Connect with us

News

Environment Minister: Climate Governance Has Be Strengthened in Nigeria

Published

on

Environment Minister: Climate Governance Has Be Strengthened in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has commended the significant achievements recorded under the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme (NCCRP), describing it as a landmark initiative that has strengthened the nation’s climate governance, improved awareness, and built resilience across various sectors.

Speaking at the Final Project Seminar of the NCCRP held in Abuja, and themed “Climate Change Governance: The Importance, Where We Are, and Way Forward,” Lawal welcomed stakeholders, partners, and participants to what he described as a celebration of Nigeria’s collective progress in the fight against climate change.

Lawal noted that since the launch of the Programme in 2020, the NCCRP has delivered notable outcomes that have positively impacted both national and subnational levels.

He said these include the establishment of a robust Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) System and the development of a Climate Change Education Curriculum designed to advance solid waste management practices and enhance climate communication across the country.

The Minister explained that the project has built strong collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), improved technical capacity, and promoted community participation in environmental governance.

Lawal, while highlighting the achievements so far, said the Climate Change Education Curriculum for basic and secondary schools—now under review by the Federal Ministry of Education, represents a major step toward institutionalizing climate literacy. He also pointed out that the Programme trained media practitioners in climate reporting, which led to the creation of the Nigeria Journalists for Climate Action Network (NIJOCAN) and numerous sensitization programmes run in partnership with media houses.

According to him, the NCCRP also made significant progress in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission measurements in the waste sector, conducted waste assessments in Kano, Ogun, Abia, and Bauchi States, and carried out public awareness campaigns and trainings that further deepened citizens’ understanding of climate issues.

The Minister while acknowledging challenges encountered during the implementation, noted that through proactive planning, capacity-building, and collaboration, the project remained on track. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing policy frameworks, technical guidance, and oversight to sustain the programme’s impact and expand its reach across regions.

He commended the Technical Assistance Team, staff of the Federal Ministry of Environment, particularly the Department of Climate Change and the National Council on Climate Change, for their dedication. He equally appreciated the European Union (EU) and other partners for their technical expertise and steadfast support for Nigeria’s environmental development agenda.

He however urged participants to leverage the lessons and experiences shared at the seminar to shape future strategies and strengthen partnerships toward achieving transformative environmental sustainability.

He said: “Together, we can build resilient communities and deliver sustainable benefits for all Nigerians,” while extending his best wishes for a fruitful and impactful seminar.

On his part, the European Union head of delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of EU to supporting Nigeria’s climate action agenda, describing the Nigeria Climate Change Response Programme,NCCRP, as a landmark model of effective international partnership for sustainable development.

He commended Nigeria’s leadership in advancing climate governance and environmental sustainability.

The EU representative underscored the urgent and tangible realities of climate change, emphasizing that it is not a distant or abstract challenge but one that directly impacts the lives of millions.

“We see it in the farmer losing his crops to floods, in families enduring stifling heatwaves in our cities, and in communities facing droughts that threaten their food and water security,” he said.

“These are not just statistics,they are human stories shared by millions of Nigerians and Europeans alike, “he added.

He noted that as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria’s leadership in climate action resonates far beyond its borders, serving as an inspiration for the continent and contributing meaningfully to the global climate response.

He described the NCCRP as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve, adding that the long-standing cooperation between the EU and Nigeria is built on trust, shared values, and a common vision for sustainable development.

This collaboration, he noted, spans critical sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and good governance, all of which are interconnected and essential to building a greener, more resilient Nigeria.

“The NCCRP stands as a flagship initiative of this partnership, demonstrating that real progress is not just possible—it is happening,” the representative said.

Highlighting the programme’s impact, the EU listed several accomplishments including strengthening of Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Systems, enhancing credibility and positioning Nigeria to attract international investors.

Environment Minister: Climate Governance Has Be Strengthened in Nigeria

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs

Published

on

Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs

The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has conducted a free medical examinations as well as distributed free drugs to its staff in Gombe State Office, as part of its health advocacy to improve wellbeing of its employees and boost productivity.

As part of JEDC’s health initiative, a fitness walk was also organised on Saturday for all employees in Gombe State.

A fitness coach, Jauro Dauda, who led the walk urged officials of JED to prioritise regular exercise as part of efforts to maintain good health and boost productivity.

The exercise began at the company’s state headquarters, from where officials trekked to Pantami Stadium.

At the stadium, staff members participated in various physical exercises before returning to the office premises for medical examinations.

Speaking to participants, Dauda emphasised the need for a healthy lifestyle through eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.

