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Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with Spirit of National Anthem, Oppresses Most Vulnerable Nigerians-FG
Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with Spirit of National Anthem, Oppresses Most Vulnerable Nigerians-FG
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has decried that environmental degradation is not in tandem with the spirit of Nigeria’s national anthem as it oppresses the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking at the Circular and POPS-free Plastics in Africa Project Inception Workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said: “As we reflect on the words of our national anthem, “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,” we must recognize that environmental degradation is indeed a form of oppression. It disproportionately affects the most vulnerable groups in our midst and limits opportunities for future generations.”
The Minister noted that: “This project represents our collective determination to break free from this oppression and build a Nigeria where both people and nature can thrive.”
Lawal while declaring the workshop opened, said: “I wish to express my profound appreciation to all critical partners who have made this initiative possible, namely: the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for financial support; UN Environment, the Implementing Agency, for providing technical support; and BCCC- Africa, for its resourcefulness in providing guidance for the project implementation. To NESREA, the performing environmental police in Nigeria – your commitment to environmental protection and your role as the National Executing Partner is deeply appreciated.”
He noted that Nigeria, as one of the five beneficiary-nations in Africa, has an ample opportunity to, among others: reduce the import, production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in plastics-containing products in the automobile, construction and electronics sectors) and the generation of unintentionally-produced POPs (UPOPs), with their attendant burdens of pollution and morbidity in our environment; identify safe, eco-friendly and effective alternatives to POPs- containing plastics as well as suitable technologies to manage POPs-contaminated waste in an environmentally sound manner; and adopt and enforce upstream policies and financial instruments, to implement circular economy practices and eliminate or replace problematic products with more sustainable alternatives.
He said the cross-cutting dimension of POPs Management and plastic pollution, including the magnitude of associated challenges call for collective responsibility among all sectoral stakeholders, stressing that: “It is therefore heartwarming to note an equitable representation of high-level policy makers, the dedicated presence of ‘Basel Centre’, the Industry, Academia, Civil Society Organisations, and our Development Partners, whose expertise, vast wealth of experience and solemn commitment wil be brought to bear in actuating successful delivery of the project.”
He decried that while plastics have brought undeniable benefits to modern life, in the absence of an effective waste management strategy and circular economy system, more than three-quarters of scrap plastics get discarded and dispersed in open dumps, burnt, clog the drainage system and ultimately discharged into the marine environment as microplastics.
On his part, the Director General/CEO, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor said on this historic inception workshop for the Circular and POPs-Free Plastics in Africa Project. “Today, we gather as partners, stakeholders, and custodians of our environment to embark on a transformative journey that will shape Nigeria’s environmental future for generations to come.”
He noted that: “The significance of this gathering cannot be overstated. We are here to address one of the most complex and pressing environmental challenges of our time – the pervasive threat posed by Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in plastic materials. POPs are carcinogenic and mutagenic, causing cancer, genetic mutations, neurological damage, reproductive problems, and immunological disorders. Exposure to POPs has severe long-term health consequences.
“POPs disrupt ecological systems, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health. “
He noted that: “Many chemical additives used during plastic production to provide the finished plastics products (e.g. plastic housing units of electronics) with unique properties (including plasticity and fire retardancy) are classified as POPs. A typical example is polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, including penta-BDE, octa-BDE and deca-BDE). These chemicals are toxic, chemically stable and readily accumulate in the environment and living organisms.
“These toxic substances represent a silent crisis, accumulating in our ecosystems, permeate our food chains, and posing severe risks to human health and biodiversity when end-of-life plastics from electronics are not properly managed. As Nigeria’s apex environmental regulatory agency, NESREA recognizes both the gravity of this challenge and the tremendous opportunity this project presents for gradual and systemic change.
