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Stakeholders Call for Collective Efforts at Reducing Carbon Emissions

Published

3 weeks ago

September 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Stakeholders Call for Collective Efforts at Reducing Carbon Emissions

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders have called for collective efforts towards reducing carbon emissions to safeguard public health and the environment.

Speaking at the maiden two-day World Decarbonization Summit 2025, themed “Accelerating decarbonization for a climate-secure future,” in Abuja, they also highlighted the roles of women and the media as central to climate advocacy and behavioural change, noting that they are well-placed to instill sustainable habits in families and communities.

The stakeholders noted that the summit goes beyond making declarations to delivering concrete strategies, alliances, and solutions that can advance renewable energy access, climate justice, and inclusive leadership.

They revealed that the summit also serves as a platform to raise public awareness about the health and environmental dangers of carbon emissions and an avenue to shape Africa’s role in the global energy transition.

They noted that though Nigeria depends heavily on crude oil revenues and fossil fuel use, but it remains among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts as the country in recent years have witnessed severe flooding that has displaced communities across states, and faced severe desertification while urban centres continue to grapple with air pollution and health hazards linked to gas flaring and generator dependence.

The summit underscores the urgency of finding a balance between sustaining an oil-driven economy and embracing renewable energy solutions.

Speaking at the summit, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, warned that climate change is not a one-off programme but a way of life that demands constant awareness and action.

She said: “Carbon in the air is very dangerous. We have decided to come up with a World Decarbonisation Day as a day to remind people of the effects of carbon in the air — extreme temperatures, death, bronchiolitis, asthma, and different lung diseases. Younger people are having more cancer now because they are breathing in all sorts of things. We want to start reducing the amount of carbon we put into the air.”

Fasawe identified major sources of emissions as car exhaust fumes, generators, fossil fuel use, open burning, and combustion at dump sites.

Fasawe while noting that fossil fuels cannot be eliminated without disrupting the ecosystem, however called for greater investment in renewable energy such as solar power, inverters, and batteries to serve homes, hospitals, and entire communities.

She stressed that the role of women in driving climate advocacy and shaping behavioural change cannot be overlooked, stating that they are uniquely positioned to promote sustainable practices within families and communities.

She said: “I believe that women are the nuclei of every society. At home, at work, even in business, there are some things you would defer to women, and that is why women are a very vital tool in sending out this message. Like I said, it is a way of life. It is women who will teach the children, it is women who will educate their spouses.”

Fasawe also urged the media to intensify awareness efforts, stressing that climate change is real and that responsibility for reducing carbon emissions rests not only with the government but with individuals as well.

In her opening address, the National President, Women in Energy, Oil & Gas, Mrs. Tolu Longe, said the summit is not about repeating old pledges but about charting bold strategies for Africa and women to lead in the global energy transition.

Longe described decarbonisation as not just a shift in technology but a power shift, noting that the continent must stop exporting raw resources while importing finished products.

She said: “If we want a just transition, we must stop thinking of women and Africa as beneficiaries of climate action. We are authors of the transition. We are investors, innovators, and architects of the new energy economy.

“Here in Abuja, we are not just gathering to repeat what has been said elsewhere. We are here to set a new tone — that decarbonization is not just a technology shift, but a power shift; that climate justice is not about charity, but about geopolitics; and that Africa must stop exporting raw resources and importing finished dreams.”

She however asked Africa to position itself as a leader in renewable energy and decentralized energy access.

The Chairperson of the Summit, Mrs. Toyin Yusuf, on her part said there is urgent need for policy frameworks that balance energy security with sustainability, while opening space for female professionals to contribute.

She explained that without deliberate policies to encourage women’s participation, Nigeria risks excluding a critical demographic from shaping its future energy mix.

She urged policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international partners to provide financing, build capacity, and create inclusive platforms that empower women in the sector.

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, also noted the importance of women in the clean energy transition and advocacy efforts.

He explained that the committee had visited gas flaring sites, engaged oil industry players, and was advancing a bill to penalise and stop gas flaring.

The bill, already at second reading, seeks tougher penalties for offenders and compensation for communities suffering health and environmental effects of gas flaring.

Ugbor assured that once passed, the bill would reduce incentives for gas flaring and push companies to invest in capturing and productively using the flared gas.
End

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U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations

Published

12 hours ago

September 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations

By: Michael Mike

The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) office in Lagos has partnered with the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce’s (NACC), Kaduna

Chapter and the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) to host a “Discussion Roundtable on

Innovative Approaches to Agricultural Trade for Economic Growth and Food Security.”

The event was attended by Nigerian agricultural trade policy advisors, legislator

representatives, agribusiness leaders, researchers, regulators, and U.S. agricultural trade associations. The discussions focused on the impacts of Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions on food prices, local production, and investment. Experts presented on

innovative approaches to agricultural trade that have successfully been used in other

countries and could be adapted in Nigeria to support its economic growth and food

security goals.

The event featured the presentation of Nigerian-led research conducted in consultation with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) on the impact of Nigeria’s agricultural trade restrictions on food prices, local production, and value-added processing.

