Environment
Stakeholders Unite To Build Greener, More Resilient In Kaduna
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.
Continue Reading
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.
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.
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.
-
News2 days agoRSG Targets Nine Million Residents in Mosquito Net Distribution Campaign
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoAiyedatiwa Signs New Electricity Bill
-
Maritime2 days agoMarine Minister Commends President Tinubu On NPERA Bill Assent
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoNLNG Commissions Research And Innovation Centre In RSU
-
News2 days agoKenPoly Holds Eight Convocations, August 29
-
News2 days agoRSG Begins Another Phase of Projects Commissioning Today
-
News2 days agoRMAFC Completes Revenue Sharing Review, Proposes New Pay
-
Maritime2 days agoNAGAFF Petitions IGP Over Alleged Maritime Police Harassment