By Austen Akhagbeme

Dr Azemhe Azena, the Edo State NNPP Governorship Candidate, has condemned the killings and harassment of harmless #EndBadGovernance protesters nationwide by security agents.

In a statement released today in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, the youthful Philanthropist and televangelist stated that “the youth, which constitutes a greater percentage of our population, must be heard loud and clear and it is quite condemnable when teargas and bullets are given to them in exchange for genuine agitation for good governance”

The Gubernatorial candidate, who himself, has carried out a one-man protest against hunger in Benin City recently, admonished protesters to be law-abiding and peaceful in their agitation for a better Country for all. It should be recalled that over 16 protesters have reportedly been killed so far in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest across the nation.

This has necessitated the nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on Sunday morning, calling for restraint and understanding by the protesters and all Nigerians.

Dr Azemhe Azena, a known advocate for Youth empowerment in Edo State, has given scholarships to scores of youths in the state and beyond and has equally helped in rehabilitating and reintegrating ex-convicts back into society through his youth-centric Foundation and advocacy.

The Federal Government has decried that Nigeria and in fact the whole of Africa is still in pains over decades and centuries of exploitation mostly perpetrated on the continent by Global North countries.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Izaq Salako said this on Thursday in Abuja at the Validation Workshop on the National Biodiversity Targets and Indicators for Early Action Support Project to Implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

The Minister while lamenting that Africa is more vulnerable to climate change, species loss, and biodiversity destruction than other continent, said the African environment and resources, including Nigeria, is hard-hit by decades and centuries of exploitation, mostly perpetrated by other countries, especially in the global north.

Salako while giving assurance of the Nigerian government readiness to have a different narrative, said the country is firm in its resolve to collectively protect species threatened by over-exploitation, expand and strengthen protected areas, set smart targets and indicators as effective measures in the recovery of a natural world.

He noted that: “It is clear that we must use all of the tools at our disposal to reduce the threats to biodiversity, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is guiding our way.

“Nigeria and the rest of African nations are leading the way to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Because Africa will be the most affected by the biodiversity and climate crisis, we are united in being the most ambitious in protecting our lands, our seas, our wildlife, and our people.

“This is our role today, as trustees of the Nigerian people to shine the beacon of hope for the natural world. Let ambition guide you as you validate the goals, targets and indicators that will guide the Nigeria response to the biodiversity crisis.”

He added that the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is the policy instrument for national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and to accelerate action towards achieving the vision for biodiversity and living in harmony with nature by 2050, noting that NBSAP must be rapidly aligned and validated with the new goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

He said: “The KMGBF must be translated into bold action. National goals, targets and measures must match the urgency of the crisis. Let us unite to ensure that our call for ambition for the expansion of protected areas is matched with equal ambition on finance, on halting human-induced extinction of wild species, on mutual accountability to halt forest loss and degradation, on securing species recovery and the restoration of jeopardized ecosystems.”

The Minister said that having seen the strength of Nigeria’s ambition and technical expertise, there is belief that it can implement the ambitious National Biodiversity Targets, promising that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria would continue to support the effective implementation of such instruments like the NBSAP which is crucial to building sustainability and conservation in our country.

“We will keep the momentum in the ECOWAS coordination process particularly in the alignment NBSAP National targets to global targets and subsequent updating of NBSAP as well as in the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty.

“I am counting on all of you to rise to the occasion in the spirit of collective action so that our country can continue to deliver on its obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and other related multi-lateral agreements.”

Lagos State has been ranked top among the 36 states of the country on Climate Governance Performance.

Gombe States was ranked second with Ebonyi State taking the Number 3 position, both Borno State and Ekiti State jointly ranked fourth.

Oyo, Kano and Zamfara States were ranked 34, 35 and 36 respectively, in the result announced on Thursday in Abuja at an event organised by the Departmentof Climate Change in the Federal Ministry of Environment in conjunction with Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).

Speaking at the event, the President, SPP, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke decried that Nigeria is ranked as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world even though its contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is minimal, noting that the country is vulnerable due to its complex agroecological zones, burgeoning urban and rural populations, extensive coastlines which is susceptible to sea level rise, and weak climate governance systems.

He added that with its significant impact on health, food security, livelihood, and economic development, climate change is emerging as a hot topic in Nigeria, increasing featuring in national discussions and political debates, noting that Nigerian government is committed to achieving net zero by 2060 and has initiated some projects at different levels to facilitate the process.

He said: “The effective climate change governance at the subnational level demands the consideration and mainstreaming of climate action into all aspects of government policy-making and development planning. This must be strategically done with clearly set goals and an articulation of the method that will be used to attain the spelt-out goals.”

Okereke disclosed that the template for effective climate governance at the subnational level are vision and objectives, political will, institutional arrangements, policy framework, legal and regulatory framework, climate action plan and policy implementation, financial mechanisms, stakeholders engagement, training and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, communication and awareness and integration with national and global efforts.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal said “Climate governance at the Sub-National level is essential for several reasons. It is at this level that the impacts of climate change are acutely felt. Lands in coastal communities are devastated by erosion while desertification is rampant in the Northern region of the Country. The Sub-National Governments are often at the forefront of implementing policies and actions that directly affect the lives and livelihoods of the people at the grassroots level, therefore, their role in driving climate action is indispensable.”

He noted that the Sub-National Climate Governance Performance Ranking was more than just a ranking, but a tool for motivation, collaboration, and accountability, adding that: “It highlights the best practices, identifies areas for improvement and fosters a spirit of healthy competition among our States and Local Governments. By celebrating the achievements of the top performers and providing support to those lagging behind, we can collectively elevate our national climate response. The criteria for this ranking are rigorous and comprehensive, reflecting the multifaceted nature of climate governance. The process encompasses policy formulation, implementation effectiveness, stakeholder’s engagement, resource allocation and measurable outcomes. This holistic approach ensures that our assessment is not merely quantitative but also qualitative, capturing the distinction of effective climate governance.”

On his part, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said: “Nigeria, like many other nations, is experiencing the far-reaching consequences of climate change. From intensified droughts to severe flooding, the impacts are evident across our states, affecting lives, livelihoods, and our natural ecosystems. It is against this backdrop that we must recognize the pivotal role of our subnational governments in climate action.”

He added: “Today’s event is therefore to highlight the commitment of our 36 states and the FCT to climate governance and the strides they have made in implementing policies, strategies, and actions to combat climate change. The Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking serves as a platform to celebrate these successes, identify areas for improvement, and foster healthy competition that drives progress.

“As we reflect on the results of the ranking that will soon be announced, it is essential to remember that this is not merely an evaluation exercise. It is a call to action, a reminder that climate change requires a collaborative and inclusive approach. Each state has unique challenges and opportunities, and it is through sharing best practices, learning from one another, and working together that we can build resilience and ensure a sustainable future for all Nigerians.”

An estimated 1.3 million people became infected with HIV in 2023, three times more than the target of fewer than 370,000 by 2025. While there has been marked progress in sub-Saharan Africa, for the first time, in 2023 more than half of the new HIV infections occurred outside of sub-Saharan Africa, a report released on Wednesday said.

The report by the Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GBC), said the rising new HIV infections are evident in several countries, particularly in countries where key populations including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people and people who use drugs, are most affected, and investment in prevention was lower, noting that key populations and their sexual partners now represent the majority (55%) of new HIV infections globally, up from 44% in 2010.

The Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GBC), established in 2017, is addressing the HIV prevention crisis. Focusing on 40 countries the GPC, a coalition of United Nations Member States and partners including UNAIDS, donors, civil society and private sector organizations, is working to strengthen and sustain political commitment for HIV prevention.

GPC Co-chair and Former Minister of Health, Botswana. Prof. Sheila Tlou, said: “The HIV epidemic has evolved – now more than ever, we need resilient capacity to deliver and manage integrated, differentiated and equitable HIV prevention interventions,”

There has been great variation in progress among GPC member countries; the biggest declines occurred in countries within eastern and southern Africa including Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe, where new HIV infections were reduced by more than 66% and which are on track to achieve the global target of 90% reduction by 2030 – and, to a lesser extent, in western and central Africa. Expansion of access to effective HIV treatment, combined with an ongoing focus on primary prevention, are driving those achievements.

UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director for Programmes, Angeli Achrekar said: “The moment of opportunity for HIV prevention is now,” adding that: “Today, we have a wider range of prevention options including new long-acting antiretroviral prevention—with the new results about lenacapavir—a twice yearly injection to prevent HIV—providing a promising game-changing option—and new opportunities to communicate about HIV prevention and health.”

