All Posts in "Environment"

172.7m Nigerians Live In Dirty Environment

Clean-up Nigeria (CUN), an international non governmental organisation, says 172.7million Nigerians live in dirty environment
The group revealed this in  its 2021 Cleanliness Performance  monitoring and evaluation study.
Prince Ene Baba Owoh Jnr, the National Coordinator, Clean up Nigeria, who disclosed the findings at a press conference in Abuja, said  two percent  improvement was recorded in the procurement of waste management equipment by some states and local councils in the country in 2021.
He said there was a significant drop in waste management equipment as most previously on ground became unserviceable.
He named Akwa Ibom State as the country’s cleanest state having scored highest in all the ratings.
He lamented  that 32 of 36 states, including the rest of FCT outside of Abuja City by the organization’s statistical study are rated as unclean states.
According to him,  the outcome of  the studies could be used as catalyst for the modernization of waste management services, and also increase citizenship knowledge, attitude and hygiene practices.
“In 2021 our studies further showed that less than four (4) States who scored above 40% can be considered to be clean, compared to 2020 when there were three (3) States (Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Bauchi States) and four (4) cities namely; (Abuja, Uyo, Bauchi and Abakiliki) can be said to be clean in year 2021.
“Performance indicators from our studies shows that over 172.7 million Nigerians in 2021 are living in unclean environment, compared to 170 million in 2020.
“Presently only four States in the country namely Lagos, Oyo, Abuja and Bauchi have sanitary landfills, while the remaining 34 States operate open dumping. This development is not only alarming but calls for urgent intervention in addressing the menace.
“As our graphic chart statistics on monitoring/evaluation of the States have shown only 7 States (Akwa Ibom, Abuja, Cross River, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Lagos and Kaduna) who scored above 15% out of the 30% on the streets/roads cleanliness  indicators have clean roads in the country.
“Vegetation/drainage control shows that only Akwa Ibom and FCT scored an average of 8% from the 20% marks have effectively managed and sustain vegetation /drainage control, in the country.
“On personal hygiene and sanitation only three States (Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Abuja City) scored above 3% of the 10% and can be said to come close to possession of good personal hygiene/sanitation practices in the country
“On the average, only four (4) States (Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Kaduna & Bauchi) can be considered to be clean having scored above 40% respectively.
“Painfully, 32 out of 36 States including the rest of FCT outside of Abuja City by our statistical study are rated as unclean States.
“As observed from our satellite imagery 95% of the States/Towns in the country recorded poor performance under the five (5) variables, in our performance indicators (street/road cleanliness, vegetation Control/distilting, waste management services, public opinion pool and knowledge and attitude and practice of hygiene and sanitation). Except States like Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Kaduna including Abuja metropolis however stepped up their environmental activities during the period under renew (2021)”.
Online Editor by — December 3, 2021 in Environment 0
Agip:Group Confirms  Fresh Oil Spills In Bayelsa Communities

Oil Spill: Agip shuts down Idu Well 11 in Bayelsa - Vanguard News
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN),has reported a fresh devastating oil spill at a facility operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) around Ogboinbiri in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
It said the oil leakage, which occurred on October 17 at the NAOC Wellhead 9, was reportedly caused by equipment failure.
The incident sprayed crude oil into the environment in gaseous form,it said in a report signed by Project Officer/Head of ERA Niger Delta Resource Centre, Yenagoa, Alagoa Morris, stressing that similar incident had happened around some of the oil firm’s wellheads in the area about one year ago.
“The (recent) incident occurred on the wellhead operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in a marine environment, very visible from the community and commuters on the Apoi Creek; a short distance from the community.
“ERA/FoEN had reported a similar incident on these wellheads (three) about a year ago. And these spills, which are due to equipment failure, impact the one-way flowing Apoi Creek, affecting Ogboinbiri community and downstream communities like Keme-ebiama and others, all in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State,” it stated.
The youth president of Ogboinbiri, Clinton Oseke, confirmed the recent oil spill, saying that officials of Agip mobilised to the facility one and half hours after the incident took place.
He said, “It (the oil spill) occurred as a result of equipment failure, no argument about that. The company officials finally put it off, but the water of the creek and air we breathe were affected.
“While crude oil spread downstream, the fumes in the air lasted for several hours in the community environment causing discomfort to residents.”
The environmental rights organisation implored  the National Oil Spill Detection Agency (NOSDRA) to take steps to ensure that “these reoccurring equipment failure incidents from Agip facilities within Ogboinbiri community environment do not continue without serious penalties against the company.”
It added:”Besides proper investigation and related actions to forestall further occurrence, the incidents should attract compensation, medical attention for victims and environmental audit. This is most needful as the community depends on their natural bodies of water in the environment for their water needs since their is no provision of potable water by government or Agip”
Online Editor by — October 20, 2021 in Environment 0
Trademore Flood:FEMA Recovers Four Bodies, 26 Vehicles 

