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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
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation Savannah Shield have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Security sources said the arrests were made at about 7:35 a.m. on March 15 by troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Kaiama.
According to the sources, troops initially apprehended a suspect who was allegedly planning to supply three motorcycles to a terrorist group.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspected terrorists believed to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province/Boko Haram, who had reportedly arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles.
The suspects were said to be planning to transport the motorcycles to terrorists operating in Nuku village.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigeria Police Force in Borno State has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening, in what authorities described as coordinated suicide attacks.
The incidents, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., targeted crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis, including the Maiduguri Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover, Maiduguri.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations revealed that the explosions were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The coordinated nature of the attacks, which struck nearly simultaneously across different parts of the city, has raised fresh concerns about evolving tactics by insurgent groups seeking to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Zagazola noted that the choice of targets particularly a major market, a hospital vicinity, and a busy flyover suggests an intent to maximise casualties, spread fear, and disrupt socio-economic activities in the state capital.
In response, a combined team of Police Tactical Units, military personnel and other joint security operatives were immediately deployed to the affected areas.
The scenes were swiftly secured and cordoned off, while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted detailed sweep operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, led a high-level assessment visit to the affected locations, where he commiserated with victims and their families.
He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, noting that enhanced security measures had been activated across the state.
Emergency responders, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, worked in coordination with medical teams to evacuate victims to hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Despite the scale of the attacks, authorities made the efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas, with security presence significantly increased across Maiduguri and its environs.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, particularly in public places, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The command also commended the resilience and cooperation of residents, reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists after it successfully repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when troops of the 159 Battalion Nigerian Army, B Company, stationed in Kanama, were returning from a routine patrol.
.According to the sources, the troops were ambushed by suspected terrorists along the Longlari–Kanama road near Mairari village.
The troops engaged the terrorists with heavy fire and neutralized several of them forcing many of them fo flee.
Following the encounter, the soldiers conducted exploitation of the general area to track the fleeing insurgents.
Troops nutrialised several Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe
Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara
Babani assumes office as LCBC chief, pledges stronger regional security, cooperation
Maiduguri blasts: Police confirm 23 dead, 108 injured as security heightened
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