According to the report, Long-acting technologies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will play a major role in preventing new infections in the coming years. Access is increasing, but only in a few countries. Around 3.5 million people were accessing PrEP (antiretroviral medicine which prevents HIV) in 2023 up from just 200 000 in 2017, but this remains far short of the 10 million target set for 2025.

New HIV prevention products in the pipeline such as long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) and most recently, lenacapavir, are raising expectations due to their combination of convenience and high efficacy. However, the key is accessibility and affordability. The cost of the new long-acting injectable PrEP options, and the speed with which they are made available to potential users in the countries with the most need will be critical in expanding access to these life-saving technologies.
Persistent gaps remain in HIV prevention coverage (only 61% of areas with high incidence of HIV have programmes for young women, less than half of sex workers, and only about a third of gay men and other men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs regularly access prevention in GPC focus countries).

Condoms remain the most effective low-cost HIV prevention tool, however global condom procurement or distribution in low- and middle-income countries declined by an average of 27% between 2010 and 2022 and procurement by major donors fell by an average 32% in that period. Socially marketed distribution declined from a peak of about 3.5 billion condoms in 2011 to about 1.8 billion in 2022.

Condoms, PrEP, post exposure prophylaxis, antiretroviral therapy to ensure viral suppression thus preventing transmission of the virus, harm reduction and voluntary medical male circumcision are all HIV prevention options that should be real choices available for people at risk of HIV infection. Addressing structural and gender inequalities faced by these priority and key populations is essential in ensuring access to prevention services. The urgency to secure and sustain gains for HIV prevention cannot be overemphasized – programmes need to be community-led and country-led.

“No matter how good the science or community leadership, HIV will not end unless we have significant policy change to reverse criminalization and lessen stigmatization of affected populations. If we can’t protect human rights, then we can’t end HIV. This is never just about the virus—it’s about people, and the people must lead,” said GPC co-chair and Executive Director, AVAC, Mitchell Warren,

The report said an enormous unmet need for resources for HIV prevention and societal enabler programmes in almost all regions persists. An estimated US$ 2.4 billion was available for primary prevention programmes in low- and middle-income countries in 2023 compared to the estimated need of USD 9.5 billion in 2025. Investing in HIV prevention now is essential to scale up programmes, noting that if 1.3 million people continue to acquire HIV every year, the response will become more challenging, more complex and more costly in 2030 and 2050. Increased investments in HIV prevention, strengthened political leadership, enabling legal and policy environments are urgently needed to effectively implement programmes, insisting that the time to act is now.

A total of 158 Nigerian irregular migrants have again been repatriated from Libya, the Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed has revealed

The envoy, in a release made available to journalists on Wednesday, disclosed that the repatriation exercise was carried out by the Mission in collaboration with the Libyan authorities and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under the organisation’s Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR).

The release further stated that the evacuees departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli, aboard chartered flight no: – UZ 189 at 1500hrs local time and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 1800hrs.

According to Mohammed, the group of evacuees comprised seventy-seven (77) males, forty-five (45) females, 26 children as well as 10 infants.

On the reasons for this latest repatriation of these Nigerians, the Nigerian Embassy said they were repatriated for lack of proper documentation and accusations of various criminal activities,among others.

Of the total number, the Embassy said 26 males arrested from the ongoing raid of undocumented foreigners in Libya were released from Abu-Salim Detention Centre in Tripoli.

The Mission also informed that upon arrival in Nigeria, the evacuees were received by relevant government agencies, including NAPTIP, Nigerian Immigration Service, Airport Security and the NDLEA. These evacuees are expected to undergo rehabilitation and reintegration processes before they are released into society.

According to Mohammed, nearly 1, 776 stranded Nigerians have safely been returned home in 2024 so far.

The Nigerian Envoy, while urging citizens to shun irregular migrations,lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,the Libyan authorities and the IOM for coming through for so many of the evacuees,who had the urgent desire to return home,but did not have the means to do so.

He said: “This marks the twelfth evacuation exercise carried out by the Nigerian Mission in Libya this year.

“The current exercise follows the repatriation of one hundred and forty-two (142) irregular Nigerian migrants from Sabha, Libya, on 9th July.

“While some of them were rescued from the Mediterranean Sea by the Libyan Coastal Guards, others were arrested on charges of prostitution, illegally entering the country, over stay and lack of proper documentation, just as others willingly submitted themselves to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Libya for repatriation.

