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FG Assures Nigerians that Measures are in Place to Address Plastic Pollution

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FG Assures Nigerians that Measures are in Place to Address Plastic Pollution

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has assured Nigerians that they need not be afraid of plastic pollution as needed measures are put in place towards addressing the menace of plastic waste in the country.

The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) had posited that by 2030, plastic waste is expected to double to 165 million tonnes in African countries. Most of these will be in Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Morrocco and Tunisia, calling for concerted and whole value chain approaches to addressing and curbing plastic pollution in Africa.

Also, reports have it that the world’s oceans contain an estimated 100 million metric tonnes of plastic with about 90% of this quantity originating from land-based sources.

Scientific findings also stated that the world’s marine life is endangered through the exposure of nanoparticles of ingested plastics which penetrate through the blood-brain barrier of seabirds, this is seen as quite alarming as every human being on the face of the earth has a connection with plastics in one way or the other.

Given the assurance of Nigerians safety from expected plastic pollution on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako at the stakeholders meeting on the Draft National Guidelines for the Implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for (Plastic) Packaging, said because of the threats the federal government “is therefore putting in place measures towards addressing the menace of plastic waste from our environment, by way of developing a Sector-Specific National Guidelines for the implementation of the up-coming Plastic Waste Control Regulations under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme.”

The Minister, who was represented by a Director in the ministry, Dr. Ahmadu Jibrin,
said the federal government through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations (NESREA), responding to its global commitment to the Basel Convention.

He noted that the primary purpose of this draft National Guidelines when in force, is to provide far-reaching guidelines that will serve as a road map to all stakeholders in the Plastic Packaging value chain for the effective implementation of the EPR Programme as well as clearly defining the various obligations of all sector stakeholders in Nigeria.

He disclosed that: “This Document is also poised to amongst others, aid the establishment of a Plastic Packaging Registry in the country which is very germane, align with circular economy principles and sustainability efforts ultimately galvanizing towards the overall elimination of plastic pollution and the reduction of the adverse impacts of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) from our environment. It is thus expected that this Draft Document has been reviewed by the stakeholders in the 36 States and FCT by key stakeholders, and the submitted comments had been incorporated accordingly.”

He said: “We are here today to finalize the review comments towards birthing a robust instrument that will stand the test of time in the management of the Plastic Packaging, plastic Waste and plastic pollution across their life cycle.”

In his remarks, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor said: “Today, we stand at a critical juncture in our collective efforts to address the pressing challenges posed by plastic waste in our environment. The guidelines we are discussing are not just a regulatory framework; they represent a commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the health of our communities.”

He added that: “As we are all aware, the proliferation of plastic packaging ((Bottles (PET, PP or HDPE/PS), Flexible mono-layer materials, Rigid mono-layer materials, multi-layer and multi-material plastics) has led to significant environmental degradation, affecting our ecosystems, wildlife, and ultimately, human health. The need for a robust and effective waste management system has never been more urgent.

“The EPR Programme is designed to shift the responsibility of waste management from local authorities and taxpayers to the producers of plastic packaging. This innovative approach encourages manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal.”

He volunteered that: “”In this draft National Guidelines, you will find detailed outlines of the key responsibilities of each stakeholder group, as well as specific targets for collection and recycling. These targets are not merely aspirational; they are essential benchmarks that will guide our progress and hold us accountable. It is crucial that we engage in open dialogue and consultation to refine these targets based on stakeholder input and current data.”

FG Assures Nigerians that Measures are in Place to Address Plastic Pollution

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

By: Bodunrin Kayode

President Bola Tinubu will today visit the Plateau state capital Jos to commiserate with residents who lost loved ones during the Palm Sunday shooting spree by criminals that took place at Angwa rukuba area of the city.

The President who was scheduled to visit Ogun state postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, meant to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport.

From the Plateau, the President is expected to travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday public holiday which ushers the beginning of the Easter public holiday which rounds up the lent period.

A state house release signed yesterday by the Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga noted that President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircrafts for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state’s economic growth on Saturday April 4th.

“He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles.

“He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected to commission infrastructural projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“These projects include: the iconic Ojota/Opebi Link Bridge; the Lagos State Geographic Information System Building; the Multi-Agency Complex named after the President, and a school Complex.

“Before returning to Abuja, President Tinubu will visit Bayelsa State on April 10 to commission some of Governor Duoye Diri’s completed projects.” Said the release.

Sadly several residents lost their lives during the black Palm Sunday shooting spree which is suspected to have been carried out by auto bike riding bandits following after their patterns in the hinterlands of the state.

These bandits who had tormented, killed and destroyed homes of residences of the Jos north axis of the state for several years after September 7th 2001

This damnation let loose on innocent residents is resurfacing after hundreds of killings had occurred in the Jos North council area of the state from September 7th 2001 till date.

And because of the myriad of challenges creeping into the federal security system sub regionals have geared up to manage their on police and Intel services which would assist greatly because they are masters of their territories.

The Federal government is fast tracking the process of state police to ensure that each sub nationals take charge of their environment to ensure that they support the center in the maintenance of internal security.

President Tinubu Storms Jos Today To Commiserate With Residents Of Angwa Rukuba Massacre

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that in 2026, the length of the rainy season in Gombe State is expected to be between 107 and 138 days.

This is contained in the Agency’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document, which Gayus Musa, the meteorological manager for Gombe State, made available to Our Correspondent in Gombe on Tuesday.

The total amount of rainfall across Gombe State in 2026 is predicted to be between 701 mm in the northern part of the state (Nafada) and 1089 mm in the South (Shongom).

The onset of the rainfall is expected to commence in the state on May 29 (Shongom) and cease by October 22 (Yamaltu/Deba).

Similarly, in the prediction, four local government areas of the state, namely: Nafada, Yamaltu/Deba, Dukku and Funakaye were likely to be impacted by a severe dry spell (21 days and above) between June and August.

Musa while speaking to Our Correspondent on the first rainfall experienced in some communities in Akko, Gombe and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state on Monday urged farmers to resist the temptation of early planting of crops.

He described the first rain as false onset, explaining that the rainfall was false because it would not support any germination as seeds planted with such rain would not survive.

“This (first rain) is a false onset because the precipitation cannot carry any germination and so any seed planted would not survive.

“So farmers should not engage themselves in planting but to prepare their farmlands while getting their seeds and other inputs ready,” he said.

Musa advised farmers in the state, to make use of the prediction in carrying out farming activities towards avoiding losses in view of the impact of climate change on agriculture.

He further urged relevant authorities in the state to take proactive measures towards tackling environmental issues associated with the rainy season.

NiMet predicts 107 to 138 days of rainfall in Gombe

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

By: Michael Mike

The rumoured interest of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar in becoming the governor of Bauchi State come 2027 may have been confirmed he resigned on Monday to prepared ground for actualization of his political ambition.

The resignation was ahead of the deadline set for political appointees seeking elective positions in the forthcoming general elections.

In a resignation letter submitted to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and contribute to the implementation of the administration’s Four-D foreign policy strategy.

The former minister also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives through initiatives focused on people-centred diplomacy. These included humanitarian evacuations, facilitation of scholarships for Nigerians abroad, and sustained support for citizens in the diaspora.

His tenure also witnessed increased diaspora engagement, including efforts to develop a structured database of Nigerians living abroad aimed at strengthening their participation in national development.

In addition, Tuggar strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with traditional partners and regional alliances, particularly across the Global South. His leadership also promoted regional security cooperation and supported the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy initiative.

He also prioritised economic diplomacy, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector, while facilitating diplomatic interventions that secured the release of detained Nigerians in foreign countries and improved bilateral relations.

The resignation letter was received on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, ahead of the March thirty-first deadline directed by President Tinubu in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

Tuggar’s resignation was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

Tuggar Resigns from Tinubu’s Cabinet, Sets for Bauchi Governorship

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