awareness and protection of the vital mangrove ecosystems in the Niger Delta, which play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

Olumide Idowu
Olumide Idowu

Idowu, a renowned environmentalist and advocate for sustainable development, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With a background in environmental advocacy and a track record of successful projects restoring and preserving mangrove habitats, Idowu is poised to significantly impact the NCCC’s efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability in the region.

The Niger Delta region, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to extensive mangrove forests that serve as critical buffers against coastal erosion and provide habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna. However, these mangroves are under threat from activities such as oil exploration, deforestation, and urbanisation. The selection of Idowu aims to strengthen the NCCC’s initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of these ecosystems and mobilise support for their conservation.

As a technical member, Idowu will provide expert guidance on stakeholder and awareness engagement related to mangrove ecosystems. He will collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations to develop strategies for effective mangrove management. This collaborative approach is essential for fostering community involvement and ensuring that local voices are heard in conservation efforts.

In his acceptance speech, Idowu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a vital cause.

“Mangroves are not just trees; they are vital ecosystems that support livelihoods and protect our coastal communities. I am honored to be part of this initiative and look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of our mangrove resources,” he stated.

The NCCC’s Niger Delta Mangroves Awareness initiative aims to implement educational programmes that highlight the ecological and economic benefits of mangroves. By engaging local communities through workshops, seminars, and outreach activities, the initiative seeks to empower residents with knowledge and tools to protect their environment and promote sustainable practices.

Furthermore, the initiative will focus on research and monitoring efforts to assess the health of mangrove ecosystems in the Niger Delta. This data will be crucial for making informed decisions regarding conservation strategies and will help track the effectiveness of implemented programmes over time. The selection of Olumide Idowu marks a critical step in Nigeria’s broader strategy to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

As the country grapples with the impacts of climate change, initiatives like this highlight the importance of community engagement and expert guidance in protecting vital ecosystems that are essential for both environmental health and the well-being of local populations.

Climate insurance product designed to protect farmers launched in DR Congo

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This initiative is part of the National Agricultural Development Programme (PNDA), implemented by the DRC’s Ministry of Agriculture and supported by the World Bank and the Global Shield Financing Facility, which aims to modernise agriculture and improve farmers’ living conditions in three pilot provinces: Kasaï, Kasaï-Central and Kwilu

National Agricultural Development Programme (PNDA)
Signing ceremony in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing increasingly severe climatic challenges. Since 1951, average national rainfall has steadily decreased, declining by up to 40.79 mm/month per century. As a result, more than 21.8 million people face food insecurity due to droughts and other natural disasters.

300,000 farmers protected

Against this backdrop, the PNDA has introduced a significant innovation: starting in 2025, a climate insurance product will be launched to protect up to 300,000 farmers in the three pilot provinces from drought (early and mid-season) and excessive rainfall (late season).

In the event of a severe climatic shock, the climate insurance will protect farmers benefiting from the NADP through direct and rapid payments, with amounts that could, in the most extreme situations, reach up to $100 of coverage per farm annually, representing around 15% to 20% of a farmer’s average annual income. This compensation will enable farmers to purchase seeds and resume farming activities for the following season or year. Compensation will be paid directly to farmers without intermediaries or commissions

An innovation based on satellite data

This solution was developed in collaboration with experts from the DRC Ministry of Agriculture, the Autorité de Régulation et de Contrôle des Assurances (ARCA), the World Bank, AXA Climate, the World Food Programme and national insurance companies. During a series of working sessions, stakeholders jointly designed the main technical and operational parameters of the insurance product.

This parametric insurance product, underwritten by the DRC Ministry of Agriculture and financed by the World Bank with the support of the Global Shield Financing Facility, relies on indices derived from satellite rainfall data (TAMSAT and ERA5). When satellite data indicates that pre-defined rainfall thresholds have been exceeded, the compensation process is automatically triggered within hours.

The product will be distributed by Mayfair Insurance Congo SA, the leading member of a national consortium comprising other insurers operating in the DRC (ACTIVA, RAWSUR, GPA, Société Financière d’Assurance, SONAS, and SUNU). Reinsurance will be provided by ZEP-Re.

Building a more resilient agriculture

Jean de Dieu Mbey Bosimi, national coordinator of the PNDA within the Ministry of Agriculture, hopes that this insurance will reinforce the modernisation of agriculture in the country: “This insurance will offer Congolese farmers essential protection against climatic risks, encouraging them to invest in ways that improve both their productivity and income.”

Alain Kaninda Ngalula, Managing Director of ARCA, comments: “The launch of agricultural insurance marks a major leap forward for the insurance sector in the DRC. It illustrates the key role of the regulator in fostering innovation and expanding financial services to benefit the population. which aligns with the vision of the Head of State, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, regarding agricultural governance underpinned in particular by the establishment of the National Farmers’ Register and the operationalisation of an agricultural insurance system. Food self-sufficiency must no longer be a mere slogan but become a reality.”

Gaudens Kanamugire, Managing Director of Mayfair Insurance Congo SA, says: “We are dedicated to protecting farmers’ livelihoods and creating a local culture of agricultural insurance.”

Pierre Toyum, ZEP-Re Director for the DRC, adds, “Our commitment as a reinsurer demonstrates our confidence in the transformative potential of insurance for Africa’s agricultural sector.”

Cristina Stefan, Project Manager at the World Bank, adds: “We will closely monitor the results of the insurance and refine the product over time. This large-scale initiative could pave the way for the introduction of agricultural micro-insurance in the DRC.”

On the technical front, AXA Climate led the mission. Karina Whalley, Director of the Public Sector Department, is delighted with this inspiring step forward for the sector: “We are honoured to bring AXA Climate’s expertise to Congolese farmers. This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of the DRC Ministry of Agriculture, the World Bank, national insurers and the Autorité de Régulation et de Contrôle des Assurances”.

This step, according to the promoters, illustrates the commitment of the DRC and its partners to building a more resilient agricultural sector capable of addressing climate challenges.

Enugu’s Executive Council approves pioneering Climate Policy, Action Plan

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In a historic move towards sustainable development, the Enugu State Executive Council has unanimously approved the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), signaling a commitment to economic transformation rooted in environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness, and climate resilience.

Peter Mbah
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State

The approval follows a presentation by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, and underscores Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s visionary leadership in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. With a mission to elevate the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion in 2023 to an ambitious $30 billion by 2031, the policy ensures that key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and natural resources are climate-resilient and future-proofed against environmental challenges.

The ESCPAP represents a pioneering effort, making Enugu the first subnational government in Nigeria to adopt a long-term climate strategy that incorporates emissions modeling, microenergy audits, and extensive stakeholder engagement. This innovative approach aims to facilitate clean energy development, stimulate job creation, and foster green technology advancements.

Key Highlights of the Climate Policy and Action Plan:

  • Sustainable Economic Growth: The ESCPAP is poised to drive a 25-fold increase in the state’s GDP by 2060 through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology.
  • Job Creation: Over 792,000 new jobs are expected to emerge in sectors like renewable energy, waste management, and afforestation.
  • Energy Transition: The state targets 80% renewable energy usage by 2060, with a 60% emissions reduction in the transport sector and a robust afforestation plan to enhance carbon sequestration.
  • Climate Resilience: The policy emphasises enhancing adaptive capacity and reducing vulnerability to climate-related challenges such as flooding and droughts.
  • Education and Awareness: The introduction of a climate change curriculum in Enugu’s flagship Smart Green Schools will empower future generations with knowledge and skills in green innovation.

The approved policy and action plan also include the establishment of an ESCPAP Implementation Committee, comprising representatives from the government, private sector, civil society, and international donor organisations, to ensure effective execution of the policy’s goals.

Enugu’s Climate Policy aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements, positioning the state as a key player in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.

With the approval of the Climate Policy and Action Plan, Enugu State stands at the forefront of subnational climate governance in Nigeria, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.

The drafting of the Policy and Action Plan was coordinated by Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, who is the Senior Policy Adviser to Governor Peter Mbah on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development on behalf of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) with support from the SSG’s team and those of the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Professor Sam Ugwu.

Funding was received from the African Climate Foundation and the European Climate Foundation. The Policy and Action Plan will be unveiled in a public presentation in a date that will soon be announced.

NiMet partners MTN, Tomorrow.io to develop digital climate advisory services

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Friday, January 24, 2025, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MTN Nigeria and advanced weather intelligence company, Tomorrow.io, to develop a Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) System.

Karl Toriola
Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria

Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, made this known in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Toriola said that the partnership was aimed at delivering location-specific, actionable weather advisories to Nigerian farmers via mobile SMS.

He said that the partnership which is in line with the United Nations (UN) goal of ensuring early warning systems, would strengthen climate resilience in Nigeria, particularly in the agricultural sector.

According to him, MTN is always looking for ways to support government agencies and the Nigerian public in general.

He expressed optimism about what the partnership with NiMet and Tomorrow.io would do for the agricultural sector, emergency and disaster management, the public and the Nigerian economy.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful to NiMet for allowing MTN to partner with it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, said that the overall aim of the partnership was to improve agricultural productivity and also resilience by providing localised, timely weather advisories.

Anosike said that it aligned with the food security agenda of the Federal Government.

“The choice of MTN and Tomorrow.io is strategic as they are leaders in their respective sectors.

“I am excited to welcome the MTN CEO and other officials, and the Tomorrow.io team to NiMet for this groundbreaking MoU signing that will impact not only the agricultural sector, but on the entire Nigerian economy.

“My primary objective has been to open up the space of the business of climate science to the private sector so that they will begin to understand the incredible impact of climate science,” he said.

The Managing Director of Tomorrow.io, Dr Henry Onyemachi, appreciated the NiMet D-G for his strong leadership during the whole the process leading to the MoU.

“For us at Tomorrow.io, it is a very happy moment, reflecting on the progressive and very focused journey which began a year ago,” he said.

He said that it was a very impactful project which would positively impact government’s agenda on food security.

Under the terms of the MoU, the parties will collaborate in the development, deployment, and testing of the DCAS platform.

The platform will provide weather-based advisories to farmers through SMS notifications.

By Stellamaris Ashinze

‘Libreville commitment’ adopted towards elimination of mercury-containing skin-lightening cosmetics in Africa

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A high-level regional meeting in Libreville, Gabon, brought together African ministers, international experts and civil society leaders to address the public health and environmental risks posed by mercury-containing skin-lightening cosmetics.

Libreville commitment
Participants at the high-level regional meeting in Libreville, Gabon

Following a two-day technical workshop, the event culminated on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, with the adoption of the “Libreville commitment on the elimination of mercury-containing skin-lightening cosmetics in Africa”. This agreement calls for regional collaboration to foster stronger regulations, enhanced enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns to combat these harmful products.

The commitment holds particular significance as it is grounded in a decision made by the Conference of the Parties of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a treaty to which Africa has the highest number of Parties. The Convention, under Article 4, phase outs production and trade of the listed mercury-added products, and the amendment adopted at the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-5) explicitly bans the use of any mercury in cosmetics.

During the opening remarks at the high-level segment, Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention, pointed out that “cosmetics containing mercury is a key example of how the use of mercury impacts people in their everyday lives. There are adverse health effects of the inorganic mercury contained in skin-lightening creams and soaps”. She added that “the COP’s decision reflects the firm belief that the use of mercury and, in fact, any other hazardous substances in cosmetics is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue”.

COP-5 also agreed to investigate trade in mercury compounds, currently not regulated under the Convention, which is closely linked to the issue of illegal manufacture of mercury-containing cosmetics. Despite existing bans, these cosmetics are often easily obtainable online and in local markets around the world. Alongside regulatory measures, Stankiewicz emphasised the importance of addressing gender inequality and combating harmful advertising practices, noting that many users of skin-lightening products are unaware of the health risks or unable to resist societal pressures regarding beauty standards.

The two-day technical workshop leading up to the commitment gathered over 150 experts and delegates from 13 African countries. Conducted by experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) and civil society organisations, the sessions reviewed the dangers of mercury exposure and the need for a comprehensive strategy across the region.

The workshop took place under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project Eliminating mercury skin lightening products and led by UNEP. The GEF serves as one part of the financial mechanism of the Minamata Convention.

Stankiewicz underlined that “this GEF project is of such great value to lead a global action to implement the Minamata Convention. I am pleased that three countries, Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka, joined forces with UNEP and WHO to pave the way to address this very multi-faceted challenges of mercury-added cosmetics and present model cases that other Parties can follow”.

Under the GEF project, the third meeting of the “Eliminating mercury skin lightening products” project stakeholders’ group will be held online on January 30. This event will feature the presentation of the main insights of a draft report on mercury-added cosmetics, as well as updates and lessons learned from Parties and stakeholders, and project key activities in 2025. Interested participants are invited to register using this link.

The ministers and other representatives who gathered in Gabon adopted the “Libreville commitment” and requested the Gabonese government to submit it to the African Council of Ministers in Charge of the Environment (AMCEN) and to the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention with the objective of its presentation at the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-6) in Geneva this November. The document is expected to stimulate productive discussion at COP-6 to accelerate the elimination of mercury-added cosmetics from the market.

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