“You know, lately, there have been increasing and coordinated raids of illegal migrants across the cities of Libya and these are likely going to continue as Libyan authorities consider influx of illegal migrants in the country a National Security issue and have vowed to employ all legal means to stop the menace.

“Nigerians living in Libya,from many indications, already have damaged reputations due to the alleged nefarious activities of some criminal elements among them.Some have been fingered in the commitment of crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, drug peddling, prostitution, sale of alcohol as well as cultism and human trafficking with their Libyan collaborators, among others .

“It is, therefore ,as a result of the above that, arrest and deportation of Nigerians may continue in the weeks and months ahead,” the Nigerian Envoy said.

Worried by the challenges of illegal migration, the Libyan authorities recently, on July 17,2024, hosted the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum in Tripoli which brought together source, transit and destination countries to discuss solutions to irregular migration.

The Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation is a programme of the International Organization for Migration that guarantees safe, dignified and expedited return for willing migrants. The Federal Government has through its constant collaborations with this organisation ensured that many irregular Nigerian migrants return home from time to time.

Survivors of Nigerian/Biafra War have cried out over the alleged embezzlement of a whopping #88 billion, paid as compensation to veterans, victims and next of kins of the war.

In a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), signed by the former Military Attache to Gen. Patrick Hannibal Achuzia and current chairman of Veterans Farmers Association Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd., Hon. Major Charles Okechukwu, the umbrella body of the survivors accused the erstwhile chairman of the body, Dr. Emeka Ukaegbu and cohorts for embezzling the funds meant to be disbursed to the war victims and survivors.

“Upon the adjudication on the case brought before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice against the Nigerian Government, our representatives met with the federal government and resolved to settle the matter amicably on terms acceptable to both.

“Out of the said judgement sum of #88Billion, #50 Billion was paid into Chief Noel Agwuocha Chukwukadibia UBA Account, who was the sirvivors” beneficiary lawyer at court, hired by Dr. Emeka Sam Ukaegbu, while the balance of #38 Billion was paid into another UBA Account Deminers Concept Nig. Ltd.”

“Dr. Emeka Sam Ukaegbu working in concert with the States Coordinators of the beneficiaries umbrella body, decided to put modalities in place to facilitate easy identification and payment of the compensation to the veterans and victims.

“To this extent, a five (5) man member Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Committee was inaugurated to oversee the equitable disbursement of the funds among victims veterans and other beneficiaries”, the petitioner explained.

Curiously, five years after the comprehensive and diligent verification exercise of registered victims, veterans and their next of kin, preparatory to disbursement of the compensation funds, Dr. Emeka Ukaegbu and Chief Noel Agwuocha Chukwukadibia refused to release the survivors money.

To this end, all the State Coordinators (of beneficiaries of the war compensation) resolved in a meeting in Anambra State and passed a vote of no confidence on Dr. Emeka Sam Ukaegbu, culminating in his removal as chairman of the body.

“Presently, there’s no Veteran now that is less than 70 years. Most of them are dying. We appeal that you use your good office in disbursing of this funds so that the remaining Veterans, Victims and next of kins alive could enjoy the government compensation before they pass on to greater glory”, the petition added.

Thee National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a great breakthrough as it was able to arrest the ringleader of Mushin drug cartel, Alhaji Sulaiman Jimoh (alias Olowoidiogede, populary known as Temo) after many years of invading arrest.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi read: “After many years of wearing the toga of invincibility, the overall head of the Mushin, Lagos drug cartel, 57-year-old Alhaji Sulaiman Jimoh (alias Olowoidiogede, populary known as Temo), has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at his enclave after an initial resistance from him and his horde of hoodlums.”

The statement further read: “In the last two years, the NDLEA had intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs worth billions of naira owned by Temo but he has remained largely evasive while a few encounters with him and his armed gangs in his Mushin enclave had resulted in gunfight.

“Some of the recent seizures of his shipments include: a 14,524.8 kilogrammes of Ghana Loud, a strong strain of cannabis sativa, smuggled into Lagos from Ghana in two trucks and a J5 bus intercepted at Ojuelegba area of Lagos in the early hours of Sunday 28th January 2024; two truck-loads of the same substance weighing 8,852 kilogrammes intercepted at Eleko beach, Lekki Lagos on 4th May 2023 and 252 kilogrammes of Loud seized from his enclave in Mushin on Wednesday 26th July 2023. Indeed, in the last two encounters, his men engaged NDLEA operatives in gunfight.

“The drug kingpin was very notorious for always being on the move to evade arrest but with persistence and determination of the agency aided by modern tools and intelligence, the concerted effort to get him paid off at 10am on Monday 22nd July 2024 when NDLEA’s surveillance teams on his trail tracked and pinned him down at Igbarere street, Mushin. A reinforcement of about 50 operatives was immediately mobilized to the area while he was attempting to escape in a Mercedes Benz SUV GLE 350 marked 01G-300G.

“His attempt to escape by mobilizing hoodlums to engage and distract the operatives however failed after which he was overpowered and whisked away from the chaotic scene while his men surrendered to the superior firepower of the anti-narcotic agents who also succeeded in recovering the Mercedes Benz SUV the suspect was found in.”

In his reaction to the arrest of Temo, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the Lagos State Command, Special Monitoring Task Force and other formations tasked with the assignment of getting Temo arrested for their resilience, vigilance, and professionalism.

He urged them to intensify the heat on all drug cartels wherever they are located. “I’m particularly delighted because the arrest was eventually effected in his enclave without any casualty despite the attack on our men. This is therefore a clear message to others still involved in this criminal trade of illicit drugs that if they don’t opt out now, we’ll get them because we’re just steps away from their doorsteps and more importantly they can only run, they can’t hide forever.”

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has issued a timely call for calm and restraint, ahead of the planned protests against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Institute on Wednesday called on Civil Society Groups, organizers, and other bodies involved in the planned protests to be cautious of their action in order to avoid inflaming the already precarious situation in the country, insisting that they should note that although the nation is facing hard times, the situation is not unique to Nigeria, as the world at large is grappling with a global economic crisis.

IPCR also urged citizens to avoid fanning the flames of disunity and disrupting the fragile peace currently enjoyed amidst insecurity.

The Director General, IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in the statement, said: “This wise counsel comes at a critical juncture, as protests at this point in time could jeopardize the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” insisting the cautionary statement serves as a reminder that hasty actions can have unintended consequences.

He said by urging restraint, the Institute acknowledges the need for measured responses to the current challenges.

Highlighting the delicate nature of the current situation, the Institute noted that any actions that could disrupt this peace would be counterproductive, especially when considered in the context of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which aimed at revitalizing the nation’s prospects, and requires a stable environment to succeed.

He said protests, while a fundamental right, can sometimes be counterproductive if not carefully considered, “In this case, the Institute’s warning suggests that protests could disorganize the efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s challenges. By cautioning against fanning the ember of crisis and disunity, the Institute emphasizes the need for unity and collective effort in navigating these difficult times,” he noted.

He explained that: “In essence, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution is advocating for a thoughtful and strategic approach to addressing the nation’s challenges. By urging calm and restraint, the Institute encourages citizens to prioritize constructive engagement and collaboration, rather than resorting to actions that could undermine the fragile peace.

“This call to action is a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, careful consideration and strategic thinking are essential. By heeding the Institute’s warning, citizens can contribute to a more stable and peaceful environment, conducive to the success of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.”

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi has pledged that the Agency will continue to develop new strategies, expand cooperation, and foster more collaboration to keep pace with the evolving trends in human trafficking.

She gave the commitment in Abuja while unveiling the activities planned for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, themed “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons”.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2013 to be observed annually on July 30th to promote comprehensive, coordinated, and consistent responses at national, regional, and international levels to counter trafficking in persons. It aims to promote a human rights-based, gender- and age-sensitive approach in addressing all factors that make people vulnerable to trafficking, and in strengthening the criminal justice response necessary to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute perpetrators.

According to the United Nations, the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking urges accelerated action to end child trafficking, recognizing that children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

On the activities lined up for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria, Waziri-Azi disclosed that it is in collaboration with UNODC, IOM, ICMPD, and OHCHR and would be commencing from Saturday, July 28 to Sunday, August 4, 2024. She noted that the programmes have been carefully selected to reflect the theme of the celebration, insisting that: “These activities aim to create the needed awareness and impactful sensitization to address the concerns of all and reduce the vulnerability of potential trafficking victims.”

Wazir-Azi said: “I am pleased to state that our activities and interventions in the fight against human trafficking in Nigeria are inclusive, involving various categories of stakeholders. For the first time, NAPTIP will commemorate the World Day together with the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP), our counterpart agency that would be visiting from The Gambia.”

She disclosed that the celebration will kick off on Saturday, July 27, 2024, with a female novelty match to “Kick Against Human Trafficking” involving NAPTIP officers and partners at the Wakanda Games Arena, Accra Street, Wuse Zone 5, starting at 8:00 am. On Monday, July 29, 2024, a Community Town Hall Dialogue will provide a platform for community stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns, fostering engagement, transparency, problem-solving, inclusivity, and community cohesion. The Dialogue would be aired live on Radio Nigeria from 10.30am.

“On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 7:30 am, there will be an Awareness Walk from the Old Parade Ground through major routes in the Central Business District of Abuja, ending at the Unity Fountain. State Task Forces on Human Trafficking from 23 states across Nigeria will participate. From Wednesday, July 31 to Friday, August 2, 2024, we have planned a Bootcamp for all State Task Force members,” Prof. Waziri-Azi added.

Other planned activities include the Survivor’s Got Talent Grand Finale, sensitization and awareness creation in places of worship and public spaces, and a robust online awareness campaign.

Waziri-Azi urged everyone to join hands with the Agency to ensure a successful 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons celebration .“Let us amplify our efforts, fortify our resolve, and work tirelessly to create a world where every child can thrive in safety and dignity. Together, we can and must leave no child behind in this crucial fight” the Director-General stated.

Abuja, 23 July 2024 — As Nigeria seeks to leverage gas for domestic use and exports, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) cautions that methane emissions from gas sector processes, such as incomplete gas flaring, direct methane release and leaks, pose a significant threat to the country’s economy, environment, and public health. 

In the briefing, Strengthening Methane Emissions Reduction in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector, published today by NRGI, researchers emphasize that reducing methane emissions is a global climate imperative, a strategic economic necessity, and an urgent domestic priority for Nigeria. They call for coordinated efforts between the federal government and private stakeholders to develop a robust methane emissions framework and strengthen investments in emission reduction technologies. 

The European Union (EU), which accounted for 43 percent of Nigeria’s crude and 60 percent of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports in 2023, is already implementing stricter methane emission rules. From 2027, EU importers will be required to confirm that new oil and gas contracts comply with monitoring, reporting and verification standards, and by 2030, EU-bound cargoes must adhere to methane intensity limits. Non-compliance could hinder Nigeria’s access to a crucial market and its ability to earn revenue. 

“We are in a race against time, and we need all hands on deck,” said Tengi George-Ikoli, NRGI’s senior officer in Nigeria. “Nigeria has shown commitment to ambitious targets on methane reduction, but the urgency of the crisis demands that we close the gap between ambition and action. We acknowledge the progress made with the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialization Program (NGFCP) licenses and urge for effective implementation of this program and other initiatives to support Nigeria’s climate commitments and the energy transition.” 

Between 2010 and 2020, Nigeria contributed 16 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s methane emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that in 2023, Nigeria could have generated approximately $350 million in revenue from abatement initiatives such as capturing and reselling methane while requiring an average annual investment of only $240 million in mitigation efforts.

George-Ikoli added: “Reducing methane emissions is not just about ticking climate boxes or maintaining market access for Nigerian crude oil and gas. It also presents an opportunity to unlock untapped potential within our natural resources. IEA’s estimates show that tackling methane challenges can be a win-win. Therefore, the federal government and relevant agencies, such as the National Council on Climate Change, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, must play their part. They should collaborate with the private sector and other stakeholders to develop clear strategies, expedite implementation, and ensure stronger enforcement to improve Nigeria’s methane reduction before it is too late.” 

-ENDS-

For more information, contact:

Damilare Ogunmowo

Africa communications officer

dogunmowo@resourcegovernance.org

+234 (0)7080129731

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. NRGI’s new briefing paper can be found here.

2. The briefing authors, Tengi George-Ikoli and Ahmad Abdulsamad, are available for briefings and interviews.

By Michael Ekokoruwe

Farmers from Isoko Federal constituency, yesterday received 216 bags of Urea fertilizers from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture through Hon. Pastor Jonathan Ajirighene Ukodhiko, member representing Isoko Federal constituency in the National Assembly.

The farmers commended the Federal Government and hon. Ukodhiko for the free Urea fertilizers meant to enhance higher productivity of crops in the constituency.

Speaking to newsmen at Erawha – Owhe, Isoko North local government area of Delta State, hon. Jerry Obi, senior legislative aid to hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko said, the direct beneficiaries were farmers from the 24 wards of Isoko North and South Federal constituency.

He stated that each farmer received one to two bags of the Urea fertilizers, which according to him was based on the sizes of their farms, adding that the Urea fertilizers are for vegetable farmers from the constituency.

Obi maintained that the distribution cuts across the constituents that applied and not through political party affiliation, noting that the distribution was orderly and peaceful.

He urged the people to make good use of the fertilizers to improve the yields of crops and should not be sold as it was gotten free from the Federal Government.

A cross section of the farmers from Enwhe, Igbide, Owhe, Oleh and other communities from Isoko Federal constituency, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko for the free Urea fertilizers, and promised to use it towards increased production of their crops, especially vegetables.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted frantic bids by drug syndicates to smuggle in and out of Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and some courier firms in Lagos, consignments of Cocaine and Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis concealed in incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves and ladies’ native wears.

According to the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, a businessman, Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu was last Thursday arrested at his Horizon Court, Lekki, Lagos residence after a consignment of 40 parcels of Loud weighing 20.3 kilogrammes hidden in packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker set, brought in from Canada on a British Airways flight was intercepted at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport during a joint examination of the cargo with men of Customs Service.

He said a search of his home also led to the recovery of more exhibits including some drug paraphernalia, such as, weighing scale, and cannabis potency test kit, while four vaping machines were recovered from his business premises on Admiralty Way, Lekki. A Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was also recovered from his house.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA last Friday intercepted two jumbo bags going to Pakistan. The bags contained dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves and other food items, which were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing 1.36 kilogrammes, and further investigations leading to the arrest of a businesswoman, Eze Ogechi who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan on the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdi based in the South Asia country.

Also at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives attached to Terminal II, Departure Gate of the MMIA, last Thursday intercepted a male Beninese passenger, Orobi Adoubi travelling with a bag containing some female native dresses. The suspect was going to Dubai via Accra, Ghana on an Air Peace Airline flight and a connecting flight to Dubai, UAE on Emirates Airline.

He said a thorough search of the bag revealed eight parcels of Loud weighing 2.1 kilogrammes were concealed in the ladies’ native wears. The suspect claimed he was given the consignment for a fee of N600,000 on successful delivery in Dubai.

Babafemi said not less than 4.5 kilogrammes of the same substance concealed inside the door panels and boot of an imported Toyota RAV 4 vehicle was on Sunday 14th July recovered from a container marked MSDU 5656394 from Canada during a 100% search of the container at Tincan port in Lagos.

He revealed that two suspects: Dada Kole and Alaba Oladewusi have been arrested in connection with the seizure. Meanwhile, a 48-year-old one legged man, Amadu Garba was arrested by NDLEA operatives in his house at Yawuri town, Kebbi State with six bags of cannabis weighing 67 kilogrammes Tuesday 16th July.

In Abuja, two suspects: 60-year-old Ademola Elusakin and 34-year-old Nuhu Friday Adamu were arrested by NDLEA operatives last Monday with 30 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance along Kwali-Gwagwalada-Abuja expressway on their way from Lagos to Nasarawa state.

He said Elusakin claimed he procured the consignment from Ghana via Lagos with Keffi, Nasarawa state as his final destination, where they were to supply illegal miners operating in the area.

Babafemi said at least 305 blocks of cannabis weighing 152.5 kilogrammes were recovered from a suspect, Sale Bukar, 39, who was arrested at Geidam in Yobe state on Sunday 14th July while taking the illicit consignment to Diffa, in Niger Republic. While a suspect: Aham Regal Chinemeze, 43, was nabbed last Thursday with 60 kilogrammes of same substance along Owerri – Onitsha expressway, Imo state, Adamu Abdullahi, 24, was arrested with 40.5 kilogrammes last Wednesday along Obajana -Kabba expressway, Kogi state. The consignment was recovered from him in a commercial bus coming from Lagos enroute Kano.

In Plateau state, a raid on the storehouse of a notorious drug dealer, Choji Gyang (aka Pararam) who is currently at large, at Rukuba road, Jos led to the recovery of 34 bags of cannabis weighing 312 kilogrammes while his manager, Kelvin Onwutalu, 43, was arrested. Two suspects: Ifabiyi Johnson, 27, and Adeleke Musiliu, 54, were last Friday arrested with different strains of cannabis sativa weighing 30.4 kilogrammes during a raid in Osogbo, Osun state.