Trademore Flood: FEMA Recovers Four Bodies, 26 Vehicles, Towing Van – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
The Director General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),Mr Abbas Idris has confirmed the flood incident that claimed lives and properties in Trademore Estate, Lugbe District, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
He said due to long hours of heavy rainfall on Sunday 12th September 2021, Trademoore, Light Gold, Wisdom Estates and Lugbe community of the Federal Capital Territory were heavily flooded- resulting to loss of lives and much property affected in and around the estates.
He also said :”FEMA has established, in the course of rescue operations which began from 9: 00 pm of 12th September 2021 up to 13th September 2021 that four (4) persons lost their lives to the flood and the recovered bodies have been taken by family members for burial.
According to him,over twenty six (26) vehicles-  including an articulated  towing van  were swept away by the flood, besides  a tarred road in Trademoore Estate that  was  completely washed away as a result of the strength of the flood water.
These losses are a summary of the impact of the flood on the affected locations. In total, 166 houses were affected. The Agency is still estimating the volume of losses suffered as a result of this flood.
He added:”In light of this unfortunate incident, I wish to convey the deepest sympathies of the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory- Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello, to the residents of Trademoore Estate, Light Gold Estate, Wisdom Estate, Lugbe Community, affected individuals and families- including those of surrounding communities, over the loss of lives and property.Furthermore, I want to appeal to the members of the Community living along those axes to report any missing person or persons between the period of the flood till today September 13, 2021 to the FCT Emergency Management Agency.
“For this purpose, some communities in Gwagwalada- including Giri, Unguwar Dodo and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Gwagwalada Command have been put on alert to report any case of floating body or property on the river channel for prompt rescue.Also, I want to appeal to all residents of the Federal Capital Territory Especially Developers to desist from violating the approved building codes in the Federal Capital Territory. We are also appealing to them to stop erecting retention walls to protect storm water from flowing. By doing so they are causing more havoc to the community. We also call on all residents to always call the 112 toll-free Emergency number to get prompt response when there is any form of threat or danger, as the Search and Rescue team of the Agency alongside other emergency stakeholders are on 24/7 alert.
Online Editor by — September 14, 2021 in Environment 0
Nigerian Children At  Severe Risk Of Climate Change-UNICEF

The United Nations Children Education Fund(UNICEF),has said young Nigerians are among those that would be severely affected by the ongoing global climate change.
The agency,in its latest report,said the  health, education and protection of young Nigerians would be affected by the climate change.
The report Nigeria ranked second among these countries, together with Chad, and just after the Central African Republic.
It   found Nigerian children are highly exposed to air pollution and coastal floods, but also that investments in social services, particularly child health, nutrition and education can make a significant difference in the  ability to safeguard their futures from the impacts of climate change.
Launched in collaboration with Fridays for Future on the third anniversary of the youth-led global climate strike movement, the report finds approximately 1 billion children nearly half the world’s 2.2 billion children live in one of the 33 countries classified as “extremely high-risk”.
Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative said, the climate crisis is a child’s rights crisis.
 He added:“Nigeria is not immune to the effects of climate change, but we can act now to prevent it from becoming worse. We need to  invest in the services children depend on to survive and thrive such as water, healthcare and education to protect their futures from the impacts of a changing climate and degrading environment.”
The report also reveals a disconnect between where greenhouse gas emissions are generated, and where children are enduring the most significant climate-driven impacts.
The 33 extremely high-risk countries – including Nigeria – collectively emit just 9 per cent of global CO2 emissions. Conversely, the 10 highest emitting countries collectively account for nearly 70 per cent of global emissions. Only one of these countries is ranked as ‘extremely high-risk’ in the index.
“The frightening environmental changes we are seeing across the planet are being driven by a few but experienced by many,” said Peter Hawkins. “Children know climate change is a threat to their future, and they are calling on world leaders to act. So far, too little has been done, but we still have time. We must urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work as a global community to build a better world for all children.”
The agency implored governments, businesses and relevant actors to increase investment in climate adaptation and resilience in key services for children as well as  protect children, communities and the most vulnerable from the worst impacts of the already changing climate.
It reasoned that critical services must be adapted, including water, sanitation and hygiene systems, health and education services and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It said in order to  avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis, comprehensive and urgent action is required.
“Countries must cut their emissions by at least 45% (compared to 2010 levels) by 2030 to keep warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius”, it added
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in Environment 0
Chevron Nigeria Keys  Into Ecosystem Restoration Agenda

