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Over 179 million Nigerians live in unclean environment-Report
Over 179 million Nigerians live in unclean environment-Report
By: Michael Mike
Over 179 million people in Nigeria are living in unclean environment, according to the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) study.
The Seventh Edition of the public presentation of the State of the Nigerian Environment (STONE) study showed that this was an improvement over last year’s record which stood at 183 million.
The report was made available on Friday at an event tagged: “cleanest state champions in Nigeria tagged “Stone 2024 Unplugged,” by the National Coordinator of a non governmental organisation (NGO), Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), Mr. Prince Owoh.
According to Owoh the indicators used in the study aimed to promote comprehensive environmental policies targeting governments at all levels and citizens.
He noted that: “The 2024 zonal rating has significant merits, expected to improve Nigeria’s national cleanliness index rating.
“On one hand, the country has seen a slight improvement in reducing open defecation, from 24 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent in 2024,” he said.
Owoh said that STONE aimed to highlight the importance of environmental cleanliness and sustainability in terms of waste management.
He said: “Nigeria’s sanitation situation is a mixed bag.Unfortunately, waste recycling efforts have declined, dropping from 26 per cent in 2023 to 19 per cent in 2024. This decrease is attributed to the rising poverty levels in the country.
“The Stone Study’s findings further revealed that only seven states demonstrated good personal hygiene and sanitation practices among their citizens.”
He however noted that the annual Cleanliness Performance Index rating ranked Akwa Ibom and Abuja as cleanest states in Nigeria which enabled some states show commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Akwa Ibom state recently launched massive improved waste equipment combined with improving its sanitation of citizens, offering valuable insights for improvement.
“The zonal emphasis rating fosters regional integration, making the competition more relevant to
local environments.
The National Coordinator who is also the Secretary, National Technical Study Group (NTSG), said that the cleanliness index rating would address specific cleanliness challenges in each state and drive positive change in Nigeria’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
“The zonal approach will also facilitate interstate collaboration and partnership, promoting another and adopt effective strategies to address their unique environmental challenges towards a cleaner and healthier nation.
Owoh while announcing the six zonal cleanest state champions in Nigeria, said “the yearly Cleanliness Performance Index Rating, chaired by Prof. Solomon Balogun, Chairman, STONE NTSG showed that Akwa Ibom is the cleanest state in the South-South.
“Enugu State in the South East, Lagos State in the South-West, Plateau in the North-Central, Borno in the North-East, and Kaduna State in the North-West.
“By highlighting successes and challenges in each zone, the zonal approach will inspire positive and responsibility among citizens for their local environment,” he stated.
He said this in turn will enhance six consecutive years effective data collection and analysis from 2018 to 2023.
These six zonal cleanliness champions were awarded the prestigious STONE Green Crystal Award in 2024, he said.
He said the zonal ratings will provide a more accurate assessment of strengths and weaknesses on a zonal basis, enabling states within each zone to benchmark themselves against one another.
He assured that the zonal rating would equally promote healthy competition, drive self-improvement and targeted interventions to change and showcase best practices.
Over 179 million Nigerians live in unclean environment-Report
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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