Environment
AEPB Reaffirms Commitment To Improved Waste Management, Sanitation Standards
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.
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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.
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