Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, NNPC Foundation,has donated relief items to the recent flood victims in Borno State.

During a condolence visit paid to the Borno State Government on Tuesday, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Business Services, Mr. Danladi Inuwa conveyed the Company’s message to the Government and people of the state over the disaster, a statement said.

According to the statement,materials provided to the affected communities during the visit include essential supplies such as food, toiletries, beddings and other household items.

End

L-R: Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Danladi A. Inuwa (who represented the GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari) and Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe condole with the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, over the recent floods in the State Capital, Maiduguri, during the Company’s presentation of relief items to the flood victims, on Tuesday.

Mohammed Shosanya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged states in the central and southern parts, specifically, Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa to prepare ahead of potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream.

The development follows the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

NEMA said the advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures.

A statement by Manzo Ezekiel
Head, Press Unit of NEMA said;
“Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the hazard in next few weeks to come are Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa.

” Some of the actions to be taken include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

” The agency advises communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services.

“NEMA is working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the Agency’s headquarters to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations are available to affected communities.”

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar emphasized the importance of early action and community vigilance, stating, “We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and tak

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,has concluded plans to partner with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR, to find solutions to the environmental challenges hampering the efforts to develop the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, stated this during a courtesy visit by the team leader in the Strategy, Planning and Coordination Section of the United Nations Satellite Centre, UNOSAT, Mr. Olivier Van Damme, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku,who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said it was a very auspicious to work with UNITAR, which had the required capacity in the training and empowerment to tackle environmental challenges.

A statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director, Corporate Affairs,quoted Ogbuku as urging the UN Satellite Centre hosted at the UNITAR to proffer long-term solutions to environmental challenges such as flooding facing the Niger Delta region because temporary solutions were not sustainable.

He said: “We are ready for partnership in finding a lasting solution to the perennial flood in our region, noting that solving the flood challenges of the Niger Delta region could not be addressed by the NDDC alone as it called for collaboration between the Commission and other development agencies.

“At NDDC, our focus is not just on building physical infrastructures but also developing human capital and protecting our environment.”

Speaking,the UNOSAT technical team leader, Mr. Olivier Van Damme, said that the mission of the UN Satellite Centre was to promote evidence-based decision making for peace, security and resilience, using geospatial information technologies.

He said: “We are engaged in environmental conservation including flood management. We are focused on developing capacity. We work with our partners to offer Artificial Intelligence- enhanced flood monitoring systems.”

“We support governmental, non-governmental and international organisations in enhancing their capacities by offering customised learning solutions that fit their respective needs.”

In his remarks,the NDDC Director, Environmental Control and Protection, Engr. Onuoha Obeka, said that the Commission was continually looking for ways to enhance the development process in the Niger Delta region, noting: “We want to be able to use data to foresee disaster and plan to mitigate the effects. A collaboration with UNOSAT will also help us to train NDDC staff in that critical area.”

Obeka said that a collaboration with UNOSAT would help the NDDC to integrate and analyse geospatial information in a comprehensible and easy to use format, to strengthen disaster and climate resilience, as well as support sustainable development policies.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has reaffirmed its commitment to programmes and activities that will protect the environment, promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for communities in the Niger Delta region.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated this during a three-day retreat on Environmental Management and Competence Development organised for staff of the NDDC Directorate of Environmental Protection and Control at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo.

Ogbuku, who was represented by the Akwa Ibom State representative on the NDDC Board, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, said that the retreat which focused on the theme: “Environmental Management and Competence Development: Nurturing Sustainability in the Workplace,” was thought provoking and germane.

A statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director,Corporate Affairs,quoted the NDDC’s boss as emphasizing the need for collaboration in the efforts to effectively manage environmental challenges in the Niger Delta region.

In his welcome address, the NDDC Director, Environmental Control and Protection, Engr. Onuoha Obeka, highlighted the critical role played by environmental management in the society.

He said: “The challenges we face today – climate change, resource depletion and biodiversity loss – demand our immediate attention and innovative solutions. Our collective efforts aim not only to enhance our understanding of these issues but also to equip us with the necessary competences to implement effective strategies in our respective fields.”