Key findings from the NIPSS research highlighted the adverse effects of

agricultural trade restrictions, including increasing food prices for consumers, shifting trade to informal channels which reduce government revenues and decrease food safety oversight, and a lack of regulatory clarity for Nigerian agribusinesses engaged in trade.

Recommendations included adjusting trade restrictions to ensure long-term stability of

food prices and raw material availability. Experts presented case studies of innovative agricultural trade practices, such as tariff rate quotas and a private-sector led export trading company mechanism that transparently values and distributes the financial benefits of an import quota to domestic stakeholders for scientific, educational, or promotional programmes.

During the event, Chairman of NACC’s Kaduna Chapter, Matthew Obogbaimhe, shared that “Revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector requires more than trade restrictions; it demands innovation, sustainable practices, and investment in infrastructure. This vision is why the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce chose to partner with FAS to drive

agricultural innovation and trade across Africa.”

“The roundtable provided a unique platform to exchange ideas and explore innovative

agricultural trade policies that benefit the consumers and farmers from Nigeria and the United States,” said Agricultural Counselor for the FAS office in

Lagos, Christopher Bielecki, adding that: “By fostering dialogue, we discussed innovative solutions to strengthen agricultural trade, reduce costs for agribusinesses and consumers, and drive prosperity for American and Nigerian farmers.

NABG Director General, Jafar Umar, noted “As the leading voice of agribusiness in Nigeria, we believe this roundtable is both timely and highly relevant to the national discourse on advancing trade and strengthening food security. We are happy to partner with FAS on this important initiative, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration through many more impactful engagements in the future.”

The U.S. Mission’s Foreign Agricultural Service office in Lagos looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Nigeria and agribusiness stakeholders to translate the Roundtable’s recommendations into action. By working together to advance innovative

agricultural trade policies, the United States and Nigeria can foster greater food security,

create opportunities for valued-added processing, investment, and strengthen trade for our agricultural sectors.

U.S. Department, Nigerian Partners Host Agricultural Trade Roundtable to Share Agricultural Trade Policy Insights and Recommendations

News

Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

Published

12 hours ago

September 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China jointly celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, an age-old Chinese tradition symbolizing family reunion, harvest, and blessings in Abuja on Thursday.

The colorful cultural festival showcase also served as a platform to reaffirm the deepening friendship and cooperation between both nations.

The celebration, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, featured captivating performances by top artists from the Shenzhen Opera & Dance Theatre, Shantou Acrobatic Troupe, and Shenzhen XingZhe Fusion Band.

Guests were treated to a vibrant blend of dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and music inspired by Chinese poetry and folklore.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the cultural and symbolic significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

He said: “On this day, we enjoy mooncakes while admiring the full moon, sending our thoughts and best wishes to family and friends who aren’t by our side,” the envoy noted, quoting a famous Chinese poem: “The sea mirrors the rising moon bright; Miles apart, our hearts share tonight.”

Yu also highlighted the unique role of cultural exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties.

“Friendship, which derives from close contact between peoples, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Events like this are a heartfelt expression of our warmest wishes for the China-Nigeria friendship,” he said.

The Ambassador further introduced Shenzhen, home to the performing artists, as a shining example of China’s transformation. Once a fishing village, the city has evolved into a global innovation hub with a population of 18 million and a GDP surpassing $500 billion in 2024.

Alongside its technological growth, Shenzhen has nurtured a vibrant cultural scene that blends tradition with creativity.

Guests also explored a photo exhibition titled “The Charms of Shenzhen” at the Cultural Center’s Multi-Function Hall, offering insights into China’s modernization journey.

Representing the Nigerian government, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, praised the cultural showcase and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with China through cultural diplomacy.

“The theme of today’s event resonates deeply: The people of China and Nigeria, with their mutual respect and love, celebrate together the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival symbolizing harvest, reunion, and blessings.

This is not merely a statement; it is a true reflection of the blossoming relationship between our two great nations,” Dr. Muhammad said.

He described the Mid-Autumn Festival as a shared value between both countries, noting that Nigeria also celebrates harvests, family unity, and blessings.

“This shared appreciation for life’s most precious gifts forms a powerful bridge between our peoples,” he added.

Muhammad also underscored the historical significance of the 2025 festival, pointing out that both Nigeria and China will mark their national days on October 1, a coincidence he described as “a powerful symbol of aligned aspirations for national pride, development, and progress.”

Reflecting on his recent visit to Xi’an, the historic Chinese city, he commended the depth of China’s cultural heritage, particularly its Terracotta Army, which he called “an awe-inspiring silent legion guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.”

As the evening drew to a close, guests shared mooncakes—a traditional Mid-Autumn delicacy—while toasting to renewed friendship.

Both Ambassador Yu and Dr. Muhammad agreed that cultural and creative exchange is central to strengthening China-Nigeria ties. From shared artistic performances to tourism and creative economy partnerships, the festival underscored the role of culture in bridging distances and deepening collaboration between the two nations.

Nigeria Host Mid-Autumn Festival in Abuja to Further Bond