Environment

Buhari Sets Agenda For National Council On Climate Change

Published

4 years ago

October 3, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the National Council on Climate Change to formulate appropriate policies toward achieving green growth and sustainable economic development for Nigeria.
The president gave the charge while inaugurating the Council before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting in the State House, Abuja, recently.
The president said the inauguration marked the commencement of the implementation of the Climate Change Act 2021 and a new chapter in the renewed response to climate change in the country.
He also directed the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in conjunction with the Minister of Environment to initiate appropriate amendments of “noticeable implementation challenges” inherent in the Act.
While highlighting the losses and damages caused by the recent increasing floods in several parts of the country as well in Pakistan, Bangladesh and other parts of East and Southern Africa, Buhari described climate change as one of the biggest challenges facing humanity.
“It (Climate Change) is complex and dynamic; and requires multidimensional and multi-sectoral initiatives to address its impacts and avert its rapid advance.
“Updated data show increases in sea level rise, heat waves, wild fires, floods, desertification, drying wetlands and many more disruptive climate occurrences.
“The latest Intergovernmental Panel on climate change report warns that rising GreenHouse Gas emissions could soon outstrip the ability of communities to adapt.
“The window for taking decisive steps needed to spare our planet from the gravest impacts of climate change is rapidly narrowing.
“We cannot ignore what is happening in our local environment. The increasing re-occurrence of floods in several parts of the country is a wakeup call,” he said.
The president decried the loss of lives, damage and destruction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and agricultural production.
Buhari, therefore, reiterated the determination of his administration to strengthen national response to climate change and accelerate the implementation of decisive actions to reduce its impacts on the people and economy.
According to him, Nigeria is a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is an established international treaty to combat “dangerous human interference with the climate system”, in part by stabilising GreenHouse Gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
Buhari said: “It is against this background that in Nov. 2021, after COP 26 in Glasgow, I signed the Nigeria Climate Change Act despite noticeable implementation challenges inherent in the Act”.
“ This is to set the framework for mainstreaming climate change action, carbon budgeting and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change.
“The council is tasked with the responsibility of formulating appropriate policies and other mechanisms for achieving low GreenHouse Gas emissions, including green growth and sustainable economic development for Nigeria.
“In a clear demonstration of our commitments as enshrined in our Nationally Determined Contributions and the Net Zero-Target by 2060, I also approved, on July 25, 2022, the appointment of the Director General and Secretary for the National Council on Climate Change.”
The president, therefore, maintained that those lapses earlier alluded to – which included the establishment of states and Zonal offices creating a huge and costly bureaucracy would not be tolerated.
According to the president, the Act also takes out the Commissioners of Environments from the states as members of Council.
“It also did not make transitional provisions capturing the work of the Inter-ministerial Working Group.
“This group was responsible for Energy Transition, the supervisory oversight of the Ministry of Environment and the establishment of an Executive Management structure at the secretariat level to support the DG in running the Council Secretariat.
“Accordingly, I hereby direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice in conjunction with the Minister of Environment to initiate the appropriate amendment to reflect these observations,” he said.
Ahead of COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, the president expressed optimism that the National Council on Climate Change would harmonise all issues relating to Climate Change, Energy Transition Plan, Emissions Trading Scheme and the Carbon Trading Framework.
According to him, this is in line with its mandate under the Act, so that Nigeria could have a robust and impactful outing that captures Nigeria’s Climate Change priorities.
He said the composition of the council was a reflection of the magnitude of the problem and the seriousness of the nation’s response.
Buhari added, “it comprises the highest level of governance and a representation of all key sectors of the economy.”
Buhari also used the occasion to thank Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo for heading Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, presiding over the global launch of the plan and initiating its marketing by engaging key stakeholders in the United States.
He urged the Council to consolidate on these first steps and ensure a sustained marketing of the plan.
Earlier, the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, thanked the president for “walking the talk” on climate change at the international, regional and national level.
He also lauded him for demonstrating immense leadership towards Nigeria’s quest for net-zero by 2060.
The Council is chaired by the President with the Vice President as Vice Chairman. The Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, is also a member.
Other members of the Council are the Ministers responsible for Environment; Petroleum Resources; Budget and National Planning; Justice; Mines and Steel Development; Finance; Agriculture and Rural Development; Power; Women Affairs; Transportation; and Water Resources.
The Governor of Central Bank; the National Security Adviser; President of Association Local Governments of Nigeria; a representative of the private sector on climate change or environmental related matters (representative of National Conservation Foundation)are also members of the Council.
Others are; a representative of National Council on Women Societies; a representative of National Youth Congress, and a representative of the Civil Society Organisation.
The Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru, will serve as Secretary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after the inauguration, FEC observed a minute of silence in honour of Ayodele Ogunlade, a former Minister of National Planning, under former Head of State, Sani Abacha, who died on Tuesday aged 88. (NAN)

