Environment

Ministry Urges Investment In Bamboo Production

Published

12 years ago

June 23, 2014

The Federal Ministry of
Environment has called on both corporate bodies and individuals to invest in bamboo production.
The Desk Officer for Bamboo and Rattan Production in the ministry, Mr Adebayo Ibrahim, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Ibrahim said the industry had the potential to boost the nation’s economy in the area of non-oil production resources.
According to him, bamboo is a gold mine that can employ many people and also create wealth for many Nigerians.
He said that the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in collaboration with the ministry and the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (IMBAR), had developed a white paper; for investing in a green future bamboo value chain in the country.
Ibrahim said the value chain had envisaged a development from nursing and seed raising, planting and harvesting to processing and marketing.
He said the value chain process, targeted farming communities where the entire production process would be carried out within plantation farms.
He said the document also developed a technical and business skill for private bamboo processors as well as improving capacities in harvesting and post-harvest treatment.
According to him, the document has also developed and improved the marketing skills for the people.
The desk officer, who is also an Assistant Director in the ministry, said that UNIDO had also pledged 150,000 dollars for the provision of expertise and machines for enhancing bamboo production in the country.
Ibrahim said the Federal Government, as part of its counterpart funding, had commenced the reactivation of the National Forest Utilisation Centre in Benin.
He said the centre, owned by the Federal Department of Forestry, had all the infrastructure required for wood processing.
“The Federal Government will renovate the centre, while UNIDO will bring technicians and machines for the processing of bamboo.
“UNIDO will also train artisans and rural farmers on bamboo processing.
“The UNIDO funding pattern in this case is not going to be in cash,’’ he said.
Ibrahim said the ministry had inaugurated a steering committee known as the National Bamboo and Rattan Development Programme (NBARDEP).
He said the committee had already identified stakeholders in the production of bamboo, adding that it was building synergies with relevant agencies of government as well as the private sector.
Ibrahim said the ministry was working hard to ensure that the production of bamboo commenced in a most robust manner, adding that the ministry was in partnership with many relevant agencies.
Reports say that bamboo production is the brainchild of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The first national stakeholder’s sensitisation workshop on the sustainability and development of bamboo and rattan in Nigeria was held in Benin in 2012.

A building devastated by rainstorm in Rivers State, recently.

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

2 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.