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Climate Change Challenges In Nigeria – CSOs, Advancing Awareness
In the quest for a sustainable future, Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st), International Climate Change Development Initiative (ICCDI), and Connected Advocacy (CA) unite forces under the banner of the Raising Awareness on Net-zero in Nigeria (RANZNigeria) initiative in calling on the government and the communities to mitigate climate change impacts.
The dialogue held in Abuja, stakeholders came together to raise awareness about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in Nigeria.
Titilope Ngozi Akosa The Executive Director of Centre For 21st Century Issues.
highlighted the formidable challenges posed by climate change in Nigeria.
She emphasized that climate change stands as the most pressing issue facing humanity in Nigeria.
Astonishingly, Nigeria has been classified as one of the top ten countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, according to the 2020 and 2021 Climate Change Vulnerability Index.
Despite contributing only 1.0 percent of global emissions, Nigeria bears a disproportionately high burden of vulnerability.
However, the nation remains committed to taking robust climate action, employing both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
One notable initiative is the development of National Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Nigeria has taken significant strides towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
This ambitious goal is supported by a slew of policies, strategies, and action plans.
According to the energy transition plan, an estimated $4010 billion, with an annual requirement of $10 billion, is earmarked for transitioning key sectors.
These sectors include cooking, transport, oil and gas, industries, and power, all shifting towards cleaner technologies like electric and solar cooking, e-mobility, low-carbon industrial processes, and renewable energy in the power sector.
Non-governmental organizations have rallied behind this cause, calling on the government, civil society organizations (CSOs), media outlets, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other institutions to initiate campaigns against deforestation.
Furthermore, they stress the importance of sensitizing communities about the dangers of bush burning and deforestation.
To counteract these challenges, they advocate for large-scale tree plantations and the adoption of systematic digital agricultural farming techniques.
The representative of the Department of climate change of the federal ministry of of environment Sir. Uwem Jonah Useh acknowledges that achieving net zero is an arduous challenge.
However, Nigeria is not alone in this endeavor.
Some of the world’s most talented teams and cutting-edge technologies are actively working to address climate change.
One such initiative is the construction of the world’s largest Direct Air Capture facility by 1PointFive.
Anticipated to be operational by mid-2025, this 500,000-tonne facility represents a significant leap towards a sustainable future.
The director re-emphasizes the urgency of the climate change issue, stressing that our environment is no longer safe.
He urges the government and CSOs to unite in preventing further carbon-induced effects in society.
Professor Chuks Okereke, speaking at the gathering, highlighted the pivotal role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in achieving climate justice and accountability.
Curbing global temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2050 necessitates unwavering commitment, partnerships, and significant carbon removal efforts.
Organizations like 1PointFive are collaborating with leading entities to forge practical pathways toward decarbonization.
Demands Full Disclosure on Refurbished Refineries
A coalition of lawyers and civil society organizations (CSOs) today submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), seeking full disclosure on the status of refineries refurbished during the tenure of Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer.
The Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, leading the coalition, demanded transparency and accountability on the reported expenditure of $4 billion on refineries repairs.
Led by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel, the group alleged inflation of refineries rehabilitation contracts, fraudulent allocation of crude oil proceeds, misappropriation of funds, and other questionable practices during Kyari’s tenure from July 2019 to April 2025.
The FOI request seeks specific details on payments to consultants and contractors, crude oil allocations, budgetary provisions for the AKK Pipeline Project, documentation on gasoline imports, and information on crude-backed loans and oil exploration activities.
The group emphasized the need for accountability and restoring public trust in NNPCL’s operations.
They urged the NNPCL to provide the requested information within the stipulated timeframe under the Freedom of Information Act.
“We are concerned about the growing reports of monumental Inflation of the Refineries Rehabilitation Contracts with allegations that the costs of refurbishing the refineries were significantly inflated, Fraudulent Allocation and Mismanagement of Crude Oil Proceeds, Misappropriation of Funds in the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, Fuel Subsidy Fraud, Value Review for NNPCL’s Crude-Backed Loans, and Fraudulent Oil Exploration Activities that have yielded no benefits to the nation,” the letter signed by Comrade Ogwuche Emmanuel said.
“Our findings, supported by reliable intelligence, suggest a pattern of institutionalizing of these questionable practices during Mallam Kyari’s tenure. As an organisation of law-abiding Nigerians, who are affected by these identified issues, we require information to seek judicial intervention.
“Consequently, we require the following information from July 1, 2019 to April 29, 2025: Specific details of payments to consultants and contractors, work scopes, and the justification for payments for the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries.
“Information regarding crude oil allocations and financial transactions under the guise of pipeline security payments. Details of the budgetary provisions, foreign financing arrangements, and physical progress of the AKK Pipeline Project.
“Documentation including ship records, bills of lading, and discharge certificates for gasoline imports during the stated period. Information regarding the structure, terms, and purposes of crude-backed loans taken from 2019 to date.
“Documentation and feasibility outcomes of oil exploration activities in Gombe, Bauchi, Ogun, and Nasarawa states. Given the gravity of the allegations that necessitated this request, it is imperative that the NNPCL provides full transparency on the expenditures and activities undertaken during Mallam Kyari’s tenure”.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman for Zamfara State, Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani, has lauded Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, for his unwavering support.
The commendation came as Danfulani presented his appointment letter as the new Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi state, a position conferred by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During a visit to the minister’s office, Tukur Danfulani expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity, pledging to execute his duties with integrity and dedication to align with the president’s expectations.
“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for this appointment and his generosity,” Danfulani said.
He also acknowledged Dr Matawalle’s consistent backing, crediting the minister’s support as instrumental to his new role.
In response, Dr Matawalle urged Danfulani to uphold honesty, commitment, and patriotism in his leadership at the Medical Centre, emphasising the importance of serving with distinction.
The appointment marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare administration, with Danfulani expected to bring his experience to enhance the operations of the Federal Medical Centre in Azare, Bauchi state.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested businessman Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, on Tuesday morning.
E-Money, who is the CEO of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, was arrested in Lagos State for alleged abuse of the naira.
He is being held at the EFCC facility in Lagos, according to sources who confirmed his arrest to ELANZANEWS on Tuesday.
According to the source, E-Money is being investigated for allegedly spraying both Naira and US dollars at a party in Lagos in violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.