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UN Calls for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution in Nigeria
UN Calls for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
United Nations (UN) has called for urgent action against plastic pollution in Nigeria, insisting that “Nigeria’s plastic pollution has reached an alarming scale, with neither urban nor rural areas escaping this blight.”
Speaking at the 50th Environment Day celebration organised by the UN and Green Hub Africa, at the UN House in Abuja, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mathias Schmale decried that Nigeria uses over 1.5 million metric tons of plastic each year, one of the highest in Africa.
He equally lamented that much of this is single use such as plastic bags, bottles, and straws, noting that Lagos alone uses 10 million plastic bags a day.
He said: “Waste management remains a challenge across the country. A large portion of plastic waste ends up in open dumps, landfills, water bodies, drainage systems, and along coastal areas. In fact, a mere 10% of plastic is recycled according to the Federal Ministry of the Environment.
“We need to urgently address plastic pollution in Nigeria if we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs.”
He explained that this however is a problem that can be solved, adding that: “A new report by the UN Environment Programme shows that we can reduce plastic pollution by 80 per cent by 2040. But we must act now.
“We need collaborative efforts from all stakeholders – a whole-of-society approach – including Government, private sector, CSOs, and international partners to enhance policy implementation, promote a circular economy, and reduce plastic use.
“Innovative solutions and new technologies are required to tackle plastic pollution effectively in Nigeria. R&D is essential to develop sustainable approaches and alternatives to single-use plastic.
“Raising awareness among the general public of the impacts of plastic pollution is equally important. Education campaigns, clean-up drives, and recycling initiatives can move us as a society towards more responsible consumption and waste management.”
Schmale, who was represented by the UNDP Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya, promised that the UN will continue to work with its partners in Nigeria to tackle plastic pollution.
He said: “For instance, UNIDO has been supporting the Government in advancing its waste management policy. UNEP is involved in another project called ‘Circular and POPs-free Plastics in Africa’ which aims to reduce persistent organic pollutants from the plastics value chain.”
He said: “The UN commends the Government of Nigeria for playing an active role at the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee meetings for the development of this global plastic convention.
“We look forward to working closely with the new administration on this issue and others related to plastics. The UN stands ready to provide technical expertise, capacity building, and financial aid as we combat this pollution together.”
He said: “On this World Environment Day 2023, let us remember that each one of us has a role to play. We can all take action in our daily lives by making sustainable choices. As individuals and consumers, we can act now to reuse, recycle, reorient, and diversify away from plastics. Together, we can Beat Plastic Pollution.
“A greener Nigeria and a healthier planet are essential for a prosperous and peaceful future.”
On his part the Chief Executive Office/ Founder GreenHubAfrica, Mr, Henry Bassey, explained that: “We are a non-government organisation that promote environmental sustainability through education, edutainment, advocacy using media platforms and programmes. We redesign, repurpose and disseminate simple programmes for better comprehension an awareness of local environmental issues. The goal is to leave the earth better by provoking a mindset shift towards climate action for a healthier and sustainable Africa”.
The theme for this year’s World Environmental day is “Solution to plastic pollution”.
UN Calls for Urgent Action on Plastic Pollution in Nigeria
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Nigerian lawyers Ask to Collaborate with Chinese Colleagues in Law Relating to Investment and Dispute Resolution
Nigerian lawyers Ask to Collaborate with Chinese Colleagues in Law Relating to Investment and Dispute Resolution
By: Michael Mike
Legal practitioners in the country have been advised to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts to address emerging legal challenges in investment frameworks and dispute resolution.
This call was made by a Nigerian judiciary journalist John Azu during the presentation of his book, “Contemporary Legal Cooperation: China and Africa – A Comparative Survey of Legal Systems”
in Abuja.
Azu while highlighting the absence of Nigerian representation at key legal conferences organised by the Chinese government, which have previously included participants from South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, and Kenya, said: “I was privileged to interact with Chinese lawyers and participate in conferences aimed at fostering cooperation with African lawyers.
“At one such event, I noticed no Nigerian lawyers were present. Organisers expressed hope to include Nigeria in future programmes.”
He explained that these programmes, address critical legal issues such as copyright infringement, labor rights, land disputes, and contractual agreements, which are highly relevant to Nigeria.
Azu stressed the importance of learning from China’s legal system, especially given the substantial investments the country has made across Africa.
“China has invested billions of dollars in Africa, but these investments require comprehensive legal frameworks to prevent prolonged disputes,” he said, citing past cases of Nigeria facing asset seizures due to unresolved breaches in investment agreements.
He further emphasised that understanding China’s legal philosophy and fostering collaboration could help Nigeria protect its interests.
