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ECOWAS Commends Nigeria’s Commitment to Climate Change Issues
ECOWAS Commends Nigeria’s Commitment to Climate Change Issues
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Nigeria for taking the issues of climate change seriously, noting that among the 15 member countries of the regional economic bloc, Nigeria alongside Benin and The Gambia are the three counties to have submitted their Strategy to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking at the National Workshop on Socialization of Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Carbon Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).in Abuja, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse said: “As part of the Paris Agreement, ECOWAS Member States have all submitted their revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the implementation of which calls for the mobilisation of all national actors in each country and the support of regional and international partners.
“Alongside these NDCs, countries are called upon to develop their long-term low- carbon emission development Strategy. To date, out of the 15 ECOWAS Member States, only three (3) countries (Benin, The Gambia, and Nigeria) have submitted their Strategy to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. I would like to commend the Federal Republic of Nigeria for submitting this important document to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement.”
Toure-Litse, who was represented by one of the Commission’s Director, Kofi Bernard noted that: “This achievement is in line with the declaration of the ECOWAS Head of States and Government adopted on Climate Change in December 2021, which also calls on Member States to develop their Long-term low-carbon emission development Strategy.”
She said: “The Commission is delighted to support the socialization of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s long-term low emission development strategy for the socialization with a view to ensuring better ownership and effective contribution of all national stakeholders in its implementation.”
On his part, the Director General of the
National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Salisu Dahiru said: “The LT LEDS is comprehensive and serves as a vehicle for transitioning Nigeria to its Net-zero Pathway by 2060. In particular, it identifies actionable programmes and policies that aim to accelerate the uptake of measures and technologies in and around a climate-resilient development pathway while working towards long-term quantifiable GHG emission reductions across Nigeria’s priority sectors.”
He said: “In November 2021, Nigeria passed the Climate Change Act that seeks to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions, green and sustainable growth by providing the framework to set a target to reach net zero between 2050 and 2070. With this regulatory framework, the Act established the National Council on Climate Change with the sole responsibility for the coordination and harmonization of national climate actions among several roles.
“The journey to net-zero emissions has thus begun, and it is already clear that the road will be rough. Nigeria’s position is balancing its socioeconomics with climate change initiatives. It is to be noted also that in order to mobilize adequate climate finance into the country, there is need for adequate regulatory frameworks and its implementation.”
He noted that: “Today, we have come together to socialize and present this decisive strategy, and so we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and build partnerships that will drive the successful implementation of the LT-LEDS. This workshop will serve as a catalyst for change, a space for learning, and a forum for collective action, as we strive to shape a future where Nigeria thrives as a global leader in low-emission development and climate resilience.”
He said: “The demonstrated leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the reduction of Nigeria’s carbon footprint can be seen in the launch of several initiatives such as the Electric Buses Rollout Programme, the Carbon Market Activation Programme etc.. The present administration is providing all the necessary support to implement robust, enabling policies and frameworks.”
End
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, under the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), have neutralised a notorious bandit and recovered arms and ammunition during a raid on a hideout in Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on Jan. 8 at Yolan Gboka–Yama Da Lahdi, following sustained efforts to track and arrest perpetrators of the Dec. 16, 2025 attack on illegal miners at Tosho community in Fann District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
According to the sources, troops made contact with the bandits during the raid and engaged them in a firefight.
“One of the bandits was neutralised during the exchange of fire and was later identified as Sadiq Isah, while others fled the area,” the sources said.
The sources added that troops subsequently exploited the hideout and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 162 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition.
The recovered arms and ammunition are currently in military custody, while troops have commenced follow-up operations to intercept the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.
Zagazola reports that Operation Enduring Peace is a joint security initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability across Plateau and neighbouring states.
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to strengthen intelligence gathering and operational readiness in the face of rising security threats across the country.
The call was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a ceremony to decorate 113 newly promoted NSCDC commandants. The minister, represented by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), commended the Corps for its role in protecting critical national infrastructure, lives, and property.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for strategic intelligence mapping to counter emerging threats, particularly as the Corps now shoulders additional responsibilities for the protection of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), a role previously managed by the Nigeria Police Force.
He encouraged the newly promoted officers and all personnel to uphold the confidence placed in the service by President Bola Tinubu, noting that the merit-based promotions are designed to boost morale and enhance performance.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, urged the officers to mentor subordinates, embrace leadership responsibilities, and adhere strictly to merit-based postings. He warned against lobbying for preferred postings, affirming that performance and dedication would guide all administrative decisions.
Representing the promoted officers, Commandant Ekanem Ekpenyong pledged unwavering commitment to duty, promising to uphold integrity and the Corps’ Oath of Allegiance.
In a key highlight of the ceremony, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commandant. The event also featured goodwill messages from the Controller General of Corrections, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, and representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the Department of State Services.
The ceremony underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the NSCDC and reinforce its role in Nigeria’s security architecture.
FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers
Zulum commissions remodelled ‘2nd chance school’ for vulnerable girls
.Disburses N1bn to SMEs in 5 LGAs
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday commissioned a fully remodelled “Second Chance School” for vulnerable girls and women in Biu Local Government Area.
The newly inaugurated facility is part of a strategic initiative designed to offer adult women, including those who missed formal education or dropped out of school due to prevailing challenges, a pathway to self-reliance.
The school’s curriculum is tailored towards providing comprehensive skills’ acquisition, critical digital knowledge and basic literacy, and numeracy training.
With the Biu centre now operational, Zulum’s administration has established three such schools across the state, with existing centres already operational in Maiduguri and Bama.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has disbursed N1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across five local government areas in southern Borno.
The targeted LGAs include Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya-Kusar, with the funds intended to support entrepreneurs and enhance business sustainability.
Zulum explained that the direct injection of capital into the SME sector is essential for driving grassroots development and fostering self-reliance in the post-insurgency recovery phase.
In a related development aimed at tackling youth restiveness and promoting social stability, Governor Zulum has ordered immediate employment of 200 young individuals from the Biu Local Government Area.
After the inauguration, Zulum visited Biu Specialist Hospital where he announced the immediate and automatic employment of a number of dedicated volunteer health workers who have served tirelessly.
He also inspected the 100-unit teachers’ housing estate under construction in Biu town. The estate is part of the Borno State Government’s motivational strategy to attract and retain qualified teaching professionals in public schools.
Governor Zulum has also directed immediate commencement of rehabilitation work on the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu.
Zulum commissions remodelled ‘2nd chance school’ for vulnerable girls
Troops neutralise bandit, recover arms in Plateau raid
Nigeria Urges Europe and Africa to Build Bridges, Not Walls
FG Urges NSCDC to Boost Intelligence as Interior Minister Decorates 113 Senior Officers
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