National News
FG, German Government Collaborate on Waste Management in Nigeria
FG, German Government Collaborate on Waste Management in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government and its German counterpart are collaborating in management of waste in Nigeria with the building of capacity on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
In order to sell the message of waste management, a day workshop on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), was organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
in collaboration with technical partner, Adelphi, with funding from the Government of Germany, and supported by various stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable production and waste management in Nigeria.
Delivering a keynote address at the workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal said:
“A particularly noteworthy aspect of Nigeria’s EPR framework is our explicit commitment to the inclusion of the informal sector. We recognize the invaluable role played by our waste pickers, aggregators, and small-scale collectors. They are the unsung heroes who have for long been the backbone of waste recovery in our communities.
“Our policy actively seeks to integrate them, organizing them into cooperatives, providing incentives, and formally recognizing their contributions. This is not just about efficiency; it is about social equity, job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship development as well as ensuring a just transition towards a sustainable future for all.”
The Minister, who was represented by Director General – National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Abubakar Saleh, noted that: “This workshop is designed to empower you, our policymakers, industry leaders, environmental professionals, and civil society representatives, with the knowledge and tools needed to implement EPR effectively in Nigeria. You will delve into the intricacies of EPR system design, explore complementary measures, understand the institutional frameworks, and learn from compelling case studies from around the world. We will collectively identify challenges, such as infrastructure gaps, data management, and financing models, and collaboratively devise practical, “Made-in-Nigeria” solutions.”
He insisted that: “The path ahead will require dedication, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt. But I am profoundly optimistic. With the strong legal and regulatory foundation laid by NESREA, the unwavering support from our international partners like Adelphi, and the collective expertise and commitment present in this room, we can transform our waste management landscape. We can create new industries, generate green jobs, protect our natural environment, and ensure a sustainable future for our children.
“Let this workshop be a springboard for concerted action. Let it be a testament to our resolve to turn the tide on plastic pollution and to usher in an era of circularity and environmental prosperity for Nigeria,” he charged, while commending the Prevention of Marine Litter in the Gulf of Guinea) project (PROTEGO) team as well as the team at NESREA for jointly conceptualizing and organizing the workshop, equally praising every participant, on-site or online, for their interest and presence.
On his part, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor said: “Today’s workshop is not only timely but strategic. As the Regulatory Agency charged with enforcing environmental standards in Nigeria, NESREA recognizes that marine pollution and plastic waste remain pressing challenges—posing significant threats to our ecosystems, public health, and economic sustainability.”
He explained that: “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has emerged globally as a proven and proactive policy instrument to address such challenges. It places the responsibility of post-consumer waste squarely where it belongs—on the producers. This model incentivizes sustainable product design, fosters accountability, and ultimately reduces the burden on public waste management systems.
“This workshop is designed with a clear focus: to deepen our collective understanding of EPR systems and equip stakeholders with practical tools to design, refine, and implement EPR programmes effectively. The sessions will feature interactive modules, global case studies, group exercises, and toolkits that will be shared for continuous self-paced learning.”
He assured that: “At NESREA, we remain committed to strengthening and implementing nationalpolicy, building capacity, and forging partnerships that support the transition to sustainable, circular, and low-carbon environmental systems. We believe that with your collaboration, Nigeria can become a regional leader in producer responsibility systems.”
FG, German Government Collaborate on Waste Management in Nigeria
National News
Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery
Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery
By: Michael Mike
In a significant move to bolster public service efficiency, Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has formalized performance contracts with heads of agencies under the Ministry of Interior. This initiative aims to strengthen institutional legacy and ensure measurable improvements in service delivery.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the conclusion of the 2025 retreat of the Ministry of Interior, the minister highlighted the event, which also featured the signing of performance contracts by all board members.
He said: “This initiative is about the effect on Nigerians and on Nigeria as a whole.”
Tunji-Ojo during the signing ceremony, said: “Our Ministry signed a performance contract with Mr. President last year, and after executing that for a year, it is time to extend this level of accountability to each agency.”
The performance contracts, which include measurable timelines for delivery, are designed to improve services to Nigerians and align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted.
The Minister also emphasized that this exercise is not merely symbolic but is intended to have a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s security landscape.
Challenging common stereotypes, Tunji-Ojo commended the ministry’s staff for their commitment and hard work. He said: “Some people often say civil servants are ‘evil servants.’ Personally, I do not share that view. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best people God has created here in the Ministry of Interior.”
The Minister paid tribute to M.T. Umar, who retired after 35 years of service, describing him as central to Nigeria’s passport reforms. “The story of our passport revolution cannot be told without his name,”
He further stated that retirement does not depriving your nation of your knowledge, your character, or your service.
He urged staff to emulate Umar’s loyalty and integrity, stressing that “talent and brilliance are important, but it is loyalty and integrity that sustain a career.”
Addressing the agencies under the ministry the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, NCoS, FFS, and NIMC the minister commended their achievements but called for greater efforts in immigration reforms, protection of critical assets, correctional transformation, emergency response, and data security.
He said: “Our task is to ensure Nigerians feel our impact in their daily lives through safer communities, efficient services, and systems that inspire trust,” while further reminding the agencies that their collective output contributes directly to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Meanwhile, heads of key agencies pledged to scale up performance following the retreat.
Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, said the exercise offered a chance to review past achievements and correct lapses. “From the contracts we signed last year, we have fared very well. But of course, there are areas for correction, and that is the essence of this retreat,” he said.
Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, described the retreat as timely. “Sometimes when you are busy trying to improve performance, you need to take time to measure yourself. By the first part of next year, we should be able to appraise our progress,” he said.
For his part, Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, said the exercise was an “eye-opener” for his agency. “By the next retreat, there will be positive impact, and Nigerians will know there is a new fire service in place,” he assured.
Olumode stressed that the performance contracts were a pledge of accountability. “It’s all about signing a bond to let the Nigerian public know it’s not business as usual. We must strengthen mechanisms that make us perform and give real value to our jobs.”
Interior Minister Signs Performance Contracts, Urges Agencies to Boost Service Delivery
Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime in Kachia Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident followed a report by one Williams Ayuba of Azara village, who disclosed that his wife, Theresa Williams, was abducted while working on their farm at Bishini village on Aug. 27.
Zagazola learnt that the operatives from Katari Division, in collaboration with sister security agencies, launched a search operation in the surrounding forests.
Sources added that on Aug. 29, acting on credible information, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Jere mobilised a rescue team which successfully rescued the victim unhurt.
The sources saod two suspects, Ibrahim Abdullahi, of Nasarawa Toto, and Kabiru Abdullahi, of Mallam Tanko village, were arrested.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime and provided useful information to the police. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang,” it added.
The victim, the sources said, was taken to Abaku Hospital for medical attention and has since been reunited with her family.
Kaduna police rescue kidnapped woman, arrest two suspects
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Four Nigerian soldiers have sustained injuries in a vehicle accident on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State.
The accident occurred on Thursday while the troops were moving across the mountainous terrain of the area, Zagazola reports.
The Emir of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju, was said to have personally joined in the rescue operation to ensure that the soldiers received prompt assistance.
Following the rescue, the injured personnel were evacuated to the 20 Battalion Barracks in Serti for urgent medical care.
Community members and traditional leaders in the area have expressed sympathy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the soldiers, while also calling for the safety of other security operatives on duty.
Four Soldiers Injured in Vehicle Accident on Mambilla Plateau
Zulum strengthens vocational education to address industry gap
Gunmen kill man in attempted abduction in Kwara mosque
DSS arrests two over fake recruitment scam in Kaduna
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