“This collaboration provides insights into legal systems that underpin large-scale investments, ensuring mutual benefits for both parties,” Azu stated.
He said with Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy, it is vital for the country’s legal professionals to seize such opportunities to shape the future of cross-border investments and legal cooperation.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, represented by the Vice-Director of the China Cultural Centre, Liu Zhanping, stressed the importance of law in safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights.
Zhanping highlighted that legal systems play a crucial role in ensuring the protection of individuals within any society. “Law is essential to protect every citizen of a country and their fundamental rights,” he stated.
Azu’s book serves as a resource for legal practitioners, policymakers, and academics, offering strategies to strengthen legal ties between Nigeria and China.
Nigerian lawyers Ask to Collaborate with Chinese Colleagues in Law Relating to Investment and Dispute Resolution
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ECOWAS Court Declares Case Filed by Togolese Diaspora Groups Against Togo Inadmissible
ECOWAS Court Declares Case Filed by Togolese Diaspora Groups Against Togo Inadmissible
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has dismissed the case filed by le Collectif pour la Vérité des Urnes TOGO-DIASPORA et le Réseau de la coordination de la diaspora togolaise indépendante – (CVU- TOGO-DISPORA ET CONSORTS (RCDTI) against the Republic of Togo. The Court ruled the application inadmissible due to the lack of legal standing of the applicants.
The applicants, le Collectif pour la Vérité des Urnes TOGO-DIASPORA et le Réseau de la coordination de la diaspora togolaise indépendante – (CVU- TOGO-DISPORA ET CONSORTS (RCDTI), alleged violations of the 1992 Constitution of Togo (amended in 2019) and the rights of Togolese citizens. The case referenced constitutional and legislative changes, electoral irregularities, and alleged misconduct by Togolese institutions, seeking accountability and reparations for victims.
The Republic of Togo, despite being notified, did not file any written defense.
The applicants requested the Court to declare the constitutional amendments invalid, annul all acts stemming from them, and order reparations totaling 3.870.000 euros for damages. They also sought the release of political prisoners, accountability for crimes against humanity, and reforms in governance.
In the Judgment delivered by Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the Judge Rapporteur, the Court determined that the applicants, as an association operating outside Togo, failed to prove their legal status under Togolese or any other ECOWAS Member State’s law. Additionally, it said that the absence of a legal registration document rendered the applicants ineligible to initiate proceedings before the Court. Therefore, it declared the application inadmissible due to lack of legal standing.
The three-member panel of the Court were Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves (presiding judge and judge rapporteur), Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma (panel member), and Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara (Panel member).
ECOWAS Court Declares Case Filed by Togolese Diaspora Groups Against Togo Inadmissible
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HMOD LAUDS NAF’S OPERATIONAL READINESS, SYMBOLICALLY FLAGS OFF AIR CAMPAIGN UNDER OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
HMOD LAUDS NAF’S OPERATIONAL READINESS, SYMBOLICALLY FLAGS OFF AIR CAMPAIGN UNDER OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
By: Olusola Akinboyewa
The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, visited the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Katsina and Sokoto States today, 18 November 2024. The visit emphasized the need for operational readiness and sustained air superiority in the fight against banditry and insurgency in Northwest Nigeria.
During his visit, the HMOD symbolically flagged off the re-invigorated air campaign under Operation FANSAN YAMMA. This marks a key milestone in neutralizing criminal elements and restoring peace to vulnerable communities.
The Minister praised the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its dedication and successful execution of air interdiction campaigns. “Your bravery and professionalism serve as an inspiration to the Nigerian people. We’re witnessing positive changes: farmers returning to farms, children back in school, businesses reopening, and Nigerians sleeping in peace.”
The HMOD acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing NAF’s effectiveness. “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, we’ve prioritized investments in advanced technologies and resources. The President has provided state-of-the-art aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, boosting our capabilities.”
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, thanked the Minister for his visit and support. “Your servant leadership inspires us. Your operational visits have heightened morale and renewed the fighting spirit of our troops.”
The CAS reaffirmed the NAF’s loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He also assured the nation of the NAF’s relentless determination to restore peace and stability to troubled areas. “We understand peace and stability are crucial for Nigeria’s prosperity. Rest assured, the NAF remains committed to safeguarding national unity and progress.”
The visit included inspections, discussions with field commanders, and briefings on the air campaign, as well as a breathtaking fly-past by daring young NAF fighter pilots. The HMOD praised NAF’s use of intelligence and technology in striking bandit strongholds.
The visit served as a morale booster, highlighting air power’s critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s citizenry and territorial integrity.
HMOD LAUDS NAF’S OPERATIONAL READINESS, SYMBOLICALLY FLAGS OFF AIR CAMPAIGN UNDER OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA
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