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Stakeholders Unite To Build Greener, More Resilient In Kaduna

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4 months ago

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The Kaduna State Government has begun a comprehensive review of its 2019 Environmental Policy to address emerging environmental challenges and strengthen sustainable development across the state.
The initiative was announced by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Malam Abubakar Buba, at a two-day stakeholders’ engagement organised under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme in Kaduna.
The Commissioner, represented by Ibrahim Zakari, described the policy review as both pivotal and dynamic, noting that it would help align Kaduna’s environmental framework with current realities and global best practices.
He explained that the engagement brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including government agencies, legislators, civil society organisations, private sector actors, academics, and non-profit groups.
According to him, the platform was designed to strengthen collaboration and inclusiveness in addressing environmental challenges affecting the state.
Key environmental concerns highlighted at the forum include pollution, global warming, overpopulation, unsustainable consumption, and wildlife crime.
The Commissioner noted that Kaduna is currently facing serious ecological challenges, including rapid urbanisation, poor waste management, and increasing pressure on natural resources.
He stressed that human activities, industrial pollution, and environmental neglect are contributing to the deterioration of air and water quality in the state.
Buba emphasised that the review process is not just procedural but a collaborative effort to ensure a stronger policy framework that protects natural resources and livelihoods.
He called for mainstreaming climate action into state planning, alongside improved strategies for water conservation and land restoration.
The Commissioner also urged greater inclusion of vulnerable groups, youths, and local communities in shaping environmental policies and interventions.
He reaffirmed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and encouraged citizens to adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives.
The Commissioner also reminded that effective policies depend on active participation and constructive input from all sectors of society.
He commended the SPRING programme and its partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), for supporting environmental sustainability and resilience efforts in Kaduna.
Also speaking, Mr Barau Emmanuel, State Representatives of the SPRING programme highlighted the link between environmental governance and conflict prevention, noting that effective resource management could significantly reduce tensions in vulnerable communities.
Emmanuel said the programme was supporting Kaduna State in developing policies that promote environmental sustainability while strengthening institutional capacity and community engagement.
In a presentation, Miss Gloria Kasang Bulus, Executive Director of Bridge That Gap Initiative and Coordinator of the Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSE), highlighted ongoing efforts to improve Kaduna State’s access to adaptation finance.
She noted that partners are working with government and civil society to strengthen climate governance systems, improve project design, and enhance coordination mechanisms for attracting climate resilience funding.
Bulus explained that these efforts are essential in addressing climate-related vulnerabilities such as flooding, erosion, and environmental degradation affecting communities across the state.
She further stated that development partners are helping Kaduna establish a more structured and accountable framework for adaptation financing to ensure effective resource utilisation.
According to her, the push for adaptation finance is not only about securing funding but also about building systems that can manage and sustain climate resilience investments effectively.
She emphasised that Kaduna must be well-prepared to access both national and international climate finance opportunities in line with global best practices.
Participants further expressed optimism that the outcome of the engagement would lead to stronger environmental governance and improved resilience across the state.
The engagement is expected to produce key recommendations that will guide the final review and implementation of the Kaduna State Environmental Policy.
The Tidenews source reports that these recommendations are expected to shape a more responsive and inclusive environmental policy framework for the state.
The revised policy is anticipated to strengthen environmental governance, enhance climate adaptation measures, and contribute significantly to peace, stability, and resilience in communities across Kaduna State.
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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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