Obeka remarked that sustainability was no longer just an ideal, stating: “It is a necessity that must be integrated into every aspect of our economic activities. The workplace is a powerful arena where our choices can lead to profound change. By nurturing sustainability within it, we can drive positive outcomes that benefit our communities, economies and the environment.”

Presenting a paper entitled: “Sustaining the Niger Delta: Bridging Environmental Responsibility and Professional Growth: A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future,” an environmental scientist and lecturer at the University of Lagos, Professor Lucian Chukwu, analysed the impact of organic pollution and its devastating effects on ecosystems.

“Organic pollutants,” he explained, “are substances that originate from living organisms and can disrupt the balance of our environment. They are often by-products of agricultural practices, industrial discharges, and household wastes. Left unchecked, they can lead to contamination of soil and water, creating habitats where toxic microbes thrive.”

He described the Niger Delta as the heart-beat of Nigeria’s economy with rich natural resources and cultural heritage; mangrove forests that once covered about 7,000 square kilometers.

He lamented that over the years, there had been imbalance between harnessing the resources for economic growth and ensuring preservation of the environment, hence, the region was at a critical juncture, due to decades of oil exploration and inadequate regulation.

Addressing the issue of sustainability agenda, Prof Chukwu said it was necessary to create a future where the Niger delta’s natural resources were preserved for future generations, while also improving the quality of life for its residents.

To achieve this, he said, there was need for commitment, collaboration, and innovative solutions from development agencies such as the NDDC.

According to him, “a sustainable future for the Niger Delta, required prioritising professional development and investing in capacity-building initiatives to enhance skills and knowledge, in order to create a thriving and resilient Niger Delta.”

He also underlined the need to align professional goals with environmental responsibility, in order to foster a future where economic prosperity does not come at the expense of ecological integrity.

Mohammed Shosanya

Chevron Nigeria Limited,operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and CNL,has identified with global action on preservation of the environment.

The company said the action aligns with its commitment to protecting the environment while providing affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress.

The global oil company expressed the commitment in a statement to mark this year’s World Environment Day.

The focus for this year is on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.

Accordong to the statement,CNL’s operations are conducted with sound environmental management practices in compliance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations and best industry practices.

This commitment to environmental stewardship,the company said,is a key part of CNL’s Operational excellence integral to project planning and assets life cycle management.

The company places the highest priority on the safety of the people and the environment in its areas of operation.

Jim Swartz, CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director (“CMD”), explains that the theme for the year is consistent with the company’s values and environmental principles anchored on considering the environment in decision making, minimizing environment footprint, operating responsibly, and stewarding our sites.

“We take proactive measures to prevent negative environmental impacts when we do every task or plan projects. We identify and manage risks to the environment and reduce potential environmental impacts throughout the life of our assets.”

Jim speaks further on the company’s focus on environmental stewardship,

“We protect the environment through responsible design, development, operations and improve the integrity and reliability of our systems. We work to decommission, remediate and reclaim applicable sites, following environmental procedures and best practices.”

He also affirms CNL’ s dedication to achieving world class environmental excellence through its risk management process.

“We apply our Environment Risk Management process to identify, assess, mitigate, and manage environmental, community health, and social risks related to our operations”, he said.

He added:”We also conduct regular environmental monitoring of the biodiversity in our onshore, offshore, and deep-water areas, including vegetation, wildlife, fishery, and marine mammals. We use a risk-based approach to manage water and biodiversity risks throughout the lifecycle of our assets and business.”

Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs said the company also partners with local communities in its areas of operation to raise awareness and cooperation in implementing environmental sustainability actions.

According to him,CNL’s waste management philosophy covers the entire life cycle of waste and ensures that all the wastes generated from its operations are managed responsibly from cradle to grave, applying its third-party Waste Stewardship process as applicable.

Esimaje cites the company’s mangrove restoration program to demonstrate its dedication to environmental stewardship and proactive approach to addressing the challenges of ecosystem restoration in the Niger Delta.

He said: “As part of our restoration efforts, we successfully restored approximately 18 hectares of land at different sites in our Western Area of operations which suffered fire incidents due to third party interference. The mangrove restoration also enabled CNL to impact the community positively through training of community women on identification of viable mangrove propagules, raising them in the nursery for transplanting of thousands of mangrove seedlings.”

