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Oxfam, partners celebrate 5 years of climate governance programmes in Nigeria

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6 months ago

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Oxfam in Nigeria has marked the close-out of its five-year Power of Voices, Fair for All (F4A) and African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) programmes in Nigeria.
Oxfam Country Director, John Makina, at the occasion on Thursday in Abuja, described the programmes as “a journey of courage, partnership and transformation.”
Makina said that the initiatives demonstrated the power of communities, when equipped, to “speak, act and lead” in governance, climate justice and economic accountability.
He said that the journey had been more than a development intervention.
“It has been a collective effort to shift power, amplify voices and place citizens where they rightfully belong—at the centre of governance, climate justice and economic accountability in Nigeria,” he said.
Makina highlighted key achievements of the programmes to include: cultivation of 15,500 seedlings through community nurseries and distribution of 3,500 clean cooking stoves in Bauchi State to reduce emissions and improve health.
He stated that 256 community volunteers, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) were also trained in briquette production and other nature-based solutions.
“Oxfam also supported the development of new climate laws, unlocked ?15.5 billion in local climate financing and expanded climate-smart livelihoods, such as beekeeping, briquette production and tree planting.
“Women beneficiaries reportedly earned between ?150,000 and ?300,000 through climate-friendly enterprises.
“The programmes reached more than 10 million Nigerians through the “Follow the Money” media platforms, while civic participation was strengthened through Freedom of Information coalitions, youth civic clubs and improved security commitments from the police,” he said.
Makina added that the initiative also trained 500 journalists in climate reporting, mobilised 664 citizens through the Africa Climate Caravan and empowered PWDs to participate independently in agriculture and community governance.
He expressed appreciation to some implementing partners, such as Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Connected Development (CODE) and BudgIT Foundation, among others, saying that their support and dedication contributed to the success of the initiatives.
The country director also commended the Government of The Netherlands for funding the project.
Speaking on behalf of the partners, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, said the programmes delivered ‘transformative reforms, bold advocacy and unprecedented community-led impact’ across Nigeria.
Rafsanjani noted that the projects strengthened tax justice campaigns, boosted transparency in the extractive sector, improved compliance with beneficial ownership rules and expanded state-level advocacy platforms.
He said that sustained civil advocacy also helped in shaping the passage of four new tax laws and contributing to government’s approval of over 1 billion dollar for the upgrade of major ports.
Rafsanjani stressed that although donor funding had ended, the responsibility to sustain the gains now rests with Nigerians.
“The work must continue because inequalities, corruption and climate challenges remain,” he said.
While giving an overview of the project, the Programme Manager of Oxfam, Henry Ushie, said it built regulatory frameworks that mobilised communities to be proactive in demanding for the three per cent meant for them by companies.
“They were also empowered to access the money and demand for accountability and transparency on how the money was deployed, ensuring that it was ploughed back into the communities,” Ushie said.
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Environment

Lagos Begins Pump Installation At Iju, Akute Water Facilities

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1 week ago

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August 3, 2026

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The Lagos State Government has commenced installation of new pumps at the Iju Headworks and Akute water intake stations.

The Tide source reports that the project is aimed at increasing water production, improving operational efficiency and expanding access to potable water across the state.

A statement issued by the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) over the weekend said the project was approved and funded by the state government.

It said the installation was part of the rehabilitation of the Iju Headworks and Akute Intake Station under Lots 1, 2 and 3.

According to LWC, the rehabilitation is designed to modernise water production facilities, strengthen operations and improve public water supply.

The corporation said the work formed part of an eight-month rehabilitation of the Iju and Adiyan Water Treatment Plants.
It said the rehabilitation programme commenced in February and is expected to be completed in October 2026.
The Managing Director of LWC, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, said the project would replace critical pumping systems and other related infrastructure.
Tijani said the rehabilitation aligned with the corporation’s strategic business plan and the state government’s efforts to improve water infrastructure.
He urged contractors and other stakeholders involved in the project to ensure its timely completion.
“This project must not be business as usual.
“We want all hands on deck to ensure timely and successful delivery. Let this dream become a reality,” he said.
He said the rehabilitation would improve operational performance, reduce downtime and strengthen the reliability of water supply.
Tijani added that the project would increase water production and improve access to safe drinking water for millions of Lagos residents.
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FEMinWASH, OHCSF to partner On Gender-Responsive Systems Strengthening Initiatives

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1 week ago

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August 3, 2026

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The Network of Female Professionals in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria (FEMinWASH) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) are set to partner on gender-responsive systems strengthening, capacity development and WASH initiatives.