The World Environment Day, which takes place annually on June 5 is an event to celebrate and promote environmental awareness and sustainability across the globe. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, World Environment Day aims to raise global awareness and mobilize humans to take positive environmental action to protect nature, and  planet Earth. The World Environment Day 2021 will see the launch of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
“Ecosystem Restoration”, the theme for World Environment Day 2021, means assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, as well as conserving the ecosystems that are still intact. Healthier ecosystems, with richer biodiversity, yield greater benefits such as more fertile soils, bigger yields of timber and fish, and larger greenhouse gas sinks.
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and CNL (“NNPC/CNL JV”), conducts its business in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner. CNL complies with applicable regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectation, best industry practices, and has made Environmental Stewardship part of its social investment programmes.
Explaining CNL’s commitment to ecosystem restoration, the Chairman/Managing Director, Rick Kennedy noted that CNL is proud to be part of the solution to the global environmental issues wherever the company operates, through its sound environmental management policy and practices that supports environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
According to him, CNL has in place a company-wide Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS) that delivers industry-leading performance in process safety, personal safety and health, environment, reliability, and efficiency. “CNL’s OEMS process lays the foundation for sound environmental management. The identification, assessment and management of environmental risks runs through the entire project cycle from inception to operations and through decommissioning,” he stated.
CNL recognizes the importance of minimizing its environmental footprints towards ensuring ecosystem restoration. The company continually aims to achieve world class environmental excellence by assessing, eliminating, and mitigating potential risks and thereby effectively managing the footprints from its operations on the environment. CNL is committed to environmental sustainability, including ecosystem restoration interventions where required as recently shown in a mangrove restoration project in one of CNL’s operated fields.
CNL continues to conduct relevant environmental assessments and audits of its operations to ensure environmental risks are identified and where necessary mitigated and managed in accordance with statutory requirements, environmental performance standards and industry best practices. The company continues to invest in best available technology for tracking and managing of its ecological footprint in its areas of operation.
CNL’s commitment to preserving the environment has left enduring landmarks in the landscape. The Company, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) established in 1992, the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC). This 78-hectare facility, a center of excellence in environmental research and education, is reserved as a sanctuary for the rich flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula.
In 2005, CNL began supporting a yearly postgraduate research scholarship for PhD students in environment and conservation, instituted by the Nigeria Conservation Foundation. In addition, CNL hosts the annual S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture to promote environmental management awareness. CNL also partners with Lagos State Government and the NCF to sponsor an annual environmental awareness programme, tagged, Walk for Nature, an event held to create awareness and promote nature conservation and sustainable environmental management.
In September 2020, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar and other dignitaries visited the LCC, where they lauded CNL and the NCF for their commitment to biodiversity preservation and environmental sustainability. In 2018, NCF informed that LCC recorded over 140,000 visitors, including local and foreign tourists between 2016 and 2018.
Esimaje Brikinn, CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs notes that for close to 60 years, CNL has remained an active agent of sustainable development and strong advocate of partnerships in support of the environment. “We will continue to partner with stakeholders in raising public awareness on the importance of environmental sustainability and ecosystem restoration,” he remarked.
Online Editor by — June 3, 2021 in Environment 0
Agip  Closes  Oil Well  In Bayelsa

The Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC),has confirmed an oil leak from its Idu oilfields at Egbebiri settlement within Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area in Bayelsa, resulting in its shutdown.
The cause of the leakage, according to the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV),is traced to equipment failure due to a rupture at the wellhead.
Eni, parent company of NAOC, said the facility was shut down to prevent further damage to the environment.
It said: “As soon as the incident was reported, we activated our oil spill response, shut in the well, and notified government regulatory agencies.The Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) was carried out on 09/05/2021, with participation of community representatives and the government regulatory agencies.
“The event occurred within the Company’s wellhead location which is paved and walled round. There is no significant third-party impact,” Eni stated.
However, an environmental rights group, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) said that the incident which discharged crude and associated gas had severely polluted the environment.
The Non-Governmental Organisation said that a visit to the spill site showed pictorial evidence of the crude spreading beyond NAOC’s right of way as nearby vegetation were withered as a result of the crude impact.
According to a field report on the spill incident signed by Mr Alagoa Morris, Head of Field Operations at ERA/FoEN, the Idu fields was notorious for frequent spills caused by equipment failure.
Online Editor by — May 13, 2021 in Environment 0
 ‘We’ll Create Enabling Environment For Recycling Coys’

