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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
Nigeria deploys fighter aircraft to Benin Republic as coup unfolds
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian military has deployed fighter aircraft to the Benin Republic following Sunday’s military coup that toppled President Patrice Talon, reliable security sources have confirmed.
The aircraft, which took off from Lagos earlier on Sunday, were sighted operating within Beninese airspace as Nigeria intensifies surveillance and monitoring of the rapidly evolving political and security situation in the neighbouring country.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the deployment is part of Nigeria’s precautionary measures to assess regional security implications and protect its national interests amid uncertainty in Cotonou.
“The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks,” one senior security official said, noting that the move was not an offensive operation but a strategic response to unfolding events.
The takeover in Benin was led by Lt. Pascal Tigri, who announced the dissolution of state institutions and assumed full military control. The coup adds to the growing list of unconstitutional government changes in West Africa, raising concerns over regional stability.
The coup leaders in Benin, the Military Committee for Rebuilding, issued the following statement: The November 2025 constitution has been suspended, all institutions have been dissolved, political parties’ activities have been suspended until further notice· Benin’s land, sea, and air borders are closed until further notice.
Nigeria shares a long and porous border with Benin, making political instability in the country a direct security concern for Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government has not issued an official statement, but military sources said surveillance will continue “until the situation becomes clearer.”
Nigeria deploys fighter aircraft to Benin Republic as coup unfolds
Zulum on sympathy visit to Southern Borno..boast morale of troops
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, on Saturday, expressed sympathy with troops of the 25 task force brigade of the Nigerian Army in Damboa
His deep sympathy stemmed out of a solemn address the troops who were once commanded by Brigadier General Uba now declared missing in action by the Nigerian Army.
The Governor pledged the support of the entire state and the people to the army for their relentless fight against Boko haram insurgents.
The Governor, who spoke at a front-line military base in Damboa, sympathised deeply with the officers and soldiers, acknowledging the immense personal sacrifice and hard work they put in protecting the lives of the innocent.
He commended what he described as their giant efforts at protecting the people even as they pay the supreme sacrifice in the ongoing battle against threats of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“On behalf of the government and good people of Borno State. We are here in Damboa purposely to commiserate with you over the recent setback which claimed the lives of some of your colleagues.
“It is an unfortunate event, and I want to extend my condolence to you and the families of all the officers and men of this brigade who lost their lives while discharging their duties. We pray to Almighty Allah to heal those injured in action as soon as possible.
“For those of you who are still alive and healthy, we pray that God will protect you, give you the vision and strength to carry out your duties effectively. You have been doing very well. We have acknowledged your support and would like to commend you.
” I want to once again sympathise with you on behalf of the government and good people of Borno State, and to assure you that we will do everything possible within the resources available to us to support your mission and vision to end the crisis.” said Zulum
The Governor was received by the Brigade Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General Igwe Omoke who assumed command duty this week.
The visit was part of Zulum’s sympathy tour of communities and military formations in southern Borno affected by a sudden surge of insurgent activities.
Earlier in the day, the Governor commiserated with grieving families in Chibok, over the loss of lives and property.
During the condolence session held in the govt lodge chibok for about five communities affected by the last attack on the council area Zulum directed immediate relief of N0.5m each to those that lost properties in last week’s attack.
During the Chibok meeting, the Governor announced concrete security measures to protect lives and properties of residents of the council area.
He revealed that the state government, in collaboration with the federal and security agencies, is implementing enhanced measures to protect vulnerable communities against future attacks.
“We are here to offer our condolences over what happened these past days in Chibok general area, especially to those who lost their lives.
“The situation is painful we all know and We are here to express our sorrow over what happened last week.
“Death comes at its appointed time. We offer you our condolences and assure you that, God willing, the issue of insecurity in Chibok will be resolved. We will provide a permanent solution and put an end to it.
” We will take action. Please be patient. Our thoughts are with you, and one thing that made me happy is how you have remained calm and stayed in your communities despite everything,” Zulum said.
The Governor announced a financial assistance of N1 million to each bereaved family.
The Governor later visited the 28 task force in Damboa to boast their morale.
Zulum on sympathy visit to Southern Borno..boast morale of troops
Four police officers injured in patrol vehicle crash on Yelwata–Makurdi road
By: Zagazola Makama
Four personnel of the 18 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron were injured on Friday when their patrol vehicle was involved in a lone accident along the Yelwata–Makurdi road in Benue State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 9:10 a.m. when the officers, on routine patrol of the axis, were travelling in an official Toyota Hilux driven by Cpl. Augustine Garba. The vehicle reportedly lost control and somersaulted into the bush.
Sources said that the DPO Yelwata mobilised tactical teams to the scene. The injured officers were evacuated and rushed to the Police Clinic in Makurdi for urgent medical attention,” the source said.
Three of the injured personnel were treated and discharged, while one officer remains hospitalised.
Police authorities confirmed that the remaining officer is in stable condition.
The sources said that the Benue Police Command has commenced internal review procedures to determine the cause of the crash and ensure adherence to patrol safety protocols.
Four police officers injured in patrol vehicle crash on Yelwata–Makurdi road
Nigeria Condemns Attempted Military Takeover of Government in Benin
ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Military Takeover in Benin
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