In Jigawa state, the trio of Tukur Yahaya, 55; Idris Haruna, 28; and Tanimu Umar, 29, were nabbed with 90 blocks of cannabis weighing 116.8 kilogrammes at Roni junction, Kazaure local government area last Friday while on their way to supply the illicit drugs to their customers in Kazaure, Yankwashi and Katsina state.

Similarly, the duo of Ibrahim Abdulkadir, 29, and Suleman Mohammed, 22, were arrested with 336 bottles of codeine syrup at Amingo, Kaduna, while Auwalu Hashimu, 35, was nabbed with 45 kilogrammes of cannabis along Zaria- Kano highway.

Acting on credible intelligence, a team of NDLEA operatives backed by soldiers raided a mechanic workshop opposite Benin garage, Akure, Ondo state where they recovered a white Toyota Hilux Van with registration number EE 328 EKY loaded with 652 parcels of cannabis weighing 685 kilogrammes.

In Nasarawa state, 38 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance and a locally made AK-47 rifle were recovered from the home of a suspect, Christopher Ombugadu, 32, in Akwanga during a raid on Sunday 14th July.

With the same vigour, commands and formations of the agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) while commending the officers and men of MMIA, Tincan, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kaduna, Jigawa, Osun, Yobe, Plateau, Kogi, Imo and FCT commands of the agency for the arrests and seizures, noted that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country are well appreciated.

He urged them not to rest on their oars but continue to intensify ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

A new batch of volunteers of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps has been deployed to The Gambia.

The 11 Volunteers, who comprised professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Law, Engineering and expertise in Entrepreneurial Studies, were urged to see their new charge as a call to serve humanity.

Speaking during the Pre-departure Orientation for the Volunteers, Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub, congratulated the Volunteers on being among the very few beneficiaries of the 37-year-old Scheme chosen from a long list of over 10,000 applicants when the agency advertised late last year.

Buba also called on the Volunteers to embody the values of integrity and simplicity and to portray Nigeria in positive light as Technical Diplomats in the recipient country. He highlighted that Nigeria’s approach to international relations is based on soft diplomacy, contrasting it with other nations that might rely on coercion.

He said: “You are called Volunteers because you are going out there to serve humanity in The Gambia.Even if it is half a room that you are given to live in,please, accept it and commit to what you have been sent to do there.Always bear in mind that you are there to represent Nigeria.

“On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,we are sending you to share with our sister African nation the abundant human resources our country possesses.

“As your parents here,the Nigerian High Commission in The Gambia with our High Commissioner there will be your guardian.”

While admonishing the Volunteers to see themselves not as individuals,but as Nigeria itself,the TAC DG said whatever the Volunteers do in their host country would be seen as the action of the country,hence the need to always stay above board.

He also added that the Scheme, which was established in 1987 through the visionary minds of our past leaders was one important instrument of Diplomacy by which Nigeria has continued to make friends and carve partnerships across the world.Such friendships and partnerships,he said, usually come handy in periods of expediency.

Buba also used the occasion to inform of the recent visit of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia,Mr Dawuda Jawara,who used the opportunity to identify some of the skills that are lacking in their country and requested TAC to rise in filling those gaps identified.He then challenged the Volunteers to do all that was considered necessary to rise up to the situation at hand in that country.

Earlier,while presenting the Volunteers to the TAC DG,Director of Programmes at the Agency,Amb.Zakari Usman,tasked the Volunteers to carry high the flag of the country like other participants in the Scheme before them.He said it was by doing so that the objectives of the Scheme would be adequately realized.He encouraged the Volunteers to also adhere to the dos and don’ts of the TAC Scheme,adding that this would only be possible if they upheld the highest standards of conduct and integrity while representing the country abroad.

Team Lead of the batch of Volunteers, Oyetunji Akinlabi, a Professor of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity given to the Volunteers to serve their country. He pledged that, in line with Section 19 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), the Volunteers will strive to promote the nation’s national interest and also at all times seek to engage in activities that are geared towards the promotion and preservation of African unity.

Among those who spoke for the Volunteers were Dr. Hope Tebira, a Deputy Director and Legal Draftsperson at the National Assembly, and Barr.Joseph Okete. They each pledged to ensure that the nationals of their host country received more than what they had requested from Nigeria.

The new batch of Volunteers will serve for 24 months in the Gambia in line with the statutory terms of engagement with the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC).