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Commonwealth Launches Law Model to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Commonwealth Launches Law Model to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By: Michael Mike
The Commonwealth Secretariat has launched a new law model that would drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global heating to 1.5°C.
The Commonwealth Carbon Tax Model Law was presented on Wednesday at a high-level event in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
Guided by the ‘polluter-pay principle’, the model law provides for an easily administrable carbon tax, with the tax being levied on fossil fuels companies and industrial emitters.
This approach, according to a statement issued by Commonwealth Secretariat, will help ensure that the majority of emissions in most Commonwealth countries are taxed.
The statement said: “Governments and legislators from the 56 Commonwealth countries can use the model law as a starting point to draft new legislation or adapt certain provisions to existing statutes in line with their local circumstances and national climate plans.
“Implementing a carbon tax outlined in the model law would help countries reduce their carbon emissions, attract new investment for clean energy and boost government revenue, while contributing to their national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
Launching the model law, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
“Delivering the Paris Agreement remains humanity’s greatest hope. But globally, current climate action is too weak and too slow, while the window for action continues to narrow.
“There is widespread agreement that one of the most effective ways to help countries meet the net-zero carbon emissions target of the Paris Agreement is carbon taxation.
“Considering the growing interest in this area and the need for a coordinated approach, this model law is a valuable resource for all 56 Commonwealth countries, as they seek to avoid the worst effects of climate change and introduce policies for a more sustainable and prosperous common future.”
The statement revealed that in order to ensure a just transition, the model law includes provisions for measuring and mitigating the carbon tax’s impact on low-income households and other vulnerable groups.
“This is achieved through regular impact reporting, stakeholder engagement and by directing revenue generated from the carbon tax towards supporting clean energy initiatives for low-income households.
“The new model law is the latest in a series of Commonwealth model laws produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat,” the statement read.
Commonwealth Launches Law Model to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian troops have foiled an attack on Rim community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, while three residents were reportedly killed in a separate incident at nearby Gwarim community.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 25, when troops deployed in the area responded to an attack on Rim community at about 6:08 p.m.
The troops engaged the attackers and successfully repelled the assault without any casualty among the personnel or members of the community.
However, at about 6:46 p.m., the troops responded to another report of gunfire at Gwarim community, also in Riyom LGA.
On arrival at the location, the troops discovered the bodies of three residents who had been killed while reportedly keeping watch in the bush outside the community.
The corpses of the victims were recovered and subsequently handed over to members of the community for further necessary action.
The troops have since intensified patrols and are dominating the area in an effort to locate and apprehend the perpetrators.
The latest incidents come amid heightened security concerns in parts of Plateau State, particularly communities around Riyom and neighbouring areas.
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Savannah Shield have foiled an attempt by suspected terrorists to kidnap farmers at their farmlands in Tudun Harara village, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2026, when troops of the NATRAC Administrative Battalion, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kotonkoro, responded to a distress report on the attempted abduction.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops engaged the terrorists upon arrival, forcing them to withdraw into the surrounding forest.
During the encounter, the fleeing terrorists abandoned a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to protect farming communities and deny criminal elements freedom of action across Niger State.
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
Operation Fansan Yamma troops foil ransom exchange, rescue kidnapped woman in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, have rescued a kidnapped woman and disrupted a planned ransom exchange in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The troops, conducting counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations in the state, carried out the successful operation on Aug. 26, 2026, following credible intelligence on the planned ransom payment.
Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the victim had been abducted from her farm sometime last month, while the criminals were preparing to collect ransom in exchange for her release.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops swiftly mobilised to intercept the transaction.
Sources said the criminals attempted to engage the advancing troops after sighting them but were overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower.
The bandits subsequently fled in disarray, abandoning the hostage, who was immediately secured by the troops.
The victim was found unharmed and later transported to safety before being reunited with her family in Danko-Wasagu LGA.
Following the rescue, the troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the withdrawal route to ensure that the area was fully secured before returning to base.
In a related operation, the troops also conducted clearance and dominance patrols in Ngaski Local Government Area as part of efforts to maintain peace and deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
The patrols were completed without incident, further strengthening security presence and reassuring residents in the affected communities.
Operation Fansan Yamma troops foil ransom exchange, rescue kidnapped woman in Kebbi
Troops foil attack on Rim community, three killed in Gwarim, Plateau
Operation Savannah Shield troops foil attempted kidnapping of farmers in Niger
Army troops recover 97 rustled livestock, hand them over to owners in Kano
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