“For you to function well, you need to keep your body fit. So I advise each and every one of you to create time at home. You can take your wife on a walk.

“The content of what we eat today can cause a lot of health issues like hypertension and diabetes. Knowing your health status is very important; knowing it is good to living long,” he said.

Also speaking, the Gombe State Operating Officer of JEDC, Rilwan Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and encouraged staff to sustain the culture of exercise beyond organised events.
“We are happy that we can exercise not only in the stadium; you can exercise at home,” Shehu said.

He added that the company operates an inclusive system that promotes unity among staff.

“We in JEDC operate an open-door policy; there is no junior or senior cadre. We do things together and we win together,” he said.

Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs

Continue Reading

News

Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun

Published

on

Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ASC Akinyode Mustapha, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen following the interception of a vehicle loaded with cannabis in Imeko area of Ogun State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that a team of officers from the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, led by DSC Ogundana Oluwademi, had on Feb. 2, at about 11:40 p.m., intercepted a Sienna bus loaded with suspected cannabis at Oke-Agbede via Imeko.

The driver of the vehicle, however, escaped on foot.

“While the team was returning to Lagos with the seized exhibit vehicle, they came under gunfire by unknown assailants at the Immigration checkpoint, Idofa, Imeko,” the sources said.

The sources added that a bullet struck ASC Akinyode Mustapha, aged 50, during the attack.

He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ilaro, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.

Upon receipt of the report on Feb. 4 at about 3:30 p.m., security forces stormed the scene. No expended ammunition or cartridge was recovered at the location, and photographs of the scene were taken.

The team leader reportedly released the corpse to the deceased’s family for burial, while the seized exhibit vehicle had earlier been taken to the NCS base in Lagos.

The sources said preliminary investigation was ongoing to verify the claims and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Further developments will be communicated, the command said.

Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun

Continue Reading

News

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

Published

on

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

***Assures all hands are on deck to restore peace, tranquility to Kaiama

***Says President Tinubu has directed NEMA to mobilise resources to support distressed communities

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that peace and tranquillity are restored in Nuku and Woro villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attacks on the communities by terrorists.

He assured the people of the communities that while the President had ordered the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama, all hands were already on deck to rid the affected communities and the entire state of insecurity.

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the people of Kaiama Local Government and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the deadly terrorist attack that claimed several lives.

The Vice President disclosed that President Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise all resources, in partnership with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, to provide succour and support to the distress communities.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserates with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State, by extension, over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

“That tragic killings had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of the communities that were dedicated to building peaceful livelihood, while they practice their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam has instructed,” he said

VP Shettima extended what he described as the heartfelt condolences of President Tinubu and the Federal Government to the government and those who lost their loved ones in the gory attacks, noting that all hands were already on deck to restore peace in the community.

“Please, accept our heartfelt condolences, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquility is restored to those communities,” he assured.

The VP did not disclose the measures being taken to restore peace in the area, observing however that “security issues are sensitive issues and we do not have to divulge most of the actions that are being taken by our security establishment.

“But I’m here fundamentally to commiserates with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama, in particular, over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony. Our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” the Vice President added.

Earlier, Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, extended the condolences and sympathy of the North East Governors to the people and government of Kwara State over the tragedy.

He said, “As Muslims, we believe in destiny and it is our sincere hope that, by God’s grace, this act will not happen again. Our prayers are with you and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive those that have lost their lives and grant them Aljannah firdaus,” Governor Zulum prayed.

Responding, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq, applauded the swift response of the Federal Government to the incident, saying “as confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, troops are already on ground and the Operation Savannah Shield is in motion.

“As you can see, we were welcomed at the airport by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Second Division of the Nigerian Army. A DIG is on ground. We truly appreciate the response of the Federal Government, and representatives of NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened.”

The Governor called for continued prayers for better a situation and better security in Nigeria, just as he said, “One is short of words and what to say but we will continue to support our President, the Vice President and our leadership for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”

Also, the Chairman of Kaiama local government area, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immediate deployment of a military battalion in the area, and thanked the Governor of Kwara state for his leadership.

On his part, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, also applauded President Tinubu for the prompt action taken after the massacre that in Kaiama.

“We really appreciate the effort of President Tinubu. Since the incident happened on Tuesday, he has shown concerned toward us. The security personnel and other relevant agencies are adequately deployed to arrest the situation,” the traditional ruler said.

Other dignitaries present during the visit include the Director-General of NEMA), Zubaida Umar; Sen. Ali Mohammed Ndume; Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC), Eng. Jennifer Adighije; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, and members of Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights