National News
FG Insists Scavengers Need Adequate Remuneration
FG Insists Scavengers Need Adequate Remuneration
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has called on stakeholders in the environmental sector to recognize recognize the importance of waste pickers (scavengers) popularly called in local parlance Baban Bolla, insisting that they should be adequately remunerated for their valuable contributions to environmental sustainability and equitable waste management system in the country.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders consultative meeting on the development of National Digital repository for waste pickers in Nigeria.
He said to address the problem faced by these heroes of waste management, stakeholders must work together to implement solutions that will guarantee better working conditions for waste pickers.
The Minister said: “Some of which include the following measures, formalization and recognition: Integrating waste pickers into the formal waste management sector.
“Training and capacity building: Enhancing skills and knowledge for improved safety and efficiency; Social protection and inclusion, Ensuring access to healthcare, education and social services; Policy and regulatory framework: Strengthening laws and policies to protect waste pickers’ rights and interests.”
Lawan noted that waste pickers are the backbone of the waste recovery, contributing significantly to the recycling and circular economy.
He said: “We cannot speak about sustainable waste management without reference to the operation of waste pickers who form an integral part of the waste management value chain.
“Waste pickers exists as unsung heroes but the truth is that they provide essential services which ensure protection of our environment and public health it is in recognition of this vital role that the Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Tearfund Nigeria is organizing this stakeholders forum to develop a National Digital repository for waste pickers to address the myriads of challenges they face in the course of performing their duties.”
The minister noted that they form the informal group whose activities encompasses all aspect of waste management from collection, sorting, transportation, processing and selling of recovered and recyclable materials to earn a living.
He said: “They have established such a high network of operation and distribution of valuables both within and outside the country, they can therefore not be overlooked in the value chain, the growing demand for recyclable materials and the transition to a circular economy makes it very imperative for governments and the general public to recognise, regulate and integrate waste pickers into the overall waste management effort in order to unlock the immense economic potential using them as reliable foot soldiers.”
Lawan noted that: “Waste pickers in Nigeria, are confronted with the following challenges, they live in shanties or makeshift house
“Their activities are not formalised which results in lack of coordination and regulation by government agencies, they are exposed to several health hazards and risk due to exposure to hazardous wastes, they lack access to adequate medical facilities or first aid treatment.
On his part, the National Project Coordinator, ILO, Mr Stephen Agugua, said concerted effort is required to ensure that waste streams are effectively controlled using sound waste management practices.
He explained that when managed well, waste offers opportunities for creation of jobs in the circular economy which can contribute to strengthening the resilience of local economies and expansion of opportunities for decent job creation.
Agugua said: “These considerations have motivated the interventions and actions of ILO within this sector, as a UN agency, the ILO is also bounded by the Fair Circularity Principles which applies the expectations and responsibilities outlined in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to the informal waste sector.
These were first published in Shift (2022) cutive Summary, Principles from Corporate Engagement on Human Rights with the Informal Waste Sector. ”
He however lamented that despite the crucial environmental and public health role they play, waste pickers often face significant human rights impacts.
“Under the UNGPs, internationally recognized human rights are defined in the International Bill of Human Rights, ie, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core ILO standards, the principles concerning fundamental rights in the eight ILO core conventions as set out in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Rights and Principles at Work.” He said.
Agugua, also assured that ILO and its constituent partners are committed to ensuring a sustainable future takes place and meets the requirements of decent work in globally.
He further stressed that the ILO recognize the critical role of informal waste sector workers in plastics waste and recycling value chains.
“To respect the rights of informal waste sector workers by preventing and addressing human rights impacts experienced by those workers, in line with the nature of the company’s involvement, Engage all partners in plastics packaging recycling value chains towards coherent and comprehensive approaches, engage government actors to create enabling environments for rights-respecting business practices.” He said.
FG Insists Scavengers Need Adequate Remuneration
Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has officially accepted to join BRICS as a partner country.
The Nigeria’s acceptance to join the group was communicated in a statement on Saturday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country. The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives.
“BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries.”
The statement added that: “Nigeria is poised to leverage this platform to advance shared goals in trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change. This partnership also aligns with our national aspirations for inclusive growth, regional integration, and active participation in shaping a fair and equitable global economic order in line with our ethos of strategic autonomy.
“Nigeria looks forward to engaging constructively with BRICS members to drive innovation, foster people-to-people exchanges in line with our national interests and strategic priorities.”
Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS
National News
FFS Calls on Fuel Station Owners, Tankers Operators to Take Action at Addressing Recklessness of their Drivers , Employees
FFS Calls on Fuel Station Owners, Tankers Operators to Take Action at Addressing Recklessness of their Drivers , Employees
By: Michael Mike
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji has called on fuel station owners and tanker operators to take immediate action in addressing reckless driving by their drivers, especially on major roads and dangerous bends.
The call followed the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 60 lives and left many others severely injured.
Speaking to journalists, Jaji reiterated the need for an urgent review of safety protocols governing fuel transportation across the nation.
The Controller-General while expressing concern over the frequent tanker explosions and fuel station incidents in the country, warned that even a small static spark or gas leak can result in rapid, deadly explosions.
Jaji who highlighted the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, noted that it has a highly fatal risk. “Fuel vapors and leaks can ignite at any moment,” he cautioned.
He said: “Your life is worth more than a few litres of fuel,” warning that approaching a fuel spill is not only dangerous but could be fatal.
He urged the public to avoid accident sites and instead contact the Federal Fire Service for prompt intervention.
The Fire Service boss also called on Nigerians, particularly operators of fuel stations, gas refilling plants, and users of gas cylinders, to strictly follow safety measures to prevent further catastrophe.
Jaji however extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent tragedy and commended the first responders for their dedication, which he described as a testament to the nation’s resilience.
He expressed his heartfelt prayers for those grieving, asking for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.
He took the time to express the importance of prioritizing safety and public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Every life is precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect our citizens,” he urged.
He reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to enhancing safety awareness and called for the swift passage of the Fire Service Act of 1963, which is currently under review at the National Assembly. He argued that the outdated law is inadequate to address current fire safety challenges and needs to be modernized to better regulate fire safety measures and reduce incidents like this in the future.
German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre
By: Our Reporter
The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annet Gunther, and the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme to Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, unveiled two projects executed by the administration of Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in Monguno town.
While the German Ambassador unveiled resettlement houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Nigeria’s UNDP Country Representative conducted the commissioning of a 100-person capacity ICT centre to facilitate digital education.
The housing estate consists of 1,000 two-bedroom semi-detached low-cost houses and another 900 semi-permanent shelters with basic amenities such as a health centre and a borehole for water provision.
About 1,874 IDP families from 14 communities benefited from the housing project. Each of them received food and non-food items, N50,000 cash for the household heads and another N20,000 for each housewife.
In her goodwill message, Madam Annet Gunther commended Governor Zulum for the laudable projects that helped people affected by insurgency pick up the pieces of their lives.
She said: “This housing project is also a great example of collaboration between the government of Borno State and international partners. Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international partners.”
Elsie Attafuah corroborated Gunther’s commendation of Zulum’s administration, noting that the housing project aligns with UNDP’s regional stabilisation effort which is working towards peace restoration in communities in Lake Chad area.
Governor Zulum, in his address, explained that while the German Government funded the construction of 500 permanent and another 900 semi-permanent shelters, Borno State Government constructed the remaining 500 houses and provided amenities such as a health centre and potable water among others.
“A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed between Borno State Government and UNDP in 2020 under the RS German initiative to start the construction of 500 housing units. In August 2023, another LOA was signed under RSF German reintegration funds aimed at completing the 500 permanent housing units, providing an additional 900 semi-permanent shelters, and installing 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said.
He added that in addition to these efforts, Borno State Government had also constructed 500 permanent housing units and provided toilets for the temporary shelters, bringing the total number of houses constructed to 1,900.
According to Zulum, these accommodations will play a crucial role in the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of some IDP camps in Monguno, ensuring a smoother transition for resettling families.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt and the European Union, among other donors for supporting Borno State.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Germany for their generous contribution and to UNDP for their unwavering partnership.
“Additionally, we thank all other donors and contributors to the RSF, UN OFFER, and other funding initiatives dedicated to promoting peace, stability, reintegration and development in Borno State,” Zulum stated.
Dignitaries, including the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Foud, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sotyoko, the head of UNDP office, Maiduguri, Mathew Alao, community leaders and citizens, gathered to witness the commissioning ceremony.
German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre
VP Shettima charges journalists on courage to serve as conscience of the nation
NDE disclaims message urging unemployed to register in its offices
Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS
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