The partnership was proposed during a courtesy visit by a FEMinWASH delegation, led by its President and Convener, Dr Boluwaji Onabolu, to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, in Abuja.

Onabolu, who conveyed greetings from FEMinWASH Patron, retired Engineer Ebele Okeke, commended Walson-Jack for upholding the Federal Civil Service’s EPIC values of Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centred leadership.

She praised the HoCSF’s efforts in advancing gender inclusion in WASH and the civil service, including the development of the National Gender in Water Resources Mainstreaming Policy and mentoring programmes for women leaders.

Onabolu also highlighted the INSPIRE (Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women) programme, aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and inclusion.

She said FEMinWASH was seeking a formal partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OHCSF to support INSPIRE, WASH advocacy, capacity building and the institutionalisation of Gender-Responsive Budgeting across the Federal Civil Service.

Responding, Walson-Jack commended the diverse expertise of the FEMinWASH delegation, noting that professionals in WASH, water resources, environment, public health, town planning and education were critical to addressing development challenges.

She welcomed the proposed partnership, assuring that the OHCSF was ready to collaborate with FEMinWASH on civil service strengthening and WASH-related initiatives.

The meeting agreed to further engagements with Dr Garba, Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), and Ms Funke Baruwa, Lead for Partnerships at the OHCSF, to advance the collaboration.

The visit ended with a photo session and exchange of gifts between both parties.

The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, commended the community on the massive turn-out for sanitation.

He also appreciated the chairman and his team for their support to the ministry.

Rotimi-Akodu urged the community to continue to support the council and by extension, the government, by participating in the exercise and engaging in proper disposal of wastes.

“We have heard your appeal, and I assure you that Lagos government will do something about it.

“Although we have PSP operators in this axis, maybe they were assigned to other areas.

“However, I will ensure something is done and residents will observe the improvement.” the advisor said.

Also, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LASMA), Mr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that waste management was a collective exercise.

Gbadegbesin, therefore, appealed to the residents to always dispose of their wastes properly.

“You must bag your waste at home. Make sure you have a bin to keep the waste for few days, even if there is a delay by the PSP operator.

“Make sure you pay your PSP operator on time because there is no way they can provide that service if you are not paying them regularly.

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Environmentalist Urges Rivers Govt. To Control Sand Mining

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1 week ago

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August 3, 2026

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The Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Go Green Nigeria Foundation, , has called for more stringent government efforts toward prohibition of illegal sand mining in Rivers, following erosion threats.

The founder of NGO Dr John Babington  made the call on last Monday in Umuechem, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers, to commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.

Babington, who sensitised the community on dangers associated with crude sand mining, donated some trees as part of efforts to promote tree planting and revitalisation of the altered mangrove ecosystem.

During an interactive session with the community, the environmental expert identified various concerns and commended residents for their willingness to work together to end the excavation.

He, however, dismissed the notion that illegal sand mining was due to poverty and unemployment, saying, ”the business is a capital intensive venture that could only be operated by a rich cartel.”

He said that though the business might have provided menial jobs for few youths, it had not in any manner addressed poverty.

Presently, the landscape is altered with an artificial river encroaching a major access road and threatening public safety,” he said.

Also speaking, a senior Chief in the community, Chief Gilbert Otamiri commended the NGO for the initiative and promised to collaborate with them.

Gilbert, however, urged the government to tackle unemployment which, he said, was a major promoter of the illegal excavation

Also speaking, The Community Development Chairman (CDC) Mr Agbam Mgbechi thanked the group for the sensitisation and donation of trees.

He called on the government and concerned induviduals to emulate the group by making efforts towards salvaging the area from further environmental damage.

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