“In Nigeria, our focus on the electronics sector under this project is particularly strategic. Our nation has overtime, emerged as a regional hub for electronic goods in West Africa, with all the attendant responsibilities, advantages and disadvantages this position entails. While we celebrate the economic opportunities this brings, we must also confront the environmental implications. The lifecycle of electronic products – from production to disposal – presents multiple points where POPs could be released into the environment. This project thus provides us with the necessary tools, resources, and partnerships we require to transform this sector into a model of environmental responsibility and circular economy principles.”
Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with Spirit of National Anthem, Oppresses Most Vulnerable Nigerians-FG
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said it has no agents for modification of data and that it operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.
The Commission made the announcement on Monday in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke.
The statement read: “The attention of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has been drawn to a media report alleging that some enrolment agents in Abuja are collecting money from applicants for falsification of dates of birth.
“For the records, all NIN data modifications are done online through the NIMC self-service modification portal – selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng – and no physical modification is allowed. NIMC does not have agents for modification of data and the Commission operates a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of extortion, falsification, or unethical practices by staff or licensed Front-End Partners.
“The public is hereby reminded to adhere to the approved statutory modification processes with official guidelines and fees. The Commission urge NIN holders to report any cases of extortion or misconduct through our official complaint channels:
(+234-9-134959433, 08155015388); actu@nimc.gov.ng; ieu@nimc.gov.ng
“NIMC reassures that the integrity of the National Identity Database remains secure and will continue to strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust in Nigeria’s identity management system.”
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
News
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
By: Michael Mike
Nasarawa State has emerged as the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) that signals the country’s resolve to address air pollution while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities.
The centre, jointly facilitated by the Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected not only to curb harmful vehicular emissions but also to generate employment, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.
Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.
He said: “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”
He emphasized that the project aligns with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.
“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as is applicable globally,” Kambari added.
The event also highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. Commending stakeholders, Kambari said: “I would like to commend Messrs Bhustan Energy, our principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of today’s event. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State who… worked hand in hand with us to provide the site for the Centre.”
Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stressing that political will and collaboration were central to the project’s success.
She said: “Without the support, initiatives like this will not see the light of day… The visionary Governor of Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project.”
She further urged all stakeholders to safeguard the facility, stating that: “This Centre is a collective responsibility of all the people gathered here. It is our project and we must do all we can to ensure the safety of the equipment because it is for our collective good.”
Speaking for the Nasarawa state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman underscored the socio-economic potential of the centre.
He said: “The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to fight the pollution through environmental tests to improve the air quality in the state,” adding that: “To provide employment, apart from that, also to generate more revenue for the state. This is very, very important to us in Nasarawa State.”
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
The Adara Development Association (ADA) has expressed deep shock and sadness over a deadly attack by unknown gunmen on Wakeh community in Agunu Ward, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 7, 2025.
According to a statement by the ADA National Publicity Secretary, Livinus Paul Magaji, heavily armed attackers invaded the village, blocking entrance routes to prevent possible assistance from neighbouring communities.
The assault left eight people dead and nine others seriously injured. Victims were reportedly given mass burial, while the injured are receiving treatment at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Alheri Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Kachia. Several properties, including a bus, were destroyed, causing millions of naira in losses.
The association noted that such attacks have become increasingly frequent in Adara communities since, despite the presence of security in the area. ADA strongly condemned the violence, describing it as barbaric and inhumane.
“ADA leadership calls on the Kaduna State Government and other relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect lives and property and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.
It added that the Adara community is ready to collaborate with government and security agencies to curb the ongoing attacks.
The association also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to those injured, while urging residents to remain calm, vigilant, and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
ADA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and called on all indigenes and residents of Adara land to work with government and stakeholders to build sustainable peace in the region.
The Kaduna state government are yet to visit the affected communities or make any statement on the attack.
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
NIMC Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Misconduct, Says Modifications of NIN Data only Online
Nasarawa Hosts Nigeria’s First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Driving Green Economy Prospects
Adara development association condemns wakeh community attack in Kachia LGA
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