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Nigeria, Germany Launch Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions Project to Tackle Climate Change and Boost Food Security
Nigeria, Germany Launch Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions Project to Tackle Climate Change and Boost Food Security
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has officially launched the Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions (CORE) Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from rice production while boosting yields and strengthening food security.
The project is the result of a long-standing agricultural cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and in partnership with Olam Agri Nigeria Ltd.
The high-profile launch, held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne; representatives of Olam Agri Nigeria; development partners; and senior government officials.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described agriculture as a pillar of Nigeria’s economy and a lifeline for millions of families. He stressed that the CORE project comes at a critical moment as climate change continues to threaten food production systems.
“This initiative will empower smallholder farmers in Kano, Benue, and Nasarawa with scalable, climate-smart farming practices. By reducing methane emissions from rice paddies, we are not only safeguarding livelihoods but also contributing to Nigeria’s climate goals,” he said.
Kyari noted that the project demonstrates how agricultural carbon offsetting can be credible, transparent, and inclusive, laying the foundation for a sustainable carbon market in Nigeria.
Representing the German government, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Johannes Lehne reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
He highlighted that Germany contributed €9.94 billion to climate finance globally in 2023, leveraging both public and private investments.
Germany’s agricultural portfolio in Nigeria and ECOWAS, worth €117 million and co-financed by partners including the Gates Foundation and the European Union, focuses on food security, nutrition, job creation, and climate-smart farming practices.
“CORE is a practical step towards reducing methane emissions while boosting rice yields. Germany is proud to support Nigeria, not only financially but also in shaping the enabling policies that will make agricultural carbon markets thrive,” Lehne said.
Delivering a special address on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations underscored the urgency of tackling climate change in Nigeria.
He reminded participants that agriculture contributes nearly 25% of Nigeria’s GDP but also accounts for 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, with rice farming being one of the largest contributors due to methane from flooded paddies.
He emphasized Nigeria’s pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2060 under the Paris Agreement, guided by the Climate Change Act (2021), the Energy Transition Plan, and the National Adaptation Plan.
“Nigeria loses over $100 million annually to climate-related flooding. The CORE project is proof that climate solutions can also be prosperity solutions. A farmer in Nasarawa told us, ‘For the first time, my rice field used less water and gave me more harvest.’ This is the future we must scale up across the country,” he said.
Speakers at the event stressed the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and local communities in sustaining the project. Olam Agri Nigeria, a key partner in implementation, is expected to provide technical expertise and market support to smallholder farmers.
Nigeria, Germany Launch Carbon Offsetting Rice Emissions Project to Tackle Climate Change and Boost Food Security
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained 34 Community Protection Rights Advocates to protect and promote human rights in Gombe state.
Dr Joseph Wanshe, the State Coordinator of the Commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.
Wanshe said that the training was imperative toward achieving the mandate of the commission in the state.
According to him, the trained advocates, who are mostly in rural areas, will penetrate distant and rural communities where human rights violations are rampant.
He said that the training has started yielding the expected results as there have been increased number of reported cases of human rights violations from rural communities across the state.
He said that the advocates have been deployed to the 11 local government areas of the state.
“We are witnessing an upsurge in human rights reporting coming to the office.
“ The numbers are increasing as regards civil and political rights followed by cases of women and children, domestic violence, economic, social and cultural rights.
“ There are many factors involved in the upsurge as the NHRC within the last one month has stepped up sensitisations and stakeholders’ engagements.
“ We have trained Community Protection Rights advocates, who have been working and as a result, awareness has increased and number of complaints received have spiked,” he said.
Wanshe said that the trained advocates have been affiliated to NHRC at the local government levels toward ensuring wider coverage of the state in terms of human rights protection.
He assured residents on the commission’s effort at ensuring that it achieved effectively its mandate of protection and promotion of human rights.
Wanshe commended the people of Gombe State for their improved confidence in NHRC which has resulted in improved reportage of human rights violations
He further urged communities to support the advocates in their domains in the overall interest of human rights protection.
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 11 suspected criminals conveying materials believed to be for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
By: Zagazola Makama
Security sources said the suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were arrested at about 12:59 a.m. on April 27 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road, allegedly loaded with IED-making materials.
According to preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.
Items recovered from them include explosive charges and three-and-a-half bags of unidentified mineral substances, among other sundry materials.
The suspects are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain their intent and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Godel community of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:08 p.m. on April 27 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the sources, the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area following the encounter.
However, during the attack, the assailants reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle belonging to residents of the community.
Three civilians were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent further attacks and recover the rustled livestock.
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
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