Ogun will witness cleaner environment soon – Oresanya – Newstrends
Ogun state government has assured recycling companies in the state that it would continue to provide enabling environment for them to thrive.
Ola Oresanya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) gave the assurance when he visited  three metal recycling companies; Mathi Metal Recycling Limited, Merito Worldwide Impex Limited and Fenice Metal Industries Limited in Sagamu axis of the state.
Oresanya said the state will continue to support them through circular economic programme which encourage waste minimization, recycling and re-use for the benefit of their business, society and the environment.
He also told them on the state government’s plan to expose their operational staff to internationally recognised training regimes which will on the long run close the loop end to end, so that their products would be of equal quality with their foreign counterparts, thereby enhancing their marketability at home and boost exportation.
He advised  them to update their registration for proper profiling so that they can benefit from the good intention of the state government and further directed them to adhere strictly to health and safety codes of their industry for the benefit of all
In his remarks, Alhaji Saliu Aminu, the Human Resources Manager of Merito Worldwide Impex Limited, who spoke on behalf of the visited companies pledged their support to the new initiatives.
Online Editor by — May 13, 2021 in Environment 0
Adoption Of LPG Will Save 600,000 Lives In Africa

African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA), has said that adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG),otherwise called cooking gas,could  save the lives of about 600,000 people annually on the continent.
At a virtual workshop recently, the group  warned of impending dangers if Africa fails to quickly adopt modern clean energy for cooking.
Anibor Kragha,the  Executive Secretary of ARDA, Anibor Kragha drummed campaign for the energy transition in the face of projected growing energy demand.
He warned that Africa would face a serious health crisis if steps are not urgently taken to transition into cleaner fuels in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
​According to him, the continent must aim at fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices to mitigate projected challenges that could undermine energy transition on the continent.
​He added: “The deployment of the planned Africa LPG Sector Development Fund to finance National LPG ecosystems at country-level will ensure a robust, full value chain approach to drive sustainable investments and accelerate LPG adoption across the continent.
​“An integrated Ecosystem Approach for deploying sustainable investments across the LPG value chain is essential in Africa’s drive towards world-class per capita consumption of LPG”, he stated at the close of the workshop.”
​He  explained that the workshop is a part of ARDA’s seven-part virtual workgroup workshop series, adding that ARDA is currently working with the African Union to reduce sulphur content in fuels.
He  added that ARDA would hold other workshops on storage and distribution, refining and specifications, HSE and quality, human capital, sustainable financing, and regulation as a build-up to the annual ARDA conference in October this year which will focus on developing Africa’s downstream energy transition plan.
   Kimball Chen,  the  Chairman/CEO of GLPGP, said LPG for Clean Cooking in Africa remained a priority issue for the international community – governments and various institutions – as well as private sector capital providers as evidenced by recent LPG feasibility studies in DRC, Kenya Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.
Online Editor by — May 8, 2021 in Environment 0
Lagos,26 Others To Experience High Flood-NHIS

Hydrological Agency Urges Nigerians Residing in Waterways to Relocate to Safer AreasTHISDAYLIVE
Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) says  27 states in Nigeria  and 121 Local Government Areas will experience high risk flooding during this year’s raining season.
Director General of NIHSA, Engr. Clement Nze, who disclosed this  at the public presentation of the 2021 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO),said   that some states would experience highly probable flooding.
The states include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara and Lagos.Others  are Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara.
Some states, according to NIHSA, are classified as moderately flooding areas,  including 302 LGAs and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
River flooding are expected in Anambra, Benue, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Niger and Taraba States, according to Nze,while coastal flooding is likely going to occur in Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta.
He,  said the following states would witness flooding as a result of poor drainage facilities, they include Kaduna and Rivers.
In his presentation, Nze explained that the annual publication of AFO started in 2013, adding that Nigeria was badly hit by devastating flood in 2012 which resulted in the loss of lives and property across the country.
He emphasized  the need for the country to put in place mitigation measures and early warning signals to reduce the impact of flooding in the country.
Online Editor by — May 7, 2021 in Environment 0
LASG Moves Against Illegal Abattoirs, Slaughter Slabs

Lagos Begins Distribution Of Maize, Sorghum To Farmers - an24.net
The Lagos State Government has appealed to all operators of illegal abattoirs and slaughter slabs in the State to desist from such harmful activities.
Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture made the call  when the Monitoring, Enforcement and Compliance (MEC) Team of the state dislodged two illegal sheep and goat slaughter slabs located at the New Alade Market, behind Mobil Filling Station, off Oregun Road and at Idi Ogbo, Eleko, Ibeju Lekki.
She also urged residents in the state to only patronize approved meat shops and abattoirs for their meat products in order to ensure the safety of the meat consumed.
She  explained that the exercise was in furtherance of the State’s sanitization and reform of the red meat value chain with the aim of producing only wholesome meat for the consumption of its citizenry.
Olusanya disclosed that during the operation at the New Alade Market, three butchers were arrested and 29 live goats, three live sheep, 14 slaughtered goats as well as meat carcass worth 30kg were confiscated adding that the confiscated carcass had since been donated to the Little Saints Orphanage, Abule Egba after confirming it fit for consumption.
Online Editor by — April 29, 2021 in Environment 0