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Arrangement for Building Permanent Shelters for IDPs in Northeast Concluded-IOM
Arrangement for Building Permanent Shelters for IDPs in Northeast Concluded-IOM
By: Michael Mike
United Nations migration agency, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has said arrangement has been concluded towards building permanent shelters for those affected by humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria as a final step in the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Plan for the region which was adversely impacted by the over a decade Boko Haram crisis.
Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Laurent de Boeck made this known at a media briefing on Wednesday ahead of the launch of the durable solutions housing project design competition, tagged ‘Home After Crisis’, in Abuja.
He said: “Since 2015, the North-East of Nigeria has faced escalating violence leading to an unprecedented housing emergency.
“As of 2023, an estimated 3.5 million has lost their homes or lived in precarious conditions.
“Nigeria currently experiences an acute housing deficit estimated at around 23 million, requiring the construction of one million housing units annually for the next 20 years
He disclosed that the IOM has designed a plan to come to the aid of those affected by this humanitarian crisis through the ‘home after crisis’ funded by the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund, (NHF). He added that competition which brought together 1,600 designers, architects and engineers across 100 countries was held for the housing project.
He said: “Those architects have developed 250 design proposals for low-cost and innovative housing.The housing competition targets the housing challenges linked to Nigeria’s rapidly growing population
“The aim is to provide access to affordable housing built with the goal of delivery climate proof housing with local materials. The housing competition paves way to engage the world in addressing these challenges.”
De Boeck added that the programme hopes to change mindsets and the way humanitarian intervention is perceived as it transits to durable solutions, a gradual shift from the norm.
He said: “We will be doing this in silos. This is a gradual shift from the norm, it looks at how we can move from dependency on humanitarian intervention intervention to sustainability.”
The project coordinator and International Consultant, IOM, Nicola D’addabro, revealed that the project is a process that will take some years to complete.
He said the project also looks at the globally evolving solutions and how to enable the people own the project by being engaged in the process.
IOM Project Manager, Shelter, Davies Okoko, who also spoke at the Presser, said “9, 000 people have transitioned from our camps and camp-like: settings and have settled into homes.
“Their needs are more focused now on heath and education. We have taken care of their immediate needs of housing and we are also providing livelihood. So housing, water and sanitary facilities are provided.
Arrangement for Building Permanent Shelters for IDPs in Northeast Concluded-IOM
NESREA Seals Oyo-Based Chemical Company Over Untreated Waste Discharge
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down Bond Chemicals Industries Limited in Oyo State for violating environmental regulations by allegedly discharging untreated industrial waste into the environment.
A statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of NESREA, Nwamaka Ejiofor said, the enforcement action followed a public complaint that raised concerns about pollution from the facility.
She noted that the complaint was subjected to independent verification before officials moved in to investigate the allegations.
Ejiofor revealed that a compliance inspection conducted by officials of NESREA’s South West Zonal Office on February 18, 2026, uncovered serious environmental breaches at the facility. Inspectors discovered that the company was operating without a functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), a critical requirement for industries that generate wastewater.
The inspection team also found that untreated wastewater with a strong offensive odour was being released directly into the surrounding environment, an action that violates national environmental standards and poses potential risks to public health and nearby ecosystems.
She said following the discovery, NESREA issued immediate directives to the company to halt the pollution by installing and operating an effective effluent treatment system in accordance with regulatory requirements. The company was also instructed to obtain the necessary environmental permits to regularise its operations.
Ejiofor however said a subsequent inspection revealed that the company had failed to comply with the directives issued.
As a result, NESREA sealed the facility in exercise of its statutory powers to halt further environmental damage and safeguard the health of residents in the affected area.
The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to enforce environmental compliance across the country, warning that industries must adhere strictly to environmental regulations designed to protect communities and natural resources.
Barikor stressed that companies operating in Nigeria are required to install and properly operate pollution control equipment, noting that failure to do so would attract strict enforcement measures.
He added that the agency would continue to intensify monitoring and compliance checks nationwide and would not hesitate to impose sanctions on any facility found violating environmental laws.
NESREA stated that the chemical company will remain sealed until it fully complies with the agency’s directives and meets all regulatory requirements.
Ejiofor in the statement, said further investigations and compliance monitoring by the agency are ongoing.
NESREA Seals Oyo-Based Chemical Company Over Untreated Waste Discharge
Troops, NDLEA arrest suspected drug peddler in Yobe raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and local vigilante groups have arrested a suspected drug peddler during a raid operation in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:00 p.m. on March 16 in the Takari general area, based on credible intelligence on illicit drug activities.
According to the sources, troops of the 159 Battalion, alongside NDLEA operatives and vigilante members deployed in Gashua, conducted the coordinated raid which led to the arrest of the suspect.
Items recovered during the operation include seven wraps of suspected cannabis sativa and other illicit substances.
“The suspect was apprehended during the raid, while the recovered exhibits have been secured for further investigation,” the source said.
He added that the suspect and the seized drugs had been handed over to the NDLEA for further action in line with existing laws.
Troops, NDLEA arrest suspected drug peddler in Yobe raid
Troops arrest eight illegal miners, dismantle site in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested eight suspected illegal miners and dismantled an unauthorised mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities around the Chaza–Izom axis in Bamburu village, Suleja area.
According to the sources, troops of the 31 Artillery Brigade conducted a patrol to the location, leading to the arrest of the suspects at the site.
Items recovered during the operation include one motorcycle, one 25-litre jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), one 25-litre jerrycan of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), four water pump machines and one gas cylinder.
“The illegal mining site was subsequently destroyed to prevent further exploitation, while the suspects and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further necessary action,” the source said.
Troops arrest eight illegal miners, dismantle site in Abuja
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NESREA Seals Oyo-Based Chemical Company Over Untreated Waste Discharge
Troops, NDLEA arrest suspected drug peddler in Yobe raid
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