Environment

AEPB Reaffirms Commitment To Improved Waste Management, Sanitation Standards

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by improving waste management infrastructure, and enforcing public health sanitation standards in the territory.

The Director of AEPB, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, said this at the 2026 FCT World Environment Day Commemoration Symposium on Friday in Abuja.

“As the custodian of the FCT environment, AEPB remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through effective environmental monitoring, pollution control and waste management amongst others.

“Today, we join millions of people across the globe in commemorating World Environment Day, the United Nations’ foremost platform for promoting environmental awareness and action.

“The theme for this year’s commemoration: Climate Change and Urbanisation – Building Resilient Cities,” is particularly relevant to our rapidly changing world,” Ogbonna said.

She said that while cities remained centres of economic growth, innovation, and human development, they are also increasingly exposed to climate-related challenges such as flooding, pollution and environmental amongst others.

“We engaged 54 waste management service contractors to further strengthened environmental sanitation across the city.

“Ongoing infrastructural development in satellite towns and sub-urban communities is improving connectivity and reducing development pressure on the city centre,” the AEPB director said.

She explained that these interventions aligns closely with the objectives of 2026 theme and demonstrates practical steps towards building resilient and sustainable cities.

She stated that the participation of schools in this annual commemoration remained a vital component of the environmental education efforts.

“By engaging young people in environmental conversations and activities, we are helping to nurture a generation that is better equipped to champion sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” Ogbonna said.

Also speaking, Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, said that climate change was no longer a distant concern and noted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, was not insulated from its realities.

“World Environment Day provides an important opportunity for governments, institutions, communities, and citizens to reflect on environmental challenges and recommit themselves to sustainable solutions that will safeguard our common future.

“While urbanisation has brought significant economic opportunities, technological advancement, and improved access to services, it has also placed unprecedented pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and the environment.

“Across the world, cities are experiencing rising temperatures, more frequent flooding, extreme weather events, declining biodiversity, and growing pressure on public infrastructure.

Obuah stated that these impacts threaten livelihoods, public health, economic productivity, and overall quality of life.

“The rapid expansion of residential communities, commercial activities, transportation networks, and supporting infrastructure has increased the demand for land, water, energy, and environmental services.

“At the same time, changing weather patterns have heightened concerns relating to flooding, erosion, and pressure on drainage infrastructure, while rapid urban growth continues to place additional demands on waste management systems and green spaces.

“The choices we make today in urban planning, environmental management, and climate adaptation will not only shape the future of the FCT but can also serve as a model for other cities across the country.”

He urged residents to build cities that are not only economically vibrant and socially inclusive but also environmentally sustainable and resilient to climate-related shocks.

“Resilient cities are cities that can anticipate risks, withstand disruptions, adapt to changing conditions, and recover quickly while maintaining essential services and protecting their citizens.

“The FCT Administration under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, remains committed to creating a modern, functional, and environmentally sustainable capital city.

“Through strategic investments in infrastructure, environmental sanitation, urban planning, drainage improvement, landscape enhancement, and regulatory enforcement, the Administration continues to strengthen Abuja’s capacity to respond to emerging environmental challenges.”

The coordinator assured that AMMC is working through its departments and agencies, AEPB to implement programmes aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life of residents.

He urged the media to educate and mobilise the public adding that communities and residents must adopt environmentally responsible behaviours and actively participate in protecting their surroundings.

