Environment

River Basin Reforms Begin Soon, FG

Published

14 years ago

November 14, 2012

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources, plans to begin the second phase of the River Basins Development Authority (RBDAs) reforms to boost food security, the Minister, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe, said.

The first phase of the reforms started in January 2011 with the inauguration of the managing directors of the 12 RBDAs and assessment of projects in all the basins.

Ochekpe announced the plan in Abuja on Thursday at a forum organised by the ministry and the RBDAs Trade Group Forum.

The trade group forum is under the umbrella of the Agricultural and Allied Employees’ Union of Nigeria (AAEUN) and comprised staff of the ministries of Water Resources, Environment and Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ochekpe said that the second phase would involve the physical rehabilitation of the RBDAs.

“Efforts are on to acquire new equipment and plants, including water drilling rigs, graders, tractors and combined harvesters, among others,’’ she said.

She said that the Agricultural Transformation Agenda was hinged on the efficient utilisation of available land and water resources many of which were in the possession of the RBDAs.

She urged the RBDAs to actualise the socio-economic transformation of the rural communities within their catchment areas by encouraging local farmers to get back to the land.

In addition, the minister stressed the need for the RBDAs to evolve commercial activities to generate revenue to boost the economy of the authority.

She called on the members of the union to be committed, work hard and make the best of the reforms in the sector.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources Dr Godknows Igali, , expressed appreciation to members of the union for their cooperation.

Igali said the management of the ministry had a ‘divine’ responsibility to provide potable water and good sanitation for Nigerians.

“We have enjoyed full support from the union; we have not had any reason to argue with you since we assumed office.

“You know your responsibilities, we will not also fail on our own part to create a good working environment for the members.

“We are already doing some things to improve the welfare of the workers, knowing well that if you are not comfortable you cannot be productive, ’’ he said.

In his remark, Mr John Adakole, Chairman, Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria (AAEUN), thanked the minister and promised that the union would support the ministry to achieve its mandate.

“We shall continue to extend our hands of fellowship to you as a trade union; we will always call your attention to issues that require urgent consideration.

“We will also manage the ones that are within our capacity to defuse every likely tension within the ministry,’’ he said.

The highpoint of the conference was the presentation of an award of excellence to the minister and the permanent secretary by Mr Simon Anchaver, AAEUN National President.

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

4 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

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.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

4 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

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.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

4 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

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.