News
Despite Difficult Times, Fund is Made Available for Energy Transition, Says Bagudu

Despite Difficult Times, Fund is Made Available for Energy Transition, Says Bagudu
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu has said despite the difficult economic times, the federal government has ensured that fund is made available for the nation’s energy transition programme.
Speaking at a conversation: “Unlocking Climate Finance: Actionable Pathways for Nigeria’s Low Net Emissions Growth,” organised by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) and Enzi Ijayo Africa Initiative, in Abuja on Monday, the Minister who was represented by Special Assistant,
Bolaji Onalaja, said: “There is no understatement of the importance of Climate action for all governments. It is particularly important for Nigeria given that the country has significantly suffered from the effects of climate change, from desertification in the Lake Chad Basin, which has led to migration of herders southwards and has contributed to banditry and clashes with farmers; to the degradation of mangrove forests; and to the frequent floods that have had a devastating impact on livelihoods across the country.”
He noted that “there is a need to raise financing to fund the energy transition, but at the same time as we face a challenging fiscal environment and other short term priorities (including ramping up oil and gas production, and taming inflation, it can sometimes be difficult to prioritize the mainstreaming of climate action but this administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been consistent and has even included in the 2024 budget the inclusion of an energy transition fund and the implementation of the Presidential CNG initiative.”
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director, APRI, Olumide Abimbola said: “We know that climate change is already inflicting immense damage on lives and livelihoods, often to the people who have the least capacity to adapt to its effects such as in Africa. In the six years between 2012 and 2018, extreme weather events in the form of floods and droughts cost Nigeria over 31 billion dollars.”
Abimbola said: “We also know that over the past years, the position of African countries has largely been shaped by the Global North. There is an increasing need for Africans to shape and chart the continent’s climate transition pathways in line with local climate and socio-economic realities, as well as development priorities. Here, African countries such as Nigeria have a leading role to play.
“Nigeria is the most populous African country, the country with the youngest African population, the largest petroleum production, and one of the largest economies on the continent. What Nigeria does, can do, or plans to do, especially around financing, is of immense consequence for the continent.
“The global realities of climate change mean that the landscape for finance and global geopolitics is changing significantly. As climate and ESG considerations become increasingly important in accessing finance from the Global North, plans that do not have climate action in view are finding it more difficult to attract financing.
“This is leading to a significant decline in new investment in fossil fuels, for example, with investments into energy financing of any kind increasingly being based on climate considerations. For Nigeria, navigating between weaning itself off fossil fuel dependence and accelerating renewable energy investments is of extreme importance.”
He noted that: “In the last year, Nigeria received about two billion dollars in climate financing, a small fraction of the need, even in the energy sector alone,” adding that “increasing flows will not come from simply articulating our vision for climate action or making bold statements of intent. They will only come when we begin to internally reflect and shape what climate transition, especially a just transition, means to us – and when we begin to implement reform initiatives directed at clearly demonstrating that our plans are fact-based and rooted in the realities of our political economy.”
He said: “For us to do this, we need to reflect internally and evaluate actionable pathways for Nigeria’s Low Net Emissions Growth. Pathways that do not compromise on our development priorities, and that also incorporate resilience in the realities of foreseeable climate impacts.”
He said: “We need to ask ourselves critical questions such as: Is Nigeria doing the right thing in the right way or are we just dangling the prospect of billions of dollars of climate finance in the offing? Should Nigeria be looking to design more flexible short-, medium- and long-term strategies that will be fit for purpose? How should Nigeria be maintaining a balance between adaptation and mitigation? Should the focus be more on consumer-led promotion of technology products, rather than top-down, policy-driven prescriptions?”
Despite Difficult Times, Fund is Made Available for Energy Transition, Says Bagudu
News
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has charged personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to continue to offer excellent services to its clients, declaring that efficient customer service is a right and not a privilege.
Comptroller General of the Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, gave the charge in Abuja when she declared open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week.

She assured that the Service is on an irreversible path of reform, modernization and improved transparency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The CGIS noted that the week-long event, themed “Mission Possible” with the NIS sub-theme “Meeting and Exceeding Expectations”, was an opportunity for officers to recommit themselves to the principles of courtesy, timeliness and citizens-centered service delivery.
She said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity. We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers”, the CGIS declared.
She noted that on assuming office in 2024, she raised concerns over negative practices that dented the Service’s image and challenged officers to “go back to the drawing board.”
Nandap said that directive resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the passport automation and contactless processing system, designed to minimize physical interaction and eliminate bottlenecks.
She highlighted that: “Others are the deployment of e-gates and body cameras at airports, enhancing border security while promoting transparency; Intensified sensitization campaigns across formations to combat corruption and entrench professionalism.
“These reforms are already paying off,” she noted, citing improved national ratings, commendations and awards recently received by the NIS at government performance review retreats.
Nandap however urged NIS personnel nationwide to use the 2025 Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to exceeding public expectations, charging officers to uphold the Service’s reputation at all times.
She added that: “This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and to institutionalize transparency, courtesy and excellence as our standard culture.”
Earlier, Special Assistant to the CGIS on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, Barr. Muhammad Awwal Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of immigration, described the Customer Service Week as “a call to reflection, action and renewal.”
He emphasized that the global theme “Mission Possible” challenges public institutions to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.
“Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency”, Abubakar said.
The 2025 NIS SERVICOM Customer Service Week will feature activities across commands and formations nationwide, highlighting innovation, best practices and the Service’s ongoing transformation agenda.
Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients
Crime
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.
Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.
They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.
“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.
Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.
Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau
News
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
Maj.-Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (rtd), Chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee on Insecurity in Plateau State, says the crisis in the state involves both indigenes and non-indigenes across all ethnic and religious divides.
Nicholas, a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, made this known while reacting to reports that the committee’s findings had indicted Fulani herdsmen as the aggressors in the prolonged conflict.
He clarified that the committee’s report, submitted last month to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, did not attribute blame to any single ethnic group, stressing that the violence in Plateau was a multi-dimensional problem involving various communities.
“The committee was set up by the state government to make findings and recommendations, which have been submitted to the government. The document is still classified until a white paper is issued,” Nicholas said.
He explained that during the committee’s engagements with community leaders across the state, it became evident that all sides had suffered and contributed to the cycle of violence.
“I think people need to be corrected based on the statement that Fulani are the ones causing the problem. The report did not say that,” he stated.
“While we are clear, everybody — all the ethnic groups in Plateau — are in one way or another involved in the crisis. In some areas, fingers have been pointed at particular groups, but our findings show that every community has played a part,” Nicholas added.
He further noted that many of the attacks in the state were reprisals triggered by earlier assaults, which often led to further bloodshed and destruction of property.
Nicholas maintained that the committee’s recommendations, once made public, would help guide the government in addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering lasting peace in the state.
Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis
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