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Nigeria to Roll Out Comprehensive National Carbon Market Policy Soon, Says NCCCS
Nigeria to Roll Out Comprehensive National Carbon Market Policy Soon, Says NCCCS
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria will soon be rolling out a comprehensive National Carbon Market Policy, Manual of Procedure and Regulation for carbon pricing mechanisms in the country.
When released, these documents will provide the overarching structure for carbon pricing mechanisms in Nigeria, including those potentially applicable to the telecommunications sector.
Leading the development of these documents is the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS).
Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change and Director General, NCCCS, Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, revealed this plan on Tuesday at the Hybrid Stakeholders Consultation Workshop on Carbon Pricing in Nigeria’s Telecommunication Sector, held in Abuja.
According to Maduekwe, this process is currently underway and benefiting significantly from stakeholder input, ensuring that the final output is robust, practical, and aligned with international best practices.
She said: “Your contributions to this workshop will directly inform the ongoing development of this crucial national framework. promoting carbon pricing mechanisms, we are exploring the feasibility and implementation of carbon pricing instruments, such as emissions trading schemes and carbon tax as stipulated in sections 4 and 15 of the CCA, to incentivize emissions reduction and drive investments in clean technologies.”
Maduekwe, while noting that the workshop will explore the telecommunications sector’s carbon footprint and mitigation opportunities and the various carbon pricing mechanisms and their suitability for the sector, said: “These will also include the potential economic and social impacts of carbon pricing and developing a roadmap for implementation.”
She added that the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat is committed to driving co-creation as this is crucial to fostering implementation, stating that: “We recognize that the telecommunications sector is unique, with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial that we adopt a tailored approach that considers the specific circumstances of the sector. Your insights, perspectives, and experiences will provide us the tools useful to develop a carbon pricing mechanism that is both effective and feasible for the telecommunications sector.”
She emphasized that with stakeholders collaborative efforts, Nigeria can develop a robust and effective carbon pricing mechanism for the telecommunications sector.
Maduekwe explained that: “This mechanism will not only contribute significantly to national emissions reductions but also serve as a valuable model, informing the development and implementation of similar mechanisms in other key sectors of the Nigerian economy. The insights and best practices derived from this pilot initiative will be instrumental in scaling up carbon pricing across various industries, catalyzing innovation, stimulating investment, and fostering sustainable economic growth nationwide.”
She noted that the workshop forms part of the process to ensure a whole of government and society ownership of the charted pathway, stating that: “We are exploring the feasibility and implementation of carbon pricing instruments, such as emissions trading schemes and carbon tax as stipulated in sections 4 and 15 of the CCA, to incentivize emissions reduction and drive investments in clean technologies.”
While explaining that the workshop is a prime example of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive policy development, Maduekwe said: “We believe that collaboration is key to effective climate action. We are actively engaging with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as media, academia, and civil society organizations, to ensure that our policies are inclusive and effective.”
On his part, the Regional Lead United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)-Regional Collaboration Centre for West and Central Africa, Mr Walter Tubua, asked all stakeholders to conduct formulation of a carbon tax “a pilot carbon tax design” in a very transparent and inclusive manner.
He said that the UNFCC is committed to formulating climate change polices that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and poverty eradication.
He said: “We are here to work with you on what you what to achieved, and we will be standing right here with you to help you achieved these.”
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Fall, urged all stakeholders to actively participate, share knowledge, and collaborate to ensure that this pilot carbon tax design is effective, equitable, and aligned with Nigeria’s development aspirations.
He emphasized that the outcomes of the workshop will lay the foundation for future climate policies in Nigeria and demonstrate the country’s leadership in adopting innovative solutions for emission reductions.
Fall said: “This collective effort from the UN family, combined with the active participation of the private sector some her with us today guided by growing ESG principles, and supported by forward-thinking policies like carbon pricing, is what will truly drive Nigeria’s transformation towards a resilient, low-carbon future.”
He also reiterated that the UN System in Nigeria are committed to this journey, and will continued to partner with the Federal and State Governments of Nigeria.
He added that: “The UNFCCC, through the RCC WAC Africa, has also been quite instrumental in supporting our exploration of innovative climate finance mechanisms, including the interesting subject of carbon pricing. The UNFCCC’s guidance has been invaluable in helping all of us to navigate this complex landscape, and their support is exemplified by our gathering here today. UNIDO is driving industrial decarbonization and promoting clean energy projects, helping us to green our industries and build a more sustainable economy.”
Deputy Director, Head, Knowledge Management, Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, Dr Beluchi Nwanisobi said the NCC will continue to collaborate and work with National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, NCCCS to achieve its mandate.
The workshop was organized by NCCCS in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission with the support of UNFCCC Secretariat and its Regional Collaboration Centre for West Africa.
Nigeria to Roll Out Comprehensive National Carbon Market Policy Soon, Says NCCCS
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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