“As we deliberate during this symposium, I encourage all participants to engage constructively, share innovative ideas, and explore practical pathways for strengthening climate resilience within the FCT.

“Let this symposium serve as a catalyst for practical actions, stronger partnerships, and innovative solutions towards building a more resilient FCT.

“Together, we can build an Abuja that remains a model capital city for Nigeria, Africa, and the world; a city that balances development with environmental responsibility and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations,”Obuah said.

In a message to the symposium, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, said climate change has brought great harm to the ecosystem.

Guterres who was represented by Mrs Bolanle Elumekor, a Management Assistant at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos, said that it was pertinent to fulfill climate financing promises to the developing countries.

Environment

Group Marks World Environment Day with Tree Planting, Awareness Campaigns

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Green Planters and Trimmers Union together with students from various secondary schools in Bonny, Rivers State commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day with a call for environmental protection and sustainable living.

The event, held over the weekend at the Auditorium of the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF), featured participation from Bonny National Grammar School (BNGS), Universal Basic Education (UBE), Heaven on Earth Academy, Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), and Finima Bonny Senior Secondary School.

National President, Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo

Activities at the celebration included an interactive session with students, moderated by the Chairman of the Union, symbolic tree planting by participating schools alongside the union’s executive members, and group photographs with school delegations.

In his keynote address, founder and National President of the Green Planters and Trimmers Union, Henry Jumbo, emphasised the significance of green environments to human survival and development.

He noted that World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5, adding that the union, established in 2020, remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability through awareness and action.

Jumbo stressed that “wherever you see green, it is bounded to fruitfulness,” highlighting the connection between nature and human well-being. He described green plants as vital sources of oxygen, food, and economic resources, while also playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

He however warned against the dangers of deforestation, stating that the indiscriminate cutting down of trees leads to erosion, flooding, landslides, loss of animal habitats, air pollution, and a decline in air quality.

According to him, the depletion of forests also contributes to economic hardship and loss of livelihoods, particularly for communities that depend on natural resources.

The environmental advocate further explained that trees help regulate water flow and prevent natural disasters, noting that the absence of forests increases the risk of flooding, especially in riverine areas like Bonny.

Jumbo urged students and residents to embrace nature and take deliberate steps to protect the environment, including planting trees and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

The event underscored the importance of grassroots sensitisation, with the union encouraging young people to become active participants in environmental conservation.

The Green Planters and Trimmers Union adopted the slogan “Evergreen! Ever Fruitful!!” as a reminder of the continuous need to preserve and sustain the environment for future generations.

Environment

Climate Change Group Charged To Plate Trees

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

World Environment Day, a group, Journalists For Sustainable Development Initiative (JSDI) has called on all and sundry to imbibe the habit of planting trees to combat the effect of climate change on the environment.

?Executive Director of of the Group, Dr. Parry Saroh Benson gave the charge while adressing journalists on the sideline of a symposium to mark the day, organised in partnership with the Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni and the Centre for Climate Change and Forest Resources, Rivers State University, in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

?He said the impact of climate change is now glaring, hence the need for everyone to double efforts in ensuring trees are planted on a daily basis.

?”Every man should learn to plant a tree. Planting trees is an exercise that should be done on daily basis because we all are now experiencing the impact of climate change. It has come to stay.

?”Everybody is complaining there is heat, there is so much sun. In fact, since January up until now, we do not know when it’s rainy season and when it’s dry season here in Rivers state like we used to experience. This is because of climate change, ” he said.

?Benson appealed to people of Rivers State and South South Region in particular who suffer much from air pollution due to exploration activities to plant trees around their environments.

?He noted that tree planting would enable the region have clean air to breathe.

?”We are appealing to everyone here in the South-South; plant a tree every day because tree planting will enable us have clean air. Trees around bring about clean air, ” he appealed.

?The climate ambassador further urged residents of the region to take activities around their environment seriously saying that whatever affects the environment, affects everyone.

?”Our message is that we must plant trees, and everyone should be concerned about his environment. This is not the time to act like “I don’t care”, “I don’t know what is happening”. No. We all must know what is happening in our environment because climate change has come to stay, ” he maintain.