UN Calls for Upholding of International Humanitarian Law in War Against Terrorism

…Asked for Protection of Humanitarian Workers, Civilians at all Times

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations (UN) has called for the upholding of the international humanitarian law in the ongoing battle between Nigeria and non-state actors, insisting that humanitarian workers and civilians must be protected at all times.

A statement jointly signed on Tuesday by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu to commemorate World Humanitarian Day 2025, read: “We urgently call for the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians across the globe. We ask that international humanitarian law be upheld and that protection be provided to all those affected by conflict and disaster. We particularly call for the protection of women and girls, who are among the most vulnerable and most profoundly affected. Attacks on humanitarian workers—and more importantly, the people they seek to assist—must stop.

“This year’s World Humanitarian Day comes at a time when global solidarity with people in humanitarian need is at its lowest ebb. International humanitarian financing is collapsing. Many of the most vulnerable people have little or no support. In Nigeria, humanitarian needs are increasing, with food insecurity and malnutrition becoming an unfolding disaster. Pipelines for food and nutrition—lifelines for millions of people, especially children under the age of five—are severely disrupted, if not completely depleted.

“Millions of children are at risk of life-threatening severe acute malnutrition (SAM). It is estimated that some 31 million people are food insecure, over 10 million children under five are acutely malnourished, and 3.5 million are severely malnourished—2.5 million of these in six states. Urgent action is needed for about 400,000 SAM children, whose lives hang in the balance if immediate steps are not taken to reverse the situation.

“Globally, the humanitarian community is faced with unprecedented challenges. International humanitarian law is treated with disdain. Multilateralism has been replaced with short-term self-interest. And humanitarianism is under attack. The reform of the humanitarian system is urgently needed—building on the lessons learned over the last six decades and the incredible know-how and experience of humanitarian partners, both local and international.

“In Nigeria, humanitarian operations must become more efficient, accountable, and transparent. They must be led by the Government and implemented by local partners to the extent possible, and funded through local resources supported by the international community.”

The statement added that: Towards this end, the humanitarian community in Nigeria commits to: Fully supporting humanitarian response and action under the leadership of the Government of Nigeria, coordinated with guidance by the Government of Nigeria; Working with the Government to ensure a transition from an internationally supported humanitarian operation to locally led action by the end of the transition period; and ensuring a shift from the direct delivery of humanitarian aid to an enabling role for local actors, while preserving core functions such as humanitarian diplomacy, coordination, protection, and upholding humanitarian principles.

In a related development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) paid tribute to the selfless dedication and sacrifices of humanitarian workers worldwide.

In a statement to commemorate the day in Abuja Tuesday, Executive Secretary of the Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu said humanitarian workers are heroes who risk their lives to provide critical assistance to vulnerable populations, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups and population of concern.

He said: “As we commemorate this day, we recognize the tireless efforts of humanitarian workers who strive to alleviate suffering, protect human dignity, and promote resilience in the face of crises. Their work is a testament to the power of compassion, empathy, and solidarity in the protection of civilians.

He stated that despite their courageous efforts, many vulnerable populations continue to face significant challenges in accessing essential services, protection, and support.

He emphasized that it is imperative that stakeholders – governments, civil society organisations, international partners, and individuals – come together to strengthen humanitarian work and ensure that those in need receive the help they deserve.

He noted that the NHRC in collaboration with UNHCR is currently undertaking a critical project to document reports of human rights situations affecting vulnerable populations like the forcibly displaced persons across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

This initiative according to him aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by these groups and inform evidence-based interventions to address their needs. This will be followed by a quarterly Humanitarian Dashboard on humanitarian situation in the country

The Executive Secretary used the opportunity to call on all stakeholders to prioritize the protection and dignity of vulnerable populations, enhance collaboration and coordination to address humanitarian challenges, increase support for humanitarian workers and initiatives, as well as promote inclusive and sustainable humanitarian responses.

He thanked the humanitarian community in Nigeria, the UN system especially the UNHCR, the Red Cross, ICRC and host of international agencies, CSOs who continue to support the protection of civilians and other vulnerable population in need.

He said: “As we honour the sacrifices of humanitarian workers, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding human rights and dignity. Together, we can create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world for all.”

UN Calls for Upholding of International Humanitarian Law in War Against Terrorism

Nigeria, Germany Launch Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions Project to Tackle Climate Change and Boost Food Security

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has officially launched the Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions (CORE) Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice production while boosting yields and strengthening food security.

The project is the result of a long-standing agricultural cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and in partnership with Olam Agri Nigeria Ltd.

The high-profile launch, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne; representatives of Olam Agri Nigeria; development partners; and senior government officials.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described agriculture as a pillar of Nigeria’s economy and a lifeline for millions of families. He stressed that the CORE project comes at a critical moment as climate change continues to threaten food production systems.

“This initiative will empower smallholder farmers in Kano, Benue, and Nasarawa with scalable, climate-smart farming practices. By reducing methane emissions from rice paddies, we are not only safeguarding livelihoods but also contributing to Nigeria’s climate goals,” he said.

Kyari noted that the project demonstrates how agricultural carbon offsetting can be credible, transparent, and inclusive, laying the foundation for a sustainable carbon market in Nigeria.

Representing the German government, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.

He highlighted that Germany contributed €9.94 billion to climate finance globally in 2023, leveraging both public and private investments.

Germany’s agricultural portfolio in Nigeria and ECOWAS, worth €117 million and co-financed by partners including the Gates Foundation and the European Union, focuses on food security, nutrition, job creation, and climate-smart farming practices.

“CORE is a practical step towards reducing methane emissions while boosting rice yields. Germany is proud to support Nigeria, not only financially but also in shaping the enabling policies that will make agricultural carbon markets thrive,” Lehne said.

Delivering a special address on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations underscored the urgency of tackling climate change in Nigeria.

He reminded participants that agriculture contributes nearly 25% of Nigeria’s GDP but also accounts for 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, with rice farming being one of the largest contributors due to methane from flooded paddies.

He emphasized Nigeria’s pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2060 under the Paris Agreement, guided by the Climate Change Act (2021), the Energy Transition Plan, and the National Adaptation Plan.

“Nigeria loses over $100 million annually to climate-related flooding. The CORE project is proof that climate solutions can also be prosperity solutions. A farmer in Nasarawa told us, ‘For the first time, my rice field used less water and gave me more harvest.’ This is the future we must scale up across the country,” he said.

Speakers at the event stressed the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and local communities in sustaining the project. Olam Agri Nigeria, a key partner in implementation, is expected to provide technical expertise and market support to smallholder farmers.

Nigeria, Germany Launch Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions Project to Tackle Climate Change and Boost Food Security

Renewable Energy: Stakeholders Call for Urgent Reform of Technical Education Curricula

By: Michael Mike

There has been a call for the Nigeria’s renewable energy sector tò be positioned as a key driver of economic growth and job creation, with stakeholders emphasizing the urgent need to reform technical education curricula to equip young people and women with green skills.

At a major milestone event in Abuja, the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, the Dutch Consulate General, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), unveiled progress in its curriculum reform process designed to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in renewable energy, with a particular focus on solar power.

Speaking at the event, a representative of the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, Victoria Manya cautioned that Nigeria’s energy transition must avoid replicating the inequalities associated with the fossil fuel sector.

“Energy transition, instead of breaking chains, was at risk of becoming fossil’s handmaiden because it was replicating the injustices that have historically been associated with the fossil sector,” she said.

Manya highlighted the vast potential of renewable energy to generate employment, particularly for women and young people, while also helping the country tackle its persistent energy deficit and climate change challenges. She stressed the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize marginalized groups in the green economy.

According to her, INCLUDE, working with the House Committee on Renewable Energy, the NBTE, GIZ, and more than 100 technical stakeholders, redesigned the solar photovoltaic (PV) curriculum at the ND, HND, and National Occupational Standards (levels 4 and 5). She noted that the process, led by NBTE’s Head of Curriculum Development, Dr. Hatim Koko, benefitted from strong technical support from the Dutch Consulate and other partners.

In his keynote address, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Adam Victor Ogene, underscored the sector’s importance not only in tackling climate change but also in unlocking economic opportunities.

“Our renewable energy sector is more than just a response to climate change; it is a driver of economic growth, job development, and national pride.

“I’m personally impressed by the impactful work of the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform in Nigeria. Their contributions to policy formulation and sustainable development deserve recognition and applause.”

He further noted that the reviewed renewable energy curriculum will equip Nigerian youths with the skills to harness the nation’s abundant solar, wind, hydro, and biomass resources.

“This will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, promote energy security, and attract investment, creating thousands of jobs in the process,” he added.

Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan targets 30 percent renewable energy penetration by 2030. Meeting this ambition will require more than 340,000 green jobs by 2030, rising to 840,000 by 2060. Globally, the renewable energy sector generated over 13 million jobs in 2023, and Africa’s share is projected to triple by 2030.

However, industry leaders warn that skills gaps persist, with nearly half of technical roles in Nigeria’s renewable sector currently unfilled due to a lack of industry-aligned training. The new curriculum reform seeks to bridge that gap and ensure that Nigerian workers are positioned to benefit from the global energy transition.

Renewable Energy: Stakeholders Call for Urgent Reform of Technical Education Curricula