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Environment Minister: Climate Governance Has Be Strengthened in Nigeria
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
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
By: Zagazola Makama
Chadian security forces on Sunday recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a joint search operation in parts of the capital, N’Djamena, as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity.
Sources Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out in the 10th arrondissement and parts of the 2nd arrondissement of the city.
According to the sources, the joint team of internal security forces seized 28 pistols, 14 other firearms, and more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition during the raid.
They also recovered military equipment and six vehicles suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
“Two gun owners were arrested during the operation and are currently in custody for further investigation,” a senior security official said.
He explained that the exercise was conducted under the supervision of top security authorities and formed part of broader measures to dismantle criminal networks and curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the capital.
The official added that the recovery of the weapons had significantly disrupted the operations of armed groups and criminal elements in the affected districts.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Chadian security services to sustaining pressure on all groups involved in arms trafficking, banditry and other threats to public safety.
“The security forces will continue intelligence-led operations to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country,” he said.
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
To Commission Nigerian House in Davos Tomorrow
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in the alpine town of Davos, Switzerland, to lead the Nigerian delegation at the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23, 2026.
The Vice President arrived from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the presidential inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Saturday.
He was received on arrival by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar, and Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and officials of the Nigerian mission in Switzerland.
The 2026 WEF marks a milestone in Nigeria’s global economic diplomacy with the official debut of “Nigeria House Davos.” For the first time, the Federal Government has established a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.
This facility, a product of a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP), will serve as a permanent hub for high-level ministerial engagements, investment roundtables, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week.
Vice President Shettima will present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to the world’s most influential political and business leaders, as he participates in key plenary sessions focusing on the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology.
Throughout the week, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, top executives from multinational corporations, and leaders of international development finance institutions to deepen partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an interview with journalists shortly after the VP’s arrival, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole said Nigeria would makena robust presentation of investment opportunities in the country at the launch of the Nigeria House in Davos which will focus on President Tinubu’s efforts in revamping the economy.
According to the Minister, “we will be showcasing four playbooks on President Tinubu’s efforts in re-engineering the Nigerian economy. We will present our solid minerals sector, climate sustainability agriculture, creative and digital sectors to investors from all over the world.”
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move
By: Michael Mike
The Coalition in Defence of Nigeria (CDN) has publicly supported the Federal Government’s decision to engage a United States-based lobbying firm over allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening the nation’s security and international relations.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the coalition insisted that the engagement of the lobby firm is not merely a public relations exercise but a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s long-term stability and global credibility.
The National Publicity Secretary of CDN, Mallam Isa Shehu, said Nigeria is currently grappling with serious security challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and organized crime. He noted that these threats extend beyond Nigeria’s borders and are often connected to international networks involved in arms trafficking, extremist financing, and cybercrime.
Shehu argued that hiring a reputable U.S. lobbying firm would help Nigeria build stronger partnerships with foreign governments, particularly in areas of intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism collaboration, and technical support for security agencies.
He further explained that the move would ensure that Nigeria’s security concerns receive greater attention in Washington and other global decision-making centres, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace across the country.
The coalition stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective effort, not just government action. It called on civil society groups, business leaders, political actors, and ordinary citizens to play their roles in promoting national unity and security.
While acknowledging that the lobby contract alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security problems, the CDN maintained that it is a valuable diplomatic tool that could strengthen the country’s position on the global stage.
The group urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s decision, saying the issue is not political but essential for national survival and development.
The CDN concluded by reaffirming its full backing for the initiative and calling for nationwide solidarity in the fight against insecurity.
CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move
Chadian security forces recover cache of arms, arrest suspects in N’Djamena
VP Shettima Arrives In Switzerland For 56th World Economic Forum
CDN Backs Federal Government’s U.S. Lobby Contract, Calls It Strategic Security Move
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