CNL, he added,continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship through its lower carbon strategy, focused on lowering the carbon intensity of its operations by implementing methane detection and reduction capabilities. This has enabled CNL to reduce routine gas flaring by over 97% in its operations in the past 10 years, showing its environmental responsibility.

As a corporate member of the Nigerian Environmental Society, CNL promotes the engagement and commitment to environmental protection actions in Nigeria.

In 1992, the company, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (“NCF”), established the Lekki Conservation Centre, as a center of excellence in environmental research and education, which is also reserved as a sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula.

Other initiatives include its support for the yearly postgraduate research grants for two PhD students in environment and conservation, instituted by the NCF; the annual S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture to promote environmental management awareness, and partnership with the Lagos State Government and NCF to sponsor the annual Walk for Nature event to create awareness for nature conservation and environmental issues.

According to Esimaje, “CNL’s efforts in environmental stewardship have continued to be recognized and applauded in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. CNL has a long history of working in collaboration with regulators and relevant stakeholders to identify and protect biodiversity in its areas of operation.”

As the world focuses on restoring land, preventing desertification, and coping with drought, CNL remains focused on its environment strategy “to further our ability to help protect and enhance biodiversity, manage waste generation and circularity, reduce air emissions, manage water resources and manage asset retirement requirements,” says Jim Swartz.

Mohammed Shosanya

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and CNL -NNPCL/CNL JV,has faulted report associating it to environmental degradation.

It reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship in its operations in Nigeria.

The company said its operations are conducted with sound environmental management practices in strict compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

It added:”CNL places the highest priority on and remains committed to the safety of the people and the environment in its areas of operation.

“CNL’s efforts in environmental stewardship have continued to be recognized and applauded in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“CNL has a long history of working in collaboration with regulators and relevant stakeholders to identify and protect biodiversity in its areas of operation”.

Mohammed Shosanya

Turn Plastic Recycling Foundation, has showcased recycling innovations, as part of activities to commemorate its second year anniversary.

The recycling firm said its anniversary reflects on a journey that has not only redefined waste but has also impacted lives and livelihood of local communities.

Ihuoma Njemanze, the Project Coordinator from UNITAR,explained that TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation is borne from a CSR collaboration between the United Nations (UNITAR), TotalEnergies E&P Nig. (TEPNG), and NNPC. “TURN” refers to TURNing Waste into Value and empowering the local ecosystem she said.

This year’s anniversary was themed: Art, Culture and The Environment, designed to showcase the journey, impact and the vision for TURN Plastic Recycling.

Showcasing the recycling innovations, Mrs. Uloma Airhienbuwa cast a spotlight on creatives who have embraced environmental sustainability as their medium, challenging perceptions and inspiring a new wave of environmental awareness through art.

She showcased Upcycling innovations using plastic flip flops turned into unique and amazing Art works by an artist and environmentalist- Mr. Eugene Komboye; and another artist – Mrs. Miracle, both have woven a vibrant tapestry of art, culture, to create environmental consciousness.

Besides,the program was graced by poets with a passion for sensitizing the public on waste management – who rendered their creative and passionate poems about plastic waste management. Others included a professor who has created a variety of musical instruments using waste in his project called “Bin to Bank”.

TURN Plastic Foundation showcased some of their products made from 100% recycled plastic waste.

Mrs. Njemanze, added that, the TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation which recently launched the Train up a Child (TUC) Program, that aims to bring about behavioral change, skills acquisition, promotion of waste management, and an increase in the pace of adaptation of the UN SDGs and the nationally determined contribution (NDCs).

She charged Nigerians to join hands with TURN Plastic in achieving her vision of zero waste on the streets whilst empowering our local communities.

Leo Nwofa,the project manager showcased a summary of the project journey and roadmap where he mentioned that the project has employed over 50 people (60% women). He went further to state that the plant has grown by 50% between 2022 and 2023 and has saved in Q3 2023, a C02 equivalent of planting 300 trees.

Mr. Nwofa, encouraged Nigerians to follow the hierarchy of waste management which entails – refusing, if not needed; reducing, if you must use; and obviously